Plan Your Trip to Long Island (2024)

Long Island is a 118-mile long stretch of land jutting out from New York State and into the Atlantic Ocean, containing the state’s easternmost point. Just 47 miles from Manhattan, Long Island is a popular destination for New York City residents, either for a day trip, weekend getaway, or more extended stay—especially in the summer. It’s known for its wide, sandy beaches, surfing, wine country, and of course, the Hamptons, which draws everyone from celebrities to the wealthy to the merely curious. Long Island also has several historic sites and many estates and homes that previously belonged to some of America’s scions like the Vanderbilts and Roosevelts. Long Island also has an established art scene, excellent seafood, and miles of hiking trails.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Summer is high season, especially if you’re visiting the beaches, but spring and fall provide lesser crowds and milder temperatures.

Language: English

Currency: U.S. dollar

Getting Around: Although the easiest way to navigate Long Island is by car, if you’re headed to the East End, the intense amount of traffic there in summers can make driving undesirable. You can get between cities via the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), and within a city taxi, Uber or Lyft, and biking is also a good option within the Hamptons and North Fork. In Nassau County, the bus system is called NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express), and in Suffolk County, it’s called Suffolk Count Transit, or SCT. If you’re going to Shelter Island or Fire Island (which is car-free), you’ll need to take a short ferry ride. You can also use the Shelter Island Ferry to get between the North and South Forks.

Travel Tip: Long Island is more than just the Hamptons. The North Fork and Western portion are both worthy of visits and often host smaller crowds, even in summer. Shelter Island is a hidden gem between the two forks that’s a more casual alternative to the Hamptons as well. And for history buffs, Long Island can’t be beat.

Things to Do

While relaxing on the beach or surfing may be highlights of the area, there’s so much more to do in Long Island if you’re not a beach bum. Long Island is home to some incredible former estates and homes that are now open to the public, as well as other historic sites. It is also dotted with dozens of historic lighthouses, some of which have museums and allow you to climb them. Families will love the various amusement parks, aquariums, and children’s museums, while art lovers are sure to be impressed by the multiple museums with heralded collections. And of course, the wine country here is a must-see for oenophiles (and anyone who appreciates a nice glass of wine), with dozens of beautiful vineyards to visit. Finally, food lovers are far from forgotten, with seafood being a standout thanks to the ocean access. Don’t miss these activities:

  • Surfing: Head to Montauk and its famous Ditch Plains to see some of the world’s best surfers—and join in.
  • Wine Tasting: Make your way to the North Fork for some of New York State’s best pours at wineries like Lenz Winery, Macari Vineyard, and Pindar Vineyard. The South Fork has three wineries worth a visit: Channing Daughters, Wölffer Estate, and Duck Walk Vineyard.
  • Ogle Mansions: From gawking at massive homes in the Hamptons to entering some of the country’s most significant historic estates on the Gold Coast, Long Island is perfect for those who appreciate elegant homes. Head to Sagamore Hill, Teddy Roosevelt’s summer home, go inside the Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum, and Planetarium, and check out Old Westbury Gardens, the former home of the Phipps family. And don’t forget Oheka Castle, the second-largest residence ever built in the United States.

What to Eat and Drink

Long Island is known for its seafood, and you’ll find plenty of great ways that the local catch—from lobster to oysters to sea bass—is served. Lobster rolls are plentiful out here, and everyone will have an opinion on the best. Given its proximity to New York City, the bagels and pizza on Long Island are also very good. Classic diners are also a thing, and while the food might be average it’s worth a stop just for the experience. The amount of farmland on Long Island means that the local produce is bountiful, especially in summer and fall so look for restaurants that take advantage of it. Pies that use local fruits can be legendary, and some delicious doughnuts can also be found.

The wine on Long Island is excellent, with dozens of local vineyards around the region, especially on the North Fork. There are also plenty of local breweries and more than a few distilleries making everything from vermouth to gin to whiskey.

Explore our articles on the 10 Best Seafood Restaurants on Long Island You Must Try, Long Island’s Best Wineries, and The 10 Best Restaurants in Montauk.

Where to Stay

From high-end luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts and inns to beachfront resorts, Long Island has a wide array of accommodations to fit every style and budget, whether you’re alone, with friends, your significant other, or the entire family. The big brands are here, but mostly on the western end of Long Island—not in the Hamptons or North Fork. To save the most money, pitch your tent at more than a dozen campsites, from beachfront to wooded parks. Home rentals are plentiful, although many can be hard to book for less than a week in high season. They range from tiny cottages to full-blown villas, with everything in between.

Explore the best accommodation options for Long Island with our guides to The 9 Best Montauk Hotels of 2020, The 10 Best Hamptons Hotels of 2020, and The 6 Best Budget Hamptons Hotels of 2020.

Getting There

Most visitors to Long Island start their trip in New York City. The easiest way to get to Long Island from NYC is on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). If you’re going to the Hamptons from Manhattan, you can also take the Hamptons Jitney, a bus service, or a Blade helicopter if you can splurge.

