There are many great things to do on Long Island, a short train ride from Manhattan but a world apart in the atmosphere, lifestyle, and restaurant offerings. Surrounded by the ocean and intersected by rivers, Long Island is home to an array of great restaurants. Some are unassuming, while others are luxurious. There is plenty of fresh seafood and fish as well as seasonal local produce and wines from local wineries.
1. Farm Country Kitchen
Farm Country Kitchen is located in a lovely renovated 1800’s colonial home on the banks of the Peconic River. This rustic but understatedly elegant restaurant serves lunch and dinner using seasonal local ingredients, fully supporting farm-to-table philosophy.
One of the best things to do in Riverhead, the restaurant offers American cuisine at its best. Their wraps, paninis, sandwiches, and salads are bursting with colors and flavors, and with the “bring your own wine” policy, the meals are surprisingly affordable. If you are exploring the neighboring wine country, pick up one of their boxed lunches and have a fabulous picnic.
513 WEST MAIN, Riverhead, NY, Phone: 631-369-6311
2. Bostwick’s Chowder House
Bostwick’s Chowder House has been Hampton’s favorite chowder house for the last 18 years. The easy going vibe and beachy décor create pleasant, relaxed atmosphere .
It is all about great food – plates are paper and forks are plastic, but nobody minds when they dig into a steaming bowl of chowder, a lobster roll, a basket of fried clams or daily catch – swordfish, halibut, mako, tuna, or whatever ends up in the net. The beer is cold and cocktails are delicious and giant, so once you come to Bostwick’s you are sure to come back. During the winter, they close for the season.
277 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, Phone: 631-324-1111
3. Mill Pond
Whether you choose to sit in the elegant indoor dining room, at the bar, or outside on the spacious terrace, Mill Pond in Centerport offers a wonderful view of Mill Pond and spectacular sunsets. This romantic spot is a great destination for delightful sushi, generous steaks, and a range of other delights.
Their weekend brunch is very popular and live music creates a lively, friendly atmosphere. Start with Three Beef Burger Sliders served with Vermont, American or Blue cheese, and then treat yourself with a superb Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna served with stir-fried vegetables in sweet soy and wasabi mayo. Their Monday fixed price three course dinner is an excellent deal. Mill Pond has an award-winning wine cellar.
437 E Main St, Centerport, NY 11721, USA, Phone: 631-261-7663
4. Long Island Restaurants: Navy Beach
If you like to feel sand between your toes while you are snacking, Navy Beach in Montauk is the place for you. The tables are placed literally on the beach, and the waiter has to go through the sand to bring your food. If you prefer to stay sand-free, you can eat in their elegant dining room with wall-to-wall windows, framed vintage bathing suits, and old faded photos of bathing beauties.
Chef Paul LaBue focuses on seafood and offers beautifully presented delights such as Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake as an appetizer or a range of sinfully good large plates such as Fire Roasted Sea Scallops cooked with Chorizo, Double Smoked Bacon, Dates, and Spiced Piquillo Tomato Sauce. There is a large selection of beers and imaginative cocktails.
16 Navy Rd, Montauk, NY 11954, Phone: 631-668-6868
5. Nantucket's
One of the best things to do in Port Jefferson, Nantucket's is a seafood restaurant in downtown serving traditional American food and fresh fish and seafood. There are two cozy, pleasant dining rooms that can be reserved for private celebrations, but the best seats in the place are outside on their large patio shaded with large umbrellas. Chef Tara Weaver offers large portions of beautifully presented dishes prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The menu is large and diverse, with something for everyone. The chef’s specialty is a unique seafood Bolognese. The full bar mixes classical and modern, fresh-prepared cocktails, wine, and craft beers. Their signature cocktail is the Lobster Bacon Bloody Mary.
9 Trader’s Cove, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, Phone: 631-509-4848
6. Toast Coffeehouse
Toast Coffeehouse is a delightful West Coast-style breakfast and lunch spot in Patchogue, originally opened in 2016 by restaurateur Terence Scarlatos. The restaurant, which opened its first location in Port Jefferson in 2002, showcases innovative breakfast and lunch dishes throughout the week at its intimate space, including a full menu of clever tea and espresso-based beverages such as peanut butter mochas and caramel apple chai. At breakfast, diners can choose from hearty scrambles, clever omelettes, sweet and savory French toast dishes, breakfast burritos, and waffles in unique flavors such as sweet potato and cranberry apple. Lunch specials include fun burgers, toasted sandwiches, and health-conscious wrap sandwiches. Diners should note that wait times for tables can range between 45 and 90 minutes, though reservation service is available through the NoWait app.
