Long Island Day Trips Guide

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When you hear the word ‘island’ you tend to automatically picture a very small area with just a few different places to visit. Well, Long Island is quite the opposite. Long Island is home to an extensive number of towns, villages, hamlets, and postal zones. The Island is separated into two counties, Nassau and Suffolk County, and split into two forks, the North and South Fork.

There are many different wineries, farm stands, theatres, country clubs, and well-known beaches, like Jones Beach and Robert Moses, and so much more, to visit.

One of the best ways to see all that Long Island has to offer is to plan a day trip. By planning a day trip you can choose one central location and explore it thoroughly. You can even turn your day trip into a weekend getaway! This will ensure that you have the time to fit in all of the local attractions and things that you’d like to see into your visit.

Whether you’re a visiting tourist, a native Long Islander, or just looking for something different to do in your own hometown, Long Island has plenty of places to go, and endless things to do and see.

North Fork
The North Fork section of Eastern Long Island is one of the last remaining remnants of rural, country living on the Island. The region is well-known for its viticultural terrain and lined with numerous wineries and vineyards, making it a terrific spot for wine lovers and connoisseurs to visit. The North Fork is also home to several pristine beaches that open to the Long Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Peconic Bay. Make your way out to Long Island’s North Fork and bring along the family for a full day of fun-filled local attractions and kid-friendly stops.

Sag Harbor
Mentioned in Herman Melville’s famed book, Moby Dick, Sag Harbor lies just between the villages of East Hampton and Southampton in Suffolk County. You can take a stroll down Main Street, visit the small town style shops, bask in the artsy aspects of the village, and sit down to lunch at one of their many independent restaurants. Sag Harbor truly is a truly one of Long Island’s hidden gems.

Greenport
Located on the northern fork of Long Island, Greenport proves that you don’t have to go very far at all to get away. The town possesses the perfect mixture of historical allure, eclectic shops, and delicious food choices ranging from more upscale to very economical, all thrown together in a friendly, little, seaside village. Voted in 2011 by Forbes as, “One of America’s Prettiest Towns,” it is impossible not to fall in love with Greenport.

Montauk
Located on the extreme tip of the southern fork, Montauk is a huge go-to spot for Long Islanders and tourists, with over 5,000 acres of public beaches and 6 state parks there is never a lack of things to do. The town is teeming with superb shopping, delectable dining, and fishing opportunities. If you decide to elongate your day trip and spend the night there are many hotels and bed & breakfasts at which to find accommodations.

The Hamptons
Located on Long Island’s South Shore, the Hamptons are known for their beautiful beaches and upscale personalities. The Hamptons provide a great getaway for tourists and Long Island locals who’d like to escape to paradise for awhile. If you’re looking for a chance to get a glimpse of some of the rich and famous the Hamptons is the place to do so. The area is also home to many vineyards, country clubs, restaurants, and farm stands.

Freeport Nautical Mile
This picturesque, waterfront street is lined with scrumptious seafood eateries and unique shops. The Freeport Nautical Mile allows tourists and town folk to travel back and experience Long Island’s maritime past.The nautical fare all along the stretch also provides cute photo ops for visitors. This is a stop the kids will love too! The area has mini golf, a waterfront park, and many exciting sights just waiting to be seen.

Northport
This secluded small town is situated around a deep-water harbor where you can moor your boat before touring the town.  Enjoy a sunset stroll at Northport Village Park, see a show by the Bare Bones Theater Company, and sample ice cream or frozen yogurt at one of Northport's many ice cream stands.  Don't forget to handle all of your shopping needs while in the village, where you can shop (or windowshop) at a variety of upscale gift shops.

Port Jefferson Village
Practically every village has a Main Street. Port Jefferson Village’s Main Street is complete with restaurants, gift shops, old houses and even an enclosed mall. While in town, also make your way to the Maritime Explorium for interactive nautical theme science based exhibits and other activities. Also find ways to relax and have fun at Harbor Front Park and Rocket Ship Park.

Stony Brook
While it is the home to a large university, Stony Brook also offers a pleasant experience for families looking to catch a view of the harbor. Check out Avalon Park and Preserve where there’s a duck pond and hiking trails. The Grist Mill, a national registered historic place and the Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages is also located here.

NYC Day Trip Guide
Itching to get off the Island for a day of fun? Why not head into New York City for a day filled with fun that you won't soon forget! NYC is packed with things to do, from museums & walking tours, to Broadway Plays, and restaurants aplenty, the City truly has something for everyone. With NYC just a quick train ride away, why not be a tourist for a day, and explore the Big Apple, and make the most of the city that never sleeps!