Long Island Parks
Long Island is home to hundreds of parks and protected natural areas, ranging from iconic oceanfront state parks and national seashores to peaceful nature preserves, gardens, forests, and community parks. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, beaches, fishing, camping, birdwatching, or simply a place to relax outdoors, Long Island offers parks for every season and every type of visitor.
Explore Long Island’s Parks
From the Atlantic shoreline to the forests of central Suffolk County, Long Island features one of the most diverse park systems in the Northeast. Visitors can explore miles of sandy beaches, protected wetlands, pine forests, freshwater lakes, historic gardens, and scenic trails while enjoying outdoor recreation throughout the year.
State Parks
Long Island’s state parks attract millions of visitors annually and offer some of New York’s finest recreational opportunities.
- Jones Beach State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
- Hither Hills State Park
- Montauk Downs State Park
- Belmont Lake State Park
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
- Sunken Meadow State Park
- Heckscher State Park
- Wildwood State Park
- Orient Beach State Park
- Captree State Park
- Hempstead Lake State Park
- Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve
National Park
Fire Island National Seashore preserves miles of barrier island beaches, dunes, maritime forests, and wildlife habitat. Accessible by ferry or from Robert Moses State Park, it is one of Long Island’s most treasured natural destinations.
Nature Preserves & Outdoor Areas
Visitors seeking quieter outdoor experiences will find beautiful nature preserves across Long Island. These protected landscapes preserve native habitats while offering hiking trails, birdwatching, photography, and peaceful escapes from everyday life.
- Pine Barrens
- Massapequa Preserve
- Mashomack Preserve
- Sands Point Preserve
- Blydenburgh County Park
- Cathedral Pines County Park
County & Community Parks
County and local parks provide playgrounds, athletic fields, waterfront access, picnic areas, walking trails, and recreational facilities that serve residents and visitors throughout Long Island.
Gardens & Arboretums
Long Island’s gardens and arboretums combine natural beauty with history, horticulture, and scenic walking paths that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
- Old Westbury Gardens
- Planting Fields Arboretum
- Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
Campgrounds
Several Long Island parks also offer overnight camping, providing convenient access to beaches, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation.
- Battle Row Campground
- Hither Hills State Park Campground
- Wildwood State Park Campground
Popular Things to Do in Long Island Parks
- Swimming and relaxing on ocean beaches
- Hiking scenic woodland trails
- Camping under the stars
- Fishing in freshwater and saltwater
- Birdwatching and wildlife photography
- Biking paved parkways and nature trails
- Golfing at public courses
- Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- Family picnics and playgrounds
- Visiting historic gardens and nature centers
Long Island Parks at a Glance
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Oceanfront Parks | Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Hither Hills State Park, Montauk Downs State Park |
| Nature Preserves | Pine Barrens, Massapequa Preserve |
| National Park | Fire Island National Seashore |
| County & Community Parks | Eisenhower Park, Tanner Park |
| Gardens | Old Westbury Gardens |
| Activities | Hiking, biking, beaches, fishing, boating, camping, golf, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and photography. |
From the ocean beaches of the South Shore to peaceful forests, nature preserves, and community parks across Nassau County and Suffolk County, Long Island offers outdoor destinations for every interest and every season. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a scenic hike, a day at the beach, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, the island’s parks showcase some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.
