The 15 Unforgettable Day Trips Around Long Island, New York
A lighthouse built back in 1858 still lets visitors climb to the top and look for the New York City skyline. I love that a view like that sits only a short drive from so many busy towns.
The surprises keep stacking up. One former president’s family home has its own nature trail and beach, and one mansion estate comes with a planetarium.
I can’t think of a better reason to fill up the gas tank. Long Island packs ocean bluffs, Gold Coast gardens, flight simulators, and sea lions into one long stretch of New York.
A few trips call for sunscreen and a cooler. A few call for comfy shoes and a camera. Then there are spots where you’ll count swans along a quiet river or crane your neck at vintage aircraft.
Which one would you pick first?
1. Montauk Point State Park
Stand at the far eastern tip of Long Island and you can watch the ocean and the sound meet. The tides converge right off the rocky shore, and it’s a pretty wild sight.
Up on the bluffs, the Montauk Lighthouse and its museum keep watch over the water. A walking trail loops around the area, so you can stretch your legs while soaking in the views.
Early birds, take note, because sunrise here is a big draw. Montauk Point State Park at 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954, is open daily from sunrise to sunset, making it a beautiful place to catch the first light of day.
That rugged shoreline is popular for surf fishing. Surfers paddle out here too, so bring your board if you’ve got the skills.
Not into getting wet? Sand beaches and dune areas give you plenty of room to wander with dry socks.
Families can head to the playground and swings when little legs need a break from hiking. Picnic tables and barbecue grills make it easy to turn the trip into a long, lazy lunch.
Leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas of Montauk Point State Park, including the section west of the refreshment stand toward Oyster Pond. Weekdays tend to be calmer, while Saturday and Sunday afternoons pull the biggest crowds.
Pack a light jacket, since breezes on the bluffs can feel cool even on sunny days. Then plan to stick around until sunset, because leaving early just feels wrong out here at the end of New York.
2. Fire Island Lighthouse
Got strong legs and a love of big views? A climb up this striped tower rewards you with a full 360-degree panorama.
From the top, you can spot the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay, and the Fire Island Inlet. On a clear day, the New York City skyline shows up on the horizon too.
The lighthouse dates back to 1858, and it carries a lot of Fire Island history. Next door sits the charming keeper’s house, which holds the original light and plenty of stories.
Guides inside bring that past to life in a way that even teens can enjoy. Tours are offered, so you can learn about the keepers who once worked here.
Getting there is part of the adventure. You park at Robert Moses Field #5 Parking Lot, Fire Island, NY 11702, which is a paid lot, and then follow the path toward the tower.
Nature trails wind through the area, giving you a peek at the barrier island landscape. Take your time and enjoy the salty air on the way.
A little planning goes a long way here. The site has no full-service restaurant, but restrooms are available in the Keeper’s Quarters Museum, so pack snacks and plan ahead.
Hours run from 10 AM to 4 PM daily, and Saturday afternoons get the busiest. Before you leave, swing by the gift shop for a souvenir that proves you made the climb.
3. Old Westbury Gardens
An English countryside mansion sitting in the middle of Long Island sounds like a movie set. Here, it’s real, and you can walk right up to it at 71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568.
The property stretches across 200 acres of formal gardens and wide lawns. At the center stands a historic mansion filled with art and lovely views over the grounds.
Guided tours dig into the history of the house and the family who lived there. You’ll come away knowing far more than you expected about Long Island’s estate era.
Outside, the rose garden steals plenty of attention. A lake, a gazebo, and a pool add to the scenery as you stroll the large walking grounds.
Bring a blanket and a basket, because this spot works beautifully for a picnic. It’s also a sweet place for a romantic afternoon with someone special.
Kids can enjoy the open space, too, which makes it handy for family outings. Restrooms are on site, including a gender-neutral option.
Timing matters with this one. The gardens open Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and they’re closed Monday through Friday.
