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- There Are More Attractions To Visit In Long Island, New York!
Long Island, New York, is a long stretch of land next to New York City that most travelers have seen in passing. Home to long white beaches, sand dunes, and abundant luxury, many will travel here every year. Besides offering plenty of natural scenery to take in, Long Island also hosts many attractions to keep the whole group busy during a vacation. Luckily, Long Island is also home to some of the most beautiful places, giving travelers the experience of a lifetime.
For people wanting to get away from NYC's hustle and bustle: Long Island is the perfect escape!
Things To Do
Visiting Long Island can be an escape into luxury or, more simply, an escape into its incredible nature. To help travelers navigate their visit to Long Island, here is a guide to the best places to visit and what to do while travelers are there.
UPDATE: 2023/05/16 13:11 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are More Attractions To Visit In Long Island, New York!
This article has been updated with five all-new spots for tourists in Long Island and new photos and tips for a perfect vacation. Although posh by design, Long Island is far more accessible to people than they realize. Don't be afraid to enjoy the history, culture, and excellence of this New York treasure!
1 Old Westbury Gardens
One of the first things to see while in Long Island, New York, is Old Westbury Gardens. Here, travelers can experience a historic mansion, formal gardens, and hosting programs and events. This garden has an elegant feel to it, allowing tourists to take in the finer things Long Island has to offer.
Some history behind the garden: it belonged to business person John Shaffer Phipps, an heir to the Phipps family fortune, and has since been turned into a museum and outdoor event space.
2 Vanderbilt Museum And Planetarium
The next thing to do while in Long Island is to visit the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. The museum is located in Centerport on the North Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County and offers plenty to see for guests. Like the Old Westbury Gardens, this museum also features a mansion: which seems to be a common trend in the area.
Furthermore, the museum's Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium opened its doors to the public in 1971 and offers "cutting-edge programming in the most technologically advanced theater of its kind on Long Island."
3 Belmont Park
Something else to do in Long Island is stop by Belmont Park. This park is a major thoroughbred horse racing facility in the northeastern United States and opened in 1905. Today, it is run by the non-profit New York Racing Association and remains a must-see attraction for visitors.
4 Jones Beach State Park
Another thing to experience while in Long Island, New York, is Jones Beach State Park. Here, tourists can enjoy one of New York's state parks, as well as the sandy beaches surrounding the area.
Because Long Island features many spots for catching a tan or even swimming: people can't go wrong grabbing a towel and sunscreen and enjoying the New York weather.
5 Planting Fields Arboretum
For those who want to explore an arboretum and state park covering over 400 acres, checking out Planting Fields Arboretum is a great way to spend the afternoon. Located in the quaint town of Oyster Bay, this arboretum hosts many photo-worthy spots, including a mansion and outdoor event and garden space.
Notably, the Coe Hall Historic House Museum is a top-rated portion of this property, which could be worth stopping at while in the area.
6 Montauk Point Lighthouse
The oldest lighthouse in New York State can be found on the tip of Long Island.
Montauk Point Lighthouse is situated on the perfect spot of land with great views of the surrounding coast, as that lighthouse must be viewable from far off.
This spot is also home to a museum, gift shop, and even tours.
Montauk Point Lighthouse offers some of the area's best views. Visiting the town of Montauk might also be fun, as it is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, hotels, and natural scenery.
7 NYCB Theatre at Westbury
NYCB Theatre at Westbury was first envisioned in 1954 when radio broadcaster Frank Ford and nightclub owner Lee Guber debated how to improve a musical performance they’d just seen in a tent.
With a bit of a push from their wives, they joined forces with Shelly Gross and raised $100,000 to lease the Devon, Pennsylvania site, and the rest is history. Today, travelers can still visit to experience incredible shows.
8 Main Beach
Travelers looking for “the beach” on Long Island to visit are probably thinking of Main Beach.
Found in East Hampton, also known as Hollywood East, the beach enjoys a great deal of support from its local community and has excellent lifeguards and other staff, keeping beach-goers safe while maintaining the beach.
9 Long Beach
This stunning beach is home to white sand and great surf. Travelers may need to purchase a pass to access this beach, but it is an incredibly pleasant way to spend a day.
Travelers will also be able to walk along the beach's boardwalk, a popular place for walkers and cyclists, to grab some snacks or something to drink.
