Long Island In New York Map
Long Island, New York, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Long Island.
Top Attractions
Long Island is home to a wide range of attractions, from historical landmarks to natural wonders. Some of the top attractions include:
The Montauk Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse, built in 1796, is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Hamptons: This upscale area is known for its beautiful beaches, high-end shopping, and celebrity sightings.
The Fire Island National Seashore: This protected area offers miles of pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Hidden Gems
While Long Island is home to many well-known attractions, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Some of our favorites include:
The Parrish Art Museum: This museum, located in Water Mill, features a collection of American art from the 19th century to the present day.
The Planting Fields Arboretum: This 400-acre estate in Oyster Bay features stunning gardens, historic buildings, and walking trails.
The Long Island Aquarium: This aquarium in Riverhead features exhibits on marine life from around the world, as well as a sea lion show and a shark dive experience.
Food Scene
Long Island is home to a diverse food scene, with options ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to classic diners. Some must-try dishes include:
Lobster rolls: Long Island is known for its fresh seafood, and the lobster rolls here are a must-try.
Bagels: New York is famous for its bagels, and Long Island has some of the best. Be sure to try a classic bagel with cream cheese.
Pizza: Long Island has a thriving pizza scene, with many local pizzerias serving up classic New York-style pies.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? Long Island has plenty of affordable options, including:
Free beaches: Many of Long Island’s beaches are free to access, including Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park.
Local markets: Long Island has a number of farmers’ markets and food co-ops where you can stock up on fresh produce and other local products.
Hiking trails: Long Island has several great hiking trails that are free to access, including the Greenbelt Trail and the Paumanok Path.
Outdoor Adventures
Long Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and watersports. Some of the top outdoor adventures include:
Kayaking: Long Island has many great spots for kayaking, including the Peconic River and the Great South Bay.
Biking: Long Island has several great biking trails, including the Bethpage Bikeway and the Jones Beach Bikeway.
Hiking: Long Island has many great hiking trails, including the Long Island Greenbelt Trail and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Trail.
Historical Landmarks
Long Island has a rich history, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. Some of the top landmarks include:
The Old Westbury Gardens: This historic estate in Old Westbury features stunning gardens, a mansion, and a collection of art and antiques.
The Sagamore Hill National Historic Site: This site in Oyster Bay was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt and is now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
The Old Bethpage Village Restoration: This living history museum in Old Bethpage features historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades.
Family-Friendly Activities
Long Island is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Some of the top family-friendly activities include:
The Long Island Children’s Museum: This museum in Garden City features interactive exhibits on science, art, and culture.
The Adventure Park at Long Island: This outdoor adventure park in Wheatley Heights features ziplining, rope courses, and other adrenaline-pumping activities.
The Long Island Game Farm: This family-owned zoo in Manorville has been entertaining visitors for generations with its collection of exotic animals and petting zoo.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
Looking for something a little more unique? Long Island has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover. Some of our favorites include:
The Wine Country: Long Island’s North Fork is home to several wineries and vineyards, making it a great destination for wine tasting and tours.
The Big Duck: This iconic roadside attraction in Flanders is a must-see for anyone who loves quirky landmarks.
The Lavender Fields: This farm in East Marion features acres of fragrant lavender fields, as well as a gift shop and cafe.
Natural Wonders
Long Island is home to many beautiful natural wonders, from beaches to forests to wildlife preserves. Some of the top natural wonders include:
The Dunes at Shinnecock East County Park: This beach in Southampton is known for its towering sand dunes and stunning ocean views.
The Sunken Forest: This unique forest on Fire Island is home to a variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh coastal environment.
The Connetquot River State Park Preserve: This park in Oakdale features miles of hiking trails and a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and river otters.
Vibrant Nightlife
Long Island has a vibrant nightlife scene, with options ranging from laid-back bars to high-energy nightclubs. Some of the top nightlife spots include:
The Paramount: This concert venue in Huntington hosts some of the biggest names in music, as well as up-and-coming artists.
The Emporium: This nightclub in Patchogue features multiple dance floors, live music, and a rooftop bar.
The Harbor Mist: This upscale bar in Cold Spring Harbor offers stunning views of the harbor and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Local Markets
Long Island is home to many farmers’ markets, food co-ops, and other local markets where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. Some of the top markets include:
The Northport Farmers’ Market: This market in Northport features vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
The Huntington Farmers’ Market: This market in Huntington features a variety of local vendors, as well as live music and other entertainment.
The Long Beach Farmers’ Market: This market in Long Beach offers a variety of fresh produce, as well as prepared foods and other local products.
Beaches and Mountains
Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches, but it also has some surprisingly mountainous terrain. Some of the top beaches and mountains to explore include:
Montauk Beach: This popular beach in Montauk offers great surfing, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
The Catskill Mountains: While not technically on Long Island, the Catskill Mountains are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
The Hamptons: This upscale area is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as its luxurious mansions and celebrity sightings.
Cultural Immersion
Long Island is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in the local community. Some of the top cultural experiences include:
The Long Island Maritime Museum: This museum in West Sayville celebrates Long Island’s rich maritime history, with exhibits on boatbuilding, fishing, and more.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation Cultural Center and Museum: This museum in Southampton offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Shinnecock Nation.
The Nassau County Museum of Art: This museum in Roslyn Harbor features a collection of American and European art, as well as sculpture gardens and other outdoor exhibits.
Art and Music Scene
Long Island has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. Some of the top art and music destinations include:
The Heckscher Museum of Art: This museum in Huntington features a collection of American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts: This performing arts center in Greenvale hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum: This arena in Uniondale hosts concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment throughout the year.
Walking Tours
Long Island is a great destination for walking tours, with many historic neighborhoods, scenic parks, and other interesting areas to explore on foot. Some of the top walking tours include:
The Old Westbury Gardens Walking Tour: This tour of the historic estate in Old Westbury takes visitors through the gardens, mansion, and other areas of the property.
The Fire Island Lighthouse Walking Tour: This tour of the lighthouse on Fire Island takes visitors to the top of the tower for stunning views of the surrounding area.
The Walks of Long