Attractions in Long Island, New York: best tourist spots with American charm

Long Island is a favourite island of New Yorkers and is located just off the scenic coast of Manhattan. It's an area dominated by flat terrain with dramatic headlands jutting straight into the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to the famous neighbourhoods of the Big Apple, including Brooklyn and Queens. The island is home to the vibrant attractions in Long Island, NY, including cosy beaches and original historic structures, magnificent gardens and parks.

The life of the island, dotted with lighthouses, is inextricably linked to the water. There is no need to think about what to do on Long Island. Nature itself beckons locals and visitors alike to stroll along the waterfront and breathe in the spicy air saturated with the fresh scents of ocean breezes.

What to do in Long Island, NY, if you dream of conquering the ocean's rebellious waves? Sign up for a surf school and your dream will come true. There are many restaurants on the island, and their crown jewels are, of course, the local seafood.

If you love movement and are wondering what there is to do on Long Island, rent a bicycle and take a ride through the island's picturesque landscapes.

Many ethnic communities have found a warm welcome on the island. Some of the world's biggest names have been born and lived here, including Billy Joel and Rodney Dangerfield, Mariah Carey and Christopher Lambert.

Looking for things to do on Long Island for families with children and or solo travel? Favourite places to visit are the sprawling beaches with amazing ocean views and the Long Island Aquarium.

We want to compile a list of Long Island tourist spots for you so that you can easily plan your holiday. A clear plan of action always helps you manage your time, which is so important when travelling.

The Hamptons

Long Island attractions include a group of towns and villages on the eastern end of the island called the Hamptons. They are located on the coastal part of the island and can be reached by bus or car within two hours of downtown Manhattan.

The Hamptons are considered to be one of Long Island's famous places. It is a popular location for celebrities, wealthy Americans and tourists.

People come here to reset their lives and get away from their daily worries. Everything from the magnificent local scenery to the measured rhythm of rural life is in favour of this, which is so lacking in metropolises.

The Hamptons, one of the best places to visit in Long Island, invites travellers to visit galleries and outdoor parties, enjoy hiking and al fresco dining. Live in the area for a while and you're sure to meet famous people.

The Hamptons are not just summer resorts for rest and relaxation but also a location to buy comfortable homes designed for permanent living.

How to get to Long Island? You can get here from Queens: from Jamaica Station, from Manhattan by train from Penn Station and Grand Central Station, or from Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

The easternmost part of Long Island is one of the fun places in Long Island with Montauk Point Lighthouse, situated in the village of Montauk. It was built back in 1797 at the behest of American President George Washington.

Many travellers are keen to visit it, especially in the warmer months of the year. It is also called a beacon of hope. During World War II, a fire control point for military units was located here.

At a height of about 26 metres there is a viewing platform of the lighthouse, which is connected to a narrow spiral staircase. Here you can observe amazing pictures of nature, where the ocean merges with the horizon line. If you are lucky enough, you will see seals that are happy to come ashore.

How to get to Montauk Lighthouse? Very simple. It is separated from New York City by only 200 kilometres, which can be overcome within 3 hours by car, taking into account possible traffic jams.

Address: 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, New York.

Nassau County Museum of Art

Long Island top attractions are often located on the site of old estates. For example, exhibitions of famous painters are often held on the site of Henry Clay Frick's former Georgian mansion. Visitors enjoy looking at paintings by Moses Sawyer and Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Auguste Rodin.

Want to see fun things on Long Island? Take a stroll through the sculpture garden with spectacular creations by Calder and Botero. A stroll through 145 acres of bright green lawns offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of an extraordinary garden and reflect on eternal values.

The Nassau County Museum opens up the multifaceted world of top things to do in Long Island for kids. It invites you to take art classes and hands-on workshops, including flower felting and scarf painting.

Address: One Museum Dr, Roslyn, NY 11576, USA

Old Westbury Gardens

Our detailed Long Island sightseeing continues. This time, let's head to the luxurious Charles II-style Old Westbury Mansion, located in Nassau County. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion is spread over a huge 160 acres.

John Phipps, his wife Margaret and the four children of the happy family lived here for more than half a century. The structure was designed in 1906 by the famous English architect George Crawley. According to the owner's plan, the house was to remind his wife of an English estate. The mansion is furnished with luxurious furniture and exquisite art paraphernalia.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Long Island is surrounded by spacious lawns and gorgeous flower beds, cosy ponds with silken water and fountains. Adjacent park offers horseback riding and sporting competitions, balls and themed parties with colourful costumes.

After the owners died, their daughter Peggy, in consultation with her siblings, established the Old Westbury Gardens Foundation and opened the gardens to the public.

Let's continue our list of things to do on Long Island. And now let's take a trip to the north shore.

Address: 71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA.

