The Most Beautiful Beaches on Long Island, NY
Beach bums in the Big Apple are in luck: New Yorkers need not travel far for sand, surf, and a just-got-back-from-vacation tan. Leave your stress in the city, when you escape to New York’s other island. Fire up your “out of office” email: the most beautiful beaches on Long Island, New York are calling.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Shelter Island
Natural Feature
For true island vibes, visit the Hamptons-adjacent, only accessible by ferry Shelter Island. The land at this intimate retreat (the island’s population is less than 3,000) is preserved by The Nature Conservancy, which makes for pristine beaches you’re sure to snag a spot on.
Ocean Beach
Natural Feature
If you think of Fire Island as just another partying destination, it’s time you visited Ocean Beach. Much like the island itself, this popular attraction is suited for both families and the gay community. With lifeguarded waters, a bayside marina, and nary a car in sight, this nightlife hub looks good in daylight too.
Long Beach
Natural Feature
Proximity to Manhattan (it’s only 45 minutes away by train) is just one of Long Beach’s appealing features. The rolling sand dunes and iconic boardwalk here are regarded as some of the cleanest in the United States. Long Beach also boasts two bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean and the Reynolds Channel.
Robert Moses State Park
Natural Feature, Park
Although technically a park, Robert Moses State Park was named one of New York’s best beaches by Condé Nast Traveler. It’s easy to understand the mix-up: the five-mile-long Fire Island park boasts a clean oceanfront, excellent swimming and surfing, and even a historic lighthouse, everything one could want from a Long Island beach.
Gin Beach
Natural Feature
Gin Beach could be the place pictured on those “Greetings from Long Island” postcards. Calm water, sandy beaches, and boat-watching make for a quintessential LI experience on Block Island Sound. A lifeguard and old-fashioned concessions trailer during the summer complete the (torn from a travel brochure) picture.
Main Beach
Natural Feature
This won’t be the first time Main Beach has been singled out for its attractiveness: in 2013, this East Hampton attraction secured the top place on Dr. Stephen Leatherman’s (aka Dr. Beach’s) annual “Top Ten Beaches in America” list. The doc, along with the wealthy area’s loyal beachgoers, prefer Main Beach for its extremely clean water and fine sand.
Coopers Beach
Natural Feature
Another Dr. Beach recommendation, Coopers Beach in Southampton consistently ranks among America’s top ten beaches. The well-to-do clientele here swears by Coopers’ bright white sand, surfing, and luxury amenities, including chair and umbrella rentals and historic mansion views.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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