Long Island

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. The glorious white, sandy beaches along the south shore are ideal for those seeking refuge from the sweltering city in the summer.

Jones Beach is a 6 mile (10km) stretch of coastline, with thousands of people converging to soak up the sun. Fire Island is the east coast's leading gay resort, accessible via a short ferry ride, while cliffs crown stately homes and luxurious mansions along the exclusive beaches of the north shore.

The Hamptons is a community in the far east of New York, its miles of pristine beaches attracting the rich and famous from all over the United States. The heart of its scene is East Hampton, which as some excellent shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.

In Long Island's North Fork, around the town of Cutchogue, are the winelands of New York. Of the 13 vineyards, the best known is Pindar, which has tours and tastings every day. Nearby, the pretty, 17th-century town of Orient offers white clapboard houses and unspoilt beaches.

There are hundreds of museums, attractions, and sporting facilities scattered around Long Island to suit all tastes. 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.