On Long Island, we pride ourselves on being a stone’s throw from the water. But when the sand is covered in snow, a beach day can feel too far away. Though nothing can quite top the nostalgia and familiarity of Long Island beaches, our summertime staples, five spots currently offer sunnier skies, warmer temps and similar vibes.
Related Content: Long Island Beach Towns That Have Us Wishing It Was Summer
If you love Robert Moses…Try Destin Beach, Florida
image: sharee laubert
Trails, lighthouse climbs, fishing and an amiable atmosphere have kept Robert Moses atop the list of family-friendly Long Island beaches for decades. Destin Beach in Florida offers similar amenities for the active clan, from kayaking and boogie boarding to zip lining and sand sculpting classes. Like Robert Moses, Destin Beach is known to have dolphin sightings from time to time.
If you love Jones Beach…Try Miami Beach, Florida
image: dorinser
Recently ranked 10th on Tipspoke’s America’s Favorite Beaches list, Jones Beach offers 6.5 miles of fun and sun come summertime. Think golf and mini-golf, a boardwalk, volleyball and of course swimming. Those who call one of the most famous Long Island beaches their unofficial summer home should consider a trip to Miami Beach. The obvious choice is the always-packed South Beach, which offers tourists a chance to partake in water sports in the morning and imbibing at night. Anyone who gets tired of running into “that guy” multiple times per day can make an underwater escape and see the Florida Straits reef, the third largest reef in the world.
If you love private Hamptons beaches…Try Stonehole Beach, Bermuda
image: sara george
For the person who craves privacy, Stonehole Beach in Bermuda is a must. Nestled in between popular tourist beaches Horseshoe Bay Beach and Warwick Long Bay, those who have stepped foot on this secluded paradise tend to note the pink sand even before they note the warm, turquoise and at times rough waters. Instead of taking the bus to Chaplin Bay, consider getting off at Horseshoe and walking along the cliff-lined trail. You’ll walk by dramatic dunes and limestone rock formations which, like hedges outside Hamptons homes, work to keep this spot a hideaway.
If you love Montauk…Try Malibu, California
image: eric zumstein
Though frigid temps don’t stop the most avid surfers from riding the Montauk waves, even self-proclaimed polar bears wouldn’t mind escaping Long Island beaches for a trip to the warmer waters of Malibu. One of the most popular American spots in surfing circles and among Hollywood starlets, the ‘bu epitomizes SoCal life. The vibes are laid-back and the star sightings tend to outweigh the shark sightings. Just keep your eyes on the shoreline when surfing—even if the guy next to you resembles Adam Sandler.
If you love Fire Island…Try Panama City, Florida
image: john moore
Gorgeous Panama City mixes the spring-break feeling of Ocean Bay Park and Ocean Beach with the family-and-wildlife friendly atmosphere of Davis Park. Lawmakers tamed the wild party scene a bit last year by banning drinking and possession of alcohol on the beach for the month of March, but that doesn’t mean visitors can’t sip a pina colada at popular eateries like Runaway Island Bar and Beach Grill. Adventure-seekers and nature-watchers can swim with dolphins and get a peek of the Gulf’s wrecks at Shell Island.
Where are you jetting off to? Get more ideas in the February issue of Pulse.