What To Do On Long Island NY

What to do on Long Island? Whether you are native or you are traveling to Long Island, NY for the first time you want to be as prepared as possible.

If you are traveling to Long Island for the first time, you want to know all the best places to see. You want to have a list of all the places people (especially locals) go to. As a Long Island native, I am giving you the best restaurants, sites, and places to visit.

After reading this post, you will be excited and know what to do on Long Island.

This post is all about what to do on Long Island, NY.

1. Visit NYC

First up is visiting NYC. Long Island is close enough to NYC and you should take advantage if you are staying a while. Long Islanders commute and visit the city so the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is the best way to get to NYC. No traffic taking the train! There are some routes that take you straight into Penn Station/Grand Central Station with minimal to no transfers. The Long Island Railroad is easy to navigate and the schedule/tickets could be bought via the MTA app. The best thing about NYC is you could visit it all year round. There is always something to do since it truly is the city that never sleeps.

If you are visiting NYC during the holidays, check out this related post: 11 of the best things to do in NYC in December

2. Visit Hamptons

Yes, the infamous Hamptons as some may know is right here on Long Island on the eastern side. While the Hamptons is more exciting during the summer, there are still some things to check out during other seasons. The summers tend to get crowded but also have amazing restaurants on the water. Some restaurant recommendations in Montauk are below. 🙂 You will get amazing seafood during the summer months. In addition, they have horse shows and other fun activities that open up in the summer months.

If you are traveling during an off summer month, the Hamptons is a gorgeous place to see. It will be more quiet and some local restaurants are still open year round. Be sure to check with the restaurant prior as a lot of restaurants are seasonal.

Restaurant recommendations:

LUNCH Lobster Roll: Perfect Lobster rolls if you are a lobster roll lover. The hot lobster roll is a favorite of many and cooked to perfection. In addition, the portions are generous. There are a couple locations; however, the Southampton one is right on Montauk Hwy which is the main highway that leads to the Hamptons.
Cowfish restaurant: This restaurant has amazing views and is located in Hampton Bays. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner options. This is a great place to visit all year round as the views from the inside are right on the water. The happy hour menu is also something you do not want to miss whether you go for the food or the drinks.
Rumba restaurant: Rumba in Hampton Bays is a boat ride away in the summer from Cowfish. This restaurant offers Caribbean food and the best Rum punch of your life. All the food is delicious and also has gorgeous views. Also, this is a restaurant that is open all year round.

3. Visit Montauk

While Montauk is considered part of the Hamptons, it has a lot to offer and below are a list of activities to try out.

Lighthouse: The Montauk lighthouse is at the tip of the south shore of Long Island. This is a great spot to take pictures and explore the beach. There is a beach that is also great for taking pictures and seeing Long Island from a high point.
Camp Hero State Park: This park is beautiful and offers a lot! You could go hiking, biking, horseback riding, and see the beach. There is also a high point where you could see breathtaking views/take pictures.
Shagwong Tavern: The restaurant is located right on the water. You will see anything from seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The food is delicious and they have some awesome drinks.
Hooked Restaurant: This seafood restaurant has delicious lobster rolls and cheesy yummy mac and cheese. The restaurant has a laidback atmosphere with outdoor seating.

4. Visit Vineyards

Fourth on the list is visiting Vineyards. Long Island is full of Vineyards. A lot of Vineyards are on the eastern side of Long Island. The Vineyards are great for those social media posts due to how gorgeous they are. Vineyards on the island are so beautiful, they have become a sought after wedding venue for many. If you are one that loves wine, some Vineyard recommendations are below.

Sparkling Pointe in Southold: This Vineyard has sparkling wine only. If you go in the colder months, there are many places to sit inside. They also have charcuterie boards you could order with your wine. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend checking this place out if you want an upscale experience and love sparkling wine.
Palmer Vineyards in Riverhead: If you are looking for amazing wine with gorgeous views, this is your place. There are also some places to sit inside if it is chilly when you make your visit. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable!
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard In Calverton: If you are going with a large party or want somewhere with live music/food this is your place. Depending on when you go there could be some live music and a food truck. In addition, I went in the winter once and they had an outdoor space with a fireplace and heaters inside. It was cozy and set the mood. This Vineyard tends to get crowded so make reservations ahead of time.
Macari Vineyards in Mattituck: This Vineyard is gorgeous inside and out. There are places to relax and sip wine inside and outside. They have some fun events throughout the year so check out their website and make a reservation.

