Long Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Southampton

Long Island Travel Guide Video

Head east from the big-city environment of Manhattan to parks, museums and beaches. Enjoy the mix of affluent and laid-back communities on this long island.

Some of the biggest attractions of Long Island are its beaches, starting less than a 1-hour drive from New York City. Coopers Beach in Southampton and the Main Beach in East Hampton are two of the most popular beaches along the Atlantic coastline. Bring your swimsuit and Frisbee to Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, Hither Hills State Park and Montauk Point State Park, where you’ll find the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse. End a summer of sun with Labor Day fireworks at East Hampton’s Main Beach.

Take a ferry to Fire Island, a narrow barrier island stretching along the southern coast. Relax on beaches on the inner and outer shorelines and walk along dunes to the Fire Island Lighthouse.

The area offers more than just beaches. Long Island’s North Shore is known as the Gold Coast for its early 20th-century mansions, as depicted in The Great Gatsby. Visit Old Westbury Gardens, Oheka Castle and Vanderbilt Museum. On the south shore is the more modern, affluent part of the island, the Hamptons. Drive around to view huge modern mansions, play at high-end golf courses or mingle at coffee shops with summer residents vacationing from New York City.

For excellent cultural experiences, select from dozens of museums and art galleries. Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington has five centuries of Western art while the Parrish Art Museum near Southampton focuses on contemporary art. Tour the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City for the story of aerospace. Enjoy a music concert or big-name comic performance at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. See Broadway shows or children’s productions at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. Simply relax at the athletic facilities of Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park.

Drive, take a bus or ride the Long Island Rail Road from Pennsylvania Station. Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island is about 120 miles (190 kilometers) from the heart of Manhattan.

Where to stay in Long Island

Corona showing a sporting event

Queens

3/5(43 area reviews)

Flower District and Aqueduct Racetrack are top sights in Queens, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Briarwood Van Wyck Blvd. Station or Jamaica Van Wyck Station to see more sights in the area.

Queens
Default Image

Williamsburg

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Noted for its cafes and live music, there's plenty to explore in Williamsburg. Top attractions like McCarren Park Pool and Brooklyn Brewery are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Metropolitan Av. Station or Lorimer St. Station (Metropolitan St.) to see more of the city.

Williamsburg
Central Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and skyline

Uptown

While you're in Uptown, take in top sights like Central Park or Metropolitan Museum of Art, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 81 St. - Museum of Natural History Station or 77 St. Station (Lexington Av.).

Uptown
Downtown Brooklyn showing heritage elements and a bridge

Downtown Brooklyn

4/5(4 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Brooklyn Bridge while getting to know Downtown Brooklyn, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Jay St. - Tech Station or York St. Station to see more of the area.

Downtown Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights showing a house

Brooklyn Heights

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Brooklyn Heights. Brooklyn Bridge is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Clark St. Station or Court St. Station to see more of the city.

Brooklyn Heights
Default Image

Park Slope

3/5(3 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lesbian Herstory Archives while getting to know Park Slope, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at 7 Av. Station (9th St.) or 9 St. Station to see more of the area.

Park Slope
Comfort Inn JFK Airport
Comfort Inn JFK Airport
2.5 out of 5
132-15 Nassau Expressway, Jamaica, NY
The price is AU$286 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$286
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jamaica. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,093 reviews)
"I liked the fact that the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The room was clean and perfect for an overnight rest to catch the morning connecting flight. Area is near the airport so obviously not close to many restaurants but uber eats is available."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Comfort Inn JFK Airport
LaGuardia Plaza Hotel
LaGuardia Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
104-04 Ditmars Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY
The price is AU$360 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$360
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this hotel in East Elmhurst. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,441 reviews)
Great hotel by the airport
"This was a great hotel for our family of 5! They even gave us an upgrade to a queen suite so we had a pull couch. So close to the airport too which was important because we got in late—and the free shuttle picked us up quickly too. Would stay here again for sure."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

LaGuardia Plaza Hotel
Hampton Inn NY-JFK
Hampton Inn NY-JFK
2.5 out of 5
144-10 135th Avenue, Jamaica, NY
The price is AU$333 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$333
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jamaica. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,527 reviews)
"Airport shuttle was super convenient. However, restaurant closed at 10 even though 20 people walked in at 9:50 - they would only serve drinks. I had to get McDonald’s delivery. I thought they should have kept the restaurant open to accommodate people just checking in."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Hampton Inn NY-JFK
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Montauk Oceanside Suites
Montauk Oceanside Suites
3 out of 5
115 South Emerson Avenue, Montauk, NY
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Montauk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions South Edison Beach and Kirk Park Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (281 reviews)
"Great stay walking distance to everything! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Montauk Oceanside Suites
Starlight Hotel
Starlight Hotel
2 out of 5
40-40 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in Flushing. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (82 reviews)
"Aside from no garage beside a valet everything was excellent. Close to everything and a very nice hotel all together ."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Starlight Hotel
Montauk Manor
Montauk Manor
3.5 out of 5
236 Edgemere St., Montauk, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Montauk. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (980 reviews)
"lovely classical hotel in a spectacular setting."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Montauk Manor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Long Island