Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Long Island, New York. #Top Attractions

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Travel plans to Long Island, New York being made? For the best travel experience in Long Island, New York, check out our curated list of things to do in Long Island, New York, and the best places to visit in Long Island, New York, below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that brings the best travel ideas to travelers.

Coe Hall and the Planting Fields

Coe Hall and the Planting Fields, Long Island, New York
Coe Hall and the Planting Fields is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

Plant and gardening enthusiasts should prioritize a trip to Coe Hall and the Planting Fields.

The 409-acre wide landscape used to be a home for a millionaire couple named William Robertson and Mai Rogers Coe.

The beauty of this Tudor Revival mansion, built in 1920, has been perfectly preserved to its original form.

It is located on the northern side of Oyster Bay.

If you’re looking for a place to explore an old art and furniture collection, you might want to visit the place. 

Not to mention the chandeliers that prominent artists constructed in the past.

Furthermore, the planting fields were registered as National Historic Landmarks in the United States.

A variety of flowers, greenhouses and wide meadows are a perfect spot to take Instagram-worthy photos.

During Arbor Day, scavenger hunting and tree climbing are some activities that will keep the kids entertained.

Appreciate the live music played in the garden, and add Coe Hall and the Planting Fields to your list.

Address: 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, United States

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Cradle of Aviation Museum, Long Island, New York
Cradle of Aviation Museum, Long Island, New York / Michael Gray / Flickr

A compelling space adventure will give you an out-of-this-world experience. 

The 150,000-square-foot Cradle of Aviation Museum is a place full of interactive exhibits.

Back in the 1800s, Long Island had a great history of takeoff and landing points for flights.

You can fulfill one of your childhood dreams of being an astronaut.

Upon entering the museum, you will encounter rockets, spacesuits, planes, space junk, and other astronomical objects.

It is popular among gamers due to its high-tech exhibits of retro video games, in line with its planetarium.

Not to mention their IMAX Dome, which has a big-screen theater where the stars and galaxy are shown.

A tribute called “Space: A Journey to Our Future” is played to pay respect to Apollo’s 60th-anniversary mission.

Moreover, the first flight equipment and the Apollo rocketship are the main features of the museum.

If you’d like to know more about space, they have a telescope exhibit perfect for all ages.

Address: Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530, United States

Fire Island

Fire Island, Long Island, New York
Fire Island, Long Island, New York / David Shankbone / Flickr

By dropping by the spot, you can discover why Fire Island is a popular destination for the LGBTQ community.

If you want to escape from New York’s busy city, add Fire Island to your list!

Back in 1976, Fire Island became one of the strangest destinations in New York.

Explore new things and make new friends by taking a trip to the island that will help you step out of your comfort zone.

It has become a tradition for drag queens to visit the place every year and invade the Pines.

They commemorate the day on July 4, 1976, when a man was saved by a group of drags after being rejected for a job at Pine Restaurant.

In addition to everything, you can see miles of fine sand beaches on top of a lighthouse.

The Fire Island Lighthouse, with over 182 steps, was hailed as the tallest lighthouse in town.

If you’re planning to visit Fire Island, you can either take the William Floyd Parkway route or the Robert Moses Causeway.

Address: Burma Rd, Fire Island, NY 11702, United States

Making plans to travel abroad? New York is surely a must-visit! Explore our extensive travel tips for Lake George and Rochester! Superb things to do in Lake George, New York and fun things to do in Rochester, New York are also a must-experience!

Hamptons

Hamptons, Long Island, New York
Hamptons, Long Island, New York / Doug Kerr / Flickr

If the beach is calling you, the crystal clear water, white sand, and cozy homes will surely delight you.

The Hamptons are located in the eastern part of the city. Both locals and tourists love to go there because it’s a place where you can live in style.

Even though New York is an expensive city, you don’t have to spend a fortune in the Hamptons to have a good time.

Museums, retail stores, parks, and restaurants are just a few of the many attractions found throughout the Hamptons.

Make the most of your time in New York’s Hamptons, where you can explore some of the best beaches in the world.

In case you’re wondering where to go to deep dive into Long Island’s history, art galleries and museums are open to the public.

You might run over some of your favorite celebrities when you’re visiting Hamptons.