Long Island does have a small airport (Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma) with some domestic flights. Otherwise, you’ll probably fly into one of NYC’s two airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport and La Guardia International Airport, which are both about 45 miles away from Long Island. Newark Liberty International Airport is the farthest away from Long Island but is still an option.

You can also take a ferry to Long Island from New London, Connecticut (to Orient Point) and Bridgeport, Connecticut (to Port Jefferson). During the summer, Montauk Ferry runs between Montauk and Block Island, Rhode Island, and between Montauk and New London.

Money Saving Tips

  • Bring a bike with you if you can, instead of renting a car or taking lots of taxis. Bikes are allowed on the LIRR with a special $5 lifetime pass.
  • There are tons of public beaches that are free, and parking is free before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
  • TheNassau County Museumof Art is free on weekdays. The African American Museum and Center of Education and Applied Art in Hempstead are also all free.
  • There are tons of hiking trails throughout Long Island that are free to access.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun by exploring the best free things to do in Long Island.

Plan Your Trip to Long Island (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth going to Long Island? ›

The beauty of Long Island is that it's a year-round destination, each season bringing its own unique charm. Spring and summer unveil sun-soaked beaches and lively outdoor events. Fall paints the landscapes with warm hues, making them ideal for scenic drives and winery visits.

What is the best way to get around Long Island? ›

Here are the best ways to get here and get around:
  1. Subway. LIC is just a single subway stop from Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn! ...
  2. NYC Ferry. NYC Ferry stops at Hunters Point South and Gantry Plaza State Park connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Roosevelt Island and Astoria. ...
  3. Long Island Rail Road. ...
  4. Citibike. ...
  5. Bus. ...
  6. Airport.

Do people vacation on Long Island? ›

Visit for small-town charm and miles of stunningly scenic ocean beaches. Long Island boasts nationally acclaimed white-sand beaches, world-class wineries, and fabulous shopping for every taste and budget.

Is Long Island more affordable than NYC? ›

Q: Is Long Island a cheap place to live? A: Living costs will depend on where you live and your particular lifestyle, but Long Island isn't cheap by any means. It's a bit higher than the national average; however, the cost of living in Long Island is substantially lower than in NYC!

Is Long Island really expensive? ›

Meaning, renting on Long Island is more expensive than 99 percent of other fair market areas and 97 percent more expensive than the rest of New York State. For example, Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom unit in 2022 in Nassau and Suffolk was at $2,065.

What is a livable salary in Long Island? ›

Living Wage Calculation for Nassau County, New York
1 ADULT2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING)
0 Children3 Children
Living Wage$27.85$47.13
Poverty Wage$7.24$8.79
Minimum Wage$16.00$16.00

Do you need a car to visit Long Island? ›

A city-goer can take the bus, Long Island Railroad (LIRR), or car to visit Long Island.

What is the most affordable area of Long Island NY? ›

  • Islip – Affordable Long Island Town with Beautiful South Shore Beaches.
  • Lindenhurst – Cheap Homes in Long Island on the Water & Near Marinas.
  • Ronkonkoma – Family-Friendly & Affordable Long Island Suburb in Central Long Island.
  • West Babylon – Newer Affordable Housing in Long Island Near Attractions.
Dec 5, 2022

Why is Long Island so famous? ›

Often the backdrop for Hollywood productions and called Hollywood East, Long Island is the inspiration behind F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and AMC's Turn: George Washington's Spies and the location of Royal Pains and The Affair and reality series Fire Island, Summer House and Kardashians Take The Hamptons.

Is Long Island mostly Republican? ›

Long Island, as a major region of New York State, has a significant impact on state and national politics. On the local level, the Republican Party is slightly more popular on Long Island.

Why is Long Island so unaffordable? ›

There are other factors contributing to the high cost of living here, including steep property taxes, fueled by high-cost public schools, multiple layers of local governments, and high salaries for public servants, experts said. Housing costs are at the forefront of affordability on Long Island, experts said.

Is Long Island New York middle class? ›

Fewer than one in five Long Island households are in the middle class,” according to the study. The lowest of five groups with households up to half of median income or $46,164 grew by 3.4 percent since 1990 from 21 percent to 24.4 percent in 2014.

Is Long Island NY a wealthy area? ›

As of 2022, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties collectively had a gross domestic product of approximately $500 billion. Median household income on the island significantly exceeds $100,000, and the median home price is approximately $600,000, with Nassau County approximating $700,000.

Is too good to go on Long Island? ›

Too Good to Go launched in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2016. It reached the New York City metro area in 2020 and the Long Island market last spring. Today, it's available in 17 countries around the world and in 12 U.S. cities.

What is special about Long Island? ›

Long Island beaches are world-renowned for their fine white sand, spectacular waves, miles of boardwalks, and trails.

Why is Long Island City so popular? ›

In the early 21st century, Long Island City became known for its rapid and ongoing residential growth and gentrification, its waterfront parks, and its thriving arts community. The area has a high concentration of art galleries, art institutions, and studio space.

Is Long Island a nice part of New York? ›

One of the nicest areas to reside in New York is Long Island City, which is in Queens County. Long Island City residents enjoy a dense metropolitan vibe, and the majority rent their homes. There are numerous pubs, eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Long Island City.

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