Posting about the concerts at Jones Beach in Long Island reminded me that while I haven't been there in awhile--and, frankly, I prefer the New Jersey Shore (more on that later) as I like a quiet beach for contemplation--it is really wonderful fun if you're going with friends. It's a gorgeous vista and the boardwalk is 2 miles long. Some areas are more crowded than others...but there is a lot to explore, lots of concessions, mini golf, shuffleboard, etc.
Also they have the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center--located on on a barrier island beach. They have an exhibit area and stuff geared towards kids (outside the exhibit area kids can dig up whale bones in the Discovery Bone Cove, walk through the butterfly garden or view a shipwreck). An environmental boardwalk takes you out into the dune environment to see plants and animals that live there.
HOW TO GET THERE
Jones Beach is reachable in 45 minutes by the Long Island Railroad (leaving from Penn Station at 34th St and reachable by the Number 1,2 and 3) (here's the link to the lowdown --here's another link to the schedule to Freeport, LI.) and they have an excellent package--LIRR Jones Beach Package-- 16.50 from NYC leaving from Penn Station about every half hour. Once you arrive the LIRR has a shuttle bus to the East and West Boathouses and Mall. Buses run from and to the train on a limited schedule--you can still reach the train after these hours but you would have to take a taxi or walk...presumably a bit of a walk:
- Weekends starting at 8:49 AM, return up to 5:35 PM; 8:06AM/10:45 PM from 6/21-8/31
- Weekdays starting at 8:58 AM, return up to 10:45 PM
- Buses run later on concert evenings. Bus service is available before and following each performance, and the package will remain available through the final concert date.
As touristy as it sounds, one of the first things NYC tourists should do is take a bus tour to orient themselves.
As small as Manhattan is, it's packed with neighborhoods that each have a different feel. Some may be more to your liking than others, and this is a great way to find out where you might want to spend more time. And it's really the only way to see a lot of destinations in one day. Trying to do each by subway can get exhausting.
Hop on hop off is better for most people than a guided tour--you may want to skip a destination, or you may find one you like and decide to stay their all day. This way you have a choice. Buses arrive fairly frequently at each destination.
There are various companies to choose from--the best is the Gray Line Big Apple.
Also recommended are the Circle Line boat tours, which are not as elegant or exotic as the Classic Harbor Line Schooner tours, but nonetheless can be lots of fun (or so I hear--I haven't been on the Circle Line yet). The Circle Line departs from Pier 83 at 42nd Street & 12th ave on the Hudson River., and which run from 75 min-3 hours ($24-34), April- Sept their ours are: 75 min tour: Daily: 11:00am; 1:00pm; 3:00pm . 2 hour tour: 11:30am; 3:30pm . 3hour tour: 10:00am; 12:30pm; 2:00pm; 4:30pm .
