Long Island, New York State Attractions
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Long Island is a surprising area of the New York State that stretches from the urban life of New York City to small New England type villages at its eastern end. This island is 118-miles long, with maritime and agricultural heritage, museums, zoos, restored colonial villages and a national laboratory science museum. The island contains many recreational properties, with beautiful beach houses lining the long stretches of stand along the ocean. During the summer months the beaches are busy with sunbathers, as people come here to relax and escape the city.
Vanderbilt Mansion, Marine Museum and Park, Centerport, New York
The Vanderbilt Museum was the residence of William K. Vanderbilt II, great-grandson of New York's railroad and shipping magnate "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt. The Spanish-style Revival mansion features 24 rooms and was built between 1910 and 1936. Period pieces, antiques and original furnishings fill the Vanderbilt Museum. Marine and wildlife specimens, 68 types previously unknown to science, are found throughout the mansion and museum.
Planetarium
The Vanderbilt Museum hosts a Planetarium with a domed 60 foot Sky Theater in which the GOTO projector displays the sun, moon, planets, stars and recreates celestial events during Sky Shows. Exhibits include astronomy and science exhibits, telescopes and an observatory.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River, New York
Bayard Cutting Arboretum features a wide variety of trees and plantings, including fir, spruce, pine, cypress, hemlock, yew, and other lesser known conifer varieties. Also found are dwarf evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies, and oaks. The many native woodlands are home to wildflowers and daffodils.The former Cutting Residence contains fireplaces, woodworking, stained glass windows, and a small Natural History museum with an extensive collection of mounted birds.
East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation, Greenport, New York
The East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation was established to preserve the maritime heritage of Long Island. The Foundation restored the original Long Island Railroad Greenport railway station to house a Maritime Museum. Exhibits within the museum relate to the fishing industry, the oyster industry, lighthouse lenses, and model ships. Each September the Foundation sponsors a Maritime Festival.
Nassau County Museum of Art, Roslyn Harbor, New York
The Nassau County Museum of Art features a permanent collection of over 600 works of art highlighting both European and American artists. There is also an Outdoor Sculpture Garden that includes 35 sculptures throughout the 145 acre landscape. Another area of the museum is the Tee Ridder Miniatures Museum with 26 miniature rooms such as an 18th century kitchen, a music room and a gaming room.
Clark Botanic Garden, Albertson, New York
Clark Botanic Garden features 5,000 species and 20 specialty gardens. Specialty gardens include roses, wildflowers, herbs, daylilies, rock garden plants, dwarf evergreens, shade plantings, winter gardens, small flowering trees, early and late-flowering shrubs.
Bridgehampton - Bridgehampton Historical Museum
The Corwith Homestead, built in 1840, is the headquarters of the Bridgehampton Historical Society. It houses period furnishings, historic paintings, furniture, diaries, photographs and letters. Other exhibits include a wheelwright shop, blacksmith shop, jailhouse and machine shop.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area is a 26,000 acre park found in the heart of metropolitan New York. There are recreational, cultural and natural resources to enjoy such as swimming, boating, fishing, bicycling and nature study. The nation's oldest operating lighthouse and several forts are found within the Gateway boundaries.
Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, Glen Cove, New York
A natural history museum and nature preserve, Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, is located on Long Island's north shore. Exhibits within the museum include geology, archaeology and ethnology. The preserve features meadows and old growth hardwood forest.
Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury, New York
The Westbury House was completed in 1906, in the Charles II-style. The mansion is furnished with antique furniture and art. The 160 acre landscaped grounds is patterned after the English "Great Parks" of the 18th century including formal gardens, woodlands, ponds and lakes.
Sag Harbor, New York
As early as 1707, Sag Harbor had established itself as a port and was one of the first two ports of entry created by Congress in 1789. The whaling industry was of great importance to Sag Harbor in the early days. Until 1871, when whaling died off, Sag Harbor was one of the largest whaling ports in the world.
Custom House
Built in 1789, the 18th-century home of the port's first U.S. Custom Master and displays historical documents and period furnishings. It also housed the first post office on Long Island in 1794.
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum displays whaling equipment, oil paintings, ship models, fishing gear, and logbooks. Whaling began on Long Island in the 17th century and Sag Harbor was one of the busiest ports in the northeast during the 19th Century.