3102, 46 E Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772, Phone: 631-654-7091
7. Long Island Restaurants: Tullulah's
Tullulah’s is a newly renovated restaurant in Bay Shore that is full of surprises. It looks and feels like a charming bistro when you get inside. You will see a long, sleek bar, but once you pass it and go behind the curtain you reach a spacious dining room with minimalist décor, leather banquettes, and a magnificent photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt.
The food is another surprise – a large number of imaginative sliders and delights such as risotto with suckling pig confit, venison with black barley, and duck with red beats. The menu is seasonal and depends on what is locally available. There is a nice assortment of craft beers and old-fashioned cocktails.
12 4th Ave, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA, Phone: 631-969-9800
8. LT Burger Sag Harbor
It takes a first class chef and the ideal location in Sag Harbor to turn American quintessential comfort food – burgers and fries – into gourmet meals. LT Burger is Chef Laurent Tourondel’s version of a fast food place – it consists of a quirky, brightly colored space with a fireplace, subway tiled walls, and a large orange counter with burgers made of Angus beef, tuna, fresh fish, or veggies.
They come with toppings such as wheatgrass and peppered bacon and are followed by another all-time favorite – shakes – but with flavors like French Toast or Death by Oreo. Inviting families for a meal, LT Burger has coloring books and kids’ special.
62 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, Phone: 631-899-4646
9. DiMaggio’s Trattoria, Long Island
Port Washington’s favorite Italian trattoria since 1978, DiMaggio’s is an Old Word gathering place where friends and family share home-made meals and stories. It feels cozy whether you are sitting in the elegant dining room with the large mural of a village scenes, or in the dining room that is designed like an old fashioned courtyard.
The stone pizza oven, laid-back homey atmosphere, and traditional dishes such as pizza, chicken parmigiana or juicy veal chop add to the inviting atmosphere. In addition, the owners present a number of traditional dishes from the Bari region of Italy such as roasted rabbit or stuffed zucchini blossoms. There is a nice wine list to accompany the food, both from Old and New worlds.
706 Port Washington Blvd, Port Washington, NY 11050, Phone: 516-944-6363
10. Tweeds Restaurant & Buffalo Bar
In the same location since 1896 in the renowned J.J. Sullivan Hotel, Tweeds is one of Riverhead’s finest institutions. Completely renovated, it retains the same elegant atmosphere with the original marble and mahogany bar, wood paneling, leather banquette, and well stocked bar. The menu is extensive and very sophisticated, with buffalo or bison featuring prominently in any shape and form, from Grilled Bison Kebab and Tweeds Bison Hanger Steak to Tweeds Bison Burger.
Tweeds has a superb wine list with selections from all over the world and a world class selection of liquors. There is live music every Saturday, adding to the popularity of this fun restaurant and bar.
17 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 631-237-8120
11. Shiro of Japan
If you grabbed something on the go at Shiro’s at the Grand Central Station in NYC and liked it, you might want to experience the full menu of this traditional Japanese sushi and hibachi place. The Long Island location in Carle Place is elegant and massive. Spread across two levels, the restaurant has a range of dining options – you can sit at the sushi bar, in the sushi room, at the classic bar counter, in the garden, or in the traditional Japanese tatami room.
The menu is equally extensive, from the huge selection of sushi and sashimi to the special assortment of meats on hibachi, Kobe beef dinners, and chef’s specials. It is a fun place to bring the whole family, and their flaming dessert is a special attraction for the kids.
401 Old Country Rd, Carle Place, NY 11514, Phone: 516-997-4770
12. Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina
An iconic Montauk hotel with its own private waterfront, Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina is an upscale, luxury place to spend a weekend or vacation, or you can simply come for a meal while visiting the Hamptons. The resort’s Gulf Coast Kitchen restaurant with a wide view of the marina serves high quality dinners using local ingredients, as well as excellent wines. They offer brunch on weekends and breakfast and lunch in full season.
