If you live in New York City, then Long Island is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle for a few days and spend some time relaxing by the seashore, eating amazing food, and enjoying some of the island’s top attractions. Here is how we spent the perfect weekend in Long Island with our kids. Let us know what we left off in the comments and you can see the cost for each stop below (as of July 2024).
Day 1:
Long Island Welcome Center
Embark on your Long Island adventure by making a stop at the Long Island Welcome Center (free). Here, you’ll find a unique blend of exhibits and information booklets that act as treasure maps, leading you to the island’s hidden gems and must-see adventures. The center’s outdoor area, featuring a climbable boat and a whale, is a hit with kids.
Long Island Aquarium
Continue your journey by immersing yourself in the wonders of the Long Island Aquarium ($48 for adults, $34 for kids). Explore the diverse sea life in the numerous tanks, including the thrilling Shark Exhibit, the interactive sting ray touch tank, and the beloved tank housing Nemo and Dory. Don’t miss the entertaining sea lion show, a hit with visitors of all ages.
The Big Duck
After leaving the aquarium, a five-minute drive will bring you to The Big Duck (Free), Long Island’s quirky roadside beacon. Snap a family portrait here and head inside to see all of the fun duck-related souvenirs they have on display.
Montauk Point State Park
Lastly, venture to the end of the island where the land kisses the sky at Montauk Point State Park ($8 to park $15 to climb the lighthouse). Here, you can see the historic lighthouse and climb to the top when it is open. Plus, there are hiking trails and beaches to explore.
Goseman’s Clam Shack
End the day with a lobster roll at Goseman’s Clam Shack ($35 for a lobster roll) and by watching the sunset at Montauket, one of the island’s favorite watering holes and sunset viewing locations.
Montauket for Sunset
Hotel – Sunset Montauk ($215 for the night when we went) – Book here
Day 2
To begin day 2, head to Sunset Beach (free). It is the perfect beach to explore the rocks and search for seashells as you walk the calm shores. It has a tiny parking lot, so it never seems too busy.
On the way back, stop at one of the local U-Pick farms for whatever is in season. When we went, it was strawberries, and we stopped at Glovers ($20-$30 for a bucket to fill). We had a blast hunting for the best ones, and it was the perfect end to a great weekend on Long Island.
Let us know what we left off that you love exploring on Long Island and be sure to watch the full video above.