5. Visit Greenport

Greenport is a cute town located on the North fork eastern end of Long Island. The best time to visit Greenport is in the summer. There are some restaurants right on the water that have amazing seafood and other food options as well. In addition, there are some shops in the town that are small business owned. You will get one of a kind items in these shops.

6. Visit The Big Duck

On social media you might have heard of the Big Duck in Flanders. Yes, it is a giant duck that has been on Long Island since the early 1900’s. If you are looking for more things to do out east, this is not far out of your way. This is an icon on Long Island and to Long Islanders is known as “far out east.” The duck is something you should pass by or stop in if you are headed to eastern Long Island. There is nothing to do at the duck but it is a known landmark on the island. If you love history, be sure to check it out!

7. Visit Rockville Centre

Rockville Centre is a town on Long Island that has many bars and restaurants. If you are looking for some great food or somewhere to grab some drinks, this is somewhere to go. Many locals go to this area and it gets popular on Friday and Saturday nights. You are able to park and walk around. In addition, if you want to take the train here, there is a stop right in this town by their main street area.

8. Visit Bay Shore

Bay Shore is another town similar to the one mentioned above. There are many amazing restaurants there and also a mall if you are looking to shop.

Restaurant recommendations:

Takumi Sushi and Hibachi: If you decide to go to the Bay Shore mall, or are in the mood for some Japanese, check this place out. It tends to get crowded so make a reservation beforehand. All of the food is amazing and fresh tasting at this restaurant.

JBBQ-Korean BBQ: This is a fun place to go if you love Korean BBQ places or have never been. They have all you could eat and you cook your own food with the Hot Pot or the BBQ.

Butera’s: Amazing Italian food. They have several locations depending on where you are staying. Highly, highly recommend this place. You will not be disappointed if you are a Italian food and pasta lover.

9. Long Island Ducks Game

Long Island Ducks is the professional baseball team of Long Island. If you are going during baseball season, check them out! This is something fun to do with the whole family or even solo. You will not be disappointed because games are always fun for everyone.

10. Visit Roosevelt Field Mall

Tenth is the Roosevelt Field Mall. This mall is huge and has everything from high end stores to more casual. You could walk around for days in this store. If you are looking to have an amazing shopping experience on Long Island, check them out.

11. Visit Tanger Outlets

Tanger Outlets is located in Riverhead and is an outlet store that has almost every store you could think of. This is similar to what was mentioned above regarding high end stores and more casual. Keep in mind not all the stores are discounted. Be sure to bring something warm if you go during colder months as the stores are not connected inside.

12. Visit Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

This is located in the town of Oyster Bay. You will see lots of history and greenery walking through this park. In addition, this is a great place to take engagement, wedding, or family photos. Keep in mind you need to contact the park ahead of time for these special occasions. Stroll through with a nice nature walk and walk through history. Be sure to look out for any special events they have throughout the year.

13. Visit Beaches

Long Island has many beaches to choose from, it is an island. 😉 Everywhere you turn there are beaches, but which one do you choose? Honestly, you cannot go wrong with the beaches on Long Island but here are some recommendations.

Jones Beach
Westhampton Beach
Smith Point Beach
Cedar Beach
Corey Beach

14. Visit Splish Splash

Splish Splash is Long Island’s water park located in Riverhead. This is a full day event if you go but you will not regret it! Splish Splash is a place that locals and even out of state people travel to. It is fun for adults and kids. There are places to eat inside in case you do not want to leave.

15. Visit Long Island Aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium is located in Riverhead. This aquarium is a must-see while visiting Long Island especially for animal lovers. You could buy the tickets online on their website, here.

16. Visit Fire Island

If you are visiting Long Island in the summer, Fire Island is a lot of fun. There are several ferries to get to Fire Island depending on which part you want to go to. Cherry Grove and Davis Park are the most sought after ones for locals. Keep in mind Fire Island is small and you should do research on what you are looking for. Both parts have the beach and some amazing bars and restaurants. Ocean beach, Fire Island lighthouse, and Cherry’s on the Bay (food/bar) are some well known places.

17. Visit Shelter Island

Many people do not know or do not take the time to visit Shelter Island. Shelter Island is an easy ferry ride away when you are visiting Long Island. There are bars, restaurants, and beaches all along the coast. Be sure to check this out in the summertime.

Long Island is the perfect place to visit all year round. If you were asking the question, what to do on Long Island, this guide could something you save for later.

This post was all about what to do on Long Island.

Happy and safe travels! xx

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