7 Must-See Spots in Long Island, NYC
Long Island, NYC is home to the famous and glamorous estates of the Hamptons, beautiful white-sand beaches, famed golf courses, and world-class wineries. Just an easy train ride from Penn Station, Long Island needs to be on your to-do list for a New York City visit. With so much to offer, we’ve narrowed down seven must-see locations that are sure to draw you in for some island fun.
Oheka Castle
135 West Gate Drive, Huntington; oheka.com
Originally built in 1919, this former estate and summer home once belonged to wealthy financier, Otto Kahn. With 126 rooms and 37 fireplaces, this estate stretches over 446 acres of perfectly manicured greens, and was a partial inspiration for Gatsby’s estate in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Like Gatsby, Kahn used to entertain some of the most popular and important people in America at that time.
Left vacant and vandalized for seven years, the house was in need of some serious renovations. After the fix, it functions today as a hotel and a popular site that can be rented for weddings, special occasions and movie sets.
With its rich history, breathtaking grounds and on-site restaurant, Oheka Castle is definitely one of the top reasons why you should visit Long Island.
Parrish Art Museum
279 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill; parrishart.org
Nestled in a potato field, the Parrish Art Museum was intentionally built to look like a barn to replicate the typical studio of artists in the area. The museum blends into the natural landscape and is home to a great selection of contemporary pieces from local artists both based in Long Island or who regularly vacation there. With a well-curated collection of mixed-media art pieces and a family-friendly atmosphere, this museum is a unique experience that should not be missed.
Bedell Cellars
36225 Main Road, Cutchogue; bedellcellars.com
Built in 1919, this beautiful family-owned winery, known as one of the best in the North Fork region, applies certified sustainable farming practices in the thoughtful handcrafting of their wines. The property has a large terrace where you can enjoy spectacular vineyard views while sampling some of their delicious wines. You can even try the 2009 Merlot that was served at the Inauguration of President Obama in 2013.
Jedediah Hawkins Inn
400 South Jamesport Avenue, Riverhead; jedediahhawkinsinn.com
This charming and quaint historic house located minutes away from some of North Fork’s wineries, is a beautiful space inside and out. The Inn offers sumptuous guest rooms equipped with electric fireplaces. With just a handful of rooms available, the atmosphere can be quite intimate and cozy, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. A full breakfast is served daily in the Solarium and the on-site restaurant is known for making savoury dishes with local ingredients.
1770 House
143 Main Street, East Hampton; 177house.com
A white picket fence and black window shutters give this old historic gem some undeniable colonial and classic charm. The 1770 House has a fantastic restaurant that serves exquisite upscale food from seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. There’s also a cozy Speakeasy in the basement where you can enjoy cocktails and light bites.
The Baker House 1650
181 Main Street, East Hampton; bakerhouse1650.com
Located in the beautiful East Hampton Village, The Baker House is a boutique bed-and-breakfast ideal for anyone who wants to completely disconnect from the city hustle and be transported to a world of tranquility. With an infinity pool and the perfect terrace for al-fresco dining, the grounds of this elegant and charming English manor allow you to relax and simply enjoy drinks and delicious bites in good company. The Inn also has a spa with separate glass-enclosed steam showers, sauna, and a small counter-current pool for those who are interested in some pampering.
Fire Island Lighthouse
Captree Island, NYC; fireislandlighthouse.com
Located on the south shore of Long Island, Fire Island makes for a great place to sunbathe, walk, relax and admire the distinctive wildlife ecosystem of the area. Just a few steps from the water and a short walk from Robert Moses State Park is the Fire Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse replaced the original tower built in 1826 which has now been converted to a museum filled with the Island’s history, documents and photos. Make sure to climb up the 182 steps to enjoy beautiful 360-degree views!
Whether your Long Island adventure finds you hopping from one winery to another, visiting museums, or enjoying the calm and tranquility of the charming manors, there’s no doubt that the Island has a lot to offer for a perfect summer long weekend getaway.
Book a ticket to New York and explore this beautiful island.
