Which LI Beaches Are The Best? New Post Ranks Top Spots

LONG ISLAND, NY — It's what the many who flock to Long Island every summer for fun in the sun know for certain — the beaches are simply sublime.

Now, Thrillist.com has given a shout out to the best beaches on Long Island — here's a rundown of some of the top picks.

For the "Best Beach, Period", Coopers Beach once again ranked supreme. "This secluded white sand spot with its own livestream is where you go to live your best Great Gatsby life, without the grizzly end. The seven-mile Southhampton beach surrounded by Fitzgeraldesque old money mansions (more F. Scott than Zelda — she’d probably prefer Atlantic Avenue Beach, tbh), is where you’ll lounge like you don’t have a care in the world," the post said.

Coopers Beach regularly tops a list of the Top 10 best beaches in the nation compiled by Dr. Beach; this year was no different, with the beach ranking #4 in America for 2019.

The Thrillist post says, for nature lovers, Hither Hills State Park on Old Montauk Highway in Montauk is a must for camping. "If sleeping out under the stars is your thing, head to the beachside campgrounds outside Montauk Village," right before hitting "The End," in Montauk, where guests can go bird watching at the Napeague Bird Conservation area or explore the Walking Dunes, the post said.

Also in Montauk, Ditch Plains Beach made the list for the "Best for Surfing."

Kirk Park Beach in Montauk was noted as the place to go for those "so over the Hamptons."

In East Hampton, Main Beach on Ocean Ave. got the nod, with the Thrillist report stating it's the best place for celebrity sightings. "No surprise, the best place to spot a Hollywood star out in the wild is still the Hamptons," the post said, adding that a parking pass is needed. However, even without a beach sticker, East Hampton also offers plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of A listers, including eateries such as Nick & Toni's, Tutto il Giornio, Babette's and 75 Main, the post said, adding, "Grab your biggest hat and darkest sunglasses and live like a one-percenter for a day. Who knows, you might even get mistaken for one yourself."

Other East End beaches recognized were Cupsogue, "best for animal spotting," and Shelter Island, "best for day tripping," according to the post.

The forever favorite, Jones Beach, made the list as "Best for Families," with the post stating: "It’s easy to write Jones off as a basic beach since every Tom, Dick, or Harry in the tristate area visits. But it’s the place to be for anyone tasked with tykes, especially if they aren’t all that interested in actually beaching." Popular at the beach, according to the post, are the splash pad and new adventure park, with a ropes course and zip lines for children ages 7 and up. The fun also includes ping pong, corn hole, bocce ball, paddleball, and shuffleboard, according to the post.

Long Beach was ranked the "Best for Foodies," by Thrillist, which stated: "The city by the sea that’s just an LIRR ride away for city dwellers is also the best place to dine. The West End beach’s newly refurbished post-Sandy boardwalk offers oceanside eats for every appetite."

Sunken Meadow State Park also made the list for nature lovers, and Fire Island ranked tops for the Best LGBTQ+ Scene.

For the full list of Long Island beaches spotlighted on Thrillist.com, click here.