How much money can beach and park passes save you this summer?
The Empire Pass gets you access to any state beach or park, and counties and towns on Long Island also have their own season passes for you to access their beaches.
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The price of admission to beaches and parks can add up fast, but there are ways you can save a little this summer.
Long Island has some of the best beaches in the country.
"We take advantage of the boardwalk, the beach," said Jennifer Pickering, of Levittown.
If you are like Pickering, you enjoy spending a lot of time there.
"At least three times a week we come," she said.
But just like the sun, those entrance fees can really burn you, and your wallet.
The Empire Pass gives you annual access to every state park, from Jones Beach to Robert Moses to Montauk Point.
George Gorman, with New York State Parks, says beginning in April you have to pay to park at state parks every weekend until Memorial Day.
Then, you have to pay every day until Labor Day.
After that, it varies depending on the park.
"The Empire Passport costs $80 and depending on the park during the summer it's either an $8 entrance fee or a $10 entrance fee," said Gorman.
So, after 10 trips, the rest will be free.
You can get a physical card at a park or beach, or download the digital pass on your phone.
"The entire family can use that passport; it's not one individual. So, you'll go one day, your significant other will go the other day, your kids might go another day," said Gorman.
The Empire Pass gets you access to any state beach or park, and counties and towns on Long Island also have their own season passes for you to access their beaches.
For Nassau residents, the daily parking rate for Nickerson Beach is $15. A season pass is $110.
In Suffolk, parking at county beaches is $9 a day for residents. Seasonal passes are $75 cash.
The state and counties also offer discounts for veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors.
"We come during the week because senior citizens don't have to pay for parking," said James Kosinski, of Levittown.
The state's Empire Pass also has three year, five year and lifetime options.
For more information on the Empire Pass and other state park programs, you can visit: https://parks.ny.gov/admission/empire-passport/
