The Long Island Knowledge Base is designed to answer the questions people ask most often. Whether you’re planning a visit, researching a community, looking for the best beaches, learning about Long Island’s history, or simply curious about life on the Island, you’ll find an ever-growing collection of articles covering attractions, parks, beaches, transportation, weather, outdoor recreation, local communities, and much more. If it’s a question people frequently ask about Long Island, you’ll likely find the answer here.
About Long Island
Learn about Long Island’s geography, history, counties, and communities.
- What is Long Island?
- Where is Long Island?
- Is Long Island part of New York City?
- Is Long Island really an island?
- Why is it called Long Island?
- How long is Long Island?
- How wide is Long Island?
- How many people live on Long Island?
- What counties make up Long Island?
- What towns are on Long Island?
- What cities are on Long Island?
- What is Long Island famous for?
- Who discovered Long Island?
- How was Long Island formed?
- What is the highest point on Long Island?
- Where are the best towns to raise a family?
- How do school district boundaries work?
- Where are the most expensive places to live?
- Where are all the boat slips and marinas on long island?
- Where are the best places to get married?
- How many lighthouses are on Long Island?
- Why is Brooklyn on Long Island?
- Why is Queens on Long Island?
- What is the East End?
- What is the North Shore?
- What is the South Shore?
- What is the Gold Coast?
- What is the Pine Barrens?
- What are the Hamptons?
- What is the difference between Nassau County and Suffolk County?
- How much farmland is left on Long Island?
Beaches
Everything you want to know about Long Island’s beaches.
- What is the best beach on Long Island?
- Which beaches allow dogs?
- Which beaches have lifeguards?
- Which beaches have boardwalks?
- Which beaches have camping?
- Which beaches have surfing?
- Which beaches have fishing?
- Which beaches have free parking?
- Which beaches require permits?
- How do beach permit rules differ by town?
- Which beaches are best for families?
- Which beaches are the least crowded?
- Which beaches are open year-round?
Things To Do
Find attractions, activities, and hidden gems.
- What are the best things to do on Long Island?
- What should I do this weekend?
- What are the hidden gems on Long Island?
- What attractions should I visit on Long Island?
- What are the best museums on Long Island?
- What are the best family attractions on Long Island?
- What are the best date ideas on Long Island?
- What are the best rainy-day activities on Long Island?
- What are the best scenic drives on Long Island?
- What are the best day trips on Long Island?
- Where are the best sightseeing spots on Long Island?
- Where are the best places to take pictures?
- Where are the best places to get engaged?
- Where are the best places to go shopping?
- What are vacation rental options on Long Island?
- Where can I go metal detecting on Long Island?
Towns & Communities
Learn about Long Island’s villages, hamlets, and towns.
- What are the safest towns?
- What are the wealthiest towns?
- What are the cheapest towns?
- What towns have the best schools?
- What towns have the best downtowns?
- What towns are on the water?
- What towns are best for families?
- What towns are best for retirees?
- What towns are growing the fastest?
- What towns are the most walkable?
- Why are there so many volunteer fire departments?
Parks & Nature
- What are the largest parks?
- Where can I go hiking?
- Where can I go bicycling?
- Where can I camp?
- Where can I go kayaking?
- Where can I go paddleboarding?
- Where can I go horseback riding?
- Where can I go mountain biking?
- Where can I go boating or rent a boat?
- Where are the best places to go sailing?
- Where are the best places to go picnicking?
- Are there safe places to go hunting?
- Where can I go clamming?
- Where can I go crabbing?
- Where can I fish?
- Where can I go birdwatching?
- Where can I see seals?
- Where can I whale watch?
Food & Dining
- What food is Long Island famous for?
- Where are the best bagels?
- Where is the best pizza?
- Where are the best seafood restaurants?
- What are the best waterfront restaurants?
- What are the best diners?
- What are the best brunch restaurants?
- Where are the best bakeries?
- Where can I find the best lobster roll?
Transportation
- How do I get to Long Island?
- Should I fly into JFK?
- Should I fly into LaGuardia?
- Should I fly into MacArthur Airport?
- How does the Long Island Rail Road work?
- Where are the best places to watch the sunrise?
- Where are the best places to watch the sunset?
- What ferries serve Long Island?
- Can I visit without a car?
- What is traffic like?