Also, the best vineyards on Long Island offer visitors a wide range of wines to choose from.

Plan your trip to Long Island, for you won’t regret it.

Address: Long Island, NY, United States

Huntington Village Farmer’s Market

Huntington Village Farmers Market, Long Island, New York
Huntington Village Farmer’s Market is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

Stop by the Huntington Village Farmer’s Market to pick up some fresh food on your next shopping trip.

Merchants line up in every corner of the Farmer’s Market in order to provide fresh-from-harvest goods.

If you’d like to extend your support to the village farmers from Huntington, make sure to drop by the place.

Aside from high-quality, healthy, and fresh produce, you’ll also love the atmosphere and how they keep the area clean.

They are committed to providing visitors with a memorable shopping experience.

You can find almost anything there. From cheese, flowers, locally-made items, meats, oils, fish, and clothes.

The place was also featured in several vlogs, which is why it became popular.

Craving a fresh apple pie? You can get the best apple pie in New York!

Live music, relaxing cafes, and restaurants are some of the places where you can spend your time.

If you’re planning to visit the market, wear your most comfortable clothes for a hassle-free trip.

Address: NY-25A, Huntington, NY 11743, United States

New York offers a lot to its visitors! Choose your travel destination here on our travel guides for Brooklyn, Buffalo, and New York City. Check out the best things to do in Brooklyn, New York, things to do in Buffalo, New York, and the best things to do in New York City, New York.

Jones Beach State Park

Jones Beach State Park, Long Island, New York
Jones Beach State Park, Long Island, New York / Jim Griffin / Flickr

A tropical getaway on Long Island is perfect for those with wanderlust.

Hailed as the most magnificent beach in the city, Jonas Beach State Park’s calm waves and fine sand are some of the reasons why it is popular.

It was built in the 1920s and stretched over 6 miles, full of exciting activities.

They have everything you’ll ever need in a state park.

For starters, they have an amusement park, a shopping center, a music theater, and souvenir shops.

If you’re looking for a thrilling water adventure, kayak and paddleboard rentals will keep you entertained.

Visitors can also dig deep into whale bones, explore an old wrecked ship, or spot some of Long Island’s butterflies with their Discovery Bone tour.

On top of everything, their beautiful nature trail is a perfect way to stroll along the park.

Bring your picnic lunch with you and indulge yourself with the stunning Atlantic ocean views.

Address: 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793, United States

Long Beach Boardwalk

Long Beach Boardwalk, Long Island, New York
Long Beach Boardwalk is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

The Long Beach Boardwalk is one of the best things to do in New York.

After a long day of exciting Long Island activities, a relaxing stroll along the Long Beach Boardwalk is exactly what you need. 

You don’t have to break the bank just to do something on Long Island.

A self-guided tour along the boardwalk is free and open to the public.

Anyone is welcome to do anything on the Long Beach Boardwalk, like hop on a shopping center, have picnics, or grab a local drink at their cafe.

In addition, a smoothie store and frozen treats such as ice cream and yogurt will satisfy your cravings.

Have fun on Long Island and enjoy the outdoor concerts.

Get ready to soak in the water by swimming or renting a paddle board;

This view is what makes the place a popular spot to take great pictures.

Check out the boardwalk’s website for more information regarding their opening hours and prices and do random activities in the area.

Address: Long Beach, NY 11561, United States

Long Island Aquarium

Long Island Aquarium, Long Island New York
Long Island Aquarium is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

The Long Island Aquarium is one of the top attractions in New York.

Planning for a family trip? No need to worry, for the Long Island Aquarium has interactive facilities that will keep your whole family amused.

The aquarium is popular for having the largest coral reef display, amounting to a 20,000-gallon tank.

All sorts of water activities await you in the Long Island Aquarium.

First and foremost, stroll through the museum to find the most interesting activities for you.

You can either book a boat tour, watch movies, ride a virtual submarine, take pictures with marine animals, or just look through the large tanks.

SeaWorld Orlando will allow you to take photos with African Penguins and watch as the sea lions perform tricks.

A total of 100 tanks can be found in the aquarium, and among them is the shark tank, with over 120,000 gallons of salt water.

Try out snorkeling adventures and swim together with different tropical fish.

In addition to water adventures, they have a bird aviary where visitors can feed the birds.

