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Surf spots

A beach that offers a reliable surf break without being overrun by the typical crowds.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Robert Moses State Park Field 5 image 1
Robert Moses State Park Field 5 image 2
Robert Moses State Park Field 5 image 3
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Beach features clean sand, calm water, and a quiet atmosphere with a notable lighthouse nearby. Outdoor bar and playground add convenience and family-friendly elements. Space remains peaceful despite occasional loud radios and smokers.

Clean and well-maintained with showers available, this beach features a beach bar at Field 5 and offers great spots for walking, including paths around the area and a lighthouse walk.

Waves here are consistently big and impressive, creating a quiet beach atmosphere ideal for surfing.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and very clean."

"The views from the lighthouse are amazing and breathtaking."

"The Surf Spot has big waves."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 during the season and is free off-season.

2

Lifeguards are on duty until 6 PM on weekends.

3

The bathrooms are open year-round at Robert Moses State Park Field 5.

02
Ditch Plains Beach image 1
Public beach

Scenic bluffs and rugged charm define this wild, untamed beach with consistent waves that attract surfers of all levels. The atmosphere stays laid-back and peaceful, offering stunning sunsets and a chance to escape crowds. It welcomes dogs before 10am and features nearby food trucks and clean facilities.

Wild, untamed shores offer clean sand and warm water ideal for swimming, surfing, and walking. The beach is pet friendly and peaceful, with scenic bluffs enhancing views of Atlantic sunsets.

Consistent Atlantic waves create a busy and active surf scene suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The spot offers excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboarding with cliffs adding to the appeal.

People are saying

"This is a great surf spot with consistent waves."

"It's dog friendly, and my dog loved walking in the sand and water."

"This beach is awesome for surfing."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed at Ditch Plains Beach before 10am and after 6pm.

2

Parking requires a local permit, and non-residents may be ticketed.

3

Expect crowded conditions during peak season, especially on weekends.

03
Gilgo State Park 4x4 image 1

Public beach offers wide, soft sand ideal for off-road 4x4 activities with permits. Atmosphere stays tranquil and respectful, suitable for families and solo visitors. Gentle waves and pristine conditions create a peaceful outdoor experience.

Wide, clean beach offers space for off-roading and 4x4 activities with a permit. Gentle waves and pristine sand create a calm spot for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing.

Waves here support surfing alongside other activities like off-road driving and kayaking. The beach offers a mix of surf and sun that suits both casual and active water sports.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be huge and exceptionally clean."

"Gilgo State Park Beach feels like a hidden gem with pristine sand."

"I loved surfing here during the summer."

Good to know

1

A permit is required for 4x4 vehicles to access the beach.

2

The beach is open year-round for 4x4 vehicles with a permit.

3

Air down your tires before driving on the sand for better traction.

04
Lido Beach West Town Park image 1

Beach features clean sand and nice little high waves with blue water. Environment feels friendly and suits families with small children. Parking is easy, with free options after 5 PM.

Clean water and beautiful scenery define this beach. It features fun waves that attract surfers and offers a spot that is often not very busy.

Waves here are fun and nice, with some little high waves at the beach.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"The Surf Spot here is beautiful and clean."

"The bathrooms here are super clean."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available after 5pm.

2

If you arrive at 5 PM, entry to the park is free.

3

Resident parking costs $55 before 5 PM.

05
Rockaway Beach image 1
Public beach

Public beach offers beautiful views and a calm vibe with live music and sports like basketball and surfing. Waves provide great surfing conditions with soft sand, perfect for families and surfers. Food trucks and a self-serve bar add to the lively yet peaceful atmosphere.

Waves here support surfing right in the city. Families find it great for kids with plenty of space to play. The beach offers fresh, clean air and lively concession stands that add to the experience.

Waves here offer great surfing conditions with soft sand that feels comfortable underfoot. The beach supports a relaxing atmosphere with the sound of surf and seagulls, plus options to rent a surfing boat.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and clean."

"I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and amazing water."

"The Surf Spot here is surprisingly clean, with no trash."

Good to know

1

Swimming is only permitted between 10am and 6pm.

2

Lifeguards leave at 6 PM during summer.

