Is the midtown tunnel, to 495/LIE, to Meadowbrook Parkway the best way to Jones Beach
#4
the route you suggested is probably the best but if you were to leave early
like 8-9...you can also go on the williamsburg to the BQE to the LIE and so on. the roads are usually pretty clear early in the morning. this way it'll save you the tunnel fare. on the way back i would probably go thru the tunnel to save time. but it also depends on what time you're heading back. i drove from LI into the city thru the Williamsburg route 2 weeks ago around 7pm and traffic was flowing. the LIE was the only area where traffic was slow.