Hi there. I have to pick up my sister-in-law at JFK this Sat. 9/16 She's flying in from London. She would like to go to the beach while she is in the area till Mon. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to go and stay. I will have three kids with me ages 11, 10 and 6. I am not familiar with the long island area. Any help would be appreciated. I'm from central Conn. but my SIL would rather beach it in the area of Long Island as she is meeting friends there on Mon and proceeding to Toronto. Thanks in advance.

Head out towards the Hamptons. Montauk might not be a bad spot as it has plenty of beach and several hotels/motels with pools.

The downside is that it is at the very tip of the South Fork of LI. From JFK, you can either take the Southern State Parkway and connect to the Sunrise Highway or take the Long Island Expressway to Riverhead, then connect with the Sunrise Highway.

One caveat, this late in the game, you might have a hard time getting a hotel for the weekend as many might require a 3 night minimum or be fully booked.

No need to go that far...3+ hours east. Coney Island is fun, with the boardwalk, take her for a Nathan's hot dog, and also the amusement park...sorry can not remember the present name. The beach is located in Brooklyn and can be easily reached via the subway. Also, Long Beach is nice (via the Long Island Rail Road), with a long boardwalk.

Jones Beach on a weekday is quite empty. Go to Merrick (via Meadowbrook Pkwy) or Wantagh (Wantagh Pkwy), on the south shore of Long Island, and head south right to the ocean. Can also take the railroad to Freeport and get right on the beach shuttle bus to Jones Beach.

Hopefully the weather will clear up for your trip.

Luv2fly, thanks for the great suggestions. Is there any place to stay near Coney Island or Long Beach? Would prefer something nice and kid friendly. I did a search for lodging in Long Beach and only found the Jackson Hotel (supposedly the only hotel in Long Beach)
Ryan, thanks for reply but Montauk does seem awfully far.

Monauk is far, so are the Hamptons. Go to Robert Moses State Park in Bay Shore.(about an hour from the airort, a little further than Jones Beach, but nicer) Stay in Islip (15 minutes from Moses) Several Hampton Inns, a Marriott, Windwatch (very nice). Do not stay at the Sheraton in the area. Shopping and movies near by. Moses is one our most favorite places anywhere.

luv2fly - Are you honestly suggesting that someone STAY in Coney Island? When were you there last, I wonder?

Coney Island is home to some of the cities largest housing projects. About the only hotels you'll find likely rent rooms by the hour.

i'm with ryan. looks like another bunch of responders who want to try to be helpful, but have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. STAY in Coney Island? Hello....... Drive 3 1/2 hours after a trans-oceanic flight. Hello........

http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/cgi-...arks.cgi?p+126

Khmac -- 48 miles from Manhattan (about 30 from JFK), via Southern State Parkway to Robert Moses Causeway (exit 40), south to Park at western end of Fire Island. The field at the eastern most part of the park, (not sure of the number) is a family-friendly place. Just over the bridge there are chain hotels and local motels where you can stay.