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Things to Do in Long Island

Things to Do in Long Island

Long Island New York, USA Travel Guide

Thrilling Activities

Engage with the island's natural environment through diverse outdoor pursuits.

Land Adventures

Hiking & Trekking

Long Island Greenbelt Trail: Stretches over 30 miles across central Long Island, offering varied terrain. Nissequogue River State Park (Kings Park): Scenic trails along the Nissequogue River. Camp Hero State Park (Montauk): Rugged trails along dramatic cliffs with expansive ocean views.

Cycling Routes

Dedicated Trails: Paved routes like the Bethpage Bikeway and the North Fork Trail. Scenic Road Cycling: Popular on the North Fork, with flat terrain through vineyards, and on Shelter Island. Mountain biking options exist in state parks like Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest.

Difficulty Levels

Trails generally range from easy to moderate, suitable for most fitness levels. Maps and trail markers help with finding your way.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Surfing: Popular spots include Ditch Plains (Montauk), Long Beach, Gilgo Beach, and Robert Moses State Park. Surf lessons and rentals are available.
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Popular in calm bays and rivers, like the Great South Bay, Peconic Bay, and Nissequogue River. Rentals are available in many coastal towns.
  • Boating/Sailing: Marinas across the island boat rentals and charters. Sailing is popular in the bays and Long Island Sound.
  • Fishing: Opportunities for saltwater fishing (surfcasting from beaches, deep sea charters) and some freshwater fishing in the lakes and ponds. Popular species include striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and fluke.

Swimming & Beach Safety

  • Have fun swimming at numerous ocean and bay beaches.
  • Always swim where lifeguards are present.
  • Pay attention to warning flags for conditions.
  • Lifeguards typically patrol from late May to early September.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Whale Watching Tours: From Montauk (Viking Fleet) and Freeport (Captree State Park) during peak season (May-September).
  • Seal Watching: Seasonal tours (winter/early spring) from Montauk or Freeport observe seals basking on sandbars.
  • Birdwatching: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Quogue Wildlife Refuge, and many state green spaces are excellent locations.
  • Unique Coastal Adventure: A whale watching a journey from Montauk. Book in advance during summer.

Adventure Sports

  • Parasailing: Offered at some marinas, like in Port Jefferson, aerial views.
  • Jet Skiing: Rentals available in various coastal locations for a thrilling ride.
  • Skydiving: Long Island Skydiving Center in Shirley offers tandem skydiving experiences.
  • Adrenaline Rush: Try a skydiving session for a trip you'll never forget view of the island.

Safety Notice for Outdoor Activities

Always check weather conditions and local regulations before engaging in outdoor activities. Lifeguards typically patrol beaches from late May to early September. Be aware of rip currents.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Long Island's artistic and historical traditions through various cultural experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Art Classes: Available at local art centers, like the Huntington Arts Council or Southampton Arts Center. Learn different forms of art.
  • Artisan Workshops: Some farms or local artisans offer pottery, jewelry making, or other crafts.
  • Language Learning: Local language schools offer English classes if you seek to improve language skills.

Cultural Performances & Events

Live Music

Venues like The Paramount (Huntington), Tilles Hub for the Performing Arts, and the historic My Father's Place (Roslyn) host a range of musical acts.

Theater

Community theaters and professional companies, like Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor and John Drew Theater at Guild Hall in East Hampton, present plays and musicals.

Traditional Ceremonies & Festivals

The Shinnecock Indian Nation hosts an annual Labor Day Powwow in Southampton, open to the public for a rich cultural experience. Other events Greenport Maritime Festival, Long Island Fair, Art & Music Festivals, Wine Festivals.

Relaxation & Wellness

Long Island has chances for rest and renewal, from luxurious spas to peaceful scenic environments.

Spa & Wellness Centers

Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa: Famous ocean-fed seawater pool, extensive spa menu. The Baker House 1650 (East Hampton): Private spa with Roman-style hot tub. Many hotels provide on-site spa services.

