Long Island, 118 miles long and 23 miles broad and extends from the districts of Queens and Brooklyn in New York City, is not just known for the Hamptons; it is also home to a variety of great attractions that will keep you occupied for days. The country’s tenth-largest island, which is bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and on the north by Long Island South, features a lot of open areas, uncrowded beaches, and ancient houses. You’ll practically never have a shortage of things to do on Long Island, from the pristine beaches on the South Shore to the charming waterfront communities of the North Shore, from the legendary Gold Coast mansions and their lavish gardens to antique lighthouses and museums.
If you’re ever planning on visiting New York, consider visiting Long Island. There, you can find lots of cabin vacation rentals in Long Island, NY, for your comfort and convenience. Here are some of the best tourist spots in Long Island.
The Hamptons
Let’s start, of course, with one of the world’s most famous tourist hotspots. The Hamptons, located in the easternmost portion of Long Island’s South Fork, is the epitome of the classic summer vacation destination. They feature world-class beaches as well as charming hamlets and villages with houses with well-maintained lawns. This beach house is perfect for outdoor parties, al fresco dining, and gallery openings. You can also meet and greet celebrities here because a lot of them choose to rent or they themselves own a place in the Hamptons. Aside from the luxurious beach houses, there are also tons of beaches, which include Main Beach and Cooper’s Beach. Although driving to the Hamptons may take a while, the trip will surely be worth it.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
The historic Montauk Point lighthouse is located at the easternmost end of Long Island. It was commissioned by George Washington and was fully completed back in 1797. This makes it the oldest lighthouse in the entire state of New York. The lighthouse served as a beacon of hope and the first glimpse of the free world for immigrants and travelers. During the Second World War, the lighthouse was strategically repurposed as a fire control station. As of today, the lighthouse is one of the top attractions to visit in New York. Tourists can climb up the lighthouse and admire the amazing vantage point. As an added bonus, the place is also pet-friendly, so you can take your adventurous friends with you around the buildings and onto the beach.
Long Island Aquarium
The Long Island Aquarium features one largest aquatic displays in the West. Apart from the main display tank, which has a 20,000-gallon capacity, they also have a huge shark tank and plenty of other indoor as well as outdoor wildlife exhibits. You can get up close and personal with the marine wildlife with activities such as penguin meet and greet, sea lion selfies, preparing meals for seals, and more. If you visit during the summer season, you can catch the 90-minute educational tour of the Atlantis Explorer Boat, which takes you down the Peconic River. If an adrenaline rush is more of your thing, consider going shark diving in the Lost City of Atlantis Shark.
Fire Island
New York is typically perceived as a concrete jungle filled with luxurious buildings and high-rise structures. However, everything within Fire Island seems to be completely different. Here, you’ll find tiny villages, miles of gorgeous beaches, and rich wildlife. You can also take a nature trail up to the Fire Island Lighthouse. One of the most notable features of this island is that it is completely car-free. Anything and everything within this island can and will be accessed by foot or by taking boats or ferries. If you are looking for a refreshing and rather revitalizing trip, this is perhaps the best option to detach yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city.