3

Parking is free at the beach.

06
Kirk Park Beach image 1
Beach pavillion

Small ocean beach offers quiet, peaceful waters and a clean, well-maintained environment. Lifeguards present until 5 pm and paid parking is available nearby, making it suitable for families and visitors seeking a calm seaside experience.

Clean sand and aggressive waves define this ocean beach. Facilities include a bathroom and outdoor shower near the parking lot, with a covered area on the beach.

Waves get big and aggressive, especially during storms like Hurricane Erin. They can be high and kind of scary, offering a powerful surf experience.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"Parking costs $30 to $38 for the day."

"The waves here are aggressive, a real surf spot."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $35 for the day without a permit.

2

Lifeguards are present until 5 pm for safety.

3

The bathroom facilities are clean and include an outdoor shower.

07
Sagg Main Beach image 1
Public beach

Soft, white sand stretches along a shoreline with stunning ocean views and calm bay waters. The atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with volleyball nets adding casual activity options. Parking limits and permit requirements shape a quieter, less crowded experience.

Soft, white sand stretches along a beautiful, secluded shoreline with stunning ocean views. Calm waters by the bay and peaceful, quiet surroundings make it great for walks and watching sunsets.

Strong, amazing waves attract surfers here. Facilities include clean bathrooms and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after surfing. Rip tides can occur, so swimming needs caution.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful with soft, white sand."

"It's a beautiful and peaceful place."

"I found the surf spot to be a beautiful stretch of shoreline."

Good to know

1

You need a Southampton Town permit during the season to access the beach.

2

Parking is limited to Sag Harbor residents; street parking is available nearby.

3

The daily permit fee for Sagg Main Beach is $40.

08
Rockaway Beach 116 st image 1

Spacious beach features clean sand and calm waves perfect for families and strollers. Strong, consistent surf offers powerful waves ideal for surfers. Quiet, relaxing atmosphere makes it great for walks and casual fun.

Long stretches of clean, beautiful sand meet calm, relaxing waves. The beach offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that is family-friendly and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Waves here are strong and beautiful, offering great surfing conditions. The surf is powerful and consistent, making it a solid spot for catching waves.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"It's so peaceful and relaxing here, perfect for summer."

"The waves here are great for surfing."

Good to know

1

Rockaway Beach is just a block away from the A-line train and buses.

2

It takes about an hour by subway to get from Times Square to Rockaway Beach 116 st.

3

There are various food vendors along the beach for snacks and refreshments.

09
Robert Moses State Park Field 2 image 1

Beach offers clean shores and beautiful blue water with a mix of calm and strong waves. Atmosphere stays peaceful and secure, attracting a mostly younger crowd who enjoy sun and sand without heavy crowds. Nearby facilities provide food and drinks, supporting a relaxed day by the ocean.

Clean, peaceful sand meets beautiful blue water with good waves for wave lovers. Drinks and food are available, making it a relaxing spot with a perfect mix of sun and serenity.

Good waves attract surfers, with some getting quite strong. The west side offers 4-wheel access and surf fishing, plus bigger waves near Field 2.

People are saying

"I thought the beach here was beautiful and a great place to spend the day."

"This surf spot has big, strong waves for wave lovers."

"The Meditation Spot is so clean and peaceful."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure a good parking spot and enjoy a peaceful morning.

2

The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle.

3

Food and drinks are available at the restaurant and bar near the bathhouse.

10
Montauk Point State Park image 1

Cliffside park with a historic lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and a serene, quiet atmosphere. Visitors find ample recreational spaces for walking, biking, and picnics, including a playground for children near the parking area.

White and abundant sand lines the beaches, offering spots for relaxing and swimming. Trails lead to rocky shores and a lighthouse, with areas for fishing by permit and surfing at Ditch Plains Beach.

Big surf hits the beach, especially in winter, making it a solid spot for surfing. Trails and recreational areas nearby add options like boating and camping.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are just stunning."

"I loved the beautiful views of the ocean and lighthouse from the beach."

"It's a good surf spot with big waves crashing."

Good to know

1

Pets are not allowed at the park.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful at the park.

3

The museum at the park offers interesting exhibits.

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