Kev H. 
Moving to ? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- Jones Beach State Park (1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY) – Famous for its landmark water tower and popular sandy shores, Jones Beach State Park is Long Island’s crown jewel. Since the summer of 2024, NY Governor Kathy Hochul has been making it even better. She’s just rolled out a new initiative to drop the pool entry fees at Jones Beach Bathhouse (and 14 other state pools) to urge people to “get offline, get outside.” For adrenaline junkies and families, check out WildPlay Jones Beach for ziplines, aerial adventures, and a 40ft jump right next to the ocean. For green thumbs and environmentalists, pay Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center a visit.
- LongHouse Reserve (133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY): Created by the legendary textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, this 16-acre sculpture garden is as much an art gallery as it is a botanical retreat.
- Gurney’s Beach Club (290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY): This Mediterranean-inspired venue has a full-service restaurant, bar, beach club, and seawater spa. It’s where high-rolling couples and partygoers sip on flowing cocktails and DJs spin tunes every summer weekend.
- Eisenhower Park (1899 Hempstead Tpke, East Meadow, NY) – Eisenhower Park is referred to as Nassau County’s very own “Central Park,” and it lives up to that title. Spanning 930 acres, this park is a playground for everyone, with paved trails perfect for walkers, cyclists, skaters, and joggers. Kids will love taking circus classes at I.FLY Trapeze School while parents can take to boating on the pond.
- Harvest on Fort Pond (11 S Emery St, Montauk, NY): Rub elbows with A-listers around an outdoor fire pit before your reservation at this top-rated Italian restaurant. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Harvest on Fort Pond is the quintessential Montauk spot for summer alfresco dining.
- Cupsogue Beach County Park (975 Dune Rd, Westhampton Beach, NY): This 296-acre beach park at the eastern end of Fire Island is the place for lifeguard-supervised swimming and saltwater bass fishing.
- Surf Lodge (183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY): Whether you’re there for the nightlife or the accommodation, Surf Lodge delivers on all fronts. This boutique hotel and celebrity event space is a Montauk hotspot that is equal parts relaxed and rowdy.
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park (1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY) – Step into a bygone era of grandeur at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, where expansive lawns, elegant gardens, and a majestic 65-room Tudor-style mansion await. Poetry enthusiasts and literature buffs can visit the birthplace of Walt Whitman there, while people of all ages will enjoy trails, benches, and a greenhouse to clear their minds, listen to the birds, and admire the enchanting flowers and foliage.
- The Clubhouse (174 Daniels Hole Rd, East Hampton, NY): With two bars, live music, a dance floor, and huge TVs for game day, The Clubhouse has something for everyone. And for the extra restless, there’s also an arcade, bowling alley, and pickleball courts.
- Orient Beach State Park (North Country Road, Route 25 Orient, NY) – A beautiful sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise waters. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing, making it an action-packed day out.
- Montauk Yacht Club (32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY): Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the Montauk Yacht Club is ready to impress with new dining experiences and amenities including a revamped fitness center, three pools, plus courts for tennis, padel, volleyball, and bocce. And with the largest marina in the Hamptons, it’s the ultimate staycation for boating enthusiasts.
- John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden (Dogwood Ln, Mill Neck, NY) – A garden that enchants the eye and soothes the soul. This Japanese garden—which boasts an impressive collection of North American and Asian plants—was designed to impart a meditative experience. One of its standout features is a stepping stone path, designed to capture the intimate feel of a mountain trail.
