With mile after mile of inviting sands, Long Beach in New York certainly lives up to its name. Dubbed the ‘City By The Sea’, this barrier island community sits off the southern coast of New York’s famous Long Island. It owes its existence to its success as a late 19th and early 20th-century coastal resort. Despite the dawn of the jet age and overseas travel, visitors continue to be drawn to it to this day. Naturally, for such a sandy section of coastline, its beaches are a particular highlight, with the likes of Ocean Beach Park, Nickerson Beach Park, and the Long Beach Boardwalk all proving popular destinations within the city. Indeed, the latter was recently extensively rebuilt after damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Other activities you can enjoy include everything from surfing to a little family-fun at one of the popular free play parks. Whatever your travel plans, there’s plenty you can enjoy during your visit. Read on for a list of things to do in Long Beach, New York.
1. Tour the archives at Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Museum of the Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society. ©2017
Posted by Long Beach Historical Society on Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Housed inside one of the summer villas, dating back to the dawn of the 20th century, this museum preserves the historic touches of the site. These include several noteworthy large stained glass windows. Run by the Long Beach and Historical Preservation Society, the museum also features many notable pieces of Long Beach history – from original boardwalk benches to plaques. The site is also home to small a gift shop for picking up souvenirs. And, if you time your visit right, you may also enjoy one of its occasional special events such as art and craft fairs.
Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society
Address: 226 West Penn Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: Free
2. Buy souvenirs at Frippery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Frippery on Tuesday, July 27, 2021
If it’s memorable and unique knick-knacks and fashionable accessories you’re looking for, head to Frippery. This stylish shop, in East Park Avenue, sells everything from watches, belts, bags, and bracelets, to necklaces, bangles, leggings, and tunics. What’s more, it’s open well into the evening, giving you added time to swing by while enjoying your sightseeing. It’s also handy as its located near the Long Beach railway station - meaning train passengers will be able to pick up last-minute souvenirs before they depart.
Frippery
Address: 140 E Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Frippery
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 7pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
3. Bike around Magnolia Playground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sporting a brand new makeover, after being restored from damage created by Hurricane Sandy back in 2012, this playground is full of fun-filled play equipment - all based around the theme of pirates and surf. Equipment includes a pirate ‘shipwreck’ with ladders, slides and climbing bars, while the wider playground also sports bouncy equipment, swings, a see-saw and more. The wide area is dotted with striking sea and wave-themed artwork that’ll appeal to grown-ups. Even better, its position near to the boardwalk means you could stop off at the playpark for a visit while enjoying a family bike ride along the shore.
Magnolia Playground
Address: 164-170 West Broadway, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Magnolia Playground
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Dance it out at Minnesota's Grill & Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This popular bar and grill has been winning fans among local diners and visitors for 25 years. It features a range of American-style dishes as well as several rooms and a patio on which to enjoy some al fresco dining, should the weather allow. Along with daily specials and open-bar Sunday sports packages, the bar also plays host to live music and features a dance floor. The menu ranges from hot and cold seafood dishes to chicken, salads and hot wing buckets for sharing. There are also child menu options.
Minnesota's Grill & Bar
Address: 959 West Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Minnesota’s Grill & Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 11am - 12am
5. Try pottery painting at Earth Arts Long Beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Whether you fancy trying your hand at a little creativity, or have little ones and want to find something to channel their energy, you may wish to factor a visit to Earth Arts into your travel plans. You can walk in off the street at any time and paint your own pottery - making for a lasting and unique memento for yourself or loved ones. The shop, in West Park Avenue, also runs a mix of adult workshops, kids art classes, and even art camps. Group parties - such as children’s birthdays and adult-only groups can also be accommodated by arrangement.
Earth Arts Long Beach
Address: 162 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Earth Arts Long Beach
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Fri: 12pm - 7pm; Sat: 11pm - 7pm
6. Relish tacos at Shoregasboard Food Truck Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re planning on exploring Long Beach, then you’ll likely spot this popular food truck location in Riverside Boulevard. If it’s tacos you’re after, then Sugo’s with its fish tacos is one such spot. Lido Kosher Deli’s hot dogs and pastrami sandwiches, to Tutti Frutti’s smoothies, and The Long Beach Wellness Cafe’s organic and gluten-free options (including wraps) are just some of the other truck food outlets. What’s more, there’s plenty of seats and parking and it’s open until 9 pm. This gives you ample chance to pick up some tasty treats, whatever time you roll by.
Shoregasboard Food Truck Market
Address: 1 Riverside Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Shoregasboard Food Truck Market
Opening hours: Mon - Fri - 11.30am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 9.30am - 9pm
7. Stroll through the Long Beach boardwalk
No visit to the ocean is complete without a seaside stroll, and Long Beach certainly lives up to its name when it comes to its popular boardwalk. The new boardwalk - which was rebuilt in 2013 - runs for 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of the beach’s 3.3 miles (5.3 km) length. This means you could make a real walk/hike of it if you wish to - stopping off at the various spots along the way as you see fit. Just remember that no pets are allowed at this Long Beach, NY, attraction, and you may need to pick up a pass to access the beach itself at weekends (and daily during the height of summer).
