Wantagh (pronounced /WAHN-taw/) is a hamlet and census-designated place (an unincorporated section of the Town of Hempstead) in Nassau County, New York, United States. The population of Wantagh was 18,971 at the time of the 2000 census. Wantagh is known as "The Gateway to Jones Beach" due to its location directly north of the famous Jones Beach State Park-developed State Park.