West Bay Shore - Sagtikos Manor
Sagtikos Manor in West Bay Shore, on Long Island, was completed in 1697. The manor was enlarged in 1772 and 1902, and served as headquarters for the British Army during the Revolutionary War. The interior features original family pieces.The grounds have a carriage house, the walled garden and family cemetery.
Amagansett, New York
Amagansett was settled in 1690 by the two Schellinger brothers, Abraham and Jacob. Amagansett is an Indian name meaning "place of good water." It was well-suited to farming, fishing and whaling.
East Hampton Town Marine Museum
The East Hampton Town Marine Museum depicts the history of whaling and fishing on Eastern Long Island. Exhibits include whaling artifacts donated by local families and dioramas of the various fishing techniques.
Lauder Museum, Amityville, New York
The Lauder Museum is a community history museum housed in a former bank building. The Parlor room features Victorian furniture and a book collection, the Back room has items for the home and a clothing collection.
Babylon - Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses State Park has 4,122 acres offering many recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, boating, tennis and swimming. The trails are suited to nature walks, hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as snowmobiling in winter.
Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore has a high concentration of waterfowl, plus fishing opportunities. There is a lighthouse nearby as well as Sailors Haven, home to the Sunken Forest.
Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses State Park is located on the western end of Fire Island National Seashore. Visitors can fish, swim or boat along the beach and pier areas.
Garden City, New York
Garden City was founded in 1869 as one of the first planned communities in the United States. Charles Lindbergh began his historic transatlantic flight from Roosevelt Field, near Garden City.
Long Island Children's Museum
Artfully housed in a former airplane hangar at historic Mitchel Field, the Long Island Children's Museum is a creative, innovative and inspiring destination for children and their grownups. Fourteen hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits, a state-of-the-art theater and three learning studios await you in this 40,000 square foot museum. Art, music, multi-cultural and science-based workshops and family-focused films and live theater performances link thematically to the museum's monthly program themes and traveling exhibits.
Cathedral of the Incarnation
Cathedral of the Incarnation is an Episcopal Cathedral built in 13th century Gothic style. The hand carved mahogany woodwork and rare marble are of great interest in this 1885 church.
Hempstead - Hofstra Museum
The Hofstra Museum features American art, prints and photographs; European, Asian, African and Oceanic artworks. The 240 acre Hofstra University campus is an exhibition area for more than 75 pieces of sculpture.
Huntington, New York
Huntington is located on Long Island's north shore and is the birthplace of Walt Whitman. The largest known black oak in the United States, Lloyd Neck Black Oak, is located here.
Huntington Historical Society House Museum
The Huntington Historical Society was founded in 1903 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the European settlement of Huntington. Four museums are preserved by the Society, the David Conklin Farm House and the Dr Daniel W Kissam House as well as Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building and the Huntington Sewing and Trade School.
Heckscher Museum of Art
Heckscher Museum of Art includes European and American paintings and sculpture from the 16th century to the present. Over 2,000 items in the permanent collection also include photographs.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
The birthplace of famous poet Walt Whitman features a library and exhibit rooms. Original letters, manuscripts and artifacts as well as 130 portraits of Whitman are on display.
Nathan Hale Memorial Monument
This Nathan Hale Memorial Monument marks the spot where the patriot spy was captured.
US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York
The US Merchant Marine Academy trains and educates officers for the Merchant Marine and Naval Reserve. The estate of Walter Chrysler, the American Merchant Marine Museum and U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial Chapel are on the grounds.
Montauk, New York
Montauk is located along the south shore of eastern Long Island. Fishing is very popular along the banks of Montauk. Various recreational activities are available in Hither Hill State Park and Montauk Point State Park.
Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum
Built in 1796, Montauk Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest active lighthouses in the United States. Maritime history exhibits are available at the museum housed in the 1860 Keepers house.
Second House Museum
Second House was built in 1797 and is the oldest building in Montauk. It houses artifacts and a one-room school.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage, New York
Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a reconstructed working farm village that takes visitors back to 19th century Long Island. Buildings have been relocated here and reflect architectural styles from the early 1700s onward.
