Spend this summer on Long Island with our Utopia Guide enjoying the sparkling sand beaches, visiting the historic monuments, quaint downtowns, splendorous scenes and much more. Long Island is the best resort in the North of New York City, whether you are a native or a tourist.
But, hold on, before visiting the place, you have to create a mental picture and plan the tour. This Utopia Guide will help you explore the local culture, food, entertainment options, transportation and accommodation at Long Island. This guide aims to give you complete information about your destinations so that you can pre-plan and find everything with full convenience. So, let us start our wonderful journey.
Introduction to Utopia Guide Long Island
Utopia Guide Long Island fascinates visitors with its natural beauty, breathtaking panoramas, mighty hills and infrastructure such as North Fork, Hamptons, Oheka Castle, Westbury Gardens and Montauk Lighthouse, Parrish Art Museum and many other museums. This place is a blend of modern and ancient life as you can also find salons, massage parlors, escort services, strip clubs, restaurants and other recreational points.
Cuisines and Bars
Long Island offers its visitors a variety of local foods and fills your appetite if you are a foodie. Do not forget to try Lobster rolls by Jordan Lobster Farms and Italian cuisine at La Parma. You can find your favorite desserts at Ralph’s Italian Ices. Moreover, there are local farmers’ markets that are held on Saturdays and sell fresh vegetables, fruits and other organic products.
Other food points include The 1770 House which is a historic colonial inn and Babylon Fish & Calm which offers chowder, scallops and mussels marinara.
If you love barbeque, Zest the new fusion restaurant having a funky pop art theme is a great option. You can have mussels with a variety of sauces and imported beers at Waterzooi Belgian Bistro & Oyster Bar.
The most famous bars include BrickHouse Brewery, Charlotte’s Speakeasy, Repeal XVIII, NuBar and Post Office Café. Here, you can order, house brews, cocktails, and craft beers and enjoy karaoke, bingo, drag shows, trivia nights, live jazz music and many more.
Hamptons on Long Island
Hamptons is one of the best waterfront gateways to entertain yourself. If you are looking for fresh seafood and cocktails together with a seawater spa, go to Surf Lodge and Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa.
Similarly, the Maidstone offers you a historic view, a beautiful garden, Michelin-starred restaurant for both wine and dining.
Art, Culture and Entertainment
Long Island has numerous museums, you should explore the Parrish Art Museum located in Water Mill and the Nassau County Museum of Art. This museum is excellent for a revisit to American history as it exhibits art collections from the 19th century till the present date.
Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor manifests local art and culture by presenting classic and contemporary plays. Likewise, if you are a music lover, attend the events and shows at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center and Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.
The local culture can be further explored through Harvest Festival and East End Cider Fest.
Long Island Utopia Beaches
Long Island does not rely on a single type of beach but rather offers a variety of beaches for every traveler. For example, you can have fun surfing the waves of Montauk, the calm waters of Shelter Island and Cedar Point Country Park, and skydiving in Shirley. Jones Beach State Park is all-in-one as it arranges concerts and has a range of food. Crescent Beach is another gem that can be accessed via boating or hiking.
Adventure and Recreation
A lot of natural resorts and parks waiting for you on Long Island. For recreational activities and kids’ entertainment, you can go biking, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. Play golf, tennis, cricket, hockey or other desirable games along with picnicking at Eisenhower Park.
Another amazing place to visit in Long Island Utopia is Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park located in Oyster Bay. This park covers 400 acres and will astound you by presenting its woodlands, fields, gardens and calm environment.
Shopping Malls and Markets
Roosevelt Field Mall is one of the largest malls you should choose for shopping in Long Island, it contains more than 270 stores. Moreover, the mall also features cinemas, restaurants and entertainment points.
Traveling to Long Island
From New York City, Long Island can be approached both by road and by air. If you start on a car from Expressway East, it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Train is a more affordable option through Long Island Rail Road and the travel time will be 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Long Island is not very walkable and public transport is not abundant, so better hire a car.
If you opt for the plane, JFK and LaGuardia airports at Queens will be ready to fly you. The closest airport to Long Island is LaGuardia but offers fewer flight options as compared to JFK.
Accommodation Options at Long Island
Definitely, you have to decide according to your budget. Choose the Hamptons to stay in if you want a luxurious experience and can afford pricey food and items. Moreover, you can consider the Ice Palace Resort hotel for pools, bars and ocean views. Garden City Hotel is another luxurious place to stay closer to NY. Montauk Manor is a Hilltop Tudor hotel and is close to the beach.
However, with a low or mediocre budget, you should stay in small towns and villages including Greenport, Southold and Montauk.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Long Island?
Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit Long Island as you can enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful blossoms, rainy and cool atmosphere. Summers are hot and humid but cool off at the beach. Likewise, winters are snowy and windy, suitable for indoor activities.
What are the essential things to take with me while visiting Long Island?
Take all the essentials things like attire, shoes, bags, etc. Moreover, include sunscreen, sunglasses, a rain jacket, a swimsuit, an umbrella, and lip balm to protect your beauty.
What I must know before touring Long Island?
You must know certain facts about the place before planning a tour. For instance, make a transportation plan, keep a check on the weather and pack enough clothes. Furthermore, follow SOPs and other health guidelines to stay healthy and safe.
Conclusion
Long Island Utopia Guide is a complete package for you. We have listed all of the famous places from food to entertainment, traveling to residence, shopping to recreation and much more. You can check the restaurants, hotels, and beaches beforehand by viewing videos and pictures. Then, select your favorite places from the complete list this guide has provided you. Stay connected with us and do not forget to share your tourist experience.