Long Island has some very cool things to do close to home. Below we listed some great things to do to mix things up and get you out of the house.
Surfing - Whether you're a beginner or expert Long Island offers some great surfing locales. From the legendary Ditch Plains in Montauk to the multiple locales at Jones Beach, there is no shortage of breaks to hang ten here. We put together this comprehensive list of spots. Warning: some may require four-wheel drive vehicles and permits to access and others are not for the faint of heart.
Hiking - Trails criss cross and extend the length and breadth of Long Island so a good hike is probably not far from your own backyard. We put together this list of eight must-visit Long Island trails. Lace up those boots and hit the dirt.
Ziplining - The Adventure Park on Long Island offers both low-ropes courses and high-ropes courses interspersed with ziplines, that’s ideal for all ages. The climbing adventures are self-guided, which means the courses can be taken at your own pace. According to the website, they have 148 treetop platforms connected by bridges, ladders, 22 ziplines and other crossings, to explore the aerial adventure park all day long! The 2020 season is kicking off with their Glow in the Park Summer Series. Enjoy a magical experience climbing and ziplining through the trees – literally aglow – with colored lights, laser lights, music, and more. Location: 75 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights.
Skydiving - Sometimes you have to go up to get out. Skydiving is one way to earn your adventure stripes. The Long Island Skydiving Center in Shirley will get you airborne and the drop will get your heart racing. They specialize in tandem skydiving for first-timers.
Shark Fishing - It’s an all day excursion and most boats accommodate small-to-medium sized groups (up to six people). Captains say they target Makos and Threshers. Expect to leave at the crack of dawn (around 5am) and return in the afternoon. Boats like the 48-foot Susie E II run out of Montauk. A quick Google search will show many charters to take you out. Also read our story, Nine Bite-sized Tidbits About Sharks on Long Island.
Scuba Diving - Water, water, everywhere! Take a lesson, get certified, and then go explore all the great diving locations around Long Island. There are plenty of places to get started on a diving adventure like Hampton Dive Center in Riverhead, Port Diver in Port Jefferson, Tiedemann’s Diving Center in Levittown, and Good Life Divers in Lindenhurst, among others.