Science Museum of Long Island, Plandome, New York
The Science Museum of Long Island offers science programs that include astronomy, biology, botany, ecology, animal science, chemistry, paleontology, oceanography, and physics. There are hands-on activities available and programs for families.
Setauket, New York
Part of the Three Villages region, which includes Setauket, Stony Brook and Old Field. The town was used by Revolutionary War spies as their headquarters. The Caroline Church of Brookhaven, built 1729, is open upon request.
Thompson House
Built around 1700, it is a first period "salt box" house of post and beam construction. The house is furnished with antiques and was restored to its original condition.
Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, New York
Jones Beach State Park is 2,400 acres with beach area for swimming, and the west end of the park is home to surf fishing, a boat basin and undeveloped areas where nature lovers can enjoy a variety of migratory birds and native plants.
Cold Spring Harbor - Whaling Museum
The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum features a 19th century whaleboat, scrimshaw collection, whaling history exhibits and a diorama of Cold Spring Harbor in 1850.
East Hampton, New York
East Hampton is found along the south shore of Long Island. The first chartered academy, the Clinton Academy is located here featuring local history exhibits.
Clinton Academy
Clinton Academy was constructed in 1784 with funds contributed by local citizens and it served as a coeducational academy. This Georgian style building was made of brick and wood. In 1921 Clinton Academy was restored, as accurately as possible, to its 1784 appearance.
Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home was the home of John Howard Payne, who was a playwright, actor and diplomat. The house was built in the 1720's and has been filled with authentic 17th and 18th century furniture as well as a collection of English ceramics. The home was opened as a museum in 1928.
Guild Hall of East Hampton
Guild Hall is a fine art museum, a professional theater, and a community education center. Art-related classes, workshops and educational outreach programs are available.
Mulford Farmhouse
This is a complex of farm buildings including a 1680 farmhouse. It is the original settlement of Maidstone. A decorative arts exhibit is on display as well as information on East Hampton architecture.
Sherwood-Jayne House, East Setauket, New York
Sherwood-Jayne House is an 18th century home filled with furniture and other historic objects.
Shrine of our Lady of the Island, Eastport, New York
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Island offers stations of the cross, gardens, statues and chapels within the 70 acre site.
Hicksville, New York
Hicksville is home to Gates of Paradise, a full scale replica of the 15th century Golden Doors designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Hicksville Gregory Museum
The Hicksville Gregory Museum features a mineral collection, a moth and butterfly collection with native species from Long Island, and a display that consists of a pair of eggs from the early Cretaceous period, one hundred million years old. They are unique in that the skeletons of the baby dinosaurs are intact.
Long Island Reptile Museum (closed)
NO LONGER IN OPERATION.The Long Island Reptile Museum contains over 3,000 live reptiles and amphibians from around the world.
Wrong Island Railroad, Lake Ronkonkoma, New York
Wrong Island Railroad features a 54 foot layout of old-fashioned trains, sound affects, antique cars and 19th-Century photos of the first Ronkonkoma train station.
Rock Hall Museum, Lawrence, New York
Rock Hall is a restored Georgian Colonial mansion that was built in 1767. It is furnished in the late 18th century style and features a garden on the grounds.
American Guitar Museum, New Hyde Park, New York
The American Guitar Museum opened in 1992 and offers guitar restoration. John D'Angelico and James L. D'Aquisto created many of the guitars on display.
Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale, New York
The Connetquot River State Park Preserve is 3,400 acres of refuge for many animals and plants. Guided nature walks are offered and fishing is permitted.
Port Washington, New York
Port Washington is located on the North Shore of Long Island. It offers many recreational opportunities in the many beaches and parks.
Sands Point Preserve
Sands Point was a grand estate in the early 1900s. The 209 acre forest and shoreline preserve features nature and science exhibits, restored Guggenheim family homes with artifacts and antiques.
Castlegould
Castlegould is a huge stone castle, built in 1902, that was designed as a U-shaped equestrian-parade stable and included servants quarters and a rectangular carriage area.
Falaise
Built in 1923, Falaise manor served as the summer residence of Captain Harry F. Guggenheim. The Normandy-style house contains original furnishings and historic memorabilia.