Cross Sound Ferry

The tourist attractions on Long Island are truly amazing. The northern part of the island is washed by the waters of a strait with clear waters. If you dream of exploring this area thoroughly, take a ride on the Cross Sound Ferry.

The comfortable and spacious ferry has a cosy roof terrace. It regularly transports people and vehicles between Orient Point Island and New London Connecticut. The ferry is perfect for enjoying the nature of Long Island and its surroundings.

Book a lighthouse cruise from Orient Point if you are enticed by the scenic places to visit on Long Island.

Long Island Aquarium

What to do li ny to immerse yourself in the mysterious natural world? Visit the Long Island Aquarium, which is set up in the unusual style of Atlantis.

In addition to the main tank filled with 20,000 gallons of water, there is one of the largest corals in the Western Hemisphere. The Aquarium has a large aquatic tank for sharks and spacious tanks for marine life and the island's attractive aquatic flora.

Here you can take part in colourful Long Island activities. Thanks to the sensory features of the tanks, visitors can get up close and personal with the marine pets and experience the strong emotions of interacting with them. Children and adults are always thrilled to meet the penguins and have an opportunity to take pictures with the cute animals.

If you wish, you can prepare delicacies for the harbour seals. The Long Island Aquarium acts as a powerful visual base for teaching biology to school children from elementary to graduate school.

If you have travelled to Long Island, what to do here is your choice. An interesting option for exploring the island is an hour and a half tour on the Atlantis Explorer Boat. The boat journey takes you along the Peconic River, which is surrounded by amazing nature.

Popular fun activities on Long Island include shark cage diving, which usually takes place at the aquatic predators show. It goes by the name of "The Lost City of Atlantis".

Here you can even stay overnight next to the sharks. If you prefer, you can stay at the cose Hyatt Place Long Island/ East End Hotel, which is nearby and close to the ocean.

Address: 2549 Splish Splash Dr, Calverton, NY 11933-1808

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

One of the best places to visit on Long Island is Sagamore Hill. It's a U.S. National Historic Site and home to creative educational activities. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sagamore Hill is one of the places to see on Long Island because of the Independence Day celebration. A highlight of the event is the appearance of a man who resembles a deceased U.S. president.

Address: 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York.

Jones Beach

One of the most interesting places on Long Island is Jones Beach. It is a popular beach that is about 6.5 miles long. Jones Beach is an amazing place with white sand and refreshing waves. It is always fun and crowded. Everyone has their choice of things to do on Long Island:

• take an evening walk along the promenade with a group of friends and spectacular photo shoots;
• ride a bicycle on the pavements;
• play sports games to your liking, be it mini-golf or basketball;
• lounging on a blanket in the gentle sunshine.

What to see on Long Island? A stroll along the waterfront allows you to enjoy the island's stunning scenery. It is close to New York City, just 50 minutes away by car.

If you get hungry, you can stop by Five Ocean Grill or order a mouth-watering lunch at Tutti Frutti on W Park Ave. In the summer, there are concerts with famous artists.

The Boardwalk Café, like other welcoming Long Island places to visit, offers delicious burgers, drinks, and desserts. The best time to visit the cafe is during the morning and evening hours when you can watch amazing sunsets and sunrises. There are few people on the beach at this time, so lovers of peace and privacy will definitely appreciate this option.

The beach often hosts the best things to do on Long Island like concerts under the endless sky, rousing festivals at Northwell Health's outdoor arena, and Memorial Day air shows at Bethpage. Spectators look forward to the amazing over-water shows put on by the United States Navy Blue Angels.

Helpful information. Visitors usually pay a fee to enter one of Long Island's top tourist attractions by car until 4 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays during beach season. During autumn and spring, the park fees are slightly reduced.

Address: 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wanta, NY

Fire Island

Famous cool places on Long Island include Fire Island, which covers a huge area. This oasis of bliss consists of spacious beaches and cosy villages fringed by islands of sand dunes and unspoilt landscapes.

For exploring Fire Island with an overnight stay, a tented camp at Watt Hill or a beach house rental is ideal.

Important. It's best to book your cabin a few months in advance to secure a spot. Motorised traffic is prohibited on Fire Island and the coast is accessible by boat or ferry.

Fun places to go on Long Island can be the most unexpected, like the Sunken Forest near the ocean. It's so pleasant to walk along the pavements under the canopy of lush trees.

Oheka Castle

Mysterious places to visit in Long Island, NY, include the Oheka Castle, which is located in the town of Huntington at the highest point of the island. The structure is built in the style of French chateaus, with spacious lawns and a picturesque garden area.

The house was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and weddings were often held here. In 1919, the famous financier Otto Hermann Kahn lived here and organised fun parties for his guests.