You can also have a bite to eat at the charming B Bar and Lounge decorated with vintage maps and travel posters. Enjoy wonderful hand-made pizzas with superb cocktails. The Lounge, a replica of the landmark Montauk 1920s lighthouse, is a small, cozy space that serves cocktails in a tavern-style. The most relaxed space to grab something to eat after the day on the beach is the Alley, where they serve excellent hearty breakfasts in the morning and snacks in the afternoon, as well as full lunch and dinner in a charming old-fashioned bait and tackle fish shack.
32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY 11954, USA, Phone: 631-668-3100
13. Five Guys, Long Island
You would think there is nothing new anyone can possible do to America’s favorite comfort food of burgers and fries, but when a fast food burger joint is being reviewed by Zagat year after year, they must be doing something right. It all started in 1986 with hand-made burgers with fresh ground beef, hand-cut fries fried in pure peanut oil, and 250,000 possible ways to fill your bun.
And it is still going on just like that. Five Guys now have 100,000 joints all over the country. You get free peanuts while waiting for your burger to be cooked and assembled – bags of peanuts are piled all over each Five Guys shop. Don’t be fooled by the name “small burger” – there is nothing small about it, ask anyone who has tried it. Don’t forget to put bacon on your patty, it is smoked and delicious. The meat is never frozen, everything is super fresh, and shakes have whipped cream added if you want it.
Deer Park Shopping Center, 1942 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729, USA, Phone: 631-243-4447
14. Vittorio's Restaurant and Wine Bar
Vittorio’s is one of Amityville’s favorite Italian restaurants, and it is famous for its aged steaks, excellent wine lists, and daily specials. The cozy, intimate dining room has soft lighting and white tablecloths. The space remains simple and unadorned, with the focus being on food. The menu is a perfect American interpretation of classic Italian dishes – you have to try the Veal Saltimbocca with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella that is cooked in sage and white wine sauce.
Portions are generous and their lobster Monday special is fantastic deal. They have 80 wine selections, many of which are offered by glass. While not strictly Italian, their weekend brunch is simply divine and has just about everything you might desire for breakfast. Try their breakfast fries with melted mozzarella and pastrami, loaded with gravy, and served with a sunny side up egg.
184 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701, USA, Phone: 631-264-3333
15. Citarella, Long Island
What started as a small seafood shop in the early 1900s began thriving in 1983 under the skilled and very busy hands of Mr. Joe "Citarella" Gurrera. Today, Citarella is New York’s epicurean heaven, a fine food market offering more than 80 kinds of fresh ocean bounty, fresh prime cuts of beef, and a range of specialty foods such as their famous rotisserie chickens, wonderful pastries, fresh pastas, pate, caviar, truffles, soups, sauces, stocks, and fresh produce from a number of Long Island farms.
The store also sells prepared food such as salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, and other items you can grab and take with you for a picnic on the beach. If you are preparing a party in your summer house on Long Island, there are three Citarella shops to help you with it. Just give them a call before heading to the Hamptons, and they will have all your supplies ready for you.
2 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, USA, Phone: 631-283-6600
16. Long Island Restaurants: Harbor Crab Co.
The Harbor Crab is fun party place on the banks of the Patchogue River famous for its fresh crabs and other seafood, cold beer, cool breezes, and live music every night. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. The restaurant has space for about 80 people on two levels. There are indoor and outdoor spaces and you can enjoy your evening in the dining room or at one of its two bars.
Don’t worry if seafood is not your thing, as they also offer chicken, beef, and pasta dishes. There is a floating dock you can use if you come on your boat, and docking is free for customers. There is something going on every night, from date nights with half price drinks to steak or lobster nights.
116 Division St, Patchogue, NY 11772, USA, Phone: 631-687-2722
17. Lessings Inc.
Founded in 1890, Lessings Inc. is the oldest American family-owned, highly diverse food service company. Among a range of other businesses and interests, Lessings has nine restaurants, but the View is their crowning glory. Located in Oakdale on the water’s edge with spectacular views of the Great South Bay, this luxurious, upscale restaurant is a fantastic place for a romantic evening or a celebration.
You can sit inside by one of the three cozy fireplaces or out on the deck, where even in the winter you can enjoy the sunset with your favorite cocktail. The menu is fairly small and uncomplicated, offering only the best of the best in seafood and meats. Once a week, Chef Muzio offers a special, a treat not to be missed. There is live music on Fridays and Saturdays and a range of other regular events.
