15 Best Things to Do on Long Island This Summer
1. Spend a Day at the Beach
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast.Â
Top Beaches
Jones Beach State Park – https://parks.ny.gov/parks/jonesbeach
Robert Moses State Park – https://parks.ny.gov/parks/robertmoses
Coopers Beach (Southampton) – https://www.southamptontownny.gov
Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, walk the boardwalk, or simply relax with a good book, you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations. (I Love NY)
2. Explore Long Island Wine Country
The North Fork is home to over 50 wineries, making it one of New York’s premier wine destinations. (Viator)Â
Highly Rated VineyardsÂ
Wölffer Estate VineyardÂ
Known for:Â
- RosĂ©Â
- Beautiful outdoor seatingÂ
- Summer Sunset Music SeriesÂ
Bedell CellarsÂ
Known for:Â
- Award-winning winesÂ
- Scenic vineyard viewsÂ
- Live music throughout the summerÂ
Kontokosta WineryÂ
Known for:Â
- Stunning bluff overlooking Long Island SoundÂ
- Premium tastingsÂ
- Incredible sunset viewsÂ
Bonus PicksÂ
- Macari Vineyards — https://macariwines.comÂ
- Sparkling Pointe — https://sparklingpointe.comÂ
- Pindar Vineyards — https://www.pindar.netÂ
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3. Visit a Lavender Farm
Few places are more Instagram-worthy than Long Island’s blooming lavender fields.Â
Lavender by the BayÂ
Locations:Â
- East MarionÂ
- CalvertonÂ
Perfect for:Â
- PhotographyÂ
- PicnicsÂ
- Relaxing walksÂ
4. Pick Fresh Fruit at Local Farms
Nothing says summer like picking your own fruit.Â
Great FarmsÂ
Harbes Family FarmÂ
Lewin FarmsÂ
Patty’s Berries & BunchesÂ
Depending on the month, you’ll find:Â
- StrawberriesÂ
- BlueberriesÂ
- BlackberriesÂ
- RaspberriesÂ
- PeachesÂ
5. Walk Around Greenport
Greenport is one of Long Island’s most charming waterfront villages.Â
Spend the afternoon:Â
- Shopping local boutiquesÂ
- Eating fresh seafoodÂ
- Riding the antique carouselÂ
- Watching boats in the harborÂ
- Taking the ferry to Shelter IslandÂ
More info:Â
6. Catch a Concert Under the Stars
Summer means outdoor concerts.Â
Popular VenuesÂ
Northwell at Jones Beach TheaterÂ
https://www.jonesbeachtheater.comÂ
The Paramount (Huntington)Â
Long Island Community ConcertsÂ
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/events/Â
Jones Beach Theater is consistently one of the country’s premier outdoor concert venues. (I Love NY)Â
7. Visit Fire Island
Leave your car behind and enjoy one of Long Island’s most unique destinations.Â
Popular stops:Â
- Ocean BeachÂ
- KismetÂ
- Cherry GroveÂ
- Sailors HavenÂ
Plan your trip:Â
Perfect for:Â
- BeachesÂ
- Bike ridesÂ
- SeafoodÂ
- Sunset cocktailsÂ
8. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Explore Long Island from the water.Â
RentalsÂ
Long Island Canoe Kayak RentalsÂ
https://www.longislandcanoekayakrentals.comÂ
Paddle DivaÂ
Empire KayaksÂ
Great locations include:Â
- Peconic BayÂ
- Nissequogue RiverÂ
- Great South BayÂ
9. Visit a Lighthouse
Long Island has several historic lighthouses worth visiting.Â
FavoritesÂ
Montauk Point LighthouseÂ
https://montauklighthouse.comÂ
Fire Island LighthouseÂ
https://fireislandlighthouse.comÂ
Huntington Harbor LighthouseÂ
https://huntingtonlighthouse.orgÂ
Bring your camera because the views are spectacular.Â
10. Eat Fresh Seafood on the Water
Nothing beats waterfront dining during the summer.Â
Local FavoritesÂ
Claudio’s WaterfrontÂ
The Oar Steak & Seafood GrillÂ
Salt Waterfront Bar & GrillÂ
Try:Â
- Lobster rollsÂ
- Local oystersÂ
- Fresh clamsÂ
- Fish tacosÂ
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11. Catch a Ferry to Shelter Island
For a quieter getaway, hop on the ferry from Greenport.Â
Things to do:Â
- Mashomack PreserveÂ
- Crescent BeachÂ
- Boutique shoppingÂ
- Waterfront restaurantsÂ
12. Visit an Outdoor Brewery
Not into wine? Long Island also has an outstanding craft beer scene.Â
Popular BreweriesÂ
Blue Point Brewing CompanyÂ
https://www.bluepointbrewing.comÂ
Sand City BrewingÂ
Jamesport Farm BreweryÂ
Many host:Â
- Food trucksÂ
- Live musicÂ
- Outdoor gamesÂ
13. Take the Family to Adventureland
Not into wine? Long Island also has an outstanding craft beer scene.Â
Popular BreweriesÂ
Blue Point Brewing CompanyÂ
https://www.bluepointbrewing.comÂ
Sand City BrewingÂ
Jamesport Farm BreweryÂ
Many host:Â
- Food trucksÂ
- Live musicÂ
- Outdoor gamesÂ
14. Watch the Sunset at Montauk
Drive to the eastern tip of Long Island for one of New York’s most famous sunsets.Â
Don’t miss:Â
- Montauk Point LighthouseÂ
- Camp Hero State ParkÂ
- Ditch Plains BeachÂ
Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.Â
15. Visit a Local Summer Festival
Long Island’s calendar is packed with summer events including:Â
- Street fairsÂ
- Food festivalsÂ
- Seafood festivalsÂ
- Strawberry FestivalÂ
- Outdoor movie nightsÂ
- Live musicÂ
- Farmers marketsÂ
A great place to keep track of upcoming events is:Â
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/events/Â
orÂ
https://www.lovelocallongisland.com/summer-events-on-long-island-2026-concerts-festivals-and-seasonal-experiences-guide/ (Love Local Long Island)Â
Make This Your Best Long Island Summer Yet
Whether you’re sipping rosĂ© on the North Fork, watching the sunset in Montauk, kayaking through the Great South Bay, or simply spending a relaxing day at the beach, Long Island offers endless ways to enjoy the season.Â
The best part? You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on vacation.Â
So grab your sunglasses, call a few friends, and start checking these experiences off your Long Island summer bucket list.Â
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