With the temperatures rapidly rising and hemlines getting shorter, it could only mean one thing: summer is finally here! One of people’s favorite things to do during summer months in New York is take a relaxing trip to the beach. But in many cases, the sand and mobility equipment don’t agree with each other. Thankfully, though, beach wheelchairs (wheelchairs with big, balloon-like, air-filled wheels that are made specifically for navigating sandy terrain), ramps, and accessible parking can make your dreams of a trip to the beach a reality. In this handy guide, you can find more about some of Long Island’s most popular beaches and their accessibility features—guaranteed to make your next beach day a breeze!
Jones Beach
One of the most famous beaches on Long Island, Jones Beach, is a six-and-a-half mile stretch of glistening, white, sandy beach. Offering a good range of accessibility amenities, Jones Beach is a must-visit destination for people of all abilities.
Manual beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come first-serve basis and at no cost. They can be found at the park’s Information/Umbrella Booth at the West Bathhouse, Field #6, Central Mall, Zach’s Bay, and Field #2. Upon checking them out for use, you will be asked to provide a form of picture ID, which will then be logged with your name and the date and time of the check-out.
Accessible parking spots are available at every field in Jones Beach State Park, but Field #6 is the best recommended location to park for accessibility to the beach. Ramps leading to the beach are located on the west side of the Field #6 parking lot. However, due to the tendency for this lot to get filled up quickly, another good option is parking at Field #2, as it also offers easy access to the beach.
Robert Moses Beach
Another notable beach on Long Island, Robert Moses contains a five-mile stretch of beautiful, idyllic shoreline. Located at the most western tip of Fire Island, a large center island parallel to the South Shore of Long Island, Robert Moses Beach is accessible for all.
You can find beach wheelchairs, which are available free-of-charge and on a first-come first-serve basis, at any of the beach’s first aid/lifeguard offices. While there’s accessible parking available in other parking lots around the park, Field 5 is the recommended lot for best access to the beach. Wooden ramps are located at either end of the boardwalk at Field 5, as well as the concrete mall area in the middle. And given that there is quite some distance to the water, “mobi-mats” (or mobility mats) are available for easier beach access, going less than a tenth of a mile towards the water. These can be found at Field 5, as well as Field 2 and 3.
Coopers Beach
While there is undoubtedly no shortage of beautiful beaches on Long Island, beach-abundant towns like the Hamptons, stand out among the rest. Famously known to be a popular summer getaway spot, Southampton is also home to Coopers Beach. The beach consists of a 500-foot stretch of pristine white sand, clear water, and breath-taking scenic views. It’s no wonder why Coopers Beach is consistently ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the country.
Beach wheelchairs are available for you to use on a first-come first-serve basis and can be found at the beach’s main concession stand. Due to the smaller size compared to the other beaches on this list, accessible parking spots, while available, can only be found within the general parking lot. A ramp is available for easy access to the beach, the deck, accessible restrooms, and the snack bar.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your beach bag, put on some sunscreen, and get out there to enjoy a day with the sand and the waves