What Is Long Island?
Long Island is a large island in southeastern New York State that stretches approximately 118 miles east from New York Harbor into the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising Nassau County, Suffolk County, Kings County (Brooklyn), and Queens County, Long Island is home to nearly eight million residents, making it the most populous island in the contiguous United States. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic communities, scenic parks, and world-famous destinations, Long Island is one of New York’s most distinctive and diverse regions.
In Short
Long Island is a 118-mile-long island in southeastern New York State consisting of four counties: Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. While Brooklyn and Queens are also boroughs of New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties make up what most people commonly refer to today as “Long Island.” The region is internationally recognized for its beaches, waterfront communities, parks, vineyards, historic landmarks, and vibrant suburban lifestyle.
What Is Long Island?
Long Island is located off the southeastern coast of New York State and extends eastward from New York Harbor between the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. Formed thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age, the island features an incredibly diverse landscape that includes sandy ocean beaches, protected bays, rolling farmland, pine forests, freshwater lakes, and thriving suburban communities.
The island is divided into four counties: Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Although Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of Long Island, they are also two of New York City’s five boroughs. As a result, when people refer to “Long Island,” they are usually speaking specifically about Nassau and Suffolk counties, which together contain hundreds of incorporated villages, hamlets, and towns.
Long Island is renowned for its wide variety of attractions and destinations. Visitors come from around the world to experience iconic places such as Jones Beach State Park, Fire Island, Montauk Point Lighthouse, the vineyards of the North Fork, the luxury communities of the Hamptons, and the grand mansions of Long Island’s historic Gold Coast. Outdoor recreation, boating, fishing, hiking, golf, and waterfront dining are all part of everyday life across the island.
Beyond tourism, Long Island is home to major universities, nationally recognized hospitals, scientific research facilities, aerospace companies, thriving downtown business districts, and diverse residential neighborhoods. From the elegant estates of the North Shore to the beautiful beaches of the South Shore, Long Island offers an exceptional quality of life while remaining just a short distance from New York City.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern New York State |
| Length | Approximately 118 miles (190 km) |
| Maximum Width | About 23 miles (37 km) |
| Counties | Nassau County, Suffolk County, Kings County (Brooklyn), and Queens County |
| Population | Nearly 8 million residents |
| Highest Point | Jayne’s Hill in West Hills |
| Surrounding Waters | Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, and Block Island Sound |
| Known For | Beaches, parks, boating, fishing, wineries, historic estates, Fire Island, Montauk, and the Hamptons |
Whether you’re planning your first visit, researching one of Long Island’s many communities, or simply learning more about this remarkable region, Long Island offers an extraordinary blend of history, culture, recreation, and natural beauty. From the scenic vineyards of the North Fork and the ocean beaches of the South Shore to the charming villages of the North Shore and the world-famous destinations of the Hamptons and Montauk, Long Island continues to offer something for residents and visitors alike throughout every season.
