As we embrace the middle of summer, there’s no better time to bask in the sunshine and revel in the natural beauty of Long Island. With a plethora of walking destinations to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 11 stunning locations to make it easier for you to embark on your walking adventures. But don’t worry, these recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg, and we already have plans to share even more in a second article. So let’s get ready to explore and soak up the wonders that Long Island has to offer. Lace up your walking shoes and let the journey begin!
- Old Westbury Gardens
Hours: Old Westbury Gardens will be open every day—except Tuesdays—April 1 through October 30, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Westbury House will close for lunch at 1:00pm and will re-open at 1:30pm. Final admissions to Old Westbury Gardens will be at 4:00pm for non-members and 5:00pm for Members. Visitors are asked to leave the property by 6:00pm.
Address: 71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568
Phone Number: (516) 333-0048
Website: https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/
Entry Fee:
Admission, $15
Ages 62 and older, $13
Full-time students with valid ID, $13
Children, ages 7 to 17, $8
Children, ages 6 and under, Free
Looking for a beautiful and enriching experience? Look no further! For a fee of $15 per person, you can explore the entire inside and outside of this stunning property. We highly recommend strolling through the enchanting gardens to admire the captivating flowers and architecture. Inside the house, you’ll delve into the rich history of the Phillips family who resided there in the early 1900s. The fact that the house is still furnished with items curated by the family over 50 years adds a remarkable touch. With 200 acres of land, you can spend as much time as you desire. Don’t forget to bring your lunch and enjoy a delightful picnic!
2. Planting Fields Arboretum: Oyster Bay
Hours: Every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Address: 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Phone Number: (516) 922-9210
Website: https://plantingfields.org/
Entry Fee: $8 per car
Welcome to spot #2, a stunning piece of property that’s a photographer’s paradise! Don’t forget to pack your camera for this one, and make sure to check the website to see what’s in bloom before your visit. This expansive location spans 409 acres, offering 6 miles of trails and 200 acres of meticulously landscaped areas. Explore the enchanting greenhouses and stroll along the well-paved walkways, making your walk a breeze. If you need a break, there’s even a delightful restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat or sip on a refreshing beverage. Get ready to capture unforgettable moments and indulge in the beauty of this extraordinary destination.
3. Avalon Nature Preserve: Stony Brook
Hours:
CLOSED MONDAYS
Spring: 7AM-7PM (April-May)
Summer: 6AM-8PM (June-August)
Fall: 7AM-6PM (September-October)
Winter: 7AM-5PM (November-March)
Address: Harbor Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790
Phone Number: (631) 689-0619
Website: https://avalonnaturepreserve.org/
Entry Fee: FREE
Nestled in the heart of Stony Brook, near Stony Brook Village, lies the enchanting Avalon Nature Preserve. This serene sanctuary offers a variety of trails ranging from 0.3 to 2.2 miles in length. Some paths are paved, while others invite you to tread on natural dirt trails. As you explore, be sure to visit the mesmerizing LABYRINTH, a tranquil space known for its walking meditation that helps alleviate anxieties and soothe the mind. Don’t miss the captivating reflective sphere, CARTAS AL CIELO, a remarkable art installation by Spanish artist Alicia Framis. Installed in 2016, this interactive piece allows you to place postcards inside and send notes to those without a worldly address. You can even print out the postcards from the Avalon website, adding a personal touch to your experience.
4. Montauk State Park: Montauk
Hours: Park is open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Address: 2000 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/montaukpoint/details.aspx
Entry Fee: Cars $8
If you’re headed out to the east end of Long Island you might as well go to THE END. There are many trails to explore in this state park, but I usually head to Camp Hero first to explore the coastline views. Then I head over to Montauk Lighthouse to take a walk along the beach while taking in the beautiful lighthouse views. I will say if you’re staying out there and able to arrive for sunrise you’ll get some of the most picturesque views. You can even explore the inside of the lighthouse for a fee.