Getting tickets in advance is a smart move, especially for Saturday afternoon visits when it’s busiest. Plan a weekend morning, and you’ll have more peaceful paths to yourself.
4. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Plant lovers, brace yourselves for 409 acres of pure eye candy. This Gold Coast estate at 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, mixes art, history, and nature in one sprawling package.
The centerpiece is an original Tudor Revival mansion, and yes, you can tour it. Walking through its rooms gives you a taste of how Long Island’s wealthy families once lived.
Greenhouses are a major highlight here. Step inside on a chilly day and you’ll find a leafy escape from the weather.
Outdoors, well-kept walking paths lead you through gardens and arbors. Photographers will have a blast, since nearly any corner makes a pretty backdrop.
Summer brings concerts to the grounds, which adds music to the mix. Check the schedule before you go if you want to catch one.
Families can roam the open acres at their own pace. The staff is friendly and helpful if you need directions or tips.
The park opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, while Saturday afternoons draw bigger crowds.
Wear good walking shoes, because there’s a lot of ground to cover. A full afternoon here might leave you itching to start a garden of your own.
5. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt called this place home, and you get to wander his old stomping grounds. It’s a presidential field trip with fresh air built right in.
The site covers 83 acres at 20 Sagamore Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. You’ll find the house, a museum, a visitor center, nature trails, and even a beach.
A house tour gives you a close look at the life of the former president. Getting tickets in advance is recommended, so plan ahead before you hop in the car.
The museum adds even more background about Roosevelt and his family. Kids can learn a lot here without feeling stuck in a classroom.
Once you’ve had your fill of history, head outside. A nature trail leads toward the water, and Roosevelt himself walked these grounds with his family.
That trail ends at a secluded beach area, which feels like a sweet reward. Bring a camera, because the views over the water are lovely.
Dogs are allowed on the grounds, so your pup can tag along for the walk. Just keep in mind the house tour is for humans only.
Parking is free, with an on-site lot and street spots nearby. It’s an easy outing that mixes learning with a relaxing stroll in New York’s great outdoors.
6. Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
Mansion by day, starry sky by afternoon, all in one stop. Few places on Long Island let you mix old-money history with a trip through space.
The Spanish Revival mansion at 180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721, was built between 1910 and 1936. Many rooms are kept in their original condition, so you get a real feel for the estate’s past.
Inside, displays from around the world fill the halls. There’s also a marine museum and a collection that includes antique cars.
Then comes the planetarium, a big highlight for visitors of all ages. Grab a seat, lean back, and let the shows carry you across the universe.
Outdoors, the grounds are neat and well cared for. The views of Long Island Sound are a showstopper, so save time for a slow walk.
A cafe and gift shop round out the visit. The museum also hosts live performances and events throughout the year.
Hours are a bit unusual, so check before heading out. The Vanderbilt Museum is open Friday from noon to 4 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM.
Monday through Thursday, the doors stay closed. Booking tickets ahead is a good idea, and active military members can get a discount.
7. Jones Beach State Park
Six miles of ocean beach is a lot of sand to play with. That’s what waits for you at this world-famous stretch of the south shore, reached at 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793.
The white sand beaches are huge, so finding a spot for your towel is rarely a puzzle. A brand new boardwalk runs along the shore for easy strolling.
Prefer a pool to the waves? Jones Beach has one, plus locker rooms for changing.
Hungry beachgoers can hit the snack bar and concession stands. Designated picnic areas with grills also make cookouts simple.
Sports fans get a long list of options. Courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball sit alongside a baseball field and a skateboarding area.
Kids can burn energy on the playground, slides, and swings. There’s also a nature center where curious minds can learn about the local environment.
Summer brings concerts to the park’s well-known outdoor venue. Catching a show after a beach day makes for a memorable New York evening.
Jones Beach State Park has varying access hours depending on the parking field, season, and activity, with many areas open from sunrise to sunset and extended hours at selected facilities during summer.
