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Long Island
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Long Island, New York pairs Atlantic beaches, Gold Coast estates, maritime towns, vineyards and cultural landmarks across Nassau and Suffolk County.

An Island of Contrasting Landscapes

\n\nLong Island stretches east from New York City into the Atlantic, combining densely settled suburbs with pine barrens, working farms, maritime villages and long beaches. In common travel usage, the destination usually means Nassau and Suffolk counties; Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of the island but are generally treated as New York City boroughs. The western suburbs lead towards the island’s quieter eastern end, where the North Fork is known for vineyards and farms, while the South Fork includes the resort communities of the Hamptons and the windswept headland of Montauk.\n\n

Coastlines, Estates and Cultural Life

\n\nLong Island’s appeal lies in the ease with which its settings change. Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park provide broad oceanfront recreation, while Fire Island National Seashore protects dunes, maritime forest and small coastal communities accessible largely by ferry or private boat. Inland, former Gold Coast estates such as Old Westbury Gardens and Sands Point Preserve reveal the wealth created during the Gilded Age. Museums add a different perspective: the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook explores regional art and history, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City traces the area’s important role in American aerospace.\n\n

Maritime Traditions and the East End

\n\nFishing harbours, clam shacks, farm stands and seafood restaurants preserve a strong relationship with the surrounding waters, while wineries and cider producers have made the North Fork a notable rural destination. Historic villages such as Sag Harbor and Greenport retain links to whaling, shipping and boatbuilding. Long Island is best understood not as a single urban centre but as a varied coastal region, where commuter towns, protected landscapes and resort communities occupy the same long Atlantic island.

When is the best time to visit Long Island?

Best: May–June, September · 21–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January389
February581
March9105
April15105
May (best)21103
June (best)2793
July30105
August30108
September (best)2699
October1992
November1297
December5106

Getting to and around Long Island

How to get there

Long Island is reached most conveniently through the New York metropolitan transport network. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are in Queens, on the island geographically, while Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma serves central Suffolk County with domestic connections. The Long Island Rail Road links Manhattan with major Nassau and Suffolk centres, and Amtrak serves New York Penn Station rather than Long Island directly. Intercity coaches and local buses connect some towns, while road access is provided mainly by the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Southern State Parkway and major east–west routes. Ferries connect selected Long Island ports with Connecticut, Rhode Island and other regional destinations, although routes and seasonal schedules vary.

Transportation

The Long Island Rail Road is the principal public transport option for journeys between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and many Suffolk communities, but trains do not reach every beach, village or vineyard. Nassau County’s NICE buses and Suffolk County Transit buses provide local coverage, with service levels varying considerably by area. A car is often useful for the North Fork, South Fork, pine barrens and remote beaches, though summer congestion can be severe and some beach or village parking requires permits or fees. Taxis and app-based vehicles are available in populated areas, while cycling is practical on selected trails and quieter roads rather than as a universal island-wide transport solution.

Best attractions in Long Island

Long Island’s attractions range from oceanfront parks to historic estates and specialist museums. Jones Beach State Park provides a broad Atlantic shoreline, boardwalk and seasonal recreation facilities, while Robert Moses State Park offers access to Fire Island’s western end and the Fire Island Lighthouse area. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay preserves Theodore Roosevelt’s former home and grounds, and Old Westbury Gardens presents a formal estate landscape in a former Gold Coast property. In Garden City, the Cradle of Aviation Museum explores aircraft and spaceflight associated with the region’s aerospace history. The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook combines art, local history and carriage collections, while the villages of Greenport and Sag Harbor offer maritime architecture, waterfront walks and museums. Further east, vineyards, farm stands and the open landscapes around Montauk create a distinctly rural and coastal sightseeing experience.

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Best landmarks in Long Island

Long Island’s landmarks record Indigenous presence, colonial settlement, maritime commerce, presidential history and the wealth of the Gold Coast era. Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned in 1796, stands at the island’s eastern extremity and is one of the oldest lighthouses in New York State. Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, a National Historic Site, is closely associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and conservation legacy. The Old Westbury Gardens estate and Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park preserve grand houses and designed landscapes created by wealthy families in the early twentieth century. The Fire Island Lighthouse remains a prominent navigation landmark on the barrier island, while Sag Harbor’s historic streets and waterfront reflect its whaling and shipping past. The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport combines a former Gold Coast estate with maritime, natural-history and astronomical collections.

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Explore Long Island on the map

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Best restaurants in Long Island

Long Island’s dining culture is shaped by the Atlantic, its farming districts and proximity to New York City. Seafood remains prominent, from clams, oysters and local fish to lobster rolls and casual fried-seafood counters, while harbour towns support restaurants with strong maritime traditions. Bagels, pizza and delicatessen food reflect the wider New York metropolitan influence, and bakeries across Nassau and Suffolk preserve familiar Jewish-American and Italian-American traditions. The North Fork adds farm-to-table cooking, roadside produce stands, vineyards, cider makers and seasonal ingredients, while the South Fork combines seafood restaurants with the more polished dining associated with its resort communities. Asian, Latin American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern cuisines are well represented in the island’s diverse suburban communities. Greenport, Huntington, Patchogue, Farmingdale and Port Jefferson are among the places where independent restaurants and waterfront dining are especially concentrated.

