A Long Island vacation is much easier to organize than you might think. Imagine the uncrowded beaches, wide-open green spaces, and quaint waterfront villages that are just waiting to be explored. All this, just a short journey from the tourist-filled sites of Manhattan.
The best part is, once you’ve been to Long Island, you’ll keep wanting to go back for more. Read on to find out all you need to know to plan your Long Island escape, from where to stay, what to do, and the best places to eat.
Long Island Attractions
Long Island is a popular vacation destination for a reason. Besides the Boardwalk and State Parks that are ripe for exploring, you’ll also find a whole stack of fun activities and sights to fill your holiday. These places to visit are all guaranteed to keep the fun going on your Long Island vacation.
Jones Beach State Park
Considered one of Long Island’s most beautiful beaches, this 6.5-mile-long stretch of refreshing waves and sugary sand is a popular summer spot for locals and visitors alike. You can bike or walk the boardwalk, play miniature golf or basketball, or simply stretch out on your beach blanket and enjoy the view.
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens sits on an opulent estate that seems to have been plucked from the pages of The Great Gatsby. This Gold Coast estate consists of 160 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the warmer months, you can expect concerts and special events on the main lawn.
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
The 43-acre former estate of William K. Vanderbilt houses a museum and planetarium. In the museum, you’ll find thousands of wildlife specimens collected by Vanderbilt on his overseas expeditions, while the planetarium has full-dome films, live star talks, and laser shows.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Head to the furthest point east and you’ll find the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. Commissioned by George Washington, this is the oldest lighthouse in New York State after being completed in 1797. Those looking for the best views on the island will not be disappointed and you might be lucky to spot a few seals gathering on the shores.
Long Island Aquarium
Known for having the largest live coral reef displays in North America, the Long Island Aquarium is a must-visit attraction. You can spend many hours here taking in the 120,000-gallon shark tank, interacting with gentle sea creatures in the touch tank, and getting up close and personal with some of the residents in one of the Aquatic Adventures.
Activities for Kids
If you’re traveling with little ones in tow, you’ll need a solid list of attractions to keep them entertained. Here are the top activities for kids on your Long Island vacation, from toddlers up to teens.
Long Island Children’s Museum
You can easily spend a few hours or an entire day at the Long Island Children’s Museum found in Garden City. With 14 interactive exhibits, a live theater, and daily activities, both you and the kids will have a whole program of fun activities to share.
Splish Splash Water Park
There’s nothing more fun on a hot summer day than splashing around at a water park with your family. This water-themed park packs a punch when it comes to Long Island attractions with exciting rides including an 80-foot speed slide, double tube ride, and a ‘Tunnel of Terror’ complete with 360-degree spins.
Cradle Of Aviation Museum
Learn all about aviation history at Long Island’s own contribution to the history of flight. You’ll find a world-class collection of aircraft including exhibits of Long Island’s first flight in 1909. Keep an eye out for the Grumman Lunar Module and the sister airplane to Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis”.
Hotels in Long Island
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stay or a luxury getaway, Long Island has got you covered. These are some of the best hotels in Long Island to give you an idea of what to expect.
Budget: Viana Hotel
A great option for families or loved-up couples, Viana Hotel might have a more scaled-back look but it still offers a ton of value. On-site you’ll find an indoor lap pool, spa, and sauna, and the hotel even offers a complimentary area shuttle to nearby destinations.
Mid-range: Allegria Hotel
Located smack bang on the boardwalk and overlooking the shores of Long Beach, Allegria Hotel is a smart choice. From the ocean-view rooms to the rooftop pool, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation as soon as you step through the door.
Luxury: East Hampton Art House Bed and Breakfast
This elegant bed-and-breakfast houses just four rooms for a select group of friends or couples. You can expect all the amenities of a larger property, including communal spaces, a fitness center, and two pools. The personalized charm, however, is what makes it a distinctive option in the Hamptons.
Long Island Restaurants
Long Island might just be a train ride from Manhattan, but you’ll notice that it’s a world apart when it comes to local cuisine. Intersected by rivers and surrounded by the ocean, you’ll of course find a huge selection of fresh seafood but don’t forget to try some wine from the local wineries on the menu.
Some of the top restaurants to visit include:
- Farm Country Kitchen
- Bostwick’s Chowder House
- La Famiglia
- Grandpa Tony’s
- Tellers
- Nantucket’s
- Tullulah’s
Common Vacation Costs
The average price for a week’s getaway to Long Island, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities is $1,698 for a solo traveler, $3,050 for a couple, and $5,717 for a family of 4. These costs can vary depending on if you’re planning more of a budget getaway or looking for a luxe escape.
Hotels in Long Island have an average cost of $110 per night, while vacation rentals range from $210 to $470 per night for an entire home. Depending on how many and which activities you choose, you should budget from $45 to $120 per person per day for all your transportation, sightseeing, and meals at local Long Island restaurants.
Time to Start Planning Your Own Long Island Vacation
Now you know what to do, where to stay, and how much to budget, it’s time to start fine-tuning your own Long Island vacation. Don’t forget to leave some wriggle room for those unplanned activities that truly make a vacation extra special. Find out more about what’s going on in the area at our Entertainment section to keep on researching.
