Day Trips from Long Island. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

New York City

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has direct excursions to Penn Station or Grplus The central area Madison in Manhattan, and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. Journey duration ranges from 30 to 75 minutes, from your Li starting point.

Independent travel via LIRR is simple and quick. Day tours specifically from Long Island for New York City are less usual due to the city's immediate accessibility.

Suggested Exploration

Allocate a full day (8-12+ hours) to experience the city's attractions.
Explore iconic Manhattan sites like Times Square, Central Park, and world-class museums.
Discover Brooklyn's unique neighborhoods, including DUMBO and cultural areas.
Explore Queens for its diverse food scene plus cultures.

Natural Escapes

Long Island and the area right around it present a lot of natural sanctuaries for outdoor connection.

Montauk Point State Park & Camp Hero State Park

At Long Island's eastern tip, these parks present dramatic bluffs, the historic lighthouse, and a rugged coastline.

Activities

Excellent for hiking.
Scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit the historic Montauk Lighthouse.

Fire Island National Seashore

This protected barrier island features pristine beaches, fragile dune systems, and maritime forests.

Experiences

A secluded natural escape.
Opportunities for birdwatching.
Enjoy beach walks.

Other famous Natural Sites

Mashomack Preserve Shelter Island

Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, this preserve includes woodlands, freshwater marshes, and tidal creeks.
Extensive hiking trails and diverse wildlife.
Important: Stay on marked trails.
Warning: Do not disturb wildlife.

Sunken Forest Fire Island & Peconic Bay

Sunken Forest: an uncommon, ancient maritime forest on Fire Island, with boardwalk access.
Peconic Bay: this large estuary offers calmer waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Caution: Be aware of strong currents in certain areas of Peconic Bay.
Safety: Open fires are not permitted in Sunken Forest.

Other Nearby Natural Areas

Shelter Island: Mashomack PreserveHiking, Wildlife
Fire Island: Sunken ForestUnique Ecology
North Fork: Local FarmsAgritourism
Various State ParksOutdoor Activities

Peconic BayWater Sports
Coastal BluffsScenic Views
Maritime ForestsBirdwatching
Dune SystemsFragile Habitats

Travel Tip: Fire Island Communities

When planning a day trip to Fire Island, consider your community choice carefully. Each offers an unique atmosphere, from family-friendly to lively.

Cultural Excursions

Experience Long Island's rich past and quaint villages through cultural excursions that span its history and contemporary life.

Stony Brook Village

A historic, charming village featuring colonial architecture, unique shops, and the Long Island Museum. It offers a journey back in time.

Greenport Village

Known for its maritime history plus fishing village charm. It has a walkable downtown, numerous shops, and access to North Fork wineries.

Sag Harbor

A historic whaling village with a sophisticated arts scene, upscale boutiques, and a beautiful harbor. It blends history with modern elegance.

The Gold Coast Mansions

Explore former estates like Old Westbury Gardens or Planting Fields Arboretum. These sites offer a glimpse into Long Island's Gilded Age history and grand architecture.

Highlights

Grand architecture and opulent interiors.
Beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds.
Historical narratives of immense wealth.

Other Cultural Gems

Beyond the main highlights, lots of tinier museums and historical markers dot the landscape.

More Exploration

Local historical associations with unique collections.
Historical plaques marking important events.
Art galleries throughout the Hamptons.

Cultural Sites at a Glance

Stony Brook VillageColonial Charm

Greenport VillageMaritime History

Sag HarborWhaling & Arts

Old Westbury GardensGold Coast Estate

Planting Fields ArboretumHistoric Park

Montauk Point LighthouseIconic Landmark

Support Cultural Heritage

Visit local museums to learn about Long Island's past.
Attend cultural events and festivals.
Support local artists and craftspeople.
Consider guided historical tours.
Engage with local historical societies.

Multi-Day Extensions

Long Island's interconnectedness makes multi-day extensions simple, combining your visit with other highlights of the region.

New York City & Hudson Valley

1

Combine Visits

Pair your Long Island visit with a few days in Manhattan for its bustling energy.

2

Hudson Valley Charm

Journey north to experience the picturesque Hudson Valley, known for wineries, historic sites, and picturesque scenery.

3

Travel Details

Take the LIRR to NYC, then transfer to Metro-North Railroad for the Hudson Valley. A hired car is recommended for exploring the Hudson Valley due to its rural nature.

New England Coastal Tour

After Long Island's East End, ferry to Connecticut.
Explore the coast New England, including Mystic, Newport, and The Cape.
Travel by car from New London onward.
The Cross Sound Ferry from Orient Point to New London provides the connection.
Consider ferry routes for a scenic transition.
Plan for varied coastal experiences.

Upstate New York Contrast

For a different experience, travel north to the Catskill Mountains for outdoor recreation.
Alternatively, visit the Finger Lakes region, known for wine, lakes, plus waterfalls.
Drive from Long Island, or take the LIRR to NYC.
Connect via Amtrak or bus to upstate destinations.
Plan routes considering travel time.
Explore distinct landscapes and activities.

Things to Consider for Extensions

Transportation

Evaluate car rentals vs. Public transport for easy shifts between regions.

Accommodation

Book lodging in advance, especially during peak seasons in popular extension areas.

Time

Allocate sufficient time for each destination to fully experience its unique character.

Itinerary Coordination

When combining destinations, coordinate your transportation and lodging choices carefully for a smooth multi-day experience.

Day Trips from Long Island