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.
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)
Highly Rated Vineyards
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Known for:
- Rosé
- Beautiful outdoor seating
- Summer Sunset Music Series
Bedell Cellars
Known for:
- Award-winning wines
- Scenic vineyard views
- Live music throughout the summer
Kontokosta Winery
Known for:
- Stunning bluff overlooking Long Island Sound
- Premium tastings
- Incredible sunset views
Bonus Picks
- Macari Vineyards — https://macariwines.com
- Sparkling Pointe — https://sparklingpointe.com
- Pindar Vineyards — https://www.pindar.net
3. Visit a Lavender Farm
Few places are more Instagram-worthy than Long Island’s blooming lavender fields.
Lavender by the Bay
Locations:
- East Marion
- Calverton
Perfect for:
- Photography
- Picnics
- Relaxing walks
4. Pick Fresh Fruit at Local Farms
Nothing says summer like picking your own fruit.
Great Farms
Harbes Family Farm
Lewin Farms
Patty’s Berries & Bunches
Depending on the month, you’ll find:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Peaches
5. Walk Around Greenport
Greenport is one of Long Island’s most charming waterfront villages.
Spend the afternoon:
- Shopping local boutiques
- Eating fresh seafood
- Riding the antique carousel
- Watching boats in the harbor
- Taking the ferry to Shelter Island
More info:
6. Catch a Concert Under the Stars
Summer means outdoor concerts.
Popular Venues
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
https://www.jonesbeachtheater.com
The Paramount (Huntington)
Long Island Community Concerts
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/events/
Jones Beach Theater is consistently one of the country’s premier outdoor concert venues. (I Love NY)
7. Visit Fire Island
Leave your car behind and enjoy one of Long Island’s most unique destinations.
Popular stops:
- Ocean Beach
- Kismet
- Cherry Grove
- Sailors Haven
Plan your trip:
Perfect for:
- Beaches
- Bike rides
- Seafood
- Sunset cocktails
8. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Explore Long Island from the water.
Rentals
Long Island Canoe Kayak Rentals
https://www.longislandcanoekayakrentals.com
Paddle Diva
Empire Kayaks
Great locations include:
- Peconic Bay
- Nissequogue River
- Great South Bay
9. Visit a Lighthouse
Long Island has several historic lighthouses worth visiting.
Favorites
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Fire Island Lighthouse
https://fireislandlighthouse.com
Huntington Harbor Lighthouse
https://huntingtonlighthouse.org
Bring your camera because the views are spectacular.
10. Eat Fresh Seafood on the Water
Nothing beats waterfront dining during the summer.
Local Favorites
Claudio’s Waterfront
The Oar Steak & Seafood Grill
Salt Waterfront Bar & Grill
Try:
- Lobster rolls
- Local oysters
- Fresh clams
- Fish tacos
11. Catch a Ferry to Shelter Island
For a quieter getaway, hop on the ferry from Greenport.
Things to do:
- Mashomack Preserve
- Crescent Beach
- Boutique shopping
- Waterfront restaurants
12. Visit an Outdoor Brewery
Not into wine? Long Island also has an outstanding craft beer scene.
Popular Breweries
Blue Point Brewing Company
https://www.bluepointbrewing.com
Sand City Brewing
Jamesport Farm Brewery
Many host:
- Food trucks
- Live music
- Outdoor games
13. Take the Family to Adventureland
Not into wine? Long Island also has an outstanding craft beer scene.
Popular Breweries
Blue Point Brewing Company
https://www.bluepointbrewing.com
Sand City Brewing
Jamesport Farm Brewery
Many host:
- Food trucks
- Live music
- Outdoor games
14. Watch the Sunset at Montauk
Drive to the eastern tip of Long Island for one of New York’s most famous sunsets.
Don’t miss:
- Montauk Point Lighthouse
- Camp Hero State Park
- Ditch Plains Beach
Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
15. Visit a Local Summer Festival
Long Island’s calendar is packed with summer events including:
- Street fairs
- Food festivals
- Seafood festivals
- Strawberry Festival
- Outdoor movie nights
- Live music
- Farmers markets
A great place to keep track of upcoming events is:
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/events/
or
https://www.lovelocallongisland.com/summer-events-on-long-island-2026-concerts-festivals-and-seasonal-experiences-guide/ (Love Local Long Island)
Make This Your Best Long Island Summer Yet
Whether you’re sipping rosé 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.
The best part? You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on vacation.
So grab your sunglasses, call a few friends, and start checking these experiences off your Long Island summer bucket list.
