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Long Island Today
2026 Edition · The ultimate local guide

The 50 best things to do on Long Island.

Beaches, vineyards, hidden gems, and everything that makes the Island unforgettable. From the golden shores of the Hamptons to the charming villages of the North Shore — curated by people who actually live here. For what's on right now, check this week's events.

01 · Stunning Beaches

118 Miles of Pristine Coastline

From Wantagh to Montauk, Long Island's shoreline is unmatched on the East Coast.

№ 01

The crown jewel. 6.5 miles of sand, Art Deco bathhouses, summer concerts.

№ 02

Ranked among America's best. Crystal water, pristine sand, Hamptons elegance.

№ 03

Where lighthouse meets sea. Perfect for fishing and breathtaking sunsets.

№ 04

2.2 miles oceanfront. Surf culture, great restaurants, year-round vibes.

№ 05

The End. Wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic lighthouse.

№ 06

32 miles protected. No cars, no crowds — just pristine nature.

02 · Wine Country

North Fork: LI's Napa Valley

Over 60 vineyards with a microclimate perfect for growing grapes. Rolling farmland, rustic tasting rooms, and world-class wines.

№ 07

Sustainable wines, stunning grounds on the North Fork.

№ 08

Iconic rosé, Hamptons sophistication.

№ 09

Champagne-method bubbles on the North Fork.

№ 10

Waterfront views, premium reds.

№ 11

Modern wines, rooftop tastings.

№ 12

Biodynamic farming pioneer on the North Fork.

03 · Food & Dining

From Seafood Shacks to Fine Dining

The Island's best restaurants span clam bars, Brooklyn-style steakhouses, and Hamptons celebrity hangouts.

№ 13

Quintessential LI experience. Fresh lobster, waterfront views, Montauk magic.

№ 14

Legendary grandma slices. The gold standard since 1965.

№ 15

Raw bar perfection. Fresh clams, cold beer, authentic LI flavor.

№ 16

Celebrity favorite. Mediterranean with farm-fresh ingredients.

№ 17

The legendary Brooklyn steakhouse's LI outpost. USDA Prime.

№ 18

Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled. New York bagels, Long Island style.

04 · Outdoor Adventures

Nature, Trails, and Fresh Air

State parks, kayaking, whale watching, and 137 lighthouse steps with panoramic views.

№ 19

1,520 acres on North Shore. Hiking, biking, stunning Sound views.

№ 20

Climb 137 steps for panoramic views. Oldest lighthouse in NY State.

№ 21

Three miles of beach plus hiking through bluffs and woodlands.

№ 22

Calm bays, hidden coves, and seal spotting in winter.

№ 23

Humpbacks and finbacks right off the coast in summer and fall.

№ 24

3,473 acres of wilderness. Trout fishing and peaceful trails.

05 · Arts & Culture

World-Class Museums & Historic Estates

The Gold Coast era left behind magnificent estates. Today's cultural institutions rival any in the country.

№ 25

Herzog & de Meuron masterpiece in Water Mill.

№ 26

200-acre Gilded Age estate.

№ 27

Stunning grounds, rotating exhibits.

№ 28

Teddy Roosevelt's Summer White House.

№ 29

Art, history, carriages — Stony Brook.

№ 30

America's second-largest private home.

06 · Family Fun

Adventures for All Ages

Roller coasters, shark tanks, planetariums, and pony rides — Long Island earns its weekend.

№ 31

Classic LI amusement park. Roller coasters and summer memories since 1962.

№ 32

Sharks, sea lions, penguins, and the largest coral reef display in the West.

№ 33

96 acres of slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. East Coast's top water park.

№ 34

From the Wright Brothers to the Moon. Interactive exhibits and real aircraft.

№ 35

Hands-on learning for kids of all ages. 14 interactive galleries.

№ 36

Animal farm, pony rides, and seasonal festivals. Perfect for young families.

07 · Nightlife & Entertainment

Where the Island Comes Alive

From legendary outdoor amphitheaters to intimate dive bars where rock stars play surprise sets.

№ 37

Legendary outdoor amphitheater. World-class concerts with ocean breezes.

№ 38

Intimate venue, incredible acoustics. Rock, comedy, and Broadway in Huntington.

№ 39

State-of-the-art arena. Home of the Islanders plus mega concerts.

№ 40

Legendary dive bar where rock stars play surprise sets.

№ 41

Bars, restaurants, and live music. South Shore's entertainment hub.

№ 42

Theatre-in-the-round. Every seat is close to the stage.

08 · Hidden Gems

Local Secrets Worth Discovering

Gatsby's East Egg, whaling villages, Cold War radar towers — the parts of the Island most tourists never find.

№ 43

Gatsby-era mansions on 216 acres. The real inspiration for East Egg.

№ 44

Charming maritime village. Antique carousel and great restaurants.

№ 45

Quaint whaling village. Fish hatchery and Main Street charm.

№ 46

Where the North Fork ends. Peaceful beaches and farmstands.

№ 47

Historic village with grist mill, duck pond, and excellent museums.

№ 48

Spanish Revival mansion, planetarium, and marine museum in Centerport.

№ 49

409 acres of gardens. Coe Hall mansion tours available.

№ 50

Former military base with mysterious radar tower. Hiking and conspiracy theories in Montauk.

Keep exploring · Nassau + Suffolk

Make a weekend of it.

Picked your spots? See what's happening on Long Island this weekend, browse the handpicked restaurant reviews, check the Best of LI 2026 rankings, or pick a town guide from every corner of the Island.

The LIT Weekend Briefing

One email a week. Five things to do.

Every Thursday morning — the weekend's top events, the good news, this week's restaurant pick, and the #1 in Best of LI. Free forever.

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