Long Island Ocean and Parks
Tour from New York City

Long Island Region Approximately 300 miles

Taste the salt sea air and listen to the seagulls as you pass by miles of white sand beach dotted with weathered clapboard homes. This is Long Island.

From New York City take the Southern State Parkway east. You can take side trips south on the Meadowbrook or Wantaugh parkways to famous Jones Beach or the Robert Moses Parkway to Captree State Park for a fishing boat excursion on the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue east on Route 27 to the Hamptons. Southampton is a legendary summer resort of estates, mansions and elegant Main Street shops (open all year).

East Hampton is widely regarded as one of the prettiest towns in America, with the charm of an early New England village. The Home Sweet Home Museum is located here, commemorating the works of author John Howard Payne.

Travel on to Montauk. Here is the legendary deep-sea charter fishing fleet. The view is spectacular from anywhere in Montauk State Park, which overlooks the open sea. Its jagged coastline is also perfect for surfcasting. At the eastern tip is the landmark Montauk Lighthouse, which stands as a beacon to ships and a landmark for travelers.

Follow Route 27 west back to Hither Hills State Park. Relax by camping ocean-side, falling asleep to the lull of the surf. Make required reservations by calling 800/456-CAMP.

Do not miss the beauty of the north fork of the island. Start the day by taking Route 27 west to Route 114 north. Take a ferry to Shelter Island, cross it on 114, then the ferry north to Greenport. Take Route 25 east to Orient Beach State Park. An early arrival is ideal for bird-watching as well as collecting stones and shells within the park's 10 miles of beach and three miles of natural beach wilderness. Return on Route 25 west through fine wine country. Stop and taste. Pick up the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or Northern State Parkway west to New York City.