The castle is considered one of the coolest spots on Long Island. It takes its name from the first letters of the former owners. The surrounding area of the estate is beautifully landscaped with sports fields, including comfortable areas for playing tennis. Golf can also be played on the 18-hole golf course. There is a well-maintained garden and a large greenhouse complex in front of the house.

A large private residence in America, considered one of the beautiful places on Long Island, had several owners. Its last owner completely restored it to a well-maintained and well-designed structure. Today it is a luxury hotel, which is part of the Historic Hotels of America.

In addition to luxurious rooms, there are spacious lounges and a conference centre for business meetings. Through guided tours of the estate, guests can soak up the noble atmosphere of one of the most interesting places in Long Island, NY.

Sands Point Preserve

Long Island points of interest are scenic and diverse. Sands Point Preserve is one of the most prominent. This beautiful park covers 216 acres and is home to three ancient castle-like structures.

You can take long walks along the cosy footpaths of the reserve and be inspired by the charm of the local landscape. If you have a four-legged pet, you can bring it too. After the promenade, you can refresh yourself in the turquoise waves of the ocean, fuelled by the healing energy of the water element.

There is a Falaise Castle within the conservation area, which is rightly regarded as one of the nicest places to visit on Long Island. It was built by Harry S. Huttenheim. It houses impressive Renaissance paintings and antiques from as far back as the 16th century.

The doors of Hempstead House are open to guests who want to stay overnight. Weddings and celebrations are often held here.

It is often visited by guides who lead fascinating walks with stories about this unique location. Yoga classes are organised for sports enthusiasts.

Sands Point hosts a glamorous Halloween ball with colourful costumes and a mysterious atmosphere. There are convenient picnic areas in the conservation area. A holiday in nature surrounded by lush green plants is a colourful and unforgettable experience.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

We suggest you head to the former estate of William C. Vanderbilt, which sprawls over 40 acres, for fun activities to do on Long Island. Eagle's Nest Manor, which was built using Spanish Revival elements, is especially beautiful.

The mansion later became a museum and planetarium and is listed as one of the famous places on Long Island. There are many specimens of wildlife that were carefully collected by Vanderbilt during his long-distance expeditions. The planetarium has a boathouse, a seaplane hangar, and a curator's cottage surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Don't think long about where to go on Long Island, just visit the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. You'll be captivated by the rich variety of original exhibits. The planetarium also features full-dome films and laser shows, as well as music shows and live music concerts.

Address: 180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721, USA

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve highlights the beauty of local landscapes of Long Island. If you're dreaming of being at one with nature, visit Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. This beautiful holiday destination is nestled on a curved peninsula that juts into the strait.

Here are some fun things to do on Long Island, NY. Explore the scenic Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Cross-country skiing is available in winter.

The site of the park was originally the Marshall Field III estate, which was erected in the 1920s. It stretched over 1,700 acres of land and harmoniously combined a hunting preserve, a posh mansion, and a country club. The estate was equipped with its own water and electricity supply.

According to locals and visitors alike, the park reserve is one of the best places to see in Long Island, New York. Everything here invites relaxation and harmony, including spacious meadows and lush green forests with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Cars are not ofen used here, so the noise of cars does not interfere with the enjoyment of nature.

Address: 25 Lloyd Harbour Road, Lloyd Harbour, New York

Freeport Nautical Mile

Island's life is closely intertwined with the sea. Freeport is among the coolest places in Long Island that are soaked in the sea air. The town's name speaks for itself as it sits along the Marine Mile.

Its history dates back to the 17th century as a cosy fishing village. These days it is a pretty suburb and a quiet neighbourhood for New Yorkers.

Travellers make their own programmes of interesting things to do in Freeport. Its main street runs along the picturesque Woodcleft Canal. You can see a lot of boats that drift along the water in spring and summer.

There is a lot of romance in travelling along the water to catch the sunset on the South Bank. If you wish, you can buy tickets for a suitable cruise on a calm river with beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Planning places to go to on Long Island in Freeport is easy. Here you can practice golf at the original Crow's Nest miniature golf course. It is always nice and healthy to take a walk in the coastal park.

Don't forget to check out the Sea Breeze Marina. And when you fancy a bite to eat, visit the local restaurants for seafood dishes that are sure to be royal.

Duck Walk Vineyards

One of the cool places to go on Long Island is Duck Walk Vineyards. They cover a huge area of the island of about 140 acres. Travellers come here all the time to experience the mysterious aura energised by the juicy grapes.

Couples and groups of friends come here for fantastic photoshoots and fun activities. The Vineyards is a favourite venue for weddings and events. The venue can be booked by phone on the official website of Duck Walk Vineyards. If you wish, you can order wine with delivery for the celebration or just for the mood.

