Long Island has long been hailed as the playground for the rich and famous.
After all, it’s home to the Hamptons where plenty of A-listers escape for the summer, not to mention it’s an easy trip from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Oozing glitz and glamour you’ll find plenty of luxurious offerings alongside the picture-perfect beaches, vineyards and orchards.
We’ve teamed up with Discover Long Island to bring you the ultimate guide on what not to miss if you’re heading out on a trip – and it’s well worth adding a few days if you’re heading to New York anyway.
Check out the best things to see and do below, including top tips for getting there…
1. Mix with A-listers in The Hamptons
There are 20 hamlets and villages which comprise the Hamptons, and here is where you’ll find some pretty incredible mansions.
For those who want to go celebrity spotting, head to East Hampton which is famous for its upscale shops, fine dining restaurant and incredible beaches. The likes of the Kardashians and Sarah Jessica Parker have previously been spotted there.
2. Climb a historic lighthouse
Long Island’s lighthouses are iconic, and have stood tall for centuries – in fact, they’re often visitors’ first sight of land when arriving to the US by sea.
Nowadays you can visit a host of them for some pretty spectacular views, as well as learning all about local history and maritime tidbits.
Highlights include Montauk Point Lighthouse which is the oldest lighthouse in the New York State, and Fire Island Lighthouse which has epic views of the landscape including (on clear days) the NYC skyline.
3. Step into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
Long Island’s Gold Coast is adorned with luxury and legend, and there are some spectacular mansions.
Most notable is Oheka Castle which is said to have inspired Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, but also boasts more modern claims to fame including the setting of Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’ music video.
Nowadays it also serves as a hotel and wedding venue. Rooms star from £337 a night on TripAdvisor.
4. Visit Fire Island’s beaches
This car-free island is a ferry ride from mainland Long Island and is noted for its pristine beaches, nightlife and relaxing ambience.
Attractions include the historic Fire Island lighthouse, public marinas, a rare maritime forest, and two internationally known LGBT resort communities – The Pines and Cherry Grove.
5. Sample wine at Kontokosta vineyard
You’ll have plenty of choice thanks to the area’s 60 different wineries, but one which never fails to wow guests is the Kontokosta Winery.
Set on a 62-acre waterfront farm in Greenport, it’s the perfect spot for sipping on wine while overlooking some breathtaking scenery.
6. Pick your own fruit and veg and one of Long Island’s farms
Foodies will want to head to the quaint downtown villages where you’ll find fresh ocean beaches and plenty of agriculture. The region claims to have some of the best farm-to-table fare available in the USA.
Head to Sep’s Family Farm which has been offering fresh produce to the community for over 60 years, and offers group visits including the chance to help them pick fruits and vegetables.
These are hand-picked daily, and the farm boasts over 50 varieties of fruits, flowers, herbs and vegetables.
Meanwhile, the Harbes farm in Mattituck offers plenty for the whole family. There’s a vineyard for adults, corn mazes for kids and pumpkins, apples, and apple cider doughnuts for all. Highlights include a tomato festival, pig races, and pumpkin festival in Autumn.
7. Taste one of more than 60 different cheeses at Brew Cheese in Stony Brook
Cheese fans, this one’s for you.
Brew Cheese stocks more than 60 different cheeses which can be paired with an assortment of speciality ciders and IPAs.
Meanwhile the picturesque village of Stony Brook is filled with charming history, quaint eateries, and delicious culinary spots.
8. Explore President Roosevelt’s Mansion
Oyster Bay is home to President Theorore Roosevelt’s mansion, Sagamore Hill, which is now a national historic site and museum for visitors.
While you’re in this seaside town, take advantage of the bustling restaurants and the quirky boutiques to be found, including 20th Century Cycles which displays Billy Joel’s rare motorcycle collection.
9. Have a luxury spa day
Get pampered like a celebrity thanks to the lush spas on offer.
The incredible Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa has its own access to a 2,000ft private white sand beach and an ocean-fed seawater pool.
As for the spa? It boasts a Roman bath, Finnish rock sauna, Russian steam room and Swiss shower.
10. Try the fresh seafood
If you’re a fan of seafood, you’re unlikely to be disappointed here. Long Island has everything from clam shacks to fine dining restaurants, making it a hit with foodies no matter what budget you’re on.
Family-run restaurant Claudio’s in Greenport has been in business since 1870, and is famous for its clam chowder and cold water Canadian lobsters.
For a true farm-to-table experience, The North Fork Table & Inn, in Southold, serves locally grown produce, fresh seafood from the Peconic Bay and award-winning artisanal cheese.
How to get there
From New York
Seven bridges and two tunnels within the City of New York connect the western end of the island to Brooklyn and Queen, or the Long Island Rail Road serves 124 stations in Long Island.
Alternatively, buses serve most of the island’s communities and stop at many railroad stations, shopping centres, airports and beaches. Use the Nassau County NICE Bus or Suffolk County Transit.
From the UK
Three major airports serve Long Island; JFK International, La Guardia (LGA) and Long Island MacArthur (ISP).
For Brits, JFK is one of the easiest and often most budget-friendly options for flights from the UK, with airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian offering direct routes.
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