Long Island Feature

Clean white-sand beaches are Long Island's main attraction for most visitors, whether their idea of beach fun is lounging on the warm sand, watching the sun drop slowly into the water, swimming or surfing in the rolling waves, or just strolling along the shore and breathing the fresh salt air. The pounding surf and endless horizons make the South Shore unforgettable. For serious waves, head to the magnificent South Shore beaches like Jones Beach and Robert Moses, as well as Fire Island. The seashore tends to get crowded on summer weekends, but as you move out east, the crowds thin—especially all the way out in Montauk. Most Hamptons beaches are open only to residents, but lodging properties usually have beach passes for their guests. Fronting Long Island Sound, the beaches on the North Shore are tame in comparison. The shores also are rocky.