Fire Island National Seashore is a unique environment of barrier island beaches which host a wide variety of native flora and fauna, including flocks of human beach-goers during summer months. The peaceful surroundings of waves and dunes, ancient forests and timid wildlife, are a welcome respite from the chaos of nearby New York City. To the west, historic Fire Island Lighthouse is always worth a visit, along with the mansion and grounds of the 18th century William Floyd Estate. Tours are conducted year-round (weather permitting), and activities, programs, and workshops are offered particularly for students and teachers.
A splendid public Arboretum and a beautiful historic site, the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park encompasses nearly 400 acres (160 hectares) of landscaped grounds. Follow picturesque paths past greenhouses and lawns, through formal gardens, woodland, and exquisite plant collections. The property was originally a Gold Coast estate and several of the historic buildings remain, including a Tudor Revival mansion known as Coe Hall, a 65-room structure which may be toured throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Educational programs for all ages, musical and artistic events, plant shows, wedding photography, and school programs utilize this marvelous resource. .
American history resides in a beautiful setting at Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt for over 30 years. While he was the 26th President of the United States, this mansion was known as the "Summer White House". Now, visitors can explore the home and the beautiful surrounding area as well as participate in the small traditions of the place, such as the Sunday Afternoon Flag Folding. Entrance to the house is only permitted by guided tour, but the surrounding grounds are free to explore. Sagamore Hill is a wonderful place to learn about American history and culture or local nature and science for students of all ages. Children can participate in a Junior Park Ranger Program to earn badges and a patch.
Encompassing a historic mansion, natural history museum, and a Planetarium with a 60-feet (18.28 meters) domed Sky Theater, the Vanderbilt is a Suffolk County attraction well worth the drive. Take a "living history" tour through the 24-room mansion, view the specimens and exhibits of the museum, and round out the day with a show as big as the sky - the Planetarium features educational explorations of outer space throughout the year and several times each day. At night, however, the show turns musical: Laser showings of classic Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin songs draw fans of all ages for an unbeatable experience.
Open until dusk, this beach boasts 2 miles of ocean swimming, plus some access to South Oyster Bay for fresh-water types. The beach has food stands, pavilions for shade, a picnic area, and an area set aside for surfing and soft-boarding. Lifeguards are on watch during spring weekends and daily throughout the summer months.
The beauty of this deep water harbor, located next to the village of Port Jefferson, is reason enough to visit... and for history enthusiasts, the fact that this spot was a major whaling port during the 1800s, as well as home to a small shipbuilding community, is an additional draw. After appreciating the harbor and the stunning views of the Long Island Sound, stop by town to see historical artifacts, grab a bite to eat, or simply walk along picturesque, tree-lined streets.
The spectacular collection of conifers at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, including spruce, pine, cypress, and hemlock, is much appreciated by all human visitors and local residents, including fox, raccoon, birds, and other wildlife. Ponds and little streams slip between the plantings, which also feature many flowers and oak trees. Nature trails wind amongst the trees, and recreational programs are regularly scheduled. Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a testament to the enduring beauty of the natural world, a sanctuary for contemplation and appreciation.
A splendid public Arboretum and a beautiful historic site, the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park encompasses nearly 400 acres (160 hectares) of landscaped grounds. Follow picturesque paths past greenhouses and lawns, through formal gardens, woodland, and exquisite plant collections. The property was originally a Gold Coast estate and several of the historic buildings remain, including a Tudor Revival mansion known as Coe Hall, a 65-room structure which may be toured throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Educational programs for all ages, musical and artistic events, plant shows, wedding photography, and school programs utilize this marvelous resource. .
American history resides in a beautiful setting at Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt for over 30 years. While he was the 26th President of the United States, this mansion was known as the "Summer White House". Now, visitors can explore the home and the beautiful surrounding area as well as participate in the small traditions of the place, such as the Sunday Afternoon Flag Folding. Entrance to the house is only permitted by guided tour, but the surrounding grounds are free to explore. Sagamore Hill is a wonderful place to learn about American history and culture or local nature and science for students of all ages. Children can participate in a Junior Park Ranger Program to earn badges and a patch.
There's plenty to enjoy at the Cupsoque Beach County Park: 296 acres of barrier beach offer gorgeous water views from the white sand, lifeguard-supervised swimming, scuba diving, camping, special events, and a pavilion with showers, restrooms, a first-aid center, and concession stands for food. Another option is to try out some of the best saltwater bass fishing to be found, in approximately 12 foot deep waters. Campers, RVs, and diving is permitted in designated areas.
Located on the former Grumman Aerospace Flight Test Facility, the Memorial Park is a volunteer-run effort to honor the enormous developments in aviation that took place on Long Island, eventually making it possible for man to step foot on the moon. A monument of a F-14A Tomcat plane and a "Walk of Honor" are surrounded by landscaped lawn and brickwork. The website provides more details and in-depth historical information.