Jones Beach West End
Discover the natural beauty of Jones Beach West End 2, featuring tidal flats, sandbars, and serene inlet views. A haven for nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sandbars revealed for exploration
Jones Beach West End
Best Time
Sandbars revealed for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the natural beauty of Jones Beach West End 2, featuring tidal flats, sandbars, and serene inlet views. A haven for nature lovers.
"Beautiful view of Jones Beach Inlet. Beautiful breeze and the fish were boiling!"
🎒 Pack for self-sufficiency
No concessions here! Bring all food, water, and beach gear. Consider a portable shower for sand removal.
🌊 Check tide charts
Low tide is key for exploring sandbars and Short Beach island. Plan your visit accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Short Beach Island Exploration
Adjacent to the main West End 2 beach
Discover a small islet accessible via sandbars at low tide. Perfect for exploring and observing nature.
Jones Beach Inlet Views
Along the shoreline
Enjoy stunning views of the Jones Beach Inlet, often with active marine life.
Nature Trails and Wildlife
Connecting paths
Walk or bike along paths that link to the old nature center, spotting goldenrods and monarch butterflies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating West End 2
Tide Times for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Can anyone recommend a quiet beach near Jones Beach Amphitheater?
🎒 Pack for self-sufficiency
No concessions here! Bring all food, water, and beach gear. Consider a portable shower for sand removal.
🌊 Check tide charts
Low tide is key for exploring sandbars and Short Beach island. Plan your visit accordingly!
Jones and Robert Moses beach - weekend vistors
⚠️ Beware of nature's hazards
Watch out for poison ivy and ticks. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
🚗 Parking considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for self-sufficiency
No concessions here! Bring all food, water, and beach gear. Consider a portable shower for sand removal.
🌊 Check tide charts
Low tide is key for exploring sandbars and Short Beach island. Plan your visit accordingly!
⚠️ Beware of nature's hazards
Watch out for poison ivy and ticks. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
🚗 Parking considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early if possible.
🚶♀️ Walk to West End II for showers
If you need to rinse off, West End II has showers, but it's a walk or short drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jones Beach West End 2 for its beautiful inlet views, clean water, and peaceful, natural atmosphere, especially enjoying the exploration of Short Beach island at low tide. However, the lack of concessions and rinse-off facilities is a recurring drawback, and caution is advised regarding poison ivy and ticks.
"Visited the place on warm early October weekend and checked out small islet next to the basin called Short Beach island. It connects to mainland beach via exposed sandbars at the time of low tide. Lots of fun exploring it and seems popular with visitors. Blooming goldenrods are at peak now and some monarch butterflies around despite the October."
Mike Z
"It would be nice if NYS Parks put in a simple outdoor tap or single shower-head to rinse off the sand you'll pick up from the picnic area and bay side beach. Something similar to the outdoor shower heads they have at the other fields. NO CONCESSION (which is fine). NO WAY TO RINSE OFF. Toilet facilities only. Boat docks, w/o electrical or H2O hook-up, don't seem to be used much. Limited parking. Short Beach and the Flats are fenced off - COME ON! An old asphalt path has crumbled and slid into the bay and is big eyesore detracting from the natural beauty of the place.
For showers go to West End II parking field - a short drive (1 minute) or a 15 minute walk along mosquito infested highway. BEWARE THE POISON IVY! BEWARE parasitic ticks!"
Charles Murray
"Best park in the world!!"
Kenny Bernardini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jones Beach West End 2 is accessible by car via Ocean Parkway. Parking is available at the West End 2 parking field. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking field at West End 2. However, parking can be limited, especially on busy weekends, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, there are biking paths that connect to the West End 2 area, offering a scenic route for cyclists.
While the beach itself is generally accessible, amenities like restrooms may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official New York State Parks website for current operating status.
West End 2 is known for its more natural, less developed feel compared to the main Jones Beach fields, with fewer concessions and a focus on exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Jones Beach typically involves a parking fee, which covers access to the beach and facilities within the park. There isn't a separate per-person admission ticket.
Parking fees are standard for Jones Beach and are usually collected per vehicle. Fees can vary by season and day of the week. Check the NYS Parks website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Generally, NY State residents are welcome at Jones Beach on weekends. Unlike some local beaches, there haven't been widespread reports of residency restrictions for Jones Beach itself.
Dogs are typically not allowed on Jones Beach during the main season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Outside of these dates, policies may vary, so it's best to confirm with NYS Parks.
The beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facilities like restrooms might have limited hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, West End 2 is known for its lack of concessions. Visitors should bring all their own food and drinks.
There are no outdoor rinse stations or showers directly at West End 2. For showers, you would need to go to the West End II parking field, which is a short drive or a longer walk.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, exploring the tidal flats and sandbars, birdwatching, and walking or biking on the connecting paths.
Reviews suggest the water is clean, with many visitors enjoying the presence of small fish and crabs.
Wear comfortable beach attire. Given the potential for poison ivy and ticks, long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended if you plan to explore beyond the immediate beach area.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the natural beauty of the Jones Beach Inlet, the unique sandbar formations at low tide, blooming goldenrods in the fall, and any wildlife you encounter. The undeveloped coastline offers a more rugged aesthetic.
The western orientation of the inlet can offer beautiful sunset views, especially when combined with the coastal landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering light for photography. Low tide also presents unique photographic opportunities with the exposed sandbars.
The sandbars leading to Short Beach island and the general expanse of the inlet are key photographic subjects. The natural, less manicured environment itself is a draw.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations within New York State Parks. It's essential to check the official NYS Parks drone policy before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be extra vigilant about poison ivy and ticks, and ensure children wear appropriate footwear if venturing off the main beach area. While there are no direct rinse stations, the drive to West End II for showers is manageable. The natural environment provides a good opportunity for kids to observe marine life like small fish and crabs in a less commercialized setting.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
The connecting paths offer opportunities for leisurely walks or bike rides, allowing you to explore the area's natural beauty. Remember to bring binoculars and a field guide. Be prepared for the natural environment by wearing sturdy shoes and long clothing to protect against ticks and poison ivy, enhancing your ability to immerse yourself in the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tidal Ecosystem
It's important to be aware of the natural hazards present. Poison ivy can be found in the surrounding vegetation, and ticks are a concern, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Wearing appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes, and long pants can help protect you while exploring. Always check yourself for ticks after your visit. The natural beauty of West End 2 is best appreciated with a mindful approach to its environment.
Amenities and Visitor Preparedness
Furthermore, there are no outdoor showers or rinse stations directly at West End 2. If you wish to wash off sand or salt water, you'll need to travel to the West End II parking field, which is a short drive away or a considerable walk. This lack of immediate rinse-off facilities is a point of feedback for some visitors. Planning for this, perhaps with a portable shower or by accepting the need for a short drive, is advisable. The toilet facilities are available, providing basic necessities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit