Long Island Regions Guide - overview

Long Island extends 100 miles (161km) east of New York City into the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular weekend destination for New Yorkers and tourists wanting to escape the sweltering city. The south shore is fringed by glorious white, sandy beaches including Jones Beach, a six-mile (10km) stretch of ocean where tens of thousands of people converge to soak up the sun. Fire Island, a short ferry ride away, is the east coast's leading gay resort. The more exclusive beaches are on the north shore where the cliffs are crowned with stately homes and luxurious manors. The showy Hamptons is in the far east, its miles of pristine beaches attract the rich and famous from all over America. The heart of the Hampton scene is East Hampton, which has some excellent shops and restaurants and a lively nightlife. In Long Island's North Fork, around the town of Cutchogue, are the winelands. Of the 13 vineyards the best known is Pindar, which has tours and tastings every day. Nearby, the pretty, 17th-century town of Orient is worth a visit for its white clapboard houses and unspoilt beaches. There are hundreds of museums, attractions and sporting facilities scattered around Long Island to suit all tastes; for more information see www.licvb.com. Buses depart for Long Island regularly each day, although the quickest way to get there is via the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station. If driving visitors should head east on the Long Island Expressway from Manhattan.