10 Long Island Aquarium
Travelers looking for a fantast aquarium experience should check out the Long Island Aquarium.
The aquarium is home to one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, as well as a 120,000-gallon shark tank, sea lion shows, African Penguins, Marmosets, a range of touch tanks, and more than 100 exhibits overall.
There are also the lavish indoor gardens of our Butterflies, Bugs, and Birds Exhibit to explore. Travelers will have a great seeing every attraction in this aquarium.
11 Best Time To See Long Island
Travelers looking to visit Long Island usually make the trip between June and October. Long Island follows the usual summer pattern for the northeastern United States, with the peak occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends.
The warm weather helps with the enjoyment of the region, but there is some flexibility. There are several weeks of good weather before Memorial Day and after Labor Day that travelers can take advantage of. The crowds and the costs will be greatly reduced too.
Some are even known to prefer to visit Long Island during the winter, particularly around the holidays.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Long Island
Travelers will find that having a car is strongly recommended for Long Island. However, it isn’t the only option available. Travelers not looking to go too far will find traveling by foot and bicycle or by bus as reasonable too.
By Car
It is generally recommended to get around Long Island by car. It is a 118-mile stretch of land with many pockets that are simply more convenient to reach by car.
It is recommended, but not a necessity, for travelers to rent a car during their visit to Long Island.
- Many small towns on Long Island are worth a visit, but may require a car for easy access.
By Foot or Bicycle
Long Island is home to Charming towns like Greenport, Port Jefferson, and Montauk, which are perfectly walkable and ridable. However, if travelers are looking to move between towns, then the distances become longer the accessibility becomes less.
By Public Transit
Travelers looking to head out along Long Island by train will be able to take the LIRR directly to towns like Montauk and Greenport. For travelers looking to bus around, it is recommended that they check out the Jitney busses that can take them around Long Island.
Traveling by train and city busses is a great way to cut down on transportation costs while in Long Island. Rideshare and taxis can become expensive over time, so try to utilize public transportation as well.
By Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Travelers will be able to take advantage of Uber and Lyft rides while on Long Island, as well as their traditional taxi services. The prices for rides are significantly lower than those in and around New York City, so travelers shouldn’t feel trepidation about the cost.
13 Where To Eat On Long Island
Being the popular upscale travel destination that it is, travelers will find Long Island to be loaded with dining options. So, to help travelers out, here is a look at three dining destinations they must check out.
Harvest on Fort Pond
Found in the Montauk neighborhood just past the Hamptons, Harvest on Fort Pond is a top-rated restaurant that travelers should be sure to check out.
The Executive Chef, Jake Williams, prepared home-style Italian cuisine that takes advantage of the area's incredible seafood. It is also a great destination for cocktails.
- Address - 11 S Emery St, Montauk, NY 11954
- Contact - (631) 668-5574
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - Skirt Steak
Jerry & The Mermaid
Found near Atlantis Long Island Aquarium, Jerry & The Mermaid provides delicious seafood to its patrons year-round and seven days a week. Travelers can stop by in their car or via boat, taking advantage of Jerry's complimentary docking slips.
- Address - 469 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901-2556
- Contact - (631) 727-8489
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - The Jim Bissett Steam Dozen
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
Rumba Island Bar & Grill may spice up Long Island’s waterfront in the evening hours. However, it is also a great destination for brunch too! They are popular for their handcrafted rum libations, happy staffers, reggae, and relaxed vibe.
- Address - 43 Canoe Place Rd, Hampton Bays, Southampton, NY 11946-1702
- Contact - (631)594-3544
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - Tres Leches French Toast
14 Where To Stay On Long Island
Long Island is home to an array of accommodation options ranging from the incredibly lavish to the more budget-friendly. To help travelers navigate their accommodation selection, here is a look at three of the most highly recommended hotels.
Hyatt Place Long Island/East End
Hyatt Place Long Island/East End is a great choice for travelers looking for an incredible value. Located on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Riverhead, this hotel is close to major attractions like the Long Island Aquarium, making it a great home base during a trip to Long Island.
All of this, along with the hotel's wonderful accommodations, make it a highly-rated choice.
