Best Things to Do In Long Island: Long Island, located in the southeast part of New York state, is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, historic sites, and diverse cultural attractions. With its unique blend of suburban and coastal lifestyles, Long Island offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, including outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or entertainment, Long Island has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do on Long Island, from visiting world-class museums and galleries to hiking through stunning state parks and enjoying some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast.
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Best Things to Do In Long Island
Find some of the best things to do in Long Island
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Welcome to Long Island, a beautiful island located just outside of New York City. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination on Long Island, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is the perfect place to explore. This historic site was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt and is now a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
Here are some of the best things to do at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site:
- Take a guided tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Home – Step back in time and explore the home of one of America’s most beloved presidents. The guided tours offer an intimate look at Roosevelt’s life and the history of the United States during his time in office.
- Hike the trails – Sagamore Hill has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The trails range in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Explore the Nature Trail – The Nature Trail is a must-visit for families with young children. This short trail is designed to educate visitors about the local flora and fauna, making it an interactive and educational experience.
- Visit the museum – The Sagamore Hill Museum is home to a fascinating collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to Theodore Roosevelt and his family. It’s a great place to learn more about the history of the site and the Roosevelt family.
- Attend a special event – Throughout the year, Sagamore Hill hosts a variety of special events, including live music performances, historical reenactments, and more. Check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is a must-visit destination on Long Island. With its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and engaging activities, it’s the perfect place for families to explore and make lasting memories.
Nassau County Museum of Art
The Nassau County Museum of Art is a must-visit attraction for art lovers in Long Island. Located in Roslyn Harbor, this beautiful museum is set on a stunning 145-acre estate and features a variety of art exhibitions, as well as outdoor sculpture gardens, nature trails, and historic buildings.
The museum’s exhibitions showcase a diverse range of art, from contemporary pieces to classical masterworks. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent collection, which includes over 500 works of art, as well as special exhibitions that change regularly.
Beyond the art galleries, the museum’s expansive grounds offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the sculpture gardens, which feature works by renowned artists such as Fernando Botero and Auguste Rodin. The museum also offers guided nature walks and bird watching tours, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.
For those interested in history, the museum’s historic buildings offer a glimpse into Long Island’s past. The museum’s main building, the Georgian mansion known as “Frisbee House,” was built in 1900 and features beautiful architecture and period furnishings.
Overall, the Nassau County Museum of Art is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a cultural and recreational experience in Long Island. Whether you’re interested in art, nature, or history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful museum.
Long Island Aquarium
If you’re planning a family trip to Long Island, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the Long Island Aquarium. Located in Riverhead, this incredible facility offers a wide variety of experiences for visitors of all ages. From fascinating marine life exhibits to exciting interactive activities, there’s something for everyone at the Long Island Aquarium.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is undoubtedly the 120,000-gallon shark tank, where visitors can come face-to-face with sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and even a massive loggerhead sea turtle. Other marine exhibits include colorful tropical fish, playful otters, and majestic sea lions.
For those looking for hands-on experiences, the Long Island Aquarium offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with marine life. Kids will love the chance to touch and feed stingrays, while the more adventurous can even take a dive with the sharks in the aquarium’s Shark Dive program.
If you’re looking for a break from the underwater world, the Long Island Aquarium also boasts a range of land-based attractions. The Butterflies, Bugs & Birds exhibit allows visitors to walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and other insects, while the outdoor Sea Lion Coliseum is the perfect spot to watch these playful creatures in action.
Finally, no trip to the Long Island Aquarium would be complete without a visit to the interactive Pirate Island exhibit. Kids can dress up in pirate gear, explore a replica ship, and even dig for buried treasure.
Overall, the Long Island Aquarium is an exciting and educational destination that the whole family is sure to enjoy. With its diverse array of marine life exhibits, interactive activities, and fun land-based attractions, it’s no wonder that the Long Island Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Long Island.
Long Island Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination on Long Island, the Long Island Children’s Museum is a must-visit. Located in Garden City, this interactive museum offers a wide range of exhibits and activities designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination in visitors of all ages.
The museum’s exhibits cover a variety of subjects, from science and technology to art and culture. Kids can explore the inner workings of the human body in the Our World exhibit, learn about the forces of nature in the Bubble exhibit, or experiment with light and sound in the Light Gallery.
One of the highlights of the museum is the TotSpot exhibit, designed specifically for children under the age of 5. This interactive play space features a variety of hands-on activities and sensory experiences that encourage young children to explore, experiment, and learn through play.
In addition to its exhibits, the Long Island Children’s Museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops throughout the year. From art classes and science camps to family-friendly concerts and performances, there’s always something happening at the museum.
And if you’re looking for a break from the indoor exhibits, the museum’s outdoor Discovery Garden is the perfect spot to explore nature and engage in hands-on gardening activities.
Overall, the Long Island Children’s Museum is an exciting and engaging destination that offers something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re interested in science, art, or just having fun, the museum is one of the best things to do on Long Island.
Fire Island
Fire Island is a fascinating destination on Long Island that offers an exciting history and vibrant community. Fire Island has much to offer visitors. There is something for everyone, from outdoor activities like swimming and hiking to cultural attractions like art galleries and historical sites. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, Fire Island is an ideal spot for a fun-filled vacation. Get ready to explore the best things to do on Long Island and experience all that Fire Island has to offer!
Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is a must-visit attraction on Long Island, offering 6.5 miles of stunning white-sand beaches alongside a range of recreational activities, from swimming and surfing to sunbathing and picnicking. Aside from the beach, the park boasts a plethora of attractions such as theater concerts, air shows, and drive-through holiday lights experiences. It is an official Path Through History Site and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. For those looking for outdoor adventure or just a relaxing day at the beach, Jones Beach State Park is a perfect destination