3 Consuelo Pl, Oakdale, NY 11769, USA, Phone: 631-589-2694
18. Brasserie Persil, Long Island
Brasserie Persil in Oceanside is the place to go if you have a sudden craving for French food and atmosphere without wanting to spend a fortune. It is lovely, with brick walls, banquettes by the wall and huge bar filled to bursting with bottles of all kinds.
The food is terrific, their mussels are legendary, and just the appetizer menu will keep you happy for the whole meal with little indulgencies such as Pecan Crusted Jumbo Sea Scallops, Grilled Octopus, or Escargot Bourguignon. Persil has an extensive wine list with choices from all over the world and a nice list of house martinis. The place is popular and hopping for dinner, so expect a lively ambience.
2825 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA, Phone: 516-992-1742
19. Long Island Restaurants: Touch of Venice
Beautifully decorated, Touch of Venice is a lovely Italian restaurant perfect for a romantic dinner or lunch with the family. There is a feel of Old Europe in the tin ceilings, tiled floors, rustic woods, and lovely old posters on the walls. Cozy banquettes make for comfortable dining, and white tablecloths add a touch of class.
Chef and co-owner Brian Pennacchia offers a small but exquisite menu of Italian classics such as Veal Rollatini with Prosciutto, pecorino, mozzarella, mushrooms, and porcini in marsala wine sauce and served with rice balls. The chef uses many ingredients imported from Italy or purchased from the local North Fork farmers. The guests can see the extensive wine selection in the glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled wine room. Many wines are from local North Fork vineyards.
28350 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935, USA, Phone: 631-298-5851
20. H2O Seafood and Sushi, Long Island
H2O is an elegant dinner place in Smithtown with a spacious, comfortable dining room with a beachy vibe and lovely outdoor space that quickly gets filled up when the weather permits. The range of fresh fish and seafood from all over the world is amazing. There is a great selection of interesting freshly made sushi (they keep coming up with new combinations), an extensive raw bar, and the fish of the day, which depends on what is in season.
The menu ranges from “keep it simple” steamed or grilled fish or seafood with a choice of sauce to elaborate swordfish encrusted with hazelnut and parmesan and served with truffle couscous, sundried tomatoes, dijon mustard, and lemongrass beurre blanc. The best deal in this fairly expensive restaurant is a Wednesday three-course wine dinner – their wine selection is excellent.
215 W. Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787, Phone: 631-361-6464
The 20 Best Long Island Restaurants near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Farm Country Kitchen
- 2. Bostwick’s Chowder House
- 3. Mill Pond
- 4. Long Island Restaurants: Navy Beach
- 5. Nantucket's
- 6. Toast Coffeehouse
- 7. Long Island Restaurants: Tullulah's
- 8. LT Burger Sag Harbor
- 9. DiMaggio’s Trattoria, Long Island
- 10. Tweeds Restaurant & Buffalo Bar
- 11. Shiro of Japan
- 12. Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina
- 13. Five Guys, Long Island
- 14. Vittorio's Restaurant and Wine Bar
- 15. Citarella, Long Island
- 16. Long Island Restaurants: Harbor Crab Co.
- 17. Lessings Inc.
- 18. Brasserie Persil, Long Island
- 19. Long Island Restaurants: Touch of Venice
- 20. H2O Seafood and Sushi, Long Island
More ideas:
The Trattoria
The Trattoria is a tiny unassuming Italian restaurant that seats twenty-eight. It is located in a small shopping center that is so popular, getting a table on a weekend is like winning the lottery. Chef and owner Steve Gallagher creates magical rustic homey Italian dishes in the open kitchen using seasonal fresh ingredients.
His appetizers are divine – try Meatballs Braised in Tomato over Polenta or Salt Cod Croquettes with Puttanesca Sauce. Pastas are all fantastic – in fact, everything on the menu is extremely satisfying and delicious. The Trattoria does not serve alcohol so bring your best wine. The food deserves no less.
532 N Country Rd, St James, NY 11780, USA, Phone: 631-584-3518
Best Things to Do on Long Island
Long Island is a popular escape for residents of the Big Apple and draws many tourists each year. The North and South Shore both offer beautiful scenery, albeit with some differences. The South Shore attracts beachgoers with its beautiful powdery sand. The North Shore on the other hand has stunning rocky bluffs that meet up with sandy beaches whose calm waters attract surfers, swimmers, and paddlers. Moving inland, you will find a wealth of well-known vineyards such as the Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Paumanok, and more. Long Island’s state parks, museums, and historical sites offer additional activities that make for an enjoyable vacation for visitors of any age and lifestyle.
