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17 Must-Visit Long Island Staycation Destinations

Love The World

Arbor View House Bed & BreakfastArbor View HouseNorth Fork When hitting the wine country, it’s best to find a place to spend the night. And this quaint bed and breakfast on Main Road in East Marion serves up award winning gourmet breakfasts to go with the cozy ambiance.

Bayville Ave

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Nestled across from the Long Island Sound on Bayville Avenue in Bayville lies a gem for the young, and young at heart. Single-operator owned Bayville Adventure Park, an arcade, Beaches & Cream ice cream parlor, and The Shipwreck Tavern draw customers year-round to this waterfront community. (Photo by Jennifer A. Uihlein)

In addition to the attractions at Bayville Adventure Park, Bayville Avenue offers a variety of lunch spots and a breathtaking view of the Long Island Sound, Connecticut, and some of  the best sunsets on LI.

Bethpage State Park 

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The PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. Photos by Kevin Kane.

These grounds are best known for the frequent PGA tour stop that is Bethpage Black golf course, but polo matches in this park are one of Long Island’s best-kept secrets as well. If it’s just an outdoor experience that you seek, then stop by the clubhouse for an enjoyable patio meal overlooking the 18th hole of the amateur-discouraged course.

Boardy Barn10492495 762868803765281 88048442657959526 n e1562934821720Maybe don’t bring your parents to this tented, summer beer extravaganza in Hampton Bays. It’s when you’re handed a roll of smiley-face stickers upon entry that the barn’s ‘just be happy’ mantra is most implied. With $3 brews and hot dogs even cheaper, who wouldn’t be so happy? Like most churches, Boardy Barn does much of its business on Sundays with exception to some special events.

Buckram Stables Buckham StablesThis equestrian-themed mainstay in Locust Valley might as well be the culinary summation of Long Island’s North Shore. The al fresco dining area overlooks a putting green while seasonally themed decorations delight diners choosing a more enclosed setting.

Cold Spring Harbor State Park
20141027 150315Adjacent to the cove that makes up Cold Spring Harbor’s actual harbor, this escalated park
and hiking trail offers views of a scenic cove connected to the Long Island Sound in addition to a miles-long, interval-like workout that the walk consists of.

Grumman Memorial ParkPhoenix missile at Grumman Memorial ParkTwo decommissioned, military fighter jets are displayed off Middle Country Road in Calverton. Both the F-14 Tomcat and A-6 Intruder were manufactured at multiple Grumman plants on Long Island back in the day and are now forever immortalized at one of America’s coolest roadside pullovers.

Lido Golf ClubLido Golf CourseThis public golf course is the closest that Long Islanders can get to Pebble Beach without paying airfare to the West Coast. The links-style course on Long Beach Island offers not only a chance to drive over the water that makes up Reynolds Channel but also has scenic views of the Manhattan skyline from parts of the back 9.

Lobster Roll shutterstock 610985633Whether you call it Lunch or the Lobster Roll, call it outstanding. Even if seafood and
lobster doesn’t do the culinary trick for you, this famed Amagansett eatery will have you covered on french fries alone…not to mention the delectable frozen margaritas. Even if it’s a little tourist-y, the Lobster Roll is worth it for lunch or dinner.

Main Street Greenport

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Greenport’s downtown has been lively since the LIRR first stopped there in the 19th century. (photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik/Flickr)

Just shy of the North Fork’s end, Greenport is an ideal spot to watch the sunset over the Peconic River with full bellies and cheery spirits. The little downtown is also known for its carousel and wintertime skating rink, in addition to cute date spots.

Nassau County Museum of Art

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Nassau County Museum of Art

Even if fine art doesn’t tickle your fancy, the expansive grounds surrounding the gallery likely will at this Roslyn Harbor hidden gem.

Old Northern Blvd. 
800px Old Northern Boulevard street sign RoslynThis quaint Roslyn street beneath the Northern Boulevard viaduct could be a perfect date night spent overlooking the night glow of Roslyn Pond from Gatsby’s Landing restaurant. This little street has options for everyone.

Old Westbury Gardens 

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Old Westbury Gardens.

From the captivating mansion to its sculpture gardens, ponds, and fountains, it’s almost impossible to not have a great day here.

The Pie 
The PieWhat better way to wrap up a fun trip around Port Jefferson Harbor’s Main Street than with some of the best pizza Long Island has to offer. Friendly to those in beach apparel, The Pie offers a variety of specialty pizzas in addition to dynamic entrees as well. Try the meatballs.

Robert Moses State Park 

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Robert Moses State Park

One of the few gateways to Fire Island that don’t require a boat ride. The boardwalk that begins at Field Five leads to the Fire Island Lighthouse. Continue walking along the beach to reach Kismet.

Tanner Park 

Tanner Park
The spray park at Tanner Park (Photo by Tim Seeberger/LongIslandPress)

This Copiague park is some of what makes the Great South Bay live up to its namesake. Renovated to encompass waterfront concerts with a restaurant, bar, kids waterpark and walkable pier and water to swim in, Tanner Park can provide one of the most fun, cost-efficient days of family fun on the South Shore.

Young’s Farm Youngs Farm
One of the few rural attractions in Nassau that offers more than just fresh produce. It has an assortment of homemade baked goods as well as rustic home furnishings.