Hempstead House
The Hempstead House, formerly occupied by Daniel Guggenheim, features a display of Wedgewood Ceramics from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Riverhead, New York
Riverhead offers beaches and parks, golfing, canoeing, water park facilities, and paddleboat river cruises.
Hallockville Museum Farm
Hallockville Farm Museum is a historic homestead featuring a farmer's workshop, Long Island barn, some original outbuildings and a farmhouse from 1880. The Hallock Homestead Barn dates back to the 1700's and the original part of the Homestead was built in 1765.
Suffolk County Historical Society Museum
Founded in 1886, the Suffolk County Historical Society houses a collection of artifacts that include early crafts, textiles, china, whaling and American Indian items. The culture of the Algonquin people and their relationship with the European settlers is highlighted along with the lives of pioneers.
Splish Splash Water Park
Splish Splash Waterpark in Riverhead is a 96 acre water park with many rides, a children's area, tropical bird and sea lion shows. Highlights include a lazy river, family raft ride, wave pool and and a free-falling drop slide.
Tackapausha Museum and Preserve, Seaford, New York
Long Island wildlife and their habitats are on display. Many nature trails are found throughout the preserve.
Shirley, New York
Located on Long Island, Shirley is home to the Wetheim National Wildlife Refuge headquarters.
Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of eight different refuges, with five having limited access. The refuges are home to diverse wildlife and all areas are suitable for nature study, photography, hiking, and birding.
Manor of St George
This 125-acre park and museum features historic documents and items of Col. William "Tangier" Smith, first Chief Justice of New York State. The three-story manor house displays furnishings from the early 1800s and paintings from the estate.
Long Island Maritime Museum, West Sayville, New York
The Long Island Maritime Museum strives to preserve maritime heritage through displays of ship models, paintings and artifacts.
Cutchogue, New York
Cutchogue means "it splits off the land", a Corchaug Indian word.
Cutchogue Green Historic Buildings
The Old House, built in 1640 is one of the nation's earliest buildings and was moved to its current location in 1649. The complex also includes the 1740 Wickham House, one of the oldest North Fork farmhouses, with a collection of antique quilts. The 1840 Schoolhouse Museum displays donated antique items and the former Independent Congregational Church, built in 1862.
Jamaica, New York
Jamaica is located within Long Island in New York.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
The airport was started in April 1942, when the City of New York contracted to fill the marshy tidelands on the site of Idlewild Golf Course. It was initially slated for l,000 acres, but grew to five times that size upon completion. The first commercial flights took place on July 1, 1948 and the airport was formally dedicated as New York International Airport on July 31, 1948. On December 24, 1963, it was rededicated as John F. Kennedy International Airport. JFK airport has more than 30 miles of roadways and is 12.7 feet above sea level.
Queens Library's Children's Library Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is a children's library with interactive discovery exhibits and learning labs to interest children ages 3 to 12 in books and reading. Exhibits include Exploration Plazas and Learning Labs to introduce children to math, science, engineering, and technology. Global Village, a giant globe, helps children learn about geography, history, and world cultures.
Manorville, New York
Manorville is located on Long Island and has several animal attractions.
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park
The Long Island Game Farm Wildlife and Children's Zoo is situated in a 300 acre pine forest, with a wildlife collection, petting zoo and performing animal shows. Some of the highlights of the animal collection includes 18-foot giraffe, red kangaroos, kinkajous, Barbados sheep, and peacocks.
Animal Farm
The Animal Farm is a refuge for neglected and unwanted animals. A petting zoo is available for children to touch, feed and get close to the animals.
Manorville Historical Society Museum
The Society was founded in 1986 and has restored a 1929 two-room schoolhouse.
Southold, New York
Southold was founded in 1640 by settlers from England.
Southold's Indian Museum
Southold Indian Museum has a collection that consists of artifacts and relics belonging to local Long Island Indians. Notable displays include the evolution of Indian culture such as Algonquin ceramic pottery, spearheads and arrowheads, children's games and toys, and fishing methods.
Horton Point Lighthouse and Nautical Museum
Horton Point Lighthouse was built in 1857 and completely renovated in 2005-2006. The Nautical Museum displays a collection of early marine artifacts including sea chests, paintings, photographs, maps, scrimshaw, and baymen's tools.