Long Beach boardwalk
Address: Long Beach, NY 11561, USA
8. Take a surfing class with Skudin Surf School
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Sticking with the seafront, if you want to make more of your trip to the Atlantic coast, then how about trying your hand at a little surfing? Skudin Surf offers a range of classes and camps for children and adults alike. You can also choose from private one-to-one tuition to semi-private and public classes - depending on your confidence level in the water. And, furthermore, the experienced teachers can also host special events, such as birthday party groups or even corporate team building sessions. Tempted to give it a whirl?
Skudin Surf School
Address: 2 Riverside Blvd, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Skudin Surf School
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 100 USD
9. Indulge in fun activities at Liddle Bites
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Give your little ones a treat with a visit to this self-styled “play cafe”. It features everything from a life-size dollhouse to an indoor play area, with lots of different toys that are suitable for toddlers up to children aged 8. It also hosts a range of special classes and events - from mother and child ballet and music fun, to monster-themed fancy dress - so keep an eye on its calendar to see what event might coincide with your visit. There is also a range of pre-packed snacks and drinks available to eat in the cafe, should you and your children feel peckish.
Liddle Bites Play Cafe
Address: 132 East Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Liddle Bites Play Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 12pm - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - see calendar (closed on Sun)
Price: 10 USD
10. Enjoy ice cream at Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Speaking of peckish, indulge that sweet tooth of yours with a visit to Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices. Ideal for a cool treat on a hot summer day, Ralph’s operates out of no fewer than 80 outlets - including three close to, or within, Long Beach. This outlet in West Park Avenue (there’s another in West Beech Street) serves no fewer than 30 different water ices, from classics like cherry to rainbow, root beer and even passion fruit - all of which are fat and cholesterol-free. And, if you prefer to indulge in something more calorific, then the likes of hot fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookie are among the top 10 ‘signature sundaes’ to enjoy, alongside a range of drinks and toppings.
Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
Address: 8 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, N& 11561
Website: Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
11. Sunbathe at Ocean Beach Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Effective 6/27/20, the City of Long Beach Ocean Beach Park will be officially open and staffed by our lifeguards seven...
Posted by City of Long Beach, New York (OFFICIAL) on Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Come through if you don’t know what to do in Long Beach, NY! If your visit coincides with the warm summer months then you will no doubt seek to hit the beach for a little sunbathing and relaxation in a safe and family-friendly location. Well, Ocean Park Beach, as with others in Long Beach, is a smoke-free zone. Alcohol, glass bottles and animals are also prohibited from the beach and boardwalk - for added safety for you and your little ones. And, speaking of safety, there are lifeguards on site, and swimming is barred when they aren’t present. Just remember that beach passes - available from several locations - will likely be required during your visit, so make sure to pick them up first.
Ocean Beach Park
Address: 300 West Broadway, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Ocean Beach Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD (non-resident beach pass); 12 USD (resident beach pass)
12. Bring your kids to the play area at Clark Street Playground
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As has been posted at Clark Street Park, the Park will be closed this Thursday July 16 & Friday, July 17. Heavy...
Posted by City of Long Beach, New York (OFFICIAL) on Wednesday, July 15, 2015
While the beach will no doubt be fun for you and the family, if you’d rather keep to dry land, then why not swing by the playground at Clark Street. Spending the day here with your family is one of the best Long Beach, NY, activities. These free facilities are located within the Canal neighborhood, not far from the bay, and feature colorful play equipment - including a large jungle gym with slides, bridges and monkey bars - as well as spray features for cooling off on hot days.
Clark Street Playground
Address: 94 Clark St, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Clark Street Playground
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
13. Eat delicious wraps at Long Beach Bagel Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A fixture at the Long Island food scene, the Long Island Bagel Cafe operates out of nine different locations, including this one in Long Beach’s East Park Avenue. Perfect for a little food on the go, it offers a menu featuring a range of bagels, breakfasts, paninis, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Naturally, there is a range of wrap options too - from diced grilled chicken to vegetable tuna served in a mix of plain, whole wheat, garlic and herb, and low-carb wraps. There are also many breakfast wraps too - ideal for setting you up for the day.
Long Beach Bagel Café
Address: 757 East Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Long Beach Bagel Café
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 8pm; Sun: 5am - 6pm
14. Drink cocktails at Jetty Bar & Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking to enjoy some fancy drinks and make an evening of it? Jetty Bar and Grill in West Beech Street may be an option for you. Along with the usual drink selection you’d expect from a bar, Jetty also serves drink specials on Throwback Thursdays, which also feature three-hours of live acoustic music in the evening. Speaking of live music, you’ll also enjoy it on several evenings, including Friday nights and late Sunday afternoons. There’s an extensive menu, should you plan on picking up some food before partying well into the evening.
Jetty Bar & Grill
Address: 832 West Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Jetty Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri: 12pm - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 4am; Sun: 12pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
15. Enjoy live music at Speakeasy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Speaking of music, the Speakeasy in West Beech Street styles itself as “your small-town bar with big city tastes” and it hosts live sessions every Friday at 10 pm. With the music and the bar’s lounge-like atmosphere, the site also features large plasma-screen TVs for catching up on sports and an extensive food menu. Speakeasy offers daily specials alongside a range of burgers, sandwiches and sharing options for you and your friends or family.
Speakeasy
Address: 1032 West Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
Website: Speakeasy
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 4am
Enjoy an amazing visit to Long Beach
Be it live music, the pleasures of a good beach or family-fun for you and your little ones - there’s plenty of places to go in Long Beach, NY. These are just some of the possibilities available to enjoy. So, what will you get up to during your stay on the Atlantic coast?
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