There’s nothing quite like summertime on Long Island – a treasured time of year filled with spectacular boat days, the best lobster rolls in the world, outdoor concerts at the iconic Jones Beach, trips to the vineyards, chic hotel parties and so much more. And if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to make the most out of this celebrated season, check out Discover Long Island’s award-winning YouTube series, Long Island TV!
The only show of its kind, Long Island TV takes viewers on road trip adventures showcasing a different Long Island experience first-hand, each episode – from new hot spots to hidden gems to behind the scenes of iconic destinations. As you plan your visit to our shores, Long Island TV will help ensure you have the ultimate insider experience.
Don’t miss our latest summer season episodes featuring Over the Top Water Sports, Hotel Hot Spots in Wine Country, WildPlay at Jones Beach, and much more below. To catch new episodes, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and tune in on Fridays!
Hotel Hot Spots on Long Island’s North Fork
If you’re planning on visiting Long Island’s beautiful North Fork, you should know about these top two hotel hot spots! Shop, dine and stay at the lively & picturesque boutique hotel “American Beech” in the heart of Greenport, a boutique hotel bookended by the Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound. American Beech is also host to the luxurious Black Llama Bar, which features two private terraces and many craft cocktails. You could also book a visit to The Shoals in Southold - New York's first "boatel." Featuring 20 hotel rooms accompanied by 20 boat slips, The Shoals also offers service on a vintage Chris-Craft charter boat ready to whisk guests off to close-by nature preserves and beaches!
Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead)
The Long Island Aquarium is home to hundreds of exhibits exploring more than just marine life, but mammals, birds, and insects, too?! Dive into over three acres of exciting family-friendly entertainment located in Riverhead—including touch tanks, a butterfly garden, sea lion shows, on-the-water excursions, and more. Be sure to check the aquarium’s website for special events and showtimes, including special river cruises, swimming with mermaids, banquets, and more!
Bungalows by the Sea at Gurney’s (Montauk)
Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa is known as an East End icon during the summer months, but its seasonal “Bungalow by the Sea*” seating makes for an unforgettable winter dining experience. For those looking to extend their night out into an off-season getaway, you can book one of the resort’s posh rooms, suites, or an elegant beachfront cottage to complete your Montauk experience! With every “Bungalow by the Sea” booked, a portion of the proceeds benefits Montauk local charities.
WildPlay (Jones Beach)
Adventure out of your comfort zone at the Jones Beach WildPlay Element Park! The courses will have guests climbing on platforms, walking across tightropes, and ziplining along the boardwalk. Enjoy the spectacular beach views and a unique perspective of the iconic Jones Beach "Pencil" as you fly through the air. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that you do not want to miss! For tickets and more information, check out their website.
Long Island Boat Rentals (Port Washington)
Did you know you can view the Statue of Liberty from a yacht with Long Island Boat Rentals? Skip the traffic & crowds with the brand new “Elixir” party yacht in Port Washington. Bring 24 of your closest friends, family, or colleagues and cruise through some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. LI Boat Rentals have boats for sunset cruises, birthday celebrations, graduation parties, watersports, and something for every occasion!
Splish Splash (Calverton)
We are sliding into summer at Splish Splash- the largest waterpark in the Tri-State area with over 90 acres of water slides, wave pools, attractions, luxurious cabanas, the iconic lazy river, and so much more. Join us as we splash through the perfect summer day at Long Island’s favorite summer destination!
Sands Point Preserve (Sands Point)
Long Island’s famous Gold Coast is filled with magnificent mansions, including Sands Point Preserve, an integral part of the famed “East Egg” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Sands Point was originally developed by financier Howard Gould, then later purchased by the Guggenheim family, and was host to some of the most notable names in early aviation. Today, the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy is now an extensive 216-acre park including hiking trails, dog parks, rose gardens, year-round educational and cultural programs, self-guided tours, seasonal events, as well as a prime movie & TV filming location. So, plan a photoshoot, attend an event, or grab the family for a picnic and spend the day exploring the admirable grounds where the early 20th century elite once roamed.
Cherry Grove (Fire Island)
Set sail on the Sayville Ferry this summer to Cherry Grove—a vibrant Fire Island community filled with fabulous waterfront restaurants, unique shops, a boatload of LGBTQ+ Pride, and enough entertainment worth wanting to stay overnight for. This lively beachfront destination is attracts swarms of people from all over the globe each summer and you’re going to want to be one of them. Stay at the Ice Palace Resort and dance the weekend away on largest dance floor on the East Coast, enjoy a scenic meal at Sand Castle on the Ocean, and be sure to make it for last call at Cherry’s on the Bay!
Over the Top Watersports (Northport)
Have an ‘Over the Top’ experience on the water of Northport harbor this summer with Over the Top Water Sports! You can surf out of your comfort zone & take a lesson on Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, and Waterskiing or you can go tubing, paddleboarding, have a day at anchor, or sail into the sunset. Stop in to the waterfront restaurant, The Whale’s Tale for the perfect ending to a Long Island summer day.
Exploring Planting Fields' Grounds, Greenhouses and Gold Coast Mansion (Oyster Bay)
Planting Fields Arboretum State Park located in Oyster Bay is filled with 409 acres of picturesque formal gardens, greenhouses, woodland hiking paths, a farmers market, and even an extraordinary Gold Coast Mansion. Take a spring stroll through the blooming cherry blossoms, find serenity in the bird sanctuary, admire the only Heather Garden on Long Island, and take a tour of the historically beautiful 65-room estate known as Coe Hall. Guided tours, live music, and a variety of events are offered to visitors throughout the year so make sure to check their website for more details!
Macari Vineyards (Mattituck)
<Long Island Wine Country is made up of nearly 60 distinct vineyards each with a unique variety of grapes, winemaking styles, and tasting room experiences. Macari Vineyards in Mattituck is famously known for its award-winning wine, educational tastings, and elegant interior spaces overlooking thousands of vines. For seasonal experiences or to learn how you can unlock exclusive perks with a Wine Club membership, visit the Macari website.
TopGolf (Holtsville)
Long Island is known to have some of the most prestigious & well known golf courses in the region, so it’s only right that we play host to the very first TopGolf facility in all of New York State. This brand new TopGolf in Holtsville is its own unique high-tech entertainment experience with 3 floors, over 100 bays, bar/restaurant, private event spaces and is open year-round - no golf experience necessary, making it a perfect outing with friends or family.