Walking along the sand and sea at the beach is a most traditional way to end the summer season this Labor Day weekend. Baysiders are lucky to live so close to Jones Beach State Park, which boasts an expansive trek of beautiful sand and surf.
Enjoy 6.5 miles of ocean beach, one-half mile of bay beach and two swimming pools. The west end of the park has surf fishing and a boat basin. Birders will find undeveloped areas that are home to an array of migratory birds, as well as native plants. Stop into the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center, which lies on a barrier island beach, to discover more about marine habitats.
The two-mile boardwalk makes for a nice stroll, and check out the "Castles in the Sand" photo collection at the East Bathhouse if you are interested in the history of the Long Island State Park system. The par 3 Jones Beach State Park Pitch and Putt Course is next to the Boardwalk.
Find out what's happening in Bayside-Douglastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
There is also paddle tennis, shuffleboard, and beach volleyball to enjoy. But my personal favorite part of any day at the beach is just simply lying on a lounge chair, listening to the waves and reading a good book.
Vehicle entrance fee for the park is $10 per car when the beach is open.
Find out what's happening in Bayside-Douglastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Jones Beach State Park is located at 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. For more information, call 516-785-1600 or visit www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/10/details.aspx.