They have the brightest and most dangerous butterflies, the majority of which are from the northern part of America.

Make your trip a memorable one by visiting the Long Island Aquarium.

Address: 431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901, United States

Long Island Game Farm

Long Island Game Farm, Long Island, New York
Long Island Game Farm is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

Pack your bags and get a chance to meet animals from Long Island that you have never seen before!

You won’t run out of family-friendly activities at Long Island Game Farm.

With more than 200 species of animals, visitors can hang out with animals in “encounter zones” and feed them.

The farm is child-friendly and has a spot to keep them entertained while learning about wildlife.

It is an hour’s drive from the city, and you don’t have to worry about being jammed in the traffic.

If your children are more into thrilling activities, they can ride a pony and pose for photos.

Over and above that, visitors may take care of young goats, baby giraffes, and even lemurs!

The tour guide will teach you the perfect way of feeding the babies and also the place’s history.

They accept walk-ins, but if you like a private tour and want to meet up with tortoises, camels, and wallabies, book a tour to Long Island Game Farm.

Address: 489 Chapman Blvd, Manorville, NY 11949, United States

Macari Vineyards

Macari Vineyards, Long Island, New York
Macari Vineyards, Long Island, New York / Joe Shlabotnik / Flickr

Panoramic views and great wines are what to expect at Macari Vineyards.

In the 1930s, the Macari family started producing wine in their wine cellar.

The planting, harvesting, and winemaking processes have been passed down for three generations already.

Later on, they decided to upgrade their winery and bought a potato farm that had 500 acres of land in 1960.

It took them more than 30 years to be the leading provider of organic grapes that are used to produce high-quality wine. 

They practice sustainable agriculture with the help of their compost pit in order to improve the soil.

The family’s commitment to producing the best quality grapes paved the way for their challenges.

A tour of their wine tasting room will share the history and journey of Macari Vineyards as you get drunk with their wine!

While waiting for the wine you ordered to be finished, you may choose a complimentary snack such as bread and cheese and stay on their balcony.

Address: 150 Bergen Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952, USA

Montauk Point Lighthouse

Montauk Point Lighthouse, Long Island, New York
Montauk Point Lighthouse Long Island, New York / Tony Hisgett / Flickr

The rumored hidden treasure in the Montauk Point Lighthouse is the reason it has gained popularity—and you could be the one to discover it!

In 1797, the lighthouse was built as per George Washington’s order.

It served as his promise to make the United States a better country and became a hope for people arriving in the country.

Soon after the Second World War started, the fire department used it as their office.

The National Historic Landmark listed it as the oldest and still existing lighthouse in the world.

With a height of 110 feet, it can light up to 19 miles away and change colors.

On top of everything, the lighthouse features the history of the military during World War II.

Wander around the beautiful garden outside the lighthouse.

For a fun family activity, find the buried treasure in the area surrounding the lighthouse.

Pets are allowed in the lighthouse, given that you keep them on a leash.

Drop by Montauk Point Lighthouse and enjoy the scenic view of the ocean.

Address: 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

MTK Cruises

MTK Cruises, Long Island, New York
MTK Cruises is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

Sail across New York’s coastline while doing thrilling water adventures.

Before your trip to Long Island ends, you should at least consider going to MTK Cruises.

For starters, visitors may rent different kinds of boats, such as pontoons and catamarans, for their trip.

You’ll be able to see Montauk in every corner throughout the 2-day trip.

Some of the activities you might enjoy on board are whale and seal watching, water trampolining, boat parties, or swimming.

They have the best spot for swimming, where you will see tons of fish of different species.

Enjoy the live music and fill your stomachs with good food as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sun setting.

The cruise’s captain will answer any questions regarding the history, marine life, and the overall trip.

MTK Cruises is the best of its kind, without a doubt!

Book a private tour and travel with your family if you want to experience a more personal trip.

Address: 59 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

Nassau County Museum of Art

Nassau County Museum of Art, Long Island, New York
Nassau County Museum of Art, Long Island, New York / Bluesguy from NY / Flickr

Long Island is the ideal location for art museum enthusiasts.

The Nassau County Museum of Art is home to contemporary artists with world-class talent.

A wide collection of great art displays awaits you in the museum.