Weekend afternoons and Friday evenings get the busiest, so aim for a weekday if you like elbow room.
8. Long Island Aquarium
Sea lions, sharks, and penguins all share the spotlight at this Riverhead favorite at 431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901. Expect plenty of splashing, and maybe a little squealing from the kids.
Interactive exhibits are the big draw here. You can feed stingrays and turtles or touch crabs in hands-on areas.
The shark tank is a must-see, with plenty of room to watch them glide by. Brave visitors can even sign up for shark dives.
Don’t miss the sea lion show, which brings big laughs and splashy fun. A penguin encounter offers another close-up animal moment.
Need a break from the water? A butterfly and bird experience gives you a colorful change of pace.
Kids can also walk through a simulated marsh. It’s a fun way to learn about the creatures living in the waters around Long Island.
Boat rides are part of the lineup too, adding even more variety to the day. A cafe and gift shop sit on site, along with a playground for wiggly little ones.
Hours run daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, and buying tickets ahead is a smart call. Weekday mornings are quieter, while weekend afternoons fill up fast.
9. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Hikers, bikers, and garden fans can all find their happy place at this English-style estate. It’s the kind of park where one afternoon never feels like enough.
Miles of trails cut through forests and meadows. Paved roads work well for cyclists, while single-track paths add a bit of adventure.
Head toward the water for a lovely walk along Long Island Sound. Miles of beach give you room to roam, and there are fishing spots too.
History lovers will enjoy the manor house, which hosts a historical society. The estate itself adds plenty of old-world charm to the scenery.
Green thumbs, don’t skip the walled garden. A botanical garden and a freshwater pond add even more reasons to slow down.
A visitor center at 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd, Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743, welcomes you, while Caumsett Café operates Friday through Sunday from May through October. Public restrooms, including a gender-neutral option, make longer visits easier.
Families will find kid-friendly hikes that won’t wear out small legs. Pack a picnic and choose a peaceful spot to enjoy it.
Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds here. If you crave quiet trails, a weekday trip is your friend.
10. Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Swans gliding past a grand manor house sounds like a storybook scene. At this riverside park, that’s simply part of the view.
The arboretum covers 691 acres along the Connetquot River, at 440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY 11739. A stately mansion sits at its heart and steals the show.
Tours of the manor house showcase a well-preserved home. Inside, a cafe gives you a chance to rest and grab a bite.
Fans of tradition might enjoy Victorian Tea, a popular event at the arboretum. It’s a fun excuse to linger and feel a little fancy.
Outside, winding nature trails lead you past bridges, gazebos, and brooks. Many plants and trees are labeled, so you can learn names as you walk.
Animal fans can also learn about the arboretum’s farm, which raises heritage-breed egg-laying chickens. Spotting swans along the water is another sweet bonus.
After exploring the gardens, stop at the Hidden Oak Café inside the manor house for a bite to eat. Kid-friendly hikes make it easy to bring the whole family along.
The arboretum opens Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM during its warmer-season schedule, with winter hours of 9 AM to 4 PM from November 7 through April 4. It’s closed on Mondays, so plan your peaceful escape on another day.
11. Sunken Meadow State Park
Three miles of beach on the North Shore makes for one roomy playground. This park packs a lot of variety into a single trip.
The beach sits along the calm waters of Long Island Sound, reached via New York State Reference Rte 908K, Kings Park, NY 11754. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing on a warm afternoon.
One quick tip before you kick off your shoes. Small rocks and shells dot the sand, so water shoes or sandals can help.
A boardwalk gives you an easy stroll with nice views of the water. Running and hiking trails also loop through the park for more active folks.
Golfers can bring their clubs, since there’s a golf course on site. It’s a fun twist on the usual beach outing.
Cookouts are easy with picnic tables and grills ready to use. A children’s play area with slides and swings keeps the little ones busy.