American Airpower Museum
The American Airpower Museum is an aviation museum at Republic Airport in East Farmingdale. The museum sits on the former sight of Republic Aviation. The museum collection includes many artifacts from aviation history as well as a large collection of aircraft. The museum is one of the world’s only aviation museums that actually flies historical planes. The museum’s collection includes WWII aircraft such as the PBY “Catalina” and a Goodyear FG-1D “Corsair.” The museum also has an interesting civilian aircraft – the Waco UPF-7. Several jets also call the museum home, such as the F-111A “Aardvark.” In addition to the exhibits and displays, the American Airpower Museum also hosts special events and airshows from time to time.
Wolffer Estate Vineyard
The Wolffer Estate Vineyard is an incredibly beautiful winery in Sagaponack. The vineyard sits on property that was formerly a potato farm, with an old farmhouse at its center. Over time, the property has grown to include 55 acres of vineyards plus an additional 120 acres that encompass horse stables, nearly 40 indoor paddocks, an indoor jumping ring, and a Grand Prix field. The year-round tasting room is the activity center of the estate. The room features glass doors and an open stone terrace where guests can sample a variety of tasty wines while taking in the beautiful surroundings. The winery also offers private tours, which include the European-style barrel room and winery.
Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum is an educational working farm that features a historic farmhouse from colonial times as well as 47 acres of land that are used for sustainable agriculture. The farm often hosts educational programs and tours. The land that the Farm Museum sits on is the longest continually farmed tract of land in the state of New York. The site includes historical buildings, livestock, farm machinery, a greenhouse, and acres of planting fields, orchards, and gardens. At the farm’s Welcome Center visitors can purchase feed for the goats. Other special events include seasonal hayrides and weekend tours of the farmhouse.
Paumanok
Paumanok Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard that produces estate-grown wines. The vineyards are open to visitors throughout the year. Attractions include the tasting room, which is open for tasting and sales every day except for a few holidays. The tasting room features a selection of wine flights and the cost can be credited towards the purchase of four or more bottles of wine. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds or schedule a guided tour for a fee. There are several options for guided tours, including some very in-depth ones. Outside food is not permitted at the vineyards, but there is a small selection of food available for purchase, which can be enjoyed either indoors or on the outdoor deck.
89 North Music Venue
89 North is a popular music venue on Long Island. It is conveniently located near Main Street in Patchogue and is just a short walk away from the LIRR stop. The one-of-a-kind venue caters to local musicians and music lovers and features a state-of-the-art sound system and lights. The venue features a comfortable and classy green room above the stage to make bands feel pampered as well as two fully stocked bars serving 12 beers on tab, including many local brews. Additionally, the bars serve local wine from Long Island vineyards on tap as well as a small selection of snacks. In addition to the impressive indoor space, 89 North also has a beautiful outdoor patio.
The Leiber Collection
The Leiber Collection is a gallery that started as the desire of Gerson and Judith Leiber to display their own works of art and document their careers. The collection is housed in a Renaissance-style building and is surrounded by a sculpture garden and six other gardens that were all designed by Gerson Leiber. Some examples of special museum exhibits include an exhibit dedicated to the handbags of American First Ladies and other celebrities that were designed by Judith Leiber. The paintings, lithographs, and etchings of Gerson Leiber appear in the museum as well. The museum is open seasonally. Please check the website for further information.
SoFo
The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, or SoFo for short, is the only natural history museum on the South Fork of Long Island. The family-friendly museum offers fun for all ages. Visitors are accompanied through the exhibits by museum educators, who aide in the full experience of scientifically accurate galleries, live and recreated habitats, colorful floor-to-ceiling murals, and much more. The museum features a marine touch tank, which gives visitors the opportunity to touch and hold sea stars, crabs, whelks, and urchins. Other local species are held in tanks and aquariums for visitors to take an up-close look. In addition to the museum exhibits, SoFo provides many educational programs, both at the museum and off-site.
