Hello everyone I was wondering what people consider a nice beach that's within driving distance when I'm in NY, should I go to Jersey or Long Island and what makes one better than the other. I hear the Hamptons is real nice but kind of far and a little snobby.
I don't mind driving up to 2 hours

Nice compromise between distance and crowds.  If you park in the easternmost lot and walk east towards Fire Island you can lose all the crowds.

Long Beach Long Island.  It was just recently written up as one of the top 10 beaches in the country.
Easy 50 min direct train ride on the LIRR. Walk 5 min from railroad station to beach or easy 50 min car ride from NYC.
Plenty of restaurants and places to eat.  Even has a trapeze on the beach you can try.

Yeah there are some great beaches in the Hamptons but due to it being in season out there expect it to be crowded and full of kids or 20-something year olds being drunk lol. And yeah, having it 2 1/2 hours each way is a pain....trust me I know! Good luck

Orchard

and it is .. cold ..may be it be  better weather soon .. as well waves on LI beaches not always is friendly and wind  
 Ask me and WHY I am all summer in Hampton !!??? Ask privately .. May be I will invite you with me.. to some socail events.. may be we are attending same events with you?  
There a LOT  A LOT of visitors  from Manhattan ..
I will be there all summer may be.. if would not fly to Europe in August .. It is cold oo cold on LI as to my taste now ( and toooo hot in FL.. as to my taste..where to go ??!! May be SM , SB , or just Europe..

A few years back I went with a few friends to Jones Beach I believe if memory serves me right. It is a nude beach and it was a wonderful day trip if a public nude scene is your sort of pleasurable outing.