Who says the sunshine and good times have to end after Labor Day? Not us!
Throughout Suffolk County, Long Island, some of the best parts of the season are still ahead. The days are still warm, the water is still calling, outdoor dining remains in full swing and there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in more beach days, sunsets, vineyard visits or spontaneous weekend adventures.
As the crowds begin to thin and the pace starts to slow, September brings a different kind of summer to Long Island, one that’s turning on the “off season,” where it is just a little more relaxed, a little less crowded, and just as beautifully worthwhile.
So, before you officially pack away the flip-flops and bring out the sweaters, here are a few ways to take back your “end of summer slump.”
Make More Beach Days Happen
Whether you’re chasing waves on the South Shore/South Fork, taking in a sunset along the Sound or simply looking for an excuse to dig your toes into the sand, Long Island’s coastline is always worth a visit - explore all Suffolk County beaches here.
There’s something especially magical about a late-summer beach day. The sun feels a little softer, the evenings linger, and you may even find yourself with a little more room to spread out.
Even as the days begin to get cooler, nothing compares to the feeling of an oversized sweater or sweatshirt keeping you cozy while on the beach. Get out there and enjoy the sunshine, have a picnic, take a walk, breathe in that fresh ocean air!
Explore Suffolk County’s Parks
This region’s gradual summer-to-fall changeover is a picturesque time to take advantage of the incredible outdoor spaces right here on Long Island. Suffolk County’s parks offer plenty of ways to spend a late-summer day, from hiking wooded trails and exploring nature preserves to enjoying a picnic, playing a round of golf, or simply finding a quiet spot to take in the scenery.
With more than 60 parks and recreational facilities throughout the county, there’s always somewhere new to explore. Spend the morning on a trail with your pup, pack a lunch and make a day of it with the family, gather some friends for a round of golf, or even grab the camping gear and utilize the county’s campgrounds for an immersive nature experience! You might be surprised how quickly a trip to a nearby park can feel like a complete getaway.
Stay for the Sunsets
One of the easiest ways to squeeze more summer out of the season? Stay out a little later.
Grab dinner by the water. Take a sunset cruise. Walk a boardwalk with an ice cream cone in hand. Soak in the views by a lighthouse. Or simply find a spot along the shore and watch the sky do its thing.
Long Island has no shortage of ways to turn an ordinary evening into a favorite memory, and you don’t need a three-day weekend to do it.
Sip & Savor in Wine Country
Long Island Wine Country doesn’t disappear when summer does. In fact, September brings its own kind of charm to the North Fork, where vineyard views, farm stands, local produce and award-winning wines make for an ideal day trip.
Take a scenic drive, stop for a tasting, pick up something fresh from a farm stand, and linger over lunch. Want someone else to take control for an effortless day? Check out North Fork Sights Bites & Flights or North Fork Taste for guided day tours!
Find Your Next Favorite Downtown
One of the best things about Suffolk County, Long Island? You can have a completely different experience simply by turning onto another Main Street.
Spend an afternoon wandering a walkable downtown, popping into local shops, grabbing coffee, finding a new restaurant or settling in for live music. From waterfront villages such as Port Jefferson and Northport to lively downtowns like Huntington, Bay Shore, Babylon, Riverhead and Patchogue, there’s always another corner of Long Island to discover no matter if you are in western Suffolk or out on the East End. And with summer crowds beginning to ease, September can be the perfect time to explore at your own pace.
Keep the Good Vibes Going
September may be the perfect time to squeeze in these sunshine-filled outdoor adventures, but there’s no reason to stop there.
Because while Long Island shines in the late-summer sun, the good vibes don’t have a season. As the leaves change and the typical summer crowds disperse, cozy downtowns come alive and a whole new lineup of events, flavors, and experiences unfold. Then comes winter’s quiet charm, spring’s fresh energy and, before you know it, another summer is calling.
So make the most of these golden days, and then keep discovering! Long Island is always in season.
