1 Old Westbury Gardens Shutterstock An image of Long Island Gold Coast Mansion at Old Westbury Gardens One of the first things to see while in Long Island, New York, is Old Westbury Gardens. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can do a shark dive in a cage in their Lost City of Atlantis Shark exhibit. Summer days can be spent at concerts at the outdoor amphitheater at Jones Beach, attending one of the many fun weekend festivals or exploring castles and mansions. Here, tourists can enjoy one of New York's state parks, as well as the sandy beaches surrounding the area. This Gold Coast estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, consists of 160 acres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You are reading "25 Best Things to Do on Long Island, NY " Back to Top. Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530, Phone: 516-572-4111. With so many historic flights in the area by the mid-1920s, the area was nicknamed the "Cradle of Aviation. The museum has more than 60 aircraft and models of airplanes from different time periods on display, such as Charles Lindbergh's Curtiss Jenny, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, and even an actual never-used Apollo Lunar Module, LM-13, which was supposed to land on the moon with the cancelled Apollo 18 mission. Located on the North Shore, the 43-acre former estate of William K. Vanderbilt includes the Spanish Revival-style mansion of Eagle's Nest, turned museum and Planetarium. Nassau County is a dynamic and lively place to visit. The park became famous in 1939, when it hosted New York Worlds Fair, and its popularity further blossomed when it became the site of another World Fair in 1964. 2. There is a well-represented American art collection starting with the colonial period. Kids can also enjoy scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and book readings. Walking trails through 145 verdant acres offer opportunities to go for a leisurely stroll to reflect after a visit to the gallery. Kids can feed a baby giraffe, see antelopes and zebras up close, feed the sheep and goats, play in a giant sand box, and much more. The museum houses thousands of wildlife specimens that Vanderbilt collected during his overseas expeditions. Local cruise companies host a variety of experiences, from inner cruises to sunset sails. Looking to occupy a day, a weekend, or more in. The best time to see the lights is when the sky is clear and dark, according to the institute. Main Greenhouse:The main greenhouse is one of the original structures from the Coe Estate and was built in the 1920s by the Coe family to grow their rare plants and flowers. So, to help travelers out, here is a look at three dining destinations they must check out. There's more to Long Island, however, than what you might've seen in the media. 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238, Phone: 718-638-5000. Kidz Bop, Princess Day, and More Top Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public, so visitors can enjoy strolling through rolling lawns, woodlands, and gardens. The area encompasses Southampton and East Hampton, with hamlets such as Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, Water Mill, and Amagansett among others. Auroras occur when atoms and molecules in Earth's atmosphere clash with a solar flare from the sun, which causes the atoms in the upper atmosphere to glow. Get delicious tacos, burgers, and rice bowls at the newly revamped Boardwalk Cafe adjacent to the Central Mall Concession. With that, you'll also find authentic ethnic food, delicious bagels, and fresh seafood. If visitors would like to feed the animals, they must purchase food from the zoo as they are not permitted to bring their own food. Harmony Vineyards is a sustainability-focused Long Island vineyard, striving to create world-class wines achieving harmony between humanity and nature. Things to Do on Long Island: Lieb Cellars, 19. This residential neighborhood of about 60,000 people morphs every summer into one of the most popular entertainment destinations in New York, bringing thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy the long sandy beach, Luna Park with its famous Cyclone roller coaster, and the Wonder Wheel. The "Ducks" got their name in reference to Long Island's long time duck-farming heritage. It is just minutes from New York too. The Marram, a truly unique waterfront experience, can be found near the coastline of Montauk. Looking for the aurora borealis can be an hours-long process, as the phenomenon is fleeting. This former estate of financier and philanthropist Otto Herman Kahn was built in 1919 and had its share of extravagant soirees in the roaring 20s. Begin with a tour of the mansion, followed by a stroll through its gorgeous gardens. For moviegoers who want to see Oppenheimer in IMAX, only a few theaters have the necessary technology to project it. Noguchi Museum. NYCB Theatre at Westbury was first envisioned in 1954 when radio broadcaster Frank Ford and nightclub owner Lee Guber debated how to improve a musical performance theyd just seen in a tent. Collections found in the greenhouse includes ferns, orchids, palms, cacti, begonias, and many seasonal exhibits. The aquarium operates the New York Seascape program, a local conservation effort to restore marine populations and protect local waters. A visit here is the ultimate chance to unwind and enjoy the white sand beaches of the Hamptons. Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, 8. And these are the U.S. theaters where viewers can experience Oppenheimer in IMAX. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004, Phone: 718-347-3276. There is swimming and enjoying the sun, people watching, walking along the famous boardwalk, fishing, sampling the goodies in one of many diverse food concessions, and playing a game of mini-golf, shuffleboard, or basketball. The park has been in operation for 47 years and is Long Islands largest childrens zoo and wildlife park. 1. Its main mission is to promote public awareness of the problems facing the ocean and its inhabitants through special exhibits, research, and public events. Get Reader's Digest 's Read Up newsletter for more travel, humor, cleaning, tech and fun facts . Address: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, New York, Official site: https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/. There are several weeks of good weather before Memorial Day and after Labor Day that travelers can take advantage of. This stunning beach is home to white sand and great surf. Through preservation and interpretation of historical and cultural artifacts, the facility provides priceless educational experiences about the Gold Coast Era of Long Island. 22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, Phone: 718-784-2084, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre garden located in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, a delightful colorful oasis with more than 14,000 taxa of plants from all over the world. Initially a bridge for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, today it offers safe passage to trains, bikes, and cars, with millions of commuters and tourists having crossed. The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are seen over the Norwegian town of Harstad, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. It currently has 12 galleries and a gift shop. 2 Cooper's Beach. For more details, read our article on the Top-Rated Beaches on Long Island. There is also a small theater with regular shows. There's a ton to do in Long Island at all times, and travelers can even plan an affordable vacation in the Hamptons, where nighttime entertainment is the status quo. Old Westbury Gardens features the main attraction of the palatial Westbury House surrounded by sweeping lawns, rose gardens, water fountains, serene ponds, and lakes. By VacationIdea Staff on June 18, 2023 - Updated. 199. The museum curators offer a very popular guided tour while dressed in period costumes, bringing the lives of the estates previous residents to life. For a fun outing with surf and fine white sand, there's no better place to visit than Long Beach, located a 50-minute train ride from New York City. Travelers will find that having a car is strongly recommended for Long Island. Children can attend longer, more specialized programs on school breaks which are cohesive with the standards of the New York State curriculum. If you have dogs and love history, be sure to explore the "Summer White House" on the North Shore. By Patricia Doherty Updated on April 27, 2023 Photo: Anton. This was a former dock facility and Pepsi bottling plant along the East River waterfront in Long Island City that has. Notably, the Coe Hall Historic House Museum is a top-rated portion of this property, which could be worth stopping at while in the area. Every summer, there are also special events, such as the Bethpage Air Show, volleyball and softball tournaments. From the Robert Moses Beach, you can take a nature trail to the Fire Island Lighthouse and Smith Point Visitor Center. It later became a strategic fire control station by the armed forces during WWII. However, it isnt the only option available. Related: Start Planning A Long Island Trip (With These Beaches In Mind). Be sure to arrive early in the day to beat the crowds, or come after sunset to enjoy cool ocean breezes and a nearly empty beach. The 47-acre farm includes original farm buildings, a greenhouse, farm vehicles and tools, livestock, planting fields, an herb garden, and an orchard. The Noguchi Museum was designed and built by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. In April, the Planting Fields Foundation celebrates Arbor Day with their annual festival full of fun activities, including tree climbing with a harness, planting ceremonies with Smokey Bear, and live music with Peat Moss & the Fertilizers and Johnny Herbert. Here are the best places to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway in New York, including the Catskills, Fire Island, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Rochester and Montauk. Their 2013 Reserve Pinot Blanc was declared a Top 12 Wine in America by renowned WSJWine from the Wall Street Journal. For the evening, travelers should visit Harvest on Fort Pond for a wonderful way of wrapping up the evening. It focuses on a variety of history, culture, and environment educational programs for children and adults of all ages. Now a state historic park, the grounds are beloved for their variety of plants and animals, as well as the relaxing meadows and forests. Celebrate LGBT Pride in Epic Fashion with the "Invasion of the Pines" (Cherry Grove & Fire Island Pines) Fire Island is a world-renowned destination for LGBTQ travel year-round, but the best time to visit is in the summer. The house was the venue of the crucial peace talks that negotiated the end to the Russo-Japanese War. 10 Beautiful Places to Discover in Suffolk County, Long Island Noah Sheidlower The summer will be unlike most others we have lived through. