Where is Long Island?
Long Island is located in southeastern New York State, extending eastward from New York Harbor into the Atlantic Ocean. The island lies directly east of Manhattan and is bordered by Long Island Sound to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It includes the counties of Nassau County and Suffolk County, as well as the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.
In Short
Long Island is situated in southeastern New York State between Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Stretching approximately 118 miles east from New York Harbor, it begins at the eastern edge of New York City and extends to the eastern tips of Montauk and Orient Point.
Where Is Long Island?
Long Island occupies the southeastern corner of New York State and is one of the most recognizable geographic regions in the United States. The island extends approximately 118 miles from west to east, beginning at New York Harbor and continuing to its easternmost points at Montauk on the South Fork and Orient Point on the North Fork.
To the north, Long Island is bordered by Long Island Sound, which separates it from Connecticut. To the south lies the Atlantic Ocean, home to many of the island’s most famous beaches, including Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, and the barrier islands of Fire Island National Seashore.
Geographically, Long Island includes four counties: Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. While Brooklyn and Queens are officially part of New York City, the term “Long Island” is commonly used to describe Nassau and Suffolk counties, which encompass hundreds of villages, hamlets, parks, beaches, and waterfront communities.
Its convenient location places Long Island within easy reach of New York City while offering a distinctly different lifestyle characterized by scenic coastlines, charming downtowns, vineyards, nature preserves, and historic landmarks. This combination of accessibility and natural beauty has made Long Island one of the most desirable destinations and residential regions in the Northeast.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| State | New York |
| Region | Southeastern New York State |
| Western Boundary | New York Harbor |
| Northern Boundary | Long Island Sound |
| Southern Boundary | Atlantic Ocean |
| Eastern End | Montauk and Orient Point |
| Counties | Nassau County, Suffolk County, Kings (Brooklyn), and Queens |
| Nearby | New York City, Connecticut, and Rhode Island |
Long Island’s location between New York City and the Atlantic Ocean has shaped its history, economy, and way of life for centuries. Surrounded by waterways including Long Island Sound and New York Harbor, and offering easy access to both urban attractions and coastal landscapes, the island combines the convenience of a major metropolitan region with the charm of seaside communities, making it a unique destination for residents and visitors alike.