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Best bars in Long Island

Long Island’s nightlife is varied but decentralised, with evening activity concentrated in town centres rather than one continuous entertainment district. Huntington’s downtown has long been associated with restaurants, pubs, live music and cinemas, while Patchogue offers a dense collection of bars, breweries, music venues and restaurants near its walkable centre. Farmingdale, Rockville Centre, Port Jefferson and Long Beach also have active evening scenes, with choices ranging from neighbourhood pubs and cocktail bars to venues hosting touring bands and comedy. In the Hamptons and Montauk, summer brings seasonal bars, hotel lounges and dance-oriented venues, though the atmosphere changes considerably outside the high season. Breweries, wineries and occasional outdoor concerts provide alternatives to clubbing, while theatres and performing-arts venues offer more structured evening entertainment. Taxis or pre-arranged transport are particularly important when visiting dispersed venues or tasting rooms.

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Best nightclubs in Long Island

Long Island’s nightlife is varied but decentralised, with evening activity concentrated in town centres rather than one continuous entertainment district. Huntington’s downtown has long been associated with restaurants, pubs, live music and cinemas, while Patchogue offers a dense collection of bars, breweries, music venues and restaurants near its walkable centre. Farmingdale, Rockville Centre, Port Jefferson and Long Beach also have active evening scenes, with choices ranging from neighbourhood pubs and cocktail bars to venues hosting touring bands and comedy. In the Hamptons and Montauk, summer brings seasonal bars, hotel lounges and dance-oriented venues, though the atmosphere changes considerably outside the high season. Breweries, wineries and occasional outdoor concerts provide alternatives to clubbing, while theatres and performing-arts venues offer more structured evening entertainment. Taxis or pre-arranged transport are particularly important when visiting dispersed venues or tasting rooms.

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Best shops in Long Island

Shopping on Long Island ranges from practical suburban retail centres to farm stands, village boutiques and seasonal markets. Roosevelt Field in Garden City is a major enclosed shopping centre, while communities such as Huntington, Garden City, Port Jefferson and Greenport offer independent shops, galleries and speciality retailers in walkable commercial areas. The North Fork is particularly associated with roadside stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, jams, baked goods and wine from nearby farms and vineyards. In the Hamptons and surrounding South Fork villages, visitors find design shops, galleries, clothing boutiques and higher-end furnishings, alongside independent businesses with strong seasonal trade. Craft beer, local wine, artisanal foods and marine-themed goods make practical regional souvenirs, while antiques and art are available in established village districts. Retail opening patterns can change outside the summer season, especially in smaller coastal communities.

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Long Island essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and larger attractions, although smaller farm stands, food stalls or seasonal vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are common in commercial centres and transport hubs, but international visitors should check whether their bank applies foreign-exchange or withdrawal fees. Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, taxis and for several personal services, with the expected amount depending on the service and displayed bill. Sales tax is generally added at the till rather than included in marked prices, and rates can differ between Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Safety
Long Island is generally straightforward for visitors, but its dispersed geography creates practical risks. Keep valuables secure in busy stations, beaches and car parks, and avoid leaving bags visible in vehicles. Ocean beaches may have rip currents, changing surf conditions and seasonal lifeguard arrangements, so visitors should follow posted warnings and swim in designated areas. Trails through woodland, marsh and dune habitats may contain ticks; long clothing, repellent and a post-walk check are sensible precautions. Summer traffic and distracted driving make care essential on rural roads, while cycling requires awareness of limited shoulders. At night, use well-lit streets and booked transport in unfamiliar areas.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 throughout Long Island for police, fire or medical emergencies; operators can direct the appropriate service. State beaches, parks and coastal areas may have their own lifeguards, park police or ranger staff, but these should not replace a 911 call when someone is in immediate danger. For non-urgent police matters, contact the relevant Nassau or Suffolk law-enforcement agency, since jurisdiction varies by municipality. Visitors should carry health-insurance information and details of prescribed medicines, and remember that emergency treatment in the United States can be expensive. On the coast, report an emergency to lifeguards or marine authorities and give an exact beach, marina or landmark location.
Do's and Don'ts
Do observe beach rules, keep clear of dunes and respect posted access restrictions, as coastal habitats are easily damaged and some beaches are locally managed. Do follow winery and farm-stand policies, particularly where tastings, photography or dogs are concerned. Do tip appropriately for table service, bartending, taxis and other customary services, and remember that drinking and driving is illegal. Do not assume that every beach is freely accessible by car, especially in summer, or that a train station is close to the attraction you want to visit. At the Shinnecock Indian Nation and other culturally significant places, behave respectfully and distinguish Indigenous community life from commercial tourism.
Local Tips
Treat Long Island as a collection of linked areas rather than a compact city: Nassau suits visits to Gold Coast estates and New York City connections, while Suffolk offers wider beaches, pine barrens, farms and maritime towns. The North Shore is useful for historic villages, museums and sheltered harbours; the South Shore is oriented towards ocean beaches and barrier islands. Build flexibility into summer itineraries because bridges, parkways and the routes towards the Hamptons can become heavily congested. For the East End, grouping nearby stops such as Greenport and North Fork vineyards or Sag Harbor and Montauk is more efficient than crossing the island repeatedly.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey[Hey]
GoodbyeLater[Lay-ter]
YesYeah[Yeah]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease/Nah, no problem[Please/Nah, no prob-lem]
Thank youThanks[Thanks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[Sorry]
How are you?How you doin'?[How you doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[You speak English?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet me see the menu, please[Let me see the menu, please]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I don't eat meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI'll pay now, please[I'll pay now, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI'm sick[I'm sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust looking[Just looking]
How much is it?How much?[How much?]
That's too expensiveToo much[Too much]
Can you lower the price?Can you do better?[Can you do better?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[It's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Show me on the map?[Show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to ...[One ticket to ...]

