Five Great Local Beaches You Can Get To Without A Car

<strong>Jones Beach:</strong> It can get crowded and it takes a bit of time to get out there, but <a href="http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/10/details.aspx">Jones Beach State Park</a> is definitely the place to go for a big, classic day at the beach. It boasts 6.5 miles of ocean beach, a beautiful boardwalk, a half mile of bay beach, two swimming pools, miniature golf, <em>and a Friendly's.</em> Of course, let's not forget the visually stunning yet maddeningly fascist amphitheater, where we once <a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/08/19/phish_fan_in_icu_after_plunge_from.php#photo-1">saw a Phish fan jump</a> from the balcony during set break. <p></p>Depending on where you're coming from in the city, it can take between 90 minutes to two hours by mass transit. You take the LIRR to the Freeport Stop, where you'll squeeze onto an MTA bus packed with rowdy teenagers who will spark a wave of dread and doubt about your decision to ever leave the A.C. <em>Maintain.</em> As everyone gets off at the West Bath House, remain calm and seated. Go further, to the East Bath House, where the beach tends to be less crowded. While it's true the Friendly's is located at the West Bath House, it's advisable to hit that at the end of the day, after a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. <br/>