Long Island

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Long Island - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Boardwalk

    The boardwalk is the social and sentimental heart of Long Beach, so when the beloved historic structure was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, hearts broke. Today a brand new fortified boardwalk stands in its place, a symbol of the city's resilience, and throughout the summer weekend vendors and entertainers attract crowds. Walkers and cyclists hit the planks year-round, and food trucks and a trapeze school are welcome additions to its lively scene.

    Between New York Ave. and Neptune Blvd., Long Beach, New York, 11561, USA
    516-431–3890

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 2. Jones Beach State Park

    Eleven miles east of Long Beach, this 6½-mile-long expanse of white sand is one of the best-known and most popular of Long Island's beaches. The 2,500-acre park is loaded with facilities and activites to keep locals and visitors busy day and night. A 1½-mile-long boardwalk has deck games (fee), mini-golf, a pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, and two surf-casting areas (by permit), and hosts special summer events like live music at the bandshell. Lifeguards are on duty from late May to mid-September. The park can be reached from the Wantagh and Meadowbrook parkways (head south). Be prepared for crowds on weekends. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

    1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, New York, 11793, USA
    516-785–1600

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Parking $10 late May–early Sept., weekdays 8–4, weekends and holidays 7–6; $8 early Apr.–mid-May and Sept. 13–Nov. 16, weekends and holidays 8–4
  • 3. Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center

    With touch tanks, a submarine simulator, sea lion kisses, swimming with the sharks, and a shark keeper program, this aquarium offers a truly interactive and hands-on experience for its visitors. Based on the theme of the Lost City of Atlantis, indoor and outdoor exhibits, such as a natural rockscape pool and salt marsh, offer a compelling glimpse of regional marine life. Educational programs and events for kids include "sleeping with the fish" overnight stays; for the adults, there are wine cruises. A "Behind the Scenes" tour is offered twice daily and provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the aquarium.

    431 E. Main St., Riverhead, New York, 11901, USA
    631-208–9200

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $29.50, Daily 10–5
  • 4. Old Bethpage Village Restoration

    Re-creating a pre–Civil War farming community, this living-history museum sits on 200 pastoral acres with soft hills and lovely meadows. The 45 historic buildings were moved to this spot from other parts of Long Island and include two general stores, nine homes, a schoolhouse, a tavern, a church, and a working farm with animals. The guides, dressed in period costume, love sharing their knowledge of local history. Special events and seasonal celebrations are held throughout the year.

    1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage, New York, 11804, USA
    516-572–8401

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon. and Tues., Mar.–Dec., Wed.–Sun. 10–4
  • 5. Children's Museum of the East End

    Here, as their motto says, learning begins with play. This is a perfect place to let kids run off some steam on a rainy day, or just to take a break from the beach. There's a fire engine replica, painting room, library, climbing ship, and a separate play area for toddlers. A mini-golf course is open in season, weather permitting. There are plenty of educational and fun classes and events on the calendar too, including the Summer Family Concert Series in August.

    376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke., Bridgehampton, New York, 11932, USA
    631-537–8250

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $12, Closed Tues., Wed.–Mon. 9–5 (also Tues. during school breaks.) Sometimes closed for special events, so call ahead
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Cradle of Aviation Museum

    The museum, housed in two 1932 hangars, is a tribute to Long Island's reputation as the "cradle of aviation." Displays here include a 1929 Brunner Winkle Bird, a biplane; a 1938 Grumman G-21 Goose, originally intended for civilian use; a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and a Grumman F6F Hellcat, both World War II fighter planes; a supersonic F-14 Tomcat, a strike fighter in service today; and one of only three existing original Apollo lunar modules, as well as dozens of other planes. Special exhibits have focused on space-theme toys and the Wright brothers. The museum encompasses the Leroy R. & Rose W. Grumman IMAX Dome Theater and a restaurant, the Red Planet Café.

    1 Davis Ave., Garden City, New York, 11530, USA
    516-572–4111

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Museum $9, IMAX $8.50, Tue.–Sun. 9:30–5
  • 7. Fort Corchaug/Downs Farm Preserve

    You may walk along peaceful woodland trails lined with native flora and fauna at this National Historic Landmark and important archaeological site. The fort dates to at least the early 1600s and is largely intact. At the visitor center a volunteer can explain exhibits about the Native American Corchaug tribe, who built the fort, and the early colonial settlers. Family and children's events are held here regularly.

    Main Rd., Cutchogue, New York, 11935, USA
    631-734–5630

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free, Daily dawn–dusk
  • 8. Long Island Children's Museum

    Housed in an old airplane hangar, this is a learning laboratory with hands-on exhibits. Children ages 2 to 12 can explore a multi-sensory garden, climb into big bubbles, build Roman arches, play musical instruments, or pretend they're TV-news anchors.

