Long Island, intimately connected to the city of New York, is almost shockingly different from the dense urban jungle of the metropolis. A short drive on the notorious main highways, or a ride on the Long Island Rail Road, carries travelers from all over the world - although very often just from Manhattan - to a peaceful countryside or beachfront vacation. The area referred to as Long Island by locals is made up of Nassau and Suffolk counties, which occupy the vast majority of the geographical island. Brooklyn and Queens are physically on Long Island, but are politically and culturally boroughs of New York City.

North Shore

A luxurious expanse of beaches and nature trails, with shopping and world-class dining clustered in the quaint towns scattered particularly along the coast, the North Shore is home to a history of American culture and high-class leisure. The "Gold Coast", well known as the setting of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is still replete with palatial mansions and exclusive clubs, while historical landmarks nestle in surprising spots. Sagamore Hill, just outside the town of Oyster Bay, was home to Theodore Roosevelt for many years; the center of town also features sites from the Revolutionary War and an unassuming little building known as Bonanza; this beloved stand for hot dogs and Italian ices has been owned and operated by the same family for well over a century!

South Shore

The considerable length of coastline that forms the South Shore of Long Island is home to the favorite beach destinations of people traveling from Manhattan for a day at the seashore, with plenty of spots accessible entirely by public transportation. Long Beach is the closest to Manhattan, just a 45 minute ride on the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station. Special LIRR + beach combination tickets are available for purchase at Penn Station; present them at the beach entrances to save $6 off the entrance fee. Combination tickets to beaches further east, Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park, include both train and bus round trip fares. If your aim is a little further out to sea, head for Fire Island National Seashore, about half an hour by ferry from the main island. Ferries run from three "gateway" communities on the South Shore - Bay Shore, Sayville, and Patchogue. These towns, and the others along the South Shore, are filled with shops offering all the accessories - and restaurants offering all the tasty meals - you'll need for a day at the beach. Whatever your selection, the beaches of Long Island's South Shore are sure to please.

Central Nassau

At first glance, it seems that Central Nassau must be made up entirely of restaurants: this area is home to the much adored Thomas's Ham & Eggery, which opened before World War II, and to cuisines from around the world, such as South Indian vegetarian fare at the House of Dosas and Belgian treats at Waterzooi Belgian Bistro. Upscale establishments for special events or celebrations include the award-winning Polo Restaurant. Very suburban and residential, Central Nassau is a great place for families to explore (check out the Long Island Children's Museum), for history aficionados (Cradle of Aviation Museum) and for business travelers to enjoy themselves after hours.

North Fork

A peninsula of the island pointing off to the north-east, the North Fork is known for the dozens of wineries that produce award winning wines and - luckily for visitors to Long Island - offer daily tours which may be booked to include transportation. Stop by Pindar Vineyards, Vineyard 48, or Martha Clara Vineyards for tastings. A rural aesthetic of rolling farmland and picturesque towns, with fresh produce for sale at little roadside stands, is perfectly represented on the North Fork. Gourmet dining opportunities, sumptuous accommodations, historic sites, and many antique shops populate the charming towns... and be sure to visit the infamous Big Duck before the end of your trip!

South Fork

Completely devoted to a leisurely summer vacation atmosphere, the South Fork is well known for its views: white sand beaches, sweeping panoramas over the water while enjoying fresh seafood, outdoor activities winding onto the cliffs, and the climb up the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse. This is the region of the Hamptons, the legendary resort community which is proud to be a true playground for the rich and famous. The ultimate opulence in fine dining, lodging, culture, and shopping are only to be expected on the South Fork.