Living on Long Island means having incredible outdoor spaces right in your backyard. From award-winning beaches to peaceful hiking trails, world-class wineries, and historic gardens, there’s something for every nature lover here. This guide covers my favorite spots across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Long Island has over 100 miles of coastline, and our beaches consistently rank among the best in the country. In 2025, Coopers Beach in Southampton was named the #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach — and Main Beach in East Hampton took the #5 spot.
Jones Beach State Park — Wantagh
The crown jewel of Long Island beaches. Six miles of sandy shoreline, a classic boardwalk, playgrounds, and the iconic water tower. Great for families, with lifeguards all summer. The Northwell Health Theatre hosts concerts throughout the season.
Robert Moses State Park — Fire Island
Expansive and never crowded. Field 5 has a scenic boardwalk trail leading to the Fire Island Lighthouse — perfect for a morning walk before settling in for a beach day.
Coopers Beach — Southampton
Consistently rated among America’s best. White quartz sand, rolling dunes, and that classic Hamptons backdrop. Parking passes required, but worth the effort.
Fire Island (Ocean Beach & Sunken Forest) — Accessible by ferry from Bay Shore
A car-free barrier island that feels like a world away. Ocean Beach has a lively village, while the Sunken Forest offers a rare maritime forest with boardwalk trails through a hidden ecosystem.
Sunken Meadow State Park — Kings Park
A North Shore favorite with calm Long Island Sound waters. Great for families with young kids. The park also has excellent hiking trails and a golf course.
Point Lookout Beach — Point Lookout
A quieter alternative to Jones Beach with a real neighborhood feel. Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and a relaxed vibe.
Long Island may not have mountains, but we have some genuinely beautiful trails — from coastal walks to wooded preserves.
Caumsett State Historic Park — Lloyd Harbor
My personal favorite. The 5.2-mile perimeter loop takes you through woods, meadows, and along the Long Island Sound shoreline. Feels like you’re deep in nature, yet you’re still on the Island. Watch for deer, hawks, and shorebirds.
Cold Spring Harbor State Park — Cold Spring Harbor
A real workout. The hilly, wooded trails will get your heart pumping. Arrive early — the small parking lot fills up fast on weekends.
Montauk Point State Park — Montauk
Dramatic coastline, the iconic lighthouse, and trails with Atlantic Ocean views. The Seal Haulout Trail is popular in winter when seals gather on the rocks.
Sunken Meadow Trail — Kings Park
Beach views, wildflower fields, and gentle inclines. Picnic tables along the way make it perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Fire Island Lighthouse Trail — Robert Moses
A ¾-mile boardwalk through sandy dunes to Long Island’s tallest lighthouse. Easy, scenic, and family-friendly.
Massapequa Preserve — Massapequa
Paved paths along a peaceful lake, great for walking, running, or biking. Swans, ducks, and beautiful spring blooms.
The North Fork is home to over 50 wineries, producing award-winning Merlots, Chardonnays, and rosés. The maritime climate and sandy soil create ideal growing conditions. Most tasting rooms are open daily, but reservations are recommended on weekends.
Bedell Cellars — Cutchogue
A pioneering family-owned winery known for sustainable farming and Bordeaux-style blends. Refined tasting room, excellent wines.
Macari Vineyards — Mattituck
Nearly 500 acres of vineyard and farmland. Known for impressive reds and a cozy tasting room overlooking the vines. Wind-turbine powered.
Kontokosta Winery — Greenport
The North Fork’s only waterfront vineyard, perched on bluffs above the Long Island Sound. The views alone are worth the visit.
Paumanok Vineyards — Aquebogue
One of the original North Fork wineries, family-run since 1983. Try the Chenin Blanc. Solar-powered and sustainably certified.
Croteaux Vineyards — Southold
Long Island’s only all-rosé winery. A beautiful spot to spend an afternoon with a flight and lobster roll sliders.
Castello di Borghese — Cutchogue
The founding vineyard of Long Island wine country. Old-world style wines, including their celebrated Pinot Noir.
Long Island’s Gold Coast estates left behind some of the most beautiful public gardens in the Northeast.
Planting Fields Arboretum — Oyster Bay
409 acres of greenhouses, formal gardens, woodland paths, and the stunning Coe Hall mansion. The Camellia Greenhouse is spectacular in winter. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers.
Old Westbury Gardens — Old Westbury
A 200-acre estate with a Charles II-style mansion, formal English gardens, ponds, and walking paths. Featured in films like Cruel Intentions and Hitch. Open April through October.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum — Great River
690 peaceful acres along the Connetquot River. Mature trees, nature walks, and a historic manor house. The Hidden Oak Café serves lunch overlooking the grounds.
Clark Botanic Garden — Albertson
A smaller gem with 12 acres of tulips, roses, a koi pond, and seasonal blooms. Free admission year-round.
Bethpage State Park — Farmingdale
Home to five championship golf courses, including the legendary Black Course (host of multiple U.S. Opens). Also has biking and hiking trails.
Heckscher State Park — East Islip
1,600 acres with beach access, four miles of paved trails, and private beachside cottages available for overnight stays.
Wildwood State Park — Wading River
600 acres of hardwood forest on high bluffs overlooking the Sound. Great for camping and quieter beach days.
Orient Beach State Park — Orient
A National Natural Landmark at the tip of the North Fork. Oceanfront beauty with biking, hiking, and birdwatching along Gardiner’s Bay.
Long Island’s outdoor spaces are one of the best things about living here. Whether you’re spending a summer day at the beach, exploring wine country in the fall, or walking through blooming gardens in spring, there’s always something beautiful to discover.
Thinking about making Long Island home? I’d love to help you find the perfect neighborhood. Learn more about me or get in touch to start your home search.