Natural Therapies

Retreats FOR Yoga And meditation: Yoga studios are widespread. Some specialized retreats or workshops may occur seasonally. Check local wellness listings. Long Island does not have natural hot springs. Traditional healing practices are not a prominent feature.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Discover lively entertainment options and nightlife across Long Island.

Live Music & Performance

  • The Paramount (Huntington): Hosts major acts and concerts.
  • My Father's Place (Roslyn): Historic club, smaller venue, legendary past, for diverse talent.
  • Stephen Talkhouse (Amagansett): Iconic small venue in Hamptons, known for surprising appearances by big-name artists.
  • Local Venues: Numerous local bars and restaurants feature live bands, especially on weekends.

Nightclubs & Bar Districts

Nightclubs & Dancing

Huntington/Patchogue offer a range of bars and lounges with dancing opportunities.

Hamptons Exclusive Scene

Features exclusive, often private parties or members-only clubs during peak season. Access requires connections or reservations.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Huntington Village and Patchogue Village areas for pub crawls. Greenport has quaint bars, some having live bands.

Late-Night & Cultural Events

Late-Night Eateries

Casual diners often remain open late for post-entertainment meals in Montauk, Huntington, and Patchogue.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Bay Street Theater, John Drew Theater, and Tilles Center regularly host plays and shows.

Seasonal Festivals

Long Island Fair, Greenport Maritime Festival, and various Art & Music Festivals during the warmer months.

Shopping & Markets

Long Island diverse shopping experiences, from bustling farm markets to high-end boutiques.

Traditional Markets

  • Farm Stands: Abundant on the North Fork and in agricultural areas, selling fresh seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers, and area specialties.
  • Local Produce markets: Numerous towns host weekly fresh markets during warmer months, like in Riverhead, Southampton, and Port Jefferson. Excellent places to find local products.
  • Stew Leonard's: A unique grocery store known for its fresh produce, dairy, and animatronics, with locations in Farmingdale and East Meadow. An entertaining shopping experience.
  • Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Greenport homes several artisan shops. North Fork wineries often have gift shops featuring local crafts. Sag Harbor galleries and boutiques sell original art and handcrafted items.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

The Hamptons

East Hampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton feature high-end designer boutiques (Chanel, Gucci, Ralph Lauren), art galleries, plus premium home goods stores.

Americana Manhasset

An upscale open-air shopping center demonstrating luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Cartier.

Walt Whitman Shops

An enclosed mall (Huntington) with a mix of high-end and popular retailers.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Local wines from the North Fork.
  • Long Island-themed apparel or home decor items.
  • Handcrafted items from local artisans.
  • Local produce and gourmet food items like jams, honey, or particular baked goods.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support local businesses and farm stands to ensure money directly benefits the community.
  • Look for "Made on Long Island" products.
  • Choose items with minimal packaging.
  • Pack reusable bags for shopping.

Shipping & Customs

  • Many stores arrange shipping for larger items.
  • Be aware of international shipping costs and potential customs duties in your home country.
  • Familiarize yourself with your home country's customs regulations regarding alcohol (wine), food products, and any other items you purchase.
  • Keep receipts for customs declarations.

Booking Activities & Experiences

Online Booking Platforms
  • For tours, attractions, and events, platforms like GetYourGuide are suitable.
  • Advance booking is often advisable, especially for peak season activities and popular tours.
  • Confirm cancellation policies before finalizing your bookings.
Direct Bookings & Local Operators
  • Many local businesses (wineries, surf schools, boat charters) have direct booking options on their websites.
  • Hotel concierges often have local connections and can assist with booking activities.

Plan Ahead for Popular Spots

Popular attractions and activities, especially during summer weekends, can have limited availability. Preparing ahead of time is recommended to reserve your preferred options.

Activity Planning Summary

Experiences

  • Beach relaxation and water sports across the island.
  • North Fork wine region tours and tastings.
  • Iconic lighthouse visits (Montauk, Fire Island).
  • Exploring historic gardens and arboretums.

Considerations

  • Seasonal differences for activities and crowds.
  • Personal transport often needed for exploration.
  • Budgeting for high-season pricing on the The Eastern district.
  • Readiness for weather conditions for outdoor adventures.