5. Sunken Meadow State Park
Hours: Main Beach, Field 1:
May 27th – June 23rd; swimming hours will be 10 am – 6 pm daily. June 24th – August 13th; swimming hours will be 10 am – 7 pm weekdays; 9 am to 8 pm Sat/Sun & Holidays. August 14th – September 4th; swimming hours will be 10 am – 7 pm weekdays; 9 am – 7 pm Sat/Sun & Holidays. September 5th – September 17th; swimming hours will be 10 am – 6 pm
Address: Rte. 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway
Kings Park, NY 11754
Phone: (631) 269-4333
Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/sunkenmeadow/details.aspx
Entry Fee: 4/1/23 – 5/26/23: 8am-4:00pm, weekends and holidays – $8/car, 5/27/23 – 9/10/23: 7am – 6:00pm weekends and holidays; 8am-4:00pm weekdays – $10/car. 9/11/23 – 11/5/23: 8am-4:00pm, weekends & holidays – $8/car
At Sunken Meadow State Park, you have two enticing options to enjoy the outdoors. Take a stroll along the beach boardwalk, a 1.5-mile round trip that treats you to breathtaking views of the Sound. If you prefer a more invigorating adventure, venture onto the park’s trails. With a bit of hilly terrain, these trails offer a satisfying challenge for those seeking a more intense walk or even a scenic run. Don’t miss the opportunity to reach the Kings Park Bluff, where panoramic views await.
6. Quogue Wildlife Refugee
Photo Credit: https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: 3 Old Country Rd, Quogue, NY 11959
Phone Number: (631) 653-4771
Website: https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/
Entry Fee: FREE
Quogue Wildlife Refugee sprawls across 304 acres, this refuge is teeming with a vibrant and diverse population of wild animals. Before embarking on your adventure along the 7 miles of scenic trails, be sure to visit the captivating owls, majestic falcons, and elusive foxes. These native New York animals have found a safe haven here after sustaining permanent injuries in the wild, where they now receive the compassionate care of dedicated human caretakers.
7. Caumsett State Park
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd, Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743
Phone Number: (631) 653-4771
Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/23/details.aspx
Entry Fee: Cars $8
Caumsett State Park holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you choose to explore the main paved path by foot or bike, or venture into the park’s abundant trails, you’ll find endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Lose track of time as you immerse yourself in the park’s captivating beauty. Make sure to take a trip down to the beach to soak in the serene shoreline. And of course, don’t forget to admire the majestic horses at the beautiful barn, but remember to give them their space.
8. Fire Island Lighthouse Trail
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: Robert Moses Field 5 (park here with a car)
Entry Fee: Cars $10 parking fee at Robert Moses Field 5. No fee for trail.
Discover a new lighthouse adventure! Begin your journey at Robert Moses Field 5, where a scenic approximately 2-mile round-trip walkway awaits. Follow the path that leads you through captivating landscapes until you reach the grand finale: the majestic Fire Island Lighthouse. Let the beauty of the surroundings and the coastal breeze guide you on this memorable excursion. Get ready to add another lighthouse experience to your list of remarkable adventures!
9. Sands Point Preserve
Hours:
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SATURDAYS
– Conservancy Members: 9 AM to 7 PM
– All Visitors: 11 AM to 7 PM
SUNDAYS
– All Visitors: 9 AM to 7 PM
CLOSED MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
Address: 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050
Phone Number: (516) 571-7901
Website: http://sandspointpreserveconservancy.org/
Entry Fee: $15 per car
Embark on an outdoor adventure at the Sands Point Preserve! Spanning across 216 acres, this expansive destination offers a blend of natural and landscaped areas, perfect for various activities like walking, hiking, running, and beyond. Explore the beauty of nature along the six marked trails that wind through woods, open fields, and even a pond.
10. Bayard Cutting Arboretum: Great River
Photo Credit: https://bayardcuttingarboretum.com/portfolio/royce-rhododendron/
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 A – 5:00 P
Address: 440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY 11739
Phone Number: (631) 581-1002
Website: https://bayardcuttingarboretum.com/
Entry Fee: $10 per car
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Bayard Cutting Arboretum, a sprawling 691-acre state park nestled along the scenic Connetquot River in Great River. Immerse yourself in the serene tranquility as you embark on a leisurely walk through the magnificent pinetum or the vibrant rhododendrons. No matter which path you choose, you’ll be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds you.