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Blue Trail) Beautiful views abound in Connetquot River State Park Preserve. 1. The former air base is now a National Historic Site. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center suggests . More NY Beaches. Vanderbilt's Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium has full-dome films, laser shows, live star talks, and concerts. Things to Do in Long Island, NY - Long Island Attractions Things to Do in Long Island Popular things to do Wine Tastings Private Sightseeing Tours Bodies of Water Day Trips Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Walking & Biking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Water Sports Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours Willie was huge fan of the ocean and everything related to it, including boating, fish, and other marine life. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The estate is one of the last remaining Gold Coast estates along the North Shore of Long Island. The park is one of the few fairly undisturbed green spaces in the city with diverse ecosystems, such as dense maritime forests, large beachfront areas on the Atlantic coast, and freshwater wetlands. If travelers are spending time out in nature, they wont need to reroute to the closers place to grab food once they get hungry. The garden is famous for its "gardens within the Garden" plant collections, unique groupings of plants and trees such as the famous cherry tree garden. Top 20 Places to Take Kids on Long Island Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids on Long Island. The Montauk Point Light is located next to Montauk Point State Park, in the Montauk hamlet in the town of East Hampton in New York. More Long Island day trips, 20 Sagamore Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771-1807, Phone: 516-922-4788. You can climb up to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views or visit the museum, located in the 1860 Keepers' house. The star of their portfolio is the Reserve Pinot Blanc, made with grapes from 30-year-old vines. After he spent many years traveling the sea and collecting thousands of items, he started his own personal museum in his own on Long Island. Here is where to see the northern lights next week: The aurora borealis might be visible in Indiana and Wisconsin Thursday. Whether youre walking, biking, hiking, or even cross-country skiing, the paths offer a multitude of uses as they wind through woodlands, rock shorelines, salt marshes, and meadows. Phone: 631-878-6644, Once an outer barrier island, Coney Island was eventually connected to Long Island by a landfill to form a peninsula on the Lower Bay in Brooklyn. Prep meals, especially lunches, for the week. Things to Do Near Me Today: New York Aquarium, 20. Travelers can also hop on the train to visit many Long Island towns with unique offerings, explore local history, and more when on a Long Island-based vacation. Speciality Museums. Kids can have endless fun building sandcastles on beautiful beaches and learning about the island's surrounding waters at the Jones Beach Nature Center and the Long Island Aquarium. Long Island is well known for its many public beaches. 3. Just a 1-3 hour's drive (or train ride) from NYC, these towns on Long Island offer interesting cultural sites, fabulous restaurants, and plenty of fun outdoor experiences. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, Phone: 516-922-8600, More Ideas: Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum & Planetarium. Explore a Lighthouse. Armchair explorers and educators can now take virtual tours of the house. This Tudor Revival mansion still maintains its 20s elegance, and a tour inside reveals priceless antiques, handcrafted details, and original furnishings and artwork. Queens, which are both parts of New York City. Related: Meet The Long Island Town Responsible For 'The Great Gatsby'. Cyprus San Diego Masai Mara National Reserve Rovinj Kluane National Park and Reserve Outer Banks Interlaken White Mountains Portland, ME Boston Curacao View 24 Photos Belongs on List? I am a writer and traveler who is originally from Northampton Massachusetts in the US. Today, travelers can still visit to experience incredible shows. Long Island has more than 120 miles of coastline. Long Island is one of the most famous destinations in the world. The preserve has the stately Hempstead House, Castle Gould, and Falaise. The northern lights are expected to be visible on Thursday, July 13 - but in fewer places than originally forecast. Built of sandstone in 1796, the lighthouse was the first public work of the young United States and the first lighthouse in the State of New York. 1. Surf2Live runs weekly summer surf camps and private lessons for children and adults. On this car-free island, the Robert Moses Causeway takes you to the state park, while the William Floyd Parkway takes you to the eastern end to the William Floyd estate. Today, it is the one of the oldest still active lighthouse in the country. The 24-room woodland estate of Willie Vanderbilt features distinct architecture, elegant dcor, and fantastic ironwork. The greenhouse is open year-round. Located in the quaint town of Oyster Bay, this arboretum hosts many photo-worthy spots, including a mansion and outdoor event and garden space.