Dogs are not permitted in Sunken Meadow’s main park or beach areas, although leashed dogs may use designated undeveloped trails accessible separately from Old Dock Road or Route 25A. A basketball court gives restless teens something to do as well.
Weekend afternoons tend to get packed with visitors. For a quieter, more relaxing day, try heading out during the week.
12. Robert Moses State Park
Waves, a boardwalk, and a famous lighthouse within reach make this beach a triple threat. It’s a classic summer pick on the Long Island coastline.
The ocean beach is clean and wide, with lifeguards keeping watch. Showers and changing rooms make heading home after a swim much less sandy.
A boardwalk runs along the shore for easy walks. Concessions are on hand when the snack cravings hit.
Here’s a bonus most beaches can’t match. The park offers access to the Fire Island Lighthouse, so you can mix a beach day with a little history.
Got a competitive streak? Pitch-and-putt golf lets you test your short game between swims.
Families will love the playgrounds scattered around the park. Picnic areas with barbecue grills make it easy to plan a lunch outdoors.
Nature fans can keep an eye out for wildlife too. The setting blends natural beauty with plenty of historical charm.
Summer weekends get busy, especially in the afternoon. Arrive early at Robert Moses Cswy, Babylon, NY 11702, grab your spot, and settle into a day of sun and salty air.
13. Cradle of Aviation Museum
Long Island played a big role in the story of flight, and this museum proves it. Vintage aircraft fill the galleries, and they’re a sight to behold.
Original artifacts, planes, and jets are on display throughout. The exhibits show how the United States and Long Island helped shape aviation.
Hands-on fun is everywhere you turn. Interactive displays explain the basics of flight in ways that make sense for kids and adults alike.
Want to feel like a pilot? Flight simulators let you take the controls without leaving the ground.
A space exhibit adds even more wow factor to the visit. There’s also a planetarium for anyone hoping to look beyond the clouds.
Parents of tiny tots will appreciate the baby playroom. The staff is knowledgeable, so feel free to ask questions as you go.
Hungry explorers can stop at the cafe or restaurant. A gift shop and theater round out the experience, and active military members get a discount.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Parking is free at Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530, which makes this New York gem an easy pick for a rainy day.
14. Parrish Art Museum
Famous architects Herzog and de Meuron designed this museum, so the building itself is a work of art. Even the parking lot gets compliments for its thoughtful design.
Inside, the focus is on contemporary American art. You’ll see a mix of well-known names and lesser-known artists.
Exhibits change regularly, so each visit can feel fresh. Many shows give Long Island artists a chance to really shine.
The curation earns high praise for being smart and thoughtful. For a regional museum, it delivers well above its size.
Beyond the galleries, the museum offers programs and events throughout the week. Fun evening programs mix science and conversation in a creative setting.
Take a break at the cafe when your feet need a rest. The gift shop is a handy stop for art books or a small treasure.
Hours are a little tricky, so plan ahead. The museum is open Monday and Thursday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the doors stay closed. Parking is free at 279 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976, and the beautiful grounds make a lovely spot for a stroll after you browse.
15. Orient Beach State Park
Drive almost as far east as the North Fork allows, and you’ll land at this quiet beauty at 40000 Main Rd, Orient, NY 11957. The trip out is scenic, and the payoff is even better.
A maritime forest, a bay beach, and a saltwater marsh all share this slice of land. That mix makes it a dream spot for nature lovers.
Water fans have plenty of choices here. Kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and swimming are all on the menu.
Bird watchers should bring binoculars, since wildlife sightings are part of the fun. The marsh and forest give birds lots of places to hang out.
Land lovers can hit the walking trail or bike trail. Both offer an easy way to explore at your own pace.
Planning a picnic? Tables, barbecue grills, and bathrooms make it simple to stay for hours.
Little ones can enjoy a small playground with slides and swings. A gift shop is also on site if you want a keepsake.
Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Pack the car, point it east, and let this peaceful corner of New York close out your summer adventures in style.