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Traveling the world is an exciting adventure, but you don’t always need to leave home to experience that quintessential global splendor. Long Island’s diverse culture and landscape is uniquely home to sites, tastes, and experiences comparable to some of Europe’s most popular draws. In other words – we have Europe at home! Our team put together a list of iconic, world attractions and where you can find their counterparts right here on Long Island. Enjoy your next “global getaway” – without the passport!
Tulips– Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulips are synonymous with spring in Amsterdam, but you don’t have to travel the Netherlands to witness their beauty. Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden hosts their annual Tulip Festival every spring in Manorville and Riverhead. Rows and rows of colorful tulips rival the famous Dutch fields.
Lavender– Providence, France
Lavender fields are a symbol of the French countryside, and you can find your own slice of Providence in East Marion on the North Fork. Open May-September, Lavender by the Bay is New York’s premier lavender farm and one of the largest in the US.
Surfing– Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Portugal’s beaches are known for world-class surfing, but so are Long Island’s south shore beaches, including Montauk. Montauk is known for excellent surfing conditions year-round, and attracts surfers from all over the world.
Beaches– Zakynthos, Greece
Dreaming of a postcard-worthy Greek beach? Long Island has you covered, with Cooper’s Beach in Southampton and Main Beach in East Hampton, both ranked among the top five beaches in the country by Dr. Beach. With pristine white sand, and gorgeous water, these beaches are the perfect alternative to Greece’s famous shores.
Lighthouses– Hustadvika, Norway
Norway is home to some stunning lighthouses along the coast, but with over 25 lighthouses built here since 1796, Long Island is no stranger to this iconic structure. Visit the famous red-and-white-striped Montauk Point Lighthouse, and the Fire Island Lighthouse for views of the ocean and a glimpse into our region’s rich maritime history. For even more lighthouses, read this blog.
Cherry Blossoms– Jerte Valley, Spain
When you think of cherry blossoms, Spain or Japan may come to mind. Long Island celebrates the onset of spring and the cherry blossoms bloom across the island. Stony Brook University is known for its abundance of cherry blossoms, so definitely take a walk across campus this year!
Sunflowers– Romania
Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard hosts a breathtaking sunflower festival that rivals Europe’s sunflower fields. Plus, visit Harbes Wine Barn right next door and taste award-winning wines by the glass or bottle.
Traditional English Gardens–Camellia Greenhouse at Planting Fields
The 409 acres of Planting Fields includes an extensive collection of gardens, and the Camellia Greenhouse. The English tradition of growing camellias under glass dates back to the early eighteenth century, when they were first imported from their native China. Joseph Paxton, the Duke of Devonshire’s head gardener, built the famed greenhouse called the Great Stove at Chatsworth in England. Architect Guy Lowell and Andrew Sargent designed the Planting Fields Camellia Greenhouse in 1917 and used the Great Stove as inspiration.
Oktoberfest–Munich, Germany
Raise a stein at Plattdeutsch Park in Franklin Square, where Long Island hosts one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations. Enjoy traditional German food, beer, polka, and dancing in an authentic atmosphere. Plus, try Six Harbors Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest seasonal lager!
Apres Ski– St. Moritz, Switzerland
While Long Island may not have mountains, the après ski vibe is alive and well at local bar parties. Drift 82 in Patchogue recently hosted an après ski themed event, ski masks encouraged! Another place to find that on-the-slopes party vibe is Calissa Chalet, Calissa's apres-ski inspired lounge during winter.
Not feeling Europe? Try these other matches to global fan-favorites:
Curry Club at SāGhar – New Delhi, India
Overlooking the Long Island Sound in Port Jefferson, Curry Club at SāGhar offers authentic Indian cuisine including traditional dishes, like curries and masala specialties. Family owned and operated, this place is perfect for a date night or GNO.
Shou Sugi Ban House– Japan
Shou Sugi Ban House - Inspired by Japanese principles of wabi-sabi and a spirit of openness and exploration, Shou Sugi Ban House offers spa, healing arts, nutrition, fitness and complete wellness experiences in a holistic, educational setting. We welcome diverse points of view and are especially galvanized by the strength of women and the wisdom of community.
Cherry blossoms–Tokyo, Japan
Long Island boasts several spots where you can enjoy the annual cherry blossom blooms in the spring. Stony Brook University's campus is known to have beautiful display, as well as Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.
Cultural Cuisine– Across LI!
Long Island’s diverse communities bring a wide variety of international cuisines to the table. Whether you’re craving Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Mexican, or something else, you’ll find it here. And don’t forget about the fusion options! Long Island is a melting pot of flavors from all around the world! Scroll down on this page to check out Discover Long Island’s list of restaurants with different cuisine types.
