Summer is almost here. If you’re sick of being cooped up inside all winter, you are probably looking for some unique things to do on Long Island this summer. Here are some sites to see that are off the beaten path.
Avalon Park and Preserve
Located in historic Stony Brook, the Avalon Park & Preserve was created by the Paul Simons Foundation. Designed to reflect Paul’s love of the outdoors, this 76 acre tract of fields and forests is open to the public 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. You are bound to see people walking their dogs through this beautiful park. Featuring a duck pond, hiking trails, labyrinth and other hidden gems, this spot is a must-see.
Vanderbilt Mansion/Museum/Planetarium
Located in Centerport, this former home of William K. Vanderbilt II is filled with priceless works of art and antique furnishings. The museum includes exhibits featuring marine life, birds and other animals collected by Vanderbilt during his many expeditions and circumnavigations of the globe. The planetarium is one of the most advanced in the United States and offers a variety of educational programs about the night sky, as well as laser light shows. Learn more on the museum’s website.
Connetquot River State Park
This 3,473 acre state park is home to deer, rare nesting birds, including osprey, and numerous rare plants and flowers. Five different hiking trails weave through the property, as well as a quaint bridge and a fish hatchery. Horse-back riding and cross country skiing are allowed, but dogs and other pets are not. Visit their website for information on season hours and other important tips.
Old Westbury Gardens
Built in 1906 by English designer George A. Crawley, this historic mansion is located on the famed Gold Coast of Long Island’s North Shore. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the 200 acre grounds which include formal gardens, woodlands, lakes and ponds. The interior of the estate is decorated with antiques from the more than fifty years that the Philipps family resided in the home. Old Westbury Gardens offers tours and family events throughout the entire year. Find out more about this stunning piece of Long Island history.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
If you are looking for a rainy day activity, the Cradle of Aviation Museum is the perfect place. Featuring 75 air and spacecraft, including a hot air balloon and an actual Apollo Lunar Module, this museum is a fan favorite for kids and adults alike. The museum features over 30 hands-on exhibits, half a dozen cockpits to climb through and a full domed immersion astronomy program.
Sands Point Preserve
Sands Point is home to the Sands Point Preserve and its beautiful Castle Gould. The Preserve is a 216-acre piece of land featuring the North Shore’s earliest 20thcentury estates. Offering summer concerts, mansion tours, seasonal walks and other festivals, this spot is a must-see. Tip: Drive just past the Preserve on Middle Neck Road and you will find one of the most amazing views of the city skyline along with a view of Connecticut and New Jersey.
Montauk Lighthouse
Pack up the car and take a day trip out to beautiful Montauk. Located on the eastern-most tip of the South Fork of Long Island, Montauk is home to the Montauk Lighthouse. This National Historic Landmark is the oldest lighthouse in New York State and was authorized to be built in 1792 by President George Washington. This nationally significant attraction features 360 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Block Island Sound and beyond. The lighthouse includes a museum, which was the original home of the lighthouse keeper. Come climb the 137 steps to the tower and see this stunning landmark for yourself.
Living on Long Island, we sometimes take for granted the incredible sights that surround us on a daily basis. Make this summer a memorable one and head to some of our hidden gems.
