Jones Beach

ne cannot think of Jones Beach without thinking of Wantagh.

Wantagh is exactly what it calls itself — the gateway to Jones Beach. Jones Beach State Park’s official address is 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh, and all smaller addresses within the state park are in Wantagh as well.

It is impossible to enter the state park from the east without passing through Wantagh — and sometimes Seaford — whether you take Ocean Parkway West or the Southern State Parkway onto the Wantagh Parkway South. One can try to sneak into the state park without passing through the village by taking the Meadowbrook Parkway South, passing through Freeport and Merrick. But once they’re in Jones Beach State Park, they’re in Wantagh.

Jones Beach is estimated to be the most popularly visited beach on the east coast. Existing on a barrier island, with easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay, there is no shortage of activities at Jones Beach, be it boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, surfing and hiking.

Wantagh’s pride and joy Fishermen, particularly on the ocean side, can enjoy catching striped bass, bluefish, fluke, sea bass, and sometimes even sharks — although experts continuously advise these are not dangerous sharks. For those interested in ecology, there is the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, located on Bay Parkway. This center opened in 2020 under then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s clean energy initiative, and has grown in popularity this year. The center is led by Jeanne Haffner and a dedicated team of environmental educators. They do activities such as beach cleanups, hikes and guest lectures. It is located a short walk away from the ocean and a short drive from the bay, meaning that they don’t have to travel far for anything. For music fans, there is Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, previously known as Tim Baker/Herald photos Jones Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the east coast, with an estimated six million visitors annually.

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Continued from page 13 Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, and before that Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater. It is located at 1000 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. This theater is Long Island’s own Madison Square Garden — tons of big names have played at this theater, with its most frequent being Jimmy Buffett, Aerosmith and James Taylor.

Swimmers can enjoy big waves on the ocean side, as can surfers. For those who prefer calmer waters, the bay side is always available, with access to this via the West End. The bay side is also frequented by people on personal watercrafts. When there is good water visibility, even snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy a day at Jones Beach, with tons of underwater wildlife to see.

All of this is within the borders of Wantagh, making Wantagh live up to its name as “the gateway to Jones Beach.” — Michael Malaszczyk

Top: Swimmers enjoy the waves on the ocean side of Jones Beach, always appealing for wading or surfing. Bottom: The Jones Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for walkers, joggers and bikers who want a waterside workout.

Top: The Jones Beach Bandshell features local bands throughout the summer.

Bottom: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater is Long Island's summer concert destination.