History of Long Island

Indigenous Homelands and Coastal Communities

Long Island has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples whose descendants remain part of the region’s cultural life. Communities including the Lenape, Montaukett and Shinnecock developed close relationships with the island’s bays, forests, wetlands and Atlantic shoreline. The Shinnecock Indian Nation, based near Southampton, is a federally recognised tribe with a continuing presence on the South Fork. Indigenous place names survive across the island, although colonial mapping and land transfers often obscured earlier histories. Shell middens, archaeological sites and enduring fishing traditions provide evidence of long settlement before European colonisation.

Dutch and English Colonisation

European colonisation accelerated in the seventeenth century, as Dutch and English settlements expanded across Long Island. The western end was connected to New Netherland before English control followed the transfer of the colony in 1664, while towns farther east developed under English influence. Farming, timber, fishing and coastal trade became central to the colonial economy. Villages such as Southampton, founded in 1640, and East Hampton grew around landholding communities, maritime access and agriculture. European settlement brought profound dispossession and disruption for Indigenous nations, whose land rights and political autonomy were repeatedly challenged.

Revolutionary Divisions and Maritime Trade

During the American Revolution, Long Island became strategically important because of its position beside New York Harbor and the approaches to New England. The Battle of Long Island in August 1776, fought largely in what is now Brooklyn, was a major British victory and preceded the occupation of New York City and surrounding areas. Communities across the island experienced divided loyalties, military requisitioning and disruption. After independence, coastal commerce expanded through ports such as Sag Harbor, whose whaling industry connected Long Island with the wider Atlantic world. Shipbuilding, fishing and agricultural exports continued to shape the nineteenth-century economy.

Gold Coast Estates and Industrial Change

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, improved rail connections from New York encouraged wealthy families to establish country estates along Nassau and western Suffolk’s so-called Gold Coast. Properties such as Sagamore Hill, Planting Fields and Old Westbury Gardens reflect the period’s grand houses, landscaped grounds and elaborate domestic architecture. At the same time, Long Island supported farms, factories, aviation enterprises and growing commuter settlements. The region’s coastline also attracted summer visitors, while resorts and bathing facilities developed around beaches such as Jones Beach. This mixture of elite estates, industry and recreation shaped much of the island’s twentieth-century identity.

Suburban Expansion and Modern Long Island

After the Second World War, highways, housing construction and expanding employment transformed Long Island into one of the principal suburban regions surrounding New York City. Levittown, begun in 1947, became a defining example of large-scale post-war suburban development, though its original sales policies excluded many Black families and other groups, reflecting the discriminatory housing practices of the period. Research institutions, aerospace companies and defence industries also influenced places such as Bethpage, Farmingdale and Brookhaven. Today, Long Island combines mature suburbs with protected pine barrens, agricultural districts, Indigenous communities, resort towns and a substantial maritime economy.

Long Island in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Long Island, New York

Discover Long Island with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, and more. Plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is the ultimate travel guide app for Long Island, New York. Discover top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with detailed information and local tips. Download now for free!

  • History of Long Island and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation within the app and the destination
  • ‘Near Me’ feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate companion for exploring Long Island, New York. This all-in-one travel guide app brings together rich, detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities across Long Island. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse, the beautiful beaches of Fire Island, or the historic Sagamore Hill, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you can discover culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Peter Luger Steak House and Blue Point Brewery, or find hidden gems recommended by locals. The app offers comprehensive insights, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easier than ever to plan and organize your trip.

Not only can you explore what to see and do, but you can also effortlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for information and navigating multiple platforms—Evendo consolidates everything in one place.

Evendo also features historical insights, travel essentials, and curated local tips to ensure you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near Me' feature helps you find attractions and amenities around you, wherever you are on Long Island. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Beyond Long Island, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, putting the world in your pocket. Download Evendo today and embark on your next adventure!

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