The wins just keep on coming for New York beachgoers! Another historic coastal landmark is officially getting a new lease on life this summer after sitting abandoned for nearly two decades.
The upcoming summer season is turning out to be an absolute hit for regional beach revivals. Just weeks after updates dropped regarding the grand reopening of the “Bronx Riviera” pavilion and the massive 40,000-square-foot bathhouse at Jacob Riis Park, Long Island is getting its own legendary waterfront crown jewel back!
The iconic Jones Beach East Bathhouse in Wantagh is officially on track to open its doors for the summer 2026 swim season following a highly anticipated, $100 million top-to-bottom reconstruction.
After shuttering completely to the public in 2009 due to budget cuts, the staggering 115,000-square-foot Beaux-Arts and Art Deco masterpiece has sat empty for 17 years. Now, it’s been fully revitalized as the flagship project of Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS Initiative.
A $100 Million Glow-Up For A Long Island Icon
Originally opening its doors in the spring of 1930 under the direction of Robert Moses, the East Bathhouse was the very first major building completed at Jones Beach State Park.
In its peak mid-century heyday, a trip to the bathhouse was a glamorous, all-day affair. The sprawling complex featured:
- A grand ship-inspired central promenade overlooking the Atlantic
- Thousands of cabana-style changing rooms and lockers
- Sun terraces, canopy-covered lounges, formal dining rooms, soda fountains, and a live orchestra band shell
Unfortunately, changing times and severe budget constraints caused the facility to fall into deep disrepair. Since its closure in 2009, the majestic structure took a brutal beating from the elements, suffering from missing brickwork, collapsed ceilings, and extensive interior deterioration.
Fast forward 17 years through a massive state-led rescue mission, and the space has been completely transformed to blend its original 1930s architectural glamour with state-of-the-art modern luxury.
Mind-Blowing Upgrades Coming To The South Shore This Summer
TThe extensive overhaul didn’t just save the building’s historic bones–it completely reimagined what a day at Jones Beach looks like for a new generation.
Here’s a quick look at the major upgrades you can explore on your next trip down to the sand:
- Climate-Resilient & Eco-Friendly Design: the facility features advanced wet and dry floodproofing alongside ecological modifications to the surrounding dunes. Even better? The entire complex has ditched fossil fuels to go 100% all-electric, powered by efficient lighting and on-site solar photovoltaics
- A Brand-New Destination Pool Complex: The old, abandoned Olympic-sized footprint has been converted into a state-of-the-art public pool and a vibrant family playground complete with splash pads (ground nozzles that spray water upward)
- “Zero-Entry” Accessibility: The new pool features a shallow, gently sloping “zero-entry” zone that creates a seamless transition from land to water, making it fully ADA accessible
- A Dedicated ‘Learn-to-Swim’ Feature: Designed to combat rising statewide drowning rates, the complex includes a safe, controlled environment specifically built for children and inexperienced swimmers to build confidence away from the ocean waves
- Historic Restoration: Preservationists are meticulously restoring the building’s original Barbizon brick, Ohio sandstone, and iconic twin stone towers–even reinstalling the historic bronze time and tide clocks that once adorned the exterior
- New Amenities & Concessions: The main bathhouse will debut fully modernized restrooms, fresh changing spaces, park offices, a brand-new lifeguard station, and extensive new concession areas surrounded by umbrella-shaded seating
The Ultimate NYC Day Trip
While it’s located just outside the five boroughs, the East Bathhouse revival is massive news for NYC residents.
Jones Beach stands as the second most visited state park in all of New York (topped only by Niagara Falls), drawing over 8.6 million annual visitors–and state officials note that nearly 50% of those beachgoers travel directly from New York City.
When Can New Yorkers Visit?
Good news: you don’t have to wait to pack your beach bags.
State officials have confirmed that construction is currently running ahead of schedule and under budget, with the entire complex slated to be fully up, running, and open to the public in time for the peak summer 2026 swim season!
