Long Island

With it's many attractions and activities, Long Island is an ideal destination for a day trip out of New York City

Stretching into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island is home to many of New York's best getaway destinations with beautiful beaches, vineyards, championship golf courses and luxurious mansions. At 118 miles long and nearly 20 miles wide, there are thousands of activities and attractions to suite your tastes.

Bordering the Long Island Sound, the North Shore of Long Island is one of the most affluent areas in New York metropolitan area earning it the nickname "The Gold Coast". Spend your days touring the homes of President Teddy Roosevelt, Walt Whitman or the other estates open for public use, visit one of the many Revolutionary War sites or visit the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium or American Airpower Museum.

On the South Fork of Long Island, The Hamptons is the ultimate New York summer destination. A hamlet of small beach towns where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and a vibrant night life, The Hamptons is a playground for the rich and famous. Art galleries and upscale shops line Main Street, but there are many cultural treasures here as well. The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum offers insight into local history and the Parrish Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of American Art. Several world-class vineyards offer tours and tastings year round. Transportation is available from Manhattan on the Hampton Jitney bus service.

Just off Long Island's South Shore, The population of Fire Island multiplies from hundreds to thousands in the summer months despite the lack of paved roads. The majority of the island is protected national park with unspoilt beaches for walking, surfing, swimming and fishing in the shadow of the Fire Island Lighthouse.

The North Fork of Long Island is home to over 30 wineries and many farms and orchards. Take a cellar door tour sampling award winning vintages, shop the farm stands for fresh fruit and homemade pies or pick your own peaches, strawberries, apple and more. Children will enjoy the North Fork's aquarium and water park or climbing to the top of one of the lighthouses.

Cost: Free, Fees may apply for activities. Please see websites for details.

Hours: 24 hours

Website: Discover Long Island

Address: Borough of the Long Island

Nearby attractions: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Brooklyn, Queens

Capturing the Mood of Long Island

Capturing the Mood of Long Island cc licensed flickr photo shared by micromanager


Relaxing on a Sandy Long Island Beach

Relaxing on a Sandy Long Island Beach cc licensed flickr photo shared by micromanager


Fire Island Lighthouse Long Island

Fire Island Lighthouse is one of many possible destinations available on a day trip to Long Islandcc licensed flickr photo shared by jeffpearce

Getting There on Transit
TrainTrain StationsWalking Time
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)Penn Station (Manhattan), the Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn) or Jamaica Station (Queens)Various

To get to Long Island take the LIRR from Penn Station (Manhattan), the Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn) or Jamaica Station (Queens)


New York Hotels