Getting to a concert at Jones Beach can seem daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Located on Long Island, New York, Jones Beach is a large state park with a reputation for hosting major outdoor concerts and events. With a little bit of planning and knowledge about transportation options, you can easily find your way there.
Where is Jones Beach Located?
Jones Beach State Park is located on Jones Beach Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island. The park sits along the Atlantic Ocean and is about 45 miles east of Manhattan. Its exact address is:
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway
Wantagh, NY 11793
The park covers over 2,400 acres and contains 6.5 miles of beachfront. In addition to the beach, it has a large outdoor amphitheater called the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater that hosts concerts and events throughout the summer.
Getting to Jones Beach by Car
For those driving to Jones Beach, here are some key roads and bridges to take:
- From New York City, take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) east towards Long Island.
- Take Exit 28 to merge onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway heading south.
- After about 10 miles, take Exit M4E to merge onto the Wantagh State Parkway heading east.
- Take the Parkways south for about 15 miles until you reach the Jones Beach water tower, a landmark showing you’ve arrived.
- Take Exit 1 for Ocean Parkway and follow signs for Jones Beach State Park.
The entire drive takes around an hour from New York City without traffic. Be aware that during rush hour and summer beach traffic, the drive can easily take over 2 hours. Leave plenty of time to arrive and find parking.
Parking at Jones Beach
Jones Beach has over 10,000 parking spots in several lots around the park. Concert parking is located in Fields 2, 3, 4, and 5 near the theater. Parking costs $10 per car and is cash only.
Parking lots open 2 hours before showtime and tend to fill up quickly during major concerts. Arrive early to get a spot. If lots near the theater are full, you may need to park in Field 10 and take a shuttle over.
Taking Public Transportation to Jones Beach
Public transportation is another convenient option for getting to Jones Beach concerts. Here are some ways to get there using trains, buses and shuttles:
Long Island Railroad
The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) offers direct train service to Freeport Station from Penn Station in Manhattan or Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. From there, you can take a Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) shuttle bus to Jones Beach. Total travel time is around 1.5 hours.
Trains generally run every hour on weekdays and every 1-2 hours on weekends. Purchase tickets in advance online or at station ticketing machines. Roundtrip LIRR tickets cost $20-30 from New York City.
Express Coach Bus
Hampton Jitney operates direct express bus service from Manhattan to Jones Beach. Buses run during the summer concert season on show days. Trip time is around 1.5-2 hours. Book tickets in advance online. Prices start around $40 roundtrip.
NYC Subway and Bus
For the most budget-friendly (but slowest) route, take the NYC subway and then transfer to Long Island buses:
- Take the A subway train to Far Rockaway, Queens
- Transfer to the N31, N33 or N35 Nassau bus from Mott Ave in Far Rockaway. Ask the bus driver for the stop near Jones Beach.
- The bus ride takes around 1.5 hours and costs $5.50 with a MetroCard.
Getting Dropped Off for Concerts
Another easy option is getting dropped off by car or rideshare right at the theater entrance. This allows you to avoid parking and walking from distant lots. Have your driver follow signs for “Theater Dropoff” from Ocean Parkway.
Drop-offs are located on Ocean Parkway near the main crosswalk to the theater. Look for uniformed staff members guiding traffic flow. Drivers cannot wait in the dropoff area, so coordinate a pickup location and time.
Walking to the Venue
The Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater stage is located at the far western end of the park. From the main parking lots, it’s about a 0.4 mile walk on paved pathways to reach the theater.
Allow at least 15-20 minutes walking time so you don’t miss the show. Follow signs or ask staff for directions to the theater entrance. Bring comfortable shoes as their is some walking required once inside to reach seating sections.
What to Bring to Jones Beach Concerts
To make your concert experience smooth and enjoyable, be sure to bring:
- Printed or mobile tickets – have ready at entrance for scanning
- Cash for parking, food, and drinks
- Valid ID – required if purchasing alcohol
- Small bag or clutch allowed after security screening
- Blanket or towels for lawn seating
- Jacket or layers – it can get breezy at night
- Sunscreen – reapply often
- Non-professional cameras allowed
- Factory sealed water bottles – up to 1 liter
Prohibited items include: backpacks, large bags, outside food and drinks, umbrellas, selfie sticks, audio recorders, and professional cameras.
Jones Beach Theater Amenities
The Jones Beach Theater contains over 12,000 seats with both reserved seating and general admission lawn areas. Additional venue amenities include:
- Free WiFi provided by venue
- Large video screens on stage for closeups
- Food, beer, and wine concessions
- On-site box office for ticket purchases
- Wheelchair and handicapped seating options
- First aid stations and EMTs on-site
- Restrooms, including accessible facilities
- MTA Police patrols and security staff
- Nearby parking for rideshares and taxis
Things to Do Around Jones Beach
Jones Beach offers plenty of entertainment beyond just concerts. Here are some added attractions to enjoy:
The Beach
Come early and spend time on the soft white sand beach and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean before the show. Lifeguards are on duty daily.
Boardwalk
Take a walk on the famous two-mile wooden Boardwalk stretching along Jones Beach. Play games, eat, and shop at the concessions.
Nature and Wildlife
Discover the diversity of birds, fish, and marine life. Walking trails go through unique ecosystems and nature preserves within the park.
Boating and Fishing
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats or go on fishing charters departing from Zach’s Bay marina within Jones Beach.
Field 10 Concerts
Smaller local bands perform free shows most nights at the Field 10 outdoor stage near the Boardwalk.
Fireworks
Jones Beach has firework displays every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm from July 4th through Labor Day weekend.
Conclusion
Getting to concerts at Jones Beach is convenient whether you are driving, taking public transit, or being dropped off. Give yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the theater. Now that you know how to get there, you can relax and enjoy a magical night of music under the stars.