Andrew Lombara: Top Five Long Island Attractions

When most people think of visiting Long Island, they often think of The Hamptons with their classic seaside resort style summer destinations. However, there is more to Long Island that tourists often overlook. Here are the top five Long Island attractions worthy of consideration.

Long Island Aquarium
The Long Island Aquarium is home to one of the largest living coral exhibits in the Western Hemisphere. The 30 foot long, 20,000 gallon tank features a natural reef ecosystem which includes soft corals, stony corals, coralline algae, and anemones as well as nearly 800 species of fish and other marine life. There are numerous interactive experiences available including Critter Cove where guests can interact with barred owls and white-nosed coati and various other Animal Encounter programs. There’s even an opportunity to check out the Interactive Salt Marsh where you can learn about the importance of this ecosystem. For more information, visit the aquarium’s website at https://www.longislandaquarium.com/.

Fire Island
Catch a ferry and head out to Fire Island. This unique barrier island runs parallel to, and is separated from, Long Island by the Great South Bay. There are few, if any, cars on the island which boasts a 101 mile coastline. Thus, it is important to do some research prior to heading out. Know where you’re going and take the appropriate ferry according to where you intend to spend your time on the island. Some highlights of Fire Island are the plentiful boating and sailing opportunities, beachcombing, biking, clamming, swimming, and surfing. If you go, be sure to check out the Sunken Forest with its elevated boardwalk trail through a primeval maritime forest of holly.

Old Westbury Gardens
Completed in 1906, this lavish estate was the former home of John S. and
Margarita Grace Phipps. In addition to guided tours of the Westbury House, Old Westbury Gardens offers 200 acres of formal gardens and landscaped grounds, as well as scenic woodlands, ponds and lakes.

Sands Point Preserve
The original Guggenheim Estate, which overlooks Long Island Sound, was the famous
“East Egg” of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The estate is the quintessential example of extravagance and elegance found in the early 20th century known as the Gold Coast period. Today Sands Point Preserve consists of three castle-like mansions: Hempstead House, Castle Gould, and Falaise resting on a 216-acre park.

The lavishly appointed Tudor-style mansion that is Hempstead House contains a rose
garden, 40 rooms, and terrace overlooking Long Island Sound. Hempstead House is a
frequent wedding and special events venue. While Falaise serves as a gallery for 16th
century antiques and Renaissance paintings. The estate has several dog-friendly hiking
trails and hosts several events throughout the year.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
The Eagle’s Nest, a Spanish Revival-style mansion, once belonged to William K. Vanderbuilt II. Vanderbuilt filled the mansion with artifacts and wildlife specimens from around the world. The mansion rests on 43-acres which also hosts the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium.

So even if your primary destination is The Hamptons, there are several attractions worth stopping to check out while you’re there.