Long Island is a diverse part of New York that offers dozens of unique places to visit. Everything from sandy beaches, to historical landmarks, yummy restaurants, and so much more, Long Island has something for everyone.

Long Island – also known as Downstate New York – is a medium-sized island that is situated off the southeast corner of New York, jetting out into the Long Island Sound (to the North) and the Atlantic Ocean to the South.

As a local, I can assure you the list of locations and activities below are considered unique things to do on Long Island for adults, even for locals!

This post is all about the best places to visit on Long Island.

List of Places to Visit on Long Island

Sagamore Hill

This is Former President Teddy Roosevelt’s Long Island estate located in Oyster Bay. The estate offers tours that are both in-person/self guided and virtual tours you can take on their website. The estate also features several hiking trails, grounds to walk around on, as well as a salt marsh and beach (swimming is prohibited).

See the description below from the Sagamore Hill website –

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt’s time in office, his “Summer White House” was the focus of international attention. Explore 83 acres of natural surroundings, historic buildings and trails to become inspired by the legacy of one of America’s most popular presidents.

While visiting the grounds is free (open from sunrise to sunset), you will have to pay an admission fee to enter the house. At the time of this post, admission for adults who aren’t pass-holders is $15.

You must buy tickets ahead of time. Tickets are not sold in-person.

Sagamore Hill is approximately 1hr outside of New York City.

Here is the website to book your tickets to Sagamore Hill in advance.

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Another location you can add to your places to travel to on Long Island is the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, colloquially known as “Jones Beach Theater”. Jones Beach features top artists such as Niall Horan, Post Malone, Pitbull as well as cover bands. Fun fact: my first concert was One Direction at Jones Beach Theater back in 2013!

What I love most about Jones Beach Theater is that it is an outdoor venue and it’s right on the water – you can see it from your seats if you are sitting on the lower left side facing the stage.

Summer concerts at Jones Beach Theater are iconic on Long Island and if you’re a music and summer lover, I totally recommend this venue over larger venues like Barclays and MSG in NYC.

I will be honest and say buying tickets directly from the Theater website is comparable to websites such as Ticketmaster so, check both websites for the better deal before purchasing a ticket.

The Jones Beach Theater is approximately 1hr outside of New York City.

Here is the website that showcases upcoming concerts at Jones Beach Theater.

St. James General Store

The St. James General Store is the oldest continuously operating general store in the United States.

The first floor has seasonal gifts such as soaps, candles, knit/crochet wear, jewelry, and more from local businesses on one side and on the other is full of all kinds of candy both retro and contemporary. In the back of the store is an old-fashioned toy shop that sells various retro toys, children’s tea sets, and Raggedy Ann dolls. The top floor acts as a mini bookstore with books on Long Island history and lore,

It is free to visit the store during business hours however, I can’t guarantee you’ll leave empty-handed 😉

The St. James General Store is approximately 2hrs 15mins outside of New York City.

You can learn more about the history of the St. James General Store here.

Tanger Outlets

There’s technically two outlets – one in Riverhead and another one in Deer Park. Both locations have the same stores more or less but, each outlet has different amenities.

The one located in Riverhead is the larger of the two with three parts to it. Since it’s larger, it has more stores that sell larger products. They have recently redone the outside of the outlet to make it more social friendly. The Riverhead Outlets (as it’s locally known) is the older of the two.

The Riverhead location is approximately 2hrs 30mins outside of New York City.

The Deer Park location is my favorite of the two. The Deer Park outlets are set up to resemble an Italian villa with fountains, street signs, and Mediterranean architecture. Another huge plus to this Tanger is that it has a modern movie theater.

What I love most about this particular outlet of store is that it is beautifully decorated during the Christmas season and even has an ice skating rink at the center.

The Deer Park location is approximately 2hrs outside of New York City.

Here’s more information on Tanger Riverhead and Tanger Deer Park.

Montauk Lighthouse & Museum

Welcome to the world-famous Montauk Point Lighthouse, located at the very tip of eastern Long Island. Our magnificent lighthouse provides unforgettable 360° views over the Block Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and points west. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to Montauk is complete without a stop at its historic lighthouse.

The Montauk Lighthouse is arguably the most iconic attraction on Long Island and is often used as a symbol to represent the Island. Originally commissioned by First Present George Washington, the Montauk Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.

I’ve been to the lighthouse several times myself. I personally recommend going towards the afternoon/evening time in the Fall-Spring when it’s less crowded. After the lighthouse has closed, stay until complete nightfall to see the stars! Since Montauk is so far away from New York City, there is less light pollution. I will say, it’s harder to see the stars during the summer since the town of Montauk is a huge vacation destination for Long Islanders.

Hours vary by season throughout the year. Admission varies by age category but at the time of this post, it’s $15 for adults also, there is a $8 parking fee.

The Montauk Lighthouse is approximately 2hrs 30mins outside of New York City.

More information on the Montauk Lighthouse, including tours, can be found here.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is located on the grounds of Eagle’s Nest, the summer home to William K. Vanderbilt II, the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt. There are multiple different types of exhibits that are housed at the museum.

Admission varies by age with $12 for adult (excluding the Planetarium which averages $20 a ticket for an adult). Museum and the estate are open Friday through Sunday however, the planetarium is only open on Friday and Saturday. You can purchase tickets to the museum here and tickets to the planetarium here.

The Montauk Lighthouse is approximately 1hr 20mins outside of New York City.

Learn more about the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, and buy tickets, here.

Port Jefferson Harbor

Locally known as Port Jeff. The harbor is located right on the Long Island Sound with a ferry that goes directly to Connecticut and the rest of New England. Port Jeff’s busy season is during the summer and early fall when Stony Brook University students go back to school.

Popular restaurants in Port Jeff include: Toast, Pasta Pasta, Slurp Ramen, The Steam Room, and Joey Z’s. The town also has several metaphysical shops, a paint bar, an ice cream shop, and several other bars.

Port Jeff is approximately 1hr 30mins outside of New York City.

Learn more about Port Jeff on the town’s website.

Long Island Aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium is a family friendly activity to visit on Long Island. From a tank where you can touch skates, wildlife preservation education, rides, reptiles, and even a sea lion show, you can spend a day at the aquarium!

This day trip is a bit more on the expensive side with ticket admission for adults being near $50 and $35 for children. But to some, it may be worth it since there are enough activities there to spend the day.

The Long Island Aquarium is approximately 2hrs 30mins outside of New York City.

You can learn more about the Long Island Aquarium here.

Fire Island National Seashore

Abbreviated as FINS, the Fire Island National Seashore is situated on Fire Island, and island off the southern cost of Long Island! Locally known as Fire Island, it’s a popular summer staycation get away for Long Islanders. It’s common for travelers to stay a night or two with a group of friends or family and enjoy the sandy beaches right on the Atlantic Ocean.

What I love most about Fire Island is the fact that everything is done on foot. Cars are not allowed on the majority if the island and the only way to access is via a ferry.

Fees to visit the Island vary based on ferry route, tolls, park fees, etc.

Distance varies from New York City.

Learn more about Fire Island National Seashore here.

Conclusion…

Of course, this isn’t an exclusive list of all unique things to do on Long Island but, it’s definitely a starting point and ones I highly recommend, as a local. As I grow this blog, I will share more top places to visit on Long Island.

This post was all about the best places to visit on Long Island.