Lieb Cellars
Lieb Cellars is a winery on the North Fork of Long Island that produces white, red, and sparkling wines. The winery features tasting rooms in both Cutchogue and Matituck. The Cutchogue tasting room is hidden on a rural road and sits on 85 acres of vineyards. It features a rustically styled indoor tasting bar as well as a furnished outdoor deck that overlooks the scenic farm. There is also a private library room onsite. Guests can partake in Lieb’s award-winning wines as well as a selection of local cheeses. There are four wine flights to choose from. In addition, the tasting room often hosts live music and is a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
North Fork Tasting Room
The North Fork Tasting Room offers a stunning food and beverage experience centered around wine. The tasting room offers a large selection of wines from many East End wineries and gives guests the choice to order a glass of wine or a tasting flight. In addition to wine, the tasting room features several microbrews from local craft brewers. The food menu at North Fork is more extensive than most tasting rooms. Guests can partake in lobster rolls, sandwiches, salads, pizza, cheese boards, and other light fare while enjoying their beverage of choice. The room is situated in a 100-year-old restored barn, offering a delightful experience all around.
Southampton Historical Museum
The Southampton Historical Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Southampton. The museum features historical artifacts, documents, and objects from the area’s early days. The property includes more than 10 historical structures which include a one-room school, a barn dating back to 1825, a turn of the century paint store, and quite a few others. Several of the buildings are available for tours and some of them offer demonstrations in historical craft making. The year-round museum features changing exhibits as well that are dedicated to a variety of historic topics. Additionally, Southampton Historical Museum often hosts special events and educational programming for children and adults.
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a state park in Suffolk County. The park is located near the beautiful north shore of Long Island and is one of only two state nature preserves on the island. The park features 543 acres of natural landscapes and habitats, which offer beautiful scenery and views. The property features a newly renovated museum with natural history and wildlife exhibits. There are several rare plants that grow in the preserve as well. Popular park activities include hiking, fly fishing, birdwatching cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park offers nature programs for children from ages 3 and up as well as several family and adult programs. Programs are available by reservation only.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum and Education Center is a maritime museum that explores the local history and the impact of the whaling industry. Additionally, the museum features exhibits related to the sea-faring history of Long Island and the relationship between its people and the ocean. The museum features about 6,000 artifacts and historical documents that come from several Long Island whaling towns, including Cold Spring Harbor. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a wide variety of special educational events, talks, and exhibitions that may include lectures, film showings, performances, and other special events.
Luna Park in Coney Island
Luna Park in Coney Island is a unique historical amusement park. The park has been a favorite among New Yorkers for a very long time. In fact, the ride called the Coney Island Cyclone debuted in 1927. This particular ride is the most iconic Coney Island ride and features 2,640 feet of track including 12 drops. There are many other rides as well as a beachfront boardwalk with retail shops and vendors selling popular, drool-worthy amusement park food such as cotton candy, nachos, hotdogs, and more. The park is a fun place for kids to visit and a place for adults to become kids again.
Heckscher Museum of Art
The Heckscher Museum is a small, local gallery that features a selection of changing exhibits dedicated to American art. The museum’s collection includes European and American art from the 19th to the 21st centuries with a special emphasis on American landscape painting, especially those by Long Island artists. The museum also has a quite robust collection of American and European modernist works as well as a few paintings by European masters. The museum is located in scenic Heckscher Park and is within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops. Additionally, the museum hosts programs for students and other visitors of all ages throughout the year.
Horton Point Lighthouse
Horton Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the north side of Eastern Long Island. The lighthouse was built in 1857 and sits 60 feet above the Long Island Sound on a bluff. The lighthouse is white with a black lantern and copper dome. Horton Point Lighthouse is one of seven historical lighthouses that are located in Southold Township. The lighthouse is open daily for public tours and features several displays of lighthouse artifacts as well as keeper biographies. The gift shop sells a variety of historical books, souvenirs, and other items related to the area and the Horton Point Lighthouse itself.
Long Island Museum
The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages is popularly known by the shortened name – the Long Island Museum. The museum exhibits are displayed across several buildings that sit on nine acres in historic Stony Brook. The Visitor Center and History Museum features the ticket booth, a gift corner as well as exhibits on American history and art. Other museum spaces on the grounds include the Mrs. Frank Melville Gardens and the Dorothy and Ward Melville Carriage House, which now holds the Carriage Museum, displaying more than 100 horse-drawn carriages in 10 galleries. The grounds are home to many historical buildings showing what life was like in the second half of the 19th century.
Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum is an art museum in Water Mill that is dedicated to American art. The museum’s exhibits have a special emphasize on the East End of Long Island. The museum is known as a cultural center in the area and features many permanent and traveling art exhibits in a variety of mediums. The museum has a small cafe selling snacks and beverages including alcohol with dining areas both indoors and on the outdoor terrace. The Parrish Art Museum store is located just inside the main lobby and offers a selection of creative art-inspired pieces, books, and apparel.
Planting Fields Arboretum
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a New York state park and arboretum that comprises more than 400 acres. The park includes the Coe Hall Historic House Museum, which is a 65-room Tudor revival mansion that is open for tours during the warmer months. The grounds of the arboretum are carefully manicured and are beautiful all year round. Planting Fields offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. The site features an interactive sensory garden where guests can touch, smell, listen, taste, and see their way through a variety of multi-sensory plant installations. The arboretum is a popular wedding location and can be rented for private events.
Prospect Park Zoo
The Prospect Park Zoo is a 12-acre zoological park in Brooklyn. The zoo has been in operation since 1935 with another zoo, the Menagerie, operating in the same spot beforehand. The zoo is home to approximately 630 animals from more than 100 species. The animals are presented in three different exhibitions including the World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, which is an indoor exhibit, and Animals in our Lives, which is a set of exhibits related to the relationships between humans and animals. Additionally, the zoo offers educational programming for children as well as a wildlife theater. The zoo is home to the Discovery Center, which is a building with classrooms and labs that are designed to introduce children to the science of zoology.
Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses State Park is a state park that encompasses 875 acres in the southern part of Suffolk county. The park is located on the beachfront on the most western end of Fire Island. The park is easily accessible both by car and by public transportation. The beach is swimmer friendly and has four lifeguard-staffed stands. Popular activities include swimming, boogie-boarding, surfing, and surf fishing. Each of the lifeguard stands is near a concession area, with first aid services, showers, and beach shops. Several of the areas have picnic tables and grills. The park also features a pitch and putt golf course, volleyball court, playground, and a ¾-mile nature walk.
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum is dedicated to the town’s history as a busy whaling port. The museum is home to the state’s largest collection of whaling equipment. Equipment that is on display in the museum includes guns, flensing knives, try pots, bubble spades, and more from whaling ships. Additionally, there is a collection of scrimshaw carvings, which were carved onto whale ivory. A variety of shipbuilding tools, whale vertebrae, and harpoons are also found in the museum’s exhibits. The walls feature pieces of art, such as paintings based on 19th century whale hunts and other whale-related subjects.
Sagamore Hill
Sagamore Hill is the former home of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The president lived at Sagamore Hill from 1885 until he died in 1919. During his presidential term, the home was known as his “Summer White House.” People come to the park not only for its historical significance but also for its stunning beauty. The park has more than 80 acres of forests, salt marsh, meadows, and beaches. The park is home to several small species of wildlife such as turtles, birds, frogs, and small mammals. The pet-friendly nature trails provide a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. Other popular activities include birdwatching and picnicking at the park’s public picnic area.
Smith Point County Park
Smith Point County Park is a park on the Atlantic beachfront on the east end of Fire Island. The park is the largest public park in Suffolk County and is a popular destination for beach lovers and surfers. Accommodation options include a campground that has sites with electricity and water hook-ups as well as first-come first-served beach camping. The park is home to the TWA Flight 800 International Memorial, which memorializes the TWA flight that crashed at sea in 1996, just 14 miles away from the park. The memorial includes 14 flags from the victims’ countries as well as a black granite stone memorial with the names carved on one side.
Sunken Meadow State Park
Sunken Meadow State Park is a 1,287-acre state park in Suffolk County on Long Island’s north shore. The park is a haven for people who love the outdoors and offers seemingly endless recreational opportunities. The park features one of the most popular picnic areas on Long Island. The 3 miles of beachfront offer family-friendly swimming in the calm waters of the Sound and other water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing. Visitors can hike the park’s nature trails, which join up with the Long Island Greenbelt trail. For a less strenuous walk, many visitors enjoy strolling the ¾-mile boardwalk. In the winter, the park is a popular cross-country skiing destination.
