Though we’re practically halfway through summer there’s still plenty of time to head to the beach–and Jones Beach is giving NYC swimmers the ultimate reason to make the trek out to Long Island before the season ends.
After sitting abandoned and shuttered for nearly two decades, the historic Jones Beach East Bathhouse in Wantagh officially reopened to swimmers on Friday, July 24, following a staggering $100 million restoration.
The highly anticipated, top-to-bottom overhaul completely reimagined what a day at Jones Beach looks like, preserving the bathhouse’s legendary 1930s architectural glamour while introducing modern, climate-resilient amenities, brand-new public pools, and splash zones for all ages.
$100-million-worth of brand-new amenities
Closed to the public since 2009 due to budget constraints, the fully restored 115,000-square-foot Beaux-Arts and Art Deco facility has been reimagined as a safe, highly affordable summer haven for New York families.
The state-of-the-art facility now features:
- A zero-entry learn-to-swim pool: Measuring 125 feet by 75 feet, this shallow, gently sloping pool is designed to help children and beginner swimmers build water confidence in a safe, controlled environment away from ocean waves
- A maritime family sprayground: Features two full splashpads and custom water elements inspired by Jones Beach history—including the park’s iconic seahorse emblem, whales, dolphins, and classic boats
- A competition-length lap pool: Perfect for fitness swimmers and adults looking to do laps
- Restored historic bathhouse buildings: The North and South Bathhouse structures now house park offices, first aid facilities, accessible public restrooms, family changing areas, and fresh concession stands
- Meticulous architectural preservation: Preservationists carefully restored the complex’s original Barbizon brick, Ohio sandstone, bronze accents, decorative mosaics, and woodwork
The landmark East Bathhouse has been transformed into a modern destination for New Yorkers to ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ and experience the best in summer fun at Jones Beach State Park – Governor Kathy Hochul
$5 admission (no $4,000 membership required)
Unlike the newly restored bathhouse at Jacob Riis park in Queens–which introduced a private, members-only beach club costing families up to $4,000 per year–the East Bathhouse at Jones Beach remains 100% public and accessible to everyone.
Admission costs just:
- Adults (12+): $5
- Children (ages 5-11): $3
- Children 4 & under: Free
Swimming lessons & seasonal schedule
To promote water safety across the state, the facility is kicking off a full schedule of swimming programs following its grand opening:
- Youth Swimming Lessons: Begin Wednesday, July 29 for infants through age 15 (sessions run between 8 am and 10 am based on skill level)
- Adult Swimming Lessons: Offered Thursdays from 7 pm to 7:45 pm for ages 16 and older
- General Pool Hours (Through Labor Day):
- Weekdays: 10 am – 6 pm
- Weekends & Holidays: 9 am – 7 pm
According to New York State Parks Commissioner Kathy Moser, over 350 people signed up for the Learn to Swim program prior to opening—a vital step given that an estimated 54% of American adults report not knowing how to swim or lacking basic water safety skills.
A flagship project for New York swimming
The East Bathhouse restoration serves as the flagship centerpiece of Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative (New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming).
Representing the largest investment in public swimming infrastructure since the New Deal, the $260 million statewide push aims to deliver safe, high-quality, and affordable aquatic facilities to communities across New York.
Whether you’re looking to teach your kids to swim or simply want to soak in 1930s seaside glamour for five bucks, this restored Long Island gem is a must-visit before summer wraps up!
Know Before You Go: Jones Beach East Bathhouse
- 📍 Where: Jones Beach State Park (Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793)
- 🚗 Distance from NYC: ~45–60 minutes by car or accessible via LIRR to Freeport Station + n88 LIRR Beach Bus
- 🎟️ Pool Admission: $5 Adults | $3 Children | Free for kids under 4 (Note: Standard $10 vehicle parking fee applies at state park lots during peak hours)
- ℹ️ More Info: Check the NYS Parks Website for lesson registration and updates