    11 Davis Ave., Garden City, New York, 11530, USA
    516-224–5800

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon., Sept.–June, Tues.–Sun. 10–5; July and Aug., daily 10–5
  • 9. Long Island Maritime Museum

    A 19th-century oystering vessel and a small collection of local craft are on display at this museum 1½ miles west of Sayville village. Changing exhibits focus on boating and maritime history. Boatbuilding can be observed most days, and guided tours are available by appointment. The big draw here is the calendar of annual events, including a pirate festival, kite festival, seafood festival, and boat burning. Summer camps and educational programs are available for kids. The museum also offers seasonal sailings on its 19th-century, 60-foot fishing sloop Priscilla, departing from the Snapper Inn on Shore Drive in Oakdale.

    86 West Ave., West Sayville, New York, 11796, USA
    631-854–4974-museum

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $4 suggested donation; Priscilla boat trip $30, Mon.–Sat. 10–4, Sun. noon–4
  • 10. Miss Amelia's Cottage and Roy Lester Carriage Museum

    Built in 1725 and full of beautifully preserved colonial antiques, the museum contains artifacts and exhibits illustrating Amagansett life from the colonial period through the 20th century. On summer weekends pony rides are given on the museum lawn, and twice during the season there are huge antiques sales full of local treasures. In a barn to the rear of the property is the Roy Lester Carriage Museum, which displays locally made horse-drawn carriages.

    Main St., Amagansett, New York, 11930, USA
    631-267–3020

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Museum $2; pony rides $10, Late May–early Sept., Fri.–Sun. 10–2; pony rides 10–4
  • 11. Mitchell Park Carousel

    You can still play "catch the brass ring" at this 1920s carousel, housed in a round, gleaming glass structure, the highlight of Greenport's renovated waterfront.

    Front St., Greenport, New York, 11944, USA
    631-477–0248

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $2, June–Labor Day, weekends and holidays 10–9; Labor Day–June, weekends (call for hrs)
  • 12. Railroad Museum of Long Island (Greenport)

    Housed in an 1892 freight station, the museum exhibits a Reading Railroad track car, a 1907 snowplow, and a 1925 Long Island Rail Road caboose. Admission includes a guided tour and admission and tour of the Riverhead site, where most of the train cars reside and much of the restoration work takes place. If you want to make a day of it, for an extra fee, ride the nearby LIRR for a tour of both sites.

    440 4th St., Greenport, New York, 11944, USA
    631-477–0439-Greenport

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $10, Memorial Day–Columbus Day, weekends 11–4. Hours may vary. Open for special events off-season
  • 13. Railroad Museum of Long Island (Riverhead)

    More than a home for old railroad cars, this museum, with another location in Greenport, outlines the history and development of Long Island railroads. Created in 1990, the museum and its curators preserve and restore cars and artifacts that contributed to the island's communities and industries. A World's Fair miniture train ride operates spring through autumn, weather permitting. Admission includes a guided tour of both sites. If you want to make a day of it, for an extra fee ride the nearby LIRR for transportation between the sites.

    416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, New York, 11901, USA
    631-727–7920-Riverhead

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $10, Memorial Day–Columbus Day, weekends 10–4. Hours may vary. Open for special events off-season.
  • 14. Riverhead Raceway

    One of the oldest stock-car racing tracks in the country and the only NASCAR track in the New York Metropolitan area, Riverhead Raceway also hosts monster truck rallies, school bus demolition derbies, and hosts special events including amusement rides and fireworks. Bring ear plugs if you don't like loud noises.

    1797 Old Country Rd., Riverhead, New York, 11901, USA
    631-842–7223

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $25–$30, May–Sept., gates open at 3 for Sat. events, and noon for Sun. events
  • 15. Splish Splash

    At this 96-acre water park you can ride an inner tube down the 1,300-foot-long Lazy River, passing waterfalls, geysers, and wave pools, or go for something more exhilarating (or scary). Attractions include Monsoon Lagoon, Mammoth River Ride, Kiddie Cove, and the new Bootleggers Run and Battle of Mutiny Bay water roller coasters. The park has three pools, a beach area, four restaurants, and the Parrots of the Carribean show.

    2549 Splish Splash Dr., Riverhead, New York, 11933, USA
    631-727–3600

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $48.99, Memorial Day–early June, weekends 10–5; early June–Labor Day weekend, daily from 10 (closing time varies, between 5 and 7)
  • 16. Village Blacksmith Shop

    You can see a blacksmith at work using traditional, antique tools at this historic shop behind the old schoolhouse in the center of town, and the artisan on site is enthusiastic about answering questions about his craft and the history of blacksmithing in Greenport. Housed in an old East Marion onion shack, the building is a replica of the original, destroyed by a nor'easter in 1992. You can purchase small, handmade items made here including wall hooks, and the proceeds help fund the site, which is part of the East End Seaport Museum.

    Front St. and Mitchell Park, Greenport, New York, 11944, USA
    631-477–2100

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $2 donation suggested, June–Sept., weekends 11–5

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