Upon entering the place, famous shows such as “That ’80s Show” are displayed.

The museum used to be a Georgian mansion owned by Henry Frick.

Impressionist paintings with deeper meanings are popular among locals.

Some of the activities available are painting and making felt flowers.

If you’re traveling with your children, you may sign them up for seminars and art lessons to enhance their skills.

Apart from the exhibits inside the museum, an open-air garden that has a 145-acre long trail will take you to the wonders of Long Island.

It’s like a scene out of Alice in Wonderland, for you might see rabbits, owls, deer, and hawks in the garden.

Take your time to connect with the people who share the same interests as you by visiting the Nassau County Museum of Art.

Address: One Museum Dr, Roslyn, NY 11576, United States

Oheka Castle

Oheka Castle, Long Island, New York
Oheka Castle, Long Island, New York / TheeErin / Flickr

If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to spend a night at Blank Space’s shooting location.

The Oheka Castle will give you a glimpse of French royal life.

The castle’s stunning architecture was designed by Otto Hermann Kahn.

It was built in 1919 as a replica of Europe’s “castle of castles.”

Since then, it has gained popularity for fancy parties and wedding events.

The white palace and enchanting garden are the highest points of Long Island.

It is the best place to see the beauty of Huntington as a whole.

Moreover, the place has an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts, perfect for people who are interested in sports.

You shouldn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live a luxurious life.

For more information regarding the schedule and prices, check out their website and make a reservation for Oheka Castle.

Address: 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743, United States

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, New York
Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, New York / Terry Ballard / Flickr

If you can’t make it to Oheka Castle, the Old Westbury Gardens will give you the same feeling and excitement.

You won’t be able to resist dressing up as one of the individuals in the roaring twenties!

The 160-acre mansion is surrounded by ponds, rose gardens, lakes, green lawns, and fountains. 

Old Westbury Gardens is a romantic spot for people who are traveling with their companions.

It was registered as one of the National Historic Places in the United States.

The old-fashioned architectural design mansion is where the Great Gatsby was filmed.

If you haven’t watched the movie yet, this great place will inspire you to check it out.

Aside from its beauty, you can learn more about the rich history and culture of Long Island.

The garden is packed with alluring surroundings, perfect for tea parties, dog-walking, festivals, and wandering around the garden.

Make sure to drop by Old Westbury Gardens for an unforgettable trip!

Address: 71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568, United States

Oyster Bay Oyster Festival

Oyster Bay Oyster Festival, Long Island, New York
Oyster Bay Oyster Festival is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

Long Island’s oyster eating festival will undoubtedly satisfy foodies!

Every October, the Oyster Bay Oyster Festival takes place. You can eat as many oysters as you please! 

With more than 200,000 visitors a year, it has been hailed as one of the biggest open-air festivals in the United States.

The festival has been an annual tradition for the locals since the 1980s as a tribute to the 26th United States president.

Renowned chefs from around the country work together in order to serve the best clams, oysters, and other seafood dishes.

Other than the eating festival, they have shelling and eating contests, carnival rides, treasure hunting, pirate shows, and a zoo with different species of animals.

Enjoy the live music performed by world-class and local musicians as you fill your stomachs with mouthwatering seafood.

If seafood is not a thing of yours, there are food trucks available in the area.

Don’t miss the fun at the Oyster Bay Oyster Festival!

Address: 1 West End Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, United States

Sagamore Hill

Sagamore Hill, Long Island, New York
Sagamore Hill, Long Island, New York / Terry Ballard / Flickr

At Sagamore Hill, you can see Beyonce without having to spend a lot of money.

Take a tour of the historic mansion where Theodore Roosevelt stayed from 1885 to 1919.

Also known as the Summer White House, the place is less than 30 minutes away from Long Island.

Stroll along the beautiful garden trails and beaches for free!

The old mansion is full of American relics like old furniture and portraits and is definitely worth the trip.

It is one of the most renowned historical places in the United States, with educational tours.

Moreover, you can find a lot of beaches like former President Roosevelt’s favorite spot, known as Cold Spring Harbor.

You can find a wide variety of bird species along the shore.

Every 4th of July, performers, artists and prominent individuals visit the site, such as Jay Z and his wife, Beyonce.