Visitors are invited to sample unique wines from a renowned brand. Duck Walk Vineyards exquisite beverages have won numerous awards for a reason. Here you can taste the exquisite Vidal wine, which is made from grapes that have been slightly frosted on the vine.

If you want something unusual, try blueberry port wine, which was made using wild berries. The secret to the great taste of Duck Walk Vineyards wines is that the producer puts his heart and soul into his work, is not afraid of experimentation, and constantly introduces creative solutions in the production of drinks.

The best places to see in Long Island have a special magic that constantly attracts visitors. Visit the vineyards once and you'll want to come back again.

Useful information:

• Duck Walk North and Duck Walk Southampton are open daily from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
• Live music on weekends.
• A wine tasting will cost you $16 per person.
• If you plan to visit the vineyards with a group of 6 or more people, it is worth mentioning this in advance.

An important perk of the vineyards is its close proximity to the Hamptons resort areas. Experience the delicate flavours of cabernet, chardonnay, and merlot and you'll know bliss for sure.

Walt Whitman House

The best places in Long Island to visit are always colourful and appealing. The Walt Whitman House is one of them. It is an impressive 19th-century building built in the Greek style.

The museum was built by Benjamin Huntington the Second in the mid-1800s. He was the owner of several whaling ships. These days, it is home to the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum, a must-see on Long Island.

Many people from all over the world have always flocked to the island with the intention of working on ships. It's always a lucrative field full of discovery and adventure.

Today, the Whaling and History Museum houses unique exhibits ranging from ancient whale jaws and artwork to valuable documentation and ship components. Every year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions with curious new exhibits. If you haven't decided where to go in Long Island, visit the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum.

John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport

The top 10 things to do on Long Island always include visiting theatres. The John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport holds a place of honour. It was named in honour of the famous philanthropist and businessman. The theatre is open all year round and is constantly adding to the group of actors from the Broadway talent pool.

A must-see in Long Island, the venue is known for its realistic sound and beautiful lighting. It was built in 2007. It has stadium-style seating for visitors. It can accommodate up to 400 people at a time. You can relax and lounge in a soft armchair with pleasant music in the cosy lounge called the Green Room.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

The best places to go in Long Island are locations with a powerful energy. This includes the Arboretum State Historic Park.

It is located in Oyster Bay and occupies a huge area, about 409 acres. Tourists enjoy strolling through the hilly lawns, winding woodland paths, and magnificent gardens. Travellers are always impressed by the greenhouses with a variety of plants.

The pride of the State Park are old historic buildings. These include Coe Hall, a Tudor manor house. The 65-room house was architecturally designed by Walker and Gillette.

The interior of the mansion emphasises the nobility of the American style. A lot of metal products were used, which were made by Samuel Yellin. The walls of the estate are decorated with original murals by famous pen masters Robert Chanler and Everett Shinn.

If you're making a list of activities in Long Island, don't forget to add the Planting Fields Arboretum to it, especially since it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Roosevelt Field

A nice place to visit in Long Island is Roosevelt Field, the island's chic indoor shopping experience. More than 200 speciality shops are seamlessly integrated here, offering brand-name clothing and jewellery, luxury lingerie, and children's products.

When you're hungry, local fast-food restaurants serve excellent food to satisfy the most demanding tastes. True Food Kitchen, Le Pain Quotidien, and Havana Central offer both vegetarian dishes and succulent meats that make you drool. AMC Roosevelt Field is the place to watch a cool film, and the Residence Inn invites you to stay overnight.

White Post Farms

Truly cool things to do on Long Island are offered by White Post Farms. It has a beautiful animal farm and zoo with giraffes and aviaries to feed the birds if you wish. There are gorgeous corellas, lorikeets, and wavy parrots.

Kids and adults love horse riding. There is a great play area with fun activities for children. White Post Farms is not only the best places to see in Long Island but also a chic location for a cute farm-style celebration.

Kids enjoy riding the ponies and feeding the animals. They particularly enjoy feeding the goats and sheep from small bottles. Book your child's birthday party and their emotions will be overflowing.

LongHouse Reserve

Unusual places in Long Island include LongHouse Reserve, a beautiful 16-acre garden with sunny lawns and neat borders. It features gorgeous plant species and creative sculptures designed by renowned designer Jack Lenor Larsen.

The garden was founded in 1991, and more than 70 sculptural compositions are presented here. According to the master's ideas, the natural world perfectly combines with human creations. The designer dreamed of creating a space where nature harmoniously combines with architectural compositions, and he succeeded.

Address: 133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937-3808; Opening hours: 12:30 - 17:00.

We have compiled an up-to-date list of Iong Island's tourist attractions for you. All you have to do is to choose the one that is closest to you in spirit and mood. We would like to wish you bright emotions from fun activities and exploring cool places of the mysterious island!