Summer on North Shore Long Island
Once referred to as the Gold Coast for its extreme wealth and opulence, the North Shore of Long Island now homes more than Great Gatsby-level estates (though they still have those too). Use this guide as the perfect NYC getaway, without having to deal with the tourists in the Hamptons.
30 Places • ago
Free
Getting there
The best way to get around Long Island is with a car.
You can utilize the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to get you to a particular town, however inter-town travel is inconvenient by LIRR.
To buy LIRR tickets and see schedules, download the MTA app.
Outdoor Activities
Nissequogue River Canoe and Kayak Rental
@melinnewyork
Pack a picnic and sunscreen, and take a kyack down the Nissequogue. The route is full of untouched nature, a variety of wildlife, and serene vibes.
LIRR STATION:
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Details
Cold Spring Harbor State Park
@melinnewyork
A beautiful light hike with sound views. Main Street is close by as well.
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Details
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
@melinnewyork
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History & Arts
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
@melinnewyork
Half portal into history, half museum. I recommend a guided tour if you can make it work. It's also worth seeing a show at the planetarium on the grounds.
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Details
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
@melinnewyork
Once the home of Theodore Roosevelt, this stunning estate holds a small but wonderful museum in addition to grounds that are ripe to be explored.
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Details
The Paramount
@melinnewyork
It's not Madison Square Garden but it has a reputation all on it's own! The Paramount sees plenty of headliners in addition to local talent.
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Details
The Heckscher Museum of Art
@melinnewyork
Founded in 1920, the museum continues to be a cultural center in Huntington.
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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
@melinnewyork
Science nerds rejoice. Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education.
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Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
@melinnewyork
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To eat
Whales Tale
@melinnewyork
This restaurant lives inside a marina and is known for the fish tacos and good vibes.
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Details
Linda's Riverside Pizzeria & Cafe
@melinnewyork
The name is not lying - it's a riverside pizzeria. Come here to have a slice at a picnic table with serene views. If you're kayaking, you can dock here too!
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Details
La Casa Cafe
@melinnewyork
Beachfront restaurant that will live up to all your Long Island Italian food dreams. Option for casual outdoor seating or formal dining room.
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Details
Rockin' Fish
@melinnewyork
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Details
Munday's
@melinnewyork
Munday's has been here for 100 years - literally. This old timey diner is a popular brunch spot with a ton of character.
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Details
SHANAHANS BAR & GRILL
@melinnewyork
This is a dive bar - there's no way around it. But it's one hell of a dive bar and it has the best chicken wings I've tried in the entire world. The ENTIRE WORLD.
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Details
Ciro's
@melinnewyork
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Details
Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar
@melinnewyork
For those willing to drop a pretty penny, this is a place to do it. Marina views, cocktails, prime rib, lobster vibes.
Add to
Details
The Shack
@melinnewyork
The name doesn't lie - this is truly a shack on the side of the road. This has been a local favorite since the 1980s. Get there early or you'll never get in.
Add to
Details
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Details
To Drink
Sand City Brewing Co
@melinnewyork
Tucked away on Main Street, you'd definitely miss it if you weren't looking for it. This microbrewery has stolen the hearts of locals and out of towners alike.
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Details
The Wine Cellar on Main
@melinnewyork
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Details
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Details
Del Vino Vineyards
@melinnewyork
It's true - the best wineries are way further east. If you're looking for something a bit closer, this will do the trick.
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Details
Add to
Details
Six Harbors Brewing Company
@melinnewyork
No, this isn't a fire house. But it is a wonderful family owned brewery.
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Details
Treats
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Details
Copenhagen Bakery
@melinnewyork
Conveniently located right off Main Street, Copenhagen is the perfect spot to grab breakfast to go and eat on the water.
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Details
Lics Ice Cream
@melinnewyork
On Main Street in Northport, this old school ice cream shop is full of yesteryear nostalgia.
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Details
Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
@melinnewyork
A Long Island staple chain. Come have an Italian ice and enjoy it in the courtyard next door.
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Details
To Stay
The Northport Hotel
@melinnewyork
Honestly, there aren't a lot of places to stay around these parts.. The Northport Hotel, opened in 2023 finally offers a 26-room boutique hotel right on Main Street.
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Details
* * *
CURATED BY
Greetings travelers! I grew up on Long Island and have lived in Brooklyn for the past 8+ years . My 9-5 is in tech sales, and my passion is travel/experiences. I've been to over 20 countries and 6 continents, but my absolute favorite place to be a tourist is right here in New York.
I'm so excited to show you around the place I know best (New York), and sprinkle in some of my other favorite places around the world.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
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Support Mel in New York’s work.
