As you drive down the tree-lined streets into the quaint city of Long Beach, locals walk down the main strip and day-trippers head from the train station down to the beach. Parking isn't as tough to find on weekdays as it is on weekends, and wherever you find a spot it is only a short walk down to the sand, although weekends are a little more hectic.
Up the ramp of the boardwalk there are bikers and runners getting their daily exercise and couples going for relaxing strolls. Kids bound off the beach in bright green T-shirts as their morning volleyball camp comes to a close for the day. Tanned lifeguards sit outside their headquarters and chat.
The beach is scattered with sun worshippers sprawled on blankets, kids playing in the sand and the active participating in beach sports like volleyball and catch. The on-duty lifeguards sit perched high on a mound of sand in their tall chairs watching the people in the water. The waves look calm and inviting, even though the water is a little chilly considering it is July.
Gorgeous beachfront condominium buildings line the boardwalk, with their terraces providing breathtaking views of the ocean. The actual town has a very unique assortment of homes as well.
The whole community is a diverse mix of people ranging from young to old and many different backgrounds and ethnicities. The common link seems to be their sense of pride in their city and the eagerness to maintain a fun-loving atmosphere.
HOW TO GET TO LONG BEACH
By Car: From the West--Take Belt Parkway--or Southern State to Meadowbrook Pkwy, South. Just before you approach the Jones Beach Toll Plaza, bear Right on Loop Pkwy with signs that read, "Long Beach," Point Lookout." Take Loop to the end, bear right. You are on Lido Blvd. heading West. Lido Blvd. turns into Park Avenue as you enter the City. Four miles down the road you will hit the intersection of Long Beach Road and Park Avenue. Take any of the city's boulevards, south to the boardwalk and beach.
From the LIE:--to Meadowbrook Parkway and follow directions above.
For more information contact City Hall, 516-431-1000, x207.
Public Transportation: The Long Island Railroad has a line that runs directly to Park Place and Park Avenue, 1/4 mile West of Long Beach Road. Express trains available from Penn Station: 9:45am Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. (24.6 miles to Penn Station); MTA Long Island Bus at Long Beach: N15, N33.
ON THE BEACH
Amenities:Public restrooms, boat ramp, marina, pavilion, fishing area, food stands and showers
Lifeguards on duty: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 5
Parking fee: There is free parking on the street and beachside parking lots available for various fees when weekend crowds fill the free parking spots.
Admission: $7 per person; free for children under 13; season passes available
Notes: This is a favorite spot for surfers to try to catch some waves; Surf Reports from UnSound Surf Shop: 516-214-8383
Special Events:Twilight Fete and Concert- Aug. 7, Beach Wrestling Competition- Aug. 13, Antique Car Show - Aug. 14,
WHERE TO EAT
Corbin and Reynolds
20 W. Park Ave., Long Beach, NY