- Accommodation: Hyatt Place Long Island/East End
- Address - 451 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901-2556
- Amenities - Free parking, free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi), pool, fitness center with gym/workout room, free breakfast, bicycle rental, highchairs available, shuttle bus service
- Cost - $
Viana Hotel and Spa, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Viana Hotel and Spa, found in Westbury, is not only highly rated, but it is also a certified green hotel dedicated to maintaining a sustainable living environment for its guests. This hotel is still very much a luxury hotel with a peaceful and calm atmosphere that pairs well with a visit to its spa.
- Accommodation: The Viana Hotel and Spa
- Address - 3998 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY 11590-1739
- Amenities - Free parking, free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), pool, fitness center with gym/workout room, bar/lounge, game room, billiards
- Cost - $
Marram
The Marram, a truly unique waterfront experience, can be found near the coastline of Montauk.
This luxury hotel invites travelers to relax along their sandy shore and to dine at their restaurant. This luxury boutique is one of the most ideal locations to stay while visiting Long Island.
- Accommodation: Marram
- Address - 21 Ocean View Ter, Montauk, NY 11954-5356
- Amenities - Free parking, free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi), pool with a view, yoga classes, restaurant, beach, bicycles available, meeting rooms
- Cost - $$
15 Popular Neighborhoods On Long Island
Travelers may think of Long Island as a singular entity; however, it is divided into distinct neighborhoods. Here is look a look at them and what they offer travelers.
Nassau County
Nassau County is a dynamic and lively place to visit. It is just minutes from New York too. Travelers can look forward to enjoying the county's natural beauty, prolific history, and many of its exciting attractions. Less than 20 miles from Town Square, Nassau Country is quite easy to get to.
Suffolk County
Suffolk County is famous for its white sand beaches, world-class shopping, championship golf courses, Gatsby-era Gold Coast Mansions, and the aesthetically pleasing Montauk region.
The Hamptons and Fire Island are also part of this incredible country. Travelers should be prepared to devour some incredible seafood during their time here.
The Hamptons
Perhaps the most well-known destination along Long Island, the Hamptons, has been featured in Hollywood movies, reality TV shows, and so much more. A visit here is the ultimate chance to unwind and enjoy the white sand beaches of the Hamptons.
16 Tips For Visiting Long Island
Travelers visiting Long Island may not want to break the bank during their trip, and they won’t have to. Here is a look at three tips for budget-minded travelers to Long Island.
Aim for Weekday Arrivals
Arrive when the hotels are at their cheapest. This can be during the week, Monday to Thursday.
It can also be just before and just after peak travel season. This would be before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
Eat Out Less
Prep meals, especially lunches, for the week. Prepping meals isn’t only cost-effective, it's convenient. If travelers are spending time out in nature, they won’t need to reroute to the closers place to grab food once they get hungry. Instead, they can spend a bit longer in Long Islands' aesthetic natural beauty.
Visit for Birthdays
Plan a trip to Long Island during someone on the Traveler’s group’s birthday.
Many restaurants in Long Island offer discounts and even free dinners or other extras on a person’s birthday.
17 How To Spend The Perfect Day On Long Island
The perfect day on Long Island starts with a quick breakfast and an early morning arrival at Main Beach. Walking the beach in the morning before the crowds start to build up is an incredible experience.
Once the beach starts to get crowded and it gets closer to lunchtime, travelers should head over to Rumba to enjoy lunch or brunch by the water. After that, travelers should make the trip to Montauk Point Lighthouse.
If the weather is poor, the aquarium is a good choice too. For the evening, travelers should visit Harvest on Fort Pond for a wonderful way of wrapping up the evening.
FAQ
Q: What is Long Island popular for?
Long Island is known for great views, good food, and getting out into nature. There are plenty of beaches, and many spots in New York even feel like the Caribbean in summer.
Travelers can also hop on the train to visit many Long Island towns with unique offerings, explore local history, and more when on a Long Island-based vacation.
Q: Where is the nicest place in Long Island?
Perhaps the most well-known destination along Long Island, the Hamptons have been featured in Hollywood movies, reality TV shows, and so much more. But Long Island is also known for its North Folk Island wineries, so those are worth a visit.
Q: What is there to do in Long Island at night?
There's a ton to do in Long Island at all times, and travelers can even plan an affordable vacation in the Hamptons, where nighttime entertainment is the status quo.
Many breweries, bars, and wineries offer evening entertainment for all.