Long Beach developed as a coastal community with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. The beach and boardwalk are at the heart of its coastal appeal; designated surfing areas add a watersports option. Public ice skating, historic sites and a seasonal art market broaden the choices. When planning your stay, it helps to distinguish permanent features of the area from activities with special timing or usage conditions.
Beach, Promenade and Architectural History
Long Beach has 3.5 miles of pristine beach. The boardwalk is 2.1 miles long and can be used for walking, running or riding. These two lengths refer to different features and should not be read as the same distance. For practical purposes, it is also worth noting that three uses are listed for the boardwalk, while the beach measurement describes the beach’s length. The oceanfront promenade was built in 1914. In addition to its stated uses, its construction date gives it a historical dimension.
Surfing, Swimming and Ice Skating
The 2026 rotating surf schedule lists the “Azores and Lincoln Boulevard Beach” section as permanently open to surfing. Surf beaches may be changed at the discretion of the Chief of Lifeguards, so check the schedule for your travel dates if surfing is a priority. Surf schools operate seven days a week on the beach sections between Maple Boulevard and Pacific Boulevard and between Long Beach Boulevard and Riverside Boulevard. Their operating arrangements may also change. The designation of a beach section for surfing and the locations of surf schools are two separate planning details.
Swimming is subject to a separate condition: it is prohibited in Long Beach when no lifeguards are on duty. Public ice skating is available at the municipal ice rink at 150 West Bay Drive. The availability of individual sessions may change; check session details before visiting if you plan to go skating.
Historic Sites
The Historic Red Brick District is on Penn Street between Grand Boulevard and National Boulevard. The Long Beach Historical Society’s historic museum is at 226 West Penn Street in Long Beach, Nassau County, and is being restored. These are two distinct points of reference for the city’s history: a district between named street boundaries and a museum at a specific address that is currently being restored. Together with the oceanfront promenade built in 1914, these sites showcase different facets of Long Beach’s history.
Art Market and Travel Dates
Arts In The Plaza is a weekly art market in Kennedy Plaza; its schedule is seasonal. As an event, it depends more on your travel dates than permanent features such as the promenade or the Historic Red Brick District. If you want to plan a visit to the market, check the dates for your travel period rather than assuming it runs weekly year-round.
Discover more destinations: Lido Beach, East Norwich, Woodbury, Hicksville, Massapequa, Valley Stream, Carle Place, Jericho
For the broader travel overview: Nassau.
