Things to do in Long Island, Long Island: The Best Nature & Parks

October 11, 2021 Nicolette Lion

Discover the best top things to do in Long Island, United States including Sailors Haven, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Mashomack Preserve, Fire Island National Seashore, Jones Beach State Park, Cooper's Beach, Ditch Plains, Lido Beach, Tobay Beach, The Sunken Forest.
Restaurants in Long Island

1. Sailors Haven

Fire Island, NY 11782 https://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/sailorshaven.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

Sailors Haven

2. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, NY 11771 +1 516-922-8678 [email protected] http://www.plantingfields.org
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Located in Oyster Bay, New York and originally landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers, the grounds feature 409 acres of greenhouses, rolling lawns, formal gardens, woodland paths and outstanding plant collections. The original historic estate buildings remain intact including Coe Hall, a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion designed by Walker and Gillette. The interior of the house is a showcase of artistry and craftsmanship and features a distinctly American aesthetic through original ironwork commissions by Samuel Yellin and murals painted by artists Robert Winthrop Chanler and Everett Shinn. Planting Fields is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Reviewed By 25sandya - Haddonfield, United States

This was a beautiful park in which to spend a couple hours on a low key vacation. While we did not manage to walk all the trails in our limited time here, we enjoyed what we saw immensely, and had the place almost to ourselves. I would love to come back in the spring when more flowers are blooming. Do not miss the main greenhouse! The cactus, begonia and orchid branches were great, as well as the wonderful tropical plants and trees in the main section. The dahlia garden was very nice. Also of note, the Sensory garden and Italian garden. After Labor Day, the $8 per car fee is only collected on weekends.

3. Mashomack Preserve

79 S. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, NY +1 516-749-1001 http://www.shelter-island.org/mashomack.html
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Mashomack Preserve

This Nature Conservancy property spans 2,100 acres, and accounts for one-third of the land on Shelter Island.

Reviewed By debrak2

This is a great place for a hike, especially with the family. I went with my 2 daughters in their 20s and we chose the red trail (1.4 miles). The trail was easy (I have arthritis of the knees, so it was just fine) and it was clearly marked with benches along the way. Kids will really like the fact that you get to read one page of a children's picture book every few yards, so that once you finish the hike you finish the story. There is also a gazebo along the way with water views. A lovely experience ... highly recommend it!

4. Fire Island National Seashore

120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY 11772-3596 +1 631-687-4750 http://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Fire Island National Seashore

Reviewed By LollysLook - New York City, United States

Fire island beaches are the spectacular jewel of the south shore of Long Island New York. The beautiful sandy beaches line the barrier island. Each town on fire island has its own unique draw-some are quiet, some have bars and restaurants that are lively. Find one that you love !

5. Jones Beach State Park

1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793 +1 516-785-1600 https://parks.ny.gov/parks/jonesbeach/
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 463 reviews

Jones Beach State Park

This park offers visitors seven miles of beach, two swimming pools, a boardwalk and games.

Reviewed By LIICETEA - Long Island, United States

Jones Beach State Park, a NY STATE PARK so Parking Fees apply during the season, 10.00 dollars daily. There are plenty of activities at the park for every one. A great boardwalk, a beautiful beach, playgrounds for the kids, Shuffle board and miniature golf. Beside the Beach, the 2 pools should be open during season, I rode my bike on the bicycle path from Cedar Creek park to Jones Beach which is about 5 miles. i didnt continue but i think it goes further along the bay towards Gilgo Beach. Now the Best hidden secret in this park, Parking lot 10(check out picture) with the fishing pier have the best sunsets. GO there and you will see what I mean.

6. Cooper's Beach

268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968-4600
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 347 reviews

Cooper's Beach

Scenic beach stretches 500 feet along the Atlantic shoreline offering a view of historic mansions in the distance.

Reviewed By Rtktennis - Southampton, United States

As nice as it gets. Great food at reasonable prices for the Hampton's Worth the parking fee if you can’t bike there. ..

7. Ditch Plains

Montauk Peninsula, Montauk, NY
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Ditch Plains

Located on the Montauk Peninsula, this popular beach is noted for excellent surfing and body boarding.

Reviewed By fuwa1818 - Cincinnati, United States

Beautiful in the mornings! Not very crowded and mainly friendly locals out on the water. Catch a lesson with Coreyswave if you'd like to learn. Surf is consistently good for beginners in the summer. IMPORTANT: If you're visiting, none of the lots are open to cars without an East Hampton beach parking permit. I parked in the free lot at Shadmoor State Park and took the 20 min walk to Ditch. Phenomenal way to start the day with a clear mind!

8. Lido Beach

Lido Beach, NY
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Lido Beach

Reviewed By Trip43255516391

Very nice beach....Well landscaped. Ran the entire boardwalk.Excellent view of jet lines taking off to various destinations. Beaches are clean...Public restrooms are available. Parking is limited. Overall we enjoyed the boardwalk.

9. Tobay Beach

Massapequa, NY +1 516-679-3900 http://oysterbaytown.com/departments/parks/beaches
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Tobay Beach

Reviewed By patriciasB3427WX

Tobay Beach is specifically for residents of "Town of Oyster Bay" groups of towns (Massapequa, Hicksville, Syosset, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Oyster Bay). After Sandy & some Nor'easters, it looked like Tobay was gone forever, washed out to sea, literally. Well the town has upped its game & rebuilt the beach with new restaurants, a bar, a water park for the kids. On one side of the parking lot is the beautiful beach. The opposite side is the calm bay which is perfect for families with young kids. Also a very zen 9/11 memorial garden on the bay side. You can get a seasonal pass or pay by the day. If you are not a resident of any of the towns within TOBAY, you will pay an arm & a leg to go. Seasonal passes for residents are pretty reasonable, but daily fees can add up quickly, so if you're planning to go several times, get the pass. One wonderful perk for this "private" beach is that, for seniors, you can get a lifetime pass. Pay a one-time $30 fee, get an ID card, and all you have to do each season is show your card & car registration. You get a sticker in the window & free beach all year. Looking forward to the new restaurants & water park for children.

10. The Sunken Forest

Fire Island, NY http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/sunken-forest.htm
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

The Sunken Forest

Reviewed By CasaHoffa - Huatulco, Mexico

The Sunken Forest on Fire Island is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. The wooden walkways meander through the virgin forest allowing sightings of deer, fox, racoons and many many birds and butterflies.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.