Jones Beach State Park

Considered one of Long Island's best (and most crowded) beaches, Jones Beach has been a popular day-trip destination since the 1920s. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, play miniature golf, grab some food, or just hang out on the beach and build a sandcastle with the kids – 2400 acres and 6-plus miles of shoreline offer plenty of options. Each summer, thousands of folks come to watch the beach light up during the popular Fourth of July fireworks display, widely regarded as the best of its kind on Long Island. There's also an amphitheater that hosts big-name musical acts.