With 83 acres of land and unlimited activities to do, you will surely remember your trip to Sagamore Hill.

Address: 20 Sagamore Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, United States

Sands Point Preserve

Sand Point Preserve, Long Island, New York
Sand Point Preserve, Long Island, New York / Michael Gray / Flickr

You can become a runaway princess or the great king of the castle anytime you like at Sands Point Preserve.

With three castles in the preserve, the 216 acres of the landscape seem straight out of a fairy tale.

The castle was built in the 20th century, and it has a lot of things from the Renaissance.

It was previously owned by a wealthy American family who fell in love with the place during their visit to Long Island.

Furthermore, the architectural design of the building was a mix of early modern times and the Gold Coast style. 

A patio with ocean views is the perfect spot to relax and take photos.

The castle has a total of 40 rooms, and some facilities to expect are photo exhibits, old furniture, and rose gardens.

If you’re searching for a romantic place to have a wedding, you might want to consider Sands Point Preserve.

Address: 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050, United States

The Big Duck

The Big Duck, Long Island, New York
The Big Duck, Long Island, New York / Joel Kramer / Flickr

Tourists from all around the world travel to Long Island to see the world’s largest duck.

Due to the massive height of the duck, at over 20 feet, the Big Duck has gained popularity and become one of Long Island’s main attractions. 

You’re a silly goose if you haven’t considered seeing the big duck, which was built in 1930. 

The sculpture was constructed as a roadside attraction so people would stop by the duck farm.

They used the lights from the Ford Model T as the duck’s eyes and metal for the rest of its body.

The fun doesn’t stop with the sculpture and duck farm! You may stroll to the nearby shop and buy a souvenir on your way home.

Even though the duck farm had already closed down, the Big Duck remained famous to locals and tourists alike.

It’s up to you if you like to snap some photos in the area or just enjoy the scenic view.

Address: 1012 NY-24, Flanders, NY 11901, United States

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, Long Island, New York
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is one of the best places to go in Cape May, New Jersey

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is one of the best places to visit in New York.

For all science geeks, the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is a travel-worthy destination.

The museum was formerly a mansion owned by William K. Vanderbilt.

From 1920 to 1940, Mr. Vanderbilt lived in the mansion before it became a museum.

The building’s architectural design has a touch of Spanish revival, which was common in the southern and western parts of America back in the 20th century.

A bunch of science-related interactive exhibits will surely delight you!

Some of their facilities include laser shows, natural marine animal exhibits, dome displays, a hangar, a telescope exhibit, and not to mention swords and guns collected in different parts of the world. 

Even the guides are dressed in clothes from the 20th century!

The perfectly-preserved jazz rooms, a boathouse, and a 60-foot dome make the place more entertaining.

If you’re looking for a wedding or party reception, the 43-acre mansion will make a great location.

Visit the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium and have fun while learning about natural history.

Address: 180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721, United States

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Animal Shelters in Long Island, New York
Animal Shelters in Long Island, New York

One of the most meaningful things to do is volunteer work. Animal shelters require your aid! The majority of pet overpopulation in animal shelters is the result of irresponsible pet ownership and uncontrolled reproduction. Approximately two liters of puppies can be born each year to a female dog. Most litters consist of six to 10 puppies. If permitted to continue reproducing, one mother dog and her progeny might produce approximately 67,000 puppies in six years. Even more astonishing are the cat facts. Up to three litters per year are possible for a female cat, with an average of four to six kittens per litter. One cat and her progeny could produce 420,000 kittens in seven years.

Volunteering to aid animals enables people to have a good, animal-friendly effect in their communities. It allows them to see firsthand the good impact they can have on their community and animals in need.

Some ways to volunteer include: walking dogs at a local shelter, fostering kittens with a rescue group, doing office work like stuffing envelopes for an organization with a good cause, helping raise money or planning events for local animal charities, and taking part in local events that raise awareness about animal welfare.

Learn more about the animal shelters in Long Island, New York, where you can dedicate your time. Donate to an animal shelter.

Traveling and having fun in the USA? You have to check out this page – the best states to visit in USA for the most fun and unusual travel ideas.

Still wondering if you should visit Long Island, New York? Click here for why visit Long Island, New York at least once in your lifetime here?

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