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$10
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Read more about places in this guide
Summer on North Shore Long Island
Once referred to as the Gold Coast for its extreme wealth and opulence, the North Shore of Long Island now homes more than Great Gatsby-level estates (though they still have those too). Use this guide as the perfect NYC getaway, without having to deal with the tourists in the Hamptons.
30 Places • ago
Free
Getting there
The best way to get around Long Island is with a car.
You can utilize the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to get you to a particular town, however inter-town travel is inconvenient by LIRR.
To buy LIRR tickets and see schedules, download the MTA app.
Outdoor Activities
Nissequogue River Canoe and Kayak Rental
@melinnewyork
Pack a picnic and sunscreen, and take a kyack down the Nissequogue. The route is full of untouched nature, a variety of wildlife, and serene vibes.
LIRR STATION:
Add to
Details
Cold Spring Harbor State Park
@melinnewyork
A beautiful light hike with sound views. Main Street is close by as well.
Add to
Details
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
@melinnewyork
Add to
Details
History & Arts
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
@melinnewyork
Half portal into history, half museum. I recommend a guided tour if you can make it work. It's also worth seeing a show at the planetarium on the grounds.
Add to
Details
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
@melinnewyork
Once the home of Theodore Roosevelt, this stunning estate holds a small but wonderful museum in addition to grounds that are ripe to be explored.
Add to
Details
The Paramount
@melinnewyork
It's not Madison Square Garden but it has a reputation all on it's own! The Paramount sees plenty of headliners in addition to local talent.
Add to
Details
The Heckscher Museum of Art
@melinnewyork
Founded in 1920, the museum continues to be a cultural center in Huntington.
Add to
Details
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
@melinnewyork
Science nerds rejoice. Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education.
Add to
Details
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
@melinnewyork
Add to
Details
To eat
Whales Tale
@melinnewyork
This restaurant lives inside a marina and is known for the fish tacos and good vibes.
Add to
Details
Linda's Riverside Pizzeria & Cafe
@melinnewyork
The name is not lying - it's a riverside pizzeria. Come here to have a slice at a picnic table with serene views. If you're kayaking, you can dock here too!
Add to
Details
La Casa Cafe
@melinnewyork
Beachfront restaurant that will live up to all your Long Island Italian food dreams. Option for casual outdoor seating or formal dining room.
Add to
Details
Rockin' Fish
@melinnewyork
Add to
Details
Munday's
@melinnewyork
Munday's has been here for 100 years - literally. This old timey diner is a popular brunch spot with a ton of character.
Add to
Details
SHANAHANS BAR & GRILL
@melinnewyork
This is a dive bar - there's no way around it. But it's one hell of a dive bar and it has the best chicken wings I've tried in the entire world. The ENTIRE WORLD.
Add to
Details
Ciro's
@melinnewyork
Add to
Details
Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar
@melinnewyork
For those willing to drop a pretty penny, this is a place to do it. Marina views, cocktails, prime rib, lobster vibes.
Add to
Details
The Shack
@melinnewyork
The name doesn't lie - this is truly a shack on the side of the road. This has been a local favorite since the 1980s. Get there early or you'll never get in.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
To Drink
Sand City Brewing Co
@melinnewyork
Tucked away on Main Street, you'd definitely miss it if you weren't looking for it. This microbrewery has stolen the hearts of locals and out of towners alike.
Add to
Details
The Wine Cellar on Main
@melinnewyork
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Del Vino Vineyards
@melinnewyork
It's true - the best wineries are way further east. If you're looking for something a bit closer, this will do the trick.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Six Harbors Brewing Company
@melinnewyork
No, this isn't a fire house. But it is a wonderful family owned brewery.
Add to
Details
Treats
Add to
Details
Copenhagen Bakery
@melinnewyork
Conveniently located right off Main Street, Copenhagen is the perfect spot to grab breakfast to go and eat on the water.
Add to
Details
Lics Ice Cream
@melinnewyork
On Main Street in Northport, this old school ice cream shop is full of yesteryear nostalgia.
Add to
Details
Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
@melinnewyork
A Long Island staple chain. Come have an Italian ice and enjoy it in the courtyard next door.
Add to
Details
To Stay
The Northport Hotel
@melinnewyork
Honestly, there aren't a lot of places to stay around these parts.. The Northport Hotel, opened in 2023 finally offers a 26-room boutique hotel right on Main Street.
Add to
Details
* * *
CURATED BY
Greetings travelers! I grew up on Long Island and have lived in Brooklyn for the past 8+ years . My 9-5 is in tech sales, and my passion is travel/experiences. I've been to over 20 countries and 6 continents, but my absolute favorite place to be a tourist is right here in New York.
I'm so excited to show you around the place I know best (New York), and sprinkle in some of my other favorite places around the world.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Mel in New York’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Read more about places in this guide