Beat The Heat on Long Island

Long Island summers can bring the heat, but they also bring endless ways to shake it off. From beaches and water parks to boat rides, museums, and theaters, here’s your guide to staying cool no matter how high the temperature climbs.  

Relax at the Beach

Catch the breeze and take a refreshing dip at any of Long Island’s stunning beaches, where soothing waves and foaming surf break and recede along miles of white sand. The famous Hamptons region is home to popular Coopers Beach and Main Beach, and other Suffolk County stunners include Robert Moses State Park, Orient Beach State Park, Montauk and Fire Island beaches. Pack the sunscreen, water, and snacks, along with your friends and family for the perfect beach day!

Get Out on the Water

Nothing beats the heat quite like getting out on the open water. Set sail on a relaxed sunset cruise out of Northport with Onda Bella, bring the party to the water on Hamptiki (Hampton Bays) or Tiki Boat Long Island (Port Jefferson), dive into wildlife education aboard Discovery Wetlands Cruises (Stony Brook), or get in on the marine life action with Viking Fleet (Montauk) fishing charters and whale watching. If you’d rather a beautiful sailboat charter, check out Sail Selina (Shelter Island) or East End Charters (Greenport). Want to captain your own adventure? Glide across calm bays and harbors on a kayak or paddleboard with local companies like JK Kayak & SUP (Cold Spring Harbor) and Long Island Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Patchogue), an easy and fu way to explore Long Island’s waters while also getting in a bit of a workout.

Make Memories at the Water Park

For a thrill while you chill, race down waterslides, plummet into pools, and get into some water fights at Long Island water parks devoted to getting you delightfully drenched.

Splish Splash Water Park remains the largest, now with more than 30 water slides and attractions across 96 acres, from the Bootlegger’s Run water coaster to a lazy river. The park’s newest addition, Stingray Bay, is an interactive water playground with over 15 ways to stay cool, and Neon Nights brings after-dark glow-lit fun on select summer weekends. 

Enjoy a Show

Long Island is loaded with air-conditioned theaters, and with its proximity to the pool of Broadway talent, live performances at venues such as The Suffolk (Riverhead), John W. Engeman Theater (Northport), CM Performing Arts Center (Oakdale), The Argyle Theatre (Babylon), and The Gateway (Bellport), are a MUST.

For music ad comedy lovers, check out acts at The Paramount (Huntington). While it’s an open-air venue, the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater gets ocean breezes while big names perform. This season’s lineup spans genres, with Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Rod Stewart, Muse, Santana and The Doobie Brothers, and Wu-Tang Clan all taking the waterfront stage!

Get Inspired at the Museums

Long Island is a hotbed for all types of history, be it local, entertainment, or maritime. There are plenty of opportunities for you to step out of the heat and into a local museum.

Marvel at Long Island museums, such as the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum (Centerport) or the Long Island Museum (Stony Brook), or Southold Historical Museum. Learn about our region’s role in the music and entertainment industry at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (Stony Brook) or about Long Island’s whaling history at The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor or Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum. Visit Montauk Point Lighthouse for a glimpse into the history of the island’s most famous landmark.

Cool Off with a Cocktail

Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is with a cold drink in hand. Long Island’s North Fork is home to wine country, where dozens of vineyards pour crisp whites and rosés perfect for summer sipping on a breezy patio. Beer fans can hop between local breweries, and those looking for a taste of fine spirits can enjoy just that at spots like Twisted Cow Distillery (East Northport) or Spy Trail Distillery (Ronkonkoma + Smithtown) 

For food and drinks with a view, post up at a waterfront or outdoor restaurant such as Sunset Beach (Shelter Island), Navy Beach (Montauk), Gosman’s (Montauk) Cowfish (Hampton Bays), Gurney’s (Montauk), Eddie’s (Greenport), or Claudio’s (Greenport), where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a meal with views of the water. Whether it’s a glass of rosé at a vineyard or a frozen drink overlooking the boats and waves, there’s no shortage of spots to unwind and cool off.