Known for its amazing beaches and delicious food, Long Island is one of the best places for a vacation in New York. Any good ultimate Long Island travel guide should include an itinerary of some of its notable towns. Long Island has an impressive history stretching back to the Dutch colonial period and then for thousands of years with the Native Americans.

Its proximity to New York City also means one can easily escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a relaxing time in one of the best towns on Long Island. Speaking of towns, Long Island has a lot of them, which are so beautiful that they are worth a train ticket.

This article's recommended places to stay are based on research carried out for towns on Long Island, New York. The criteria used to choose each lodging option included an overall rating of at least 7.0 and rates that were reasonable when compared to those of other lodgings with comparable ratings. In addition, we have made sure to list places with the most comprehensive amenities for frequent travelers.

UPDATE: 2023/06/22 23:20 EST BY REENA JAIN

Even More Towns In Long Island Worth A Train Ticket

With so many picturesque towns on Long Island offering a variety of fascinating adventures, travelers will be spoiled for choice. This list has been updated with two more of the best towns on Long Island, new photographs, and up-to-date links, so check them out, pack your bags, and move on to the next vacation destination.

Montauk

Montauk is renowned for its bustling food scene, boutique stores, and dynamic nightlife for amusement and relaxation, making it one of the best Long Island towns to visit for a fun-filled vacation. While nature lovers can visit the picturesque Montauk Point State Park, which is home to the historic Montauk Lighthouse, adrenaline junkies can enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing. Golf courses, picturesque bike trips, and hiking paths are other popular outdoor activities and the amazing views make the trip full of astonishing memories.

Shelter Island

Shelter Island is one of the best Long Island towns to enjoy a refreshing break away from the city's bustle. Wandering along pristine beaches, hiking through picturesque trails, or kayaking in calm waters are just a few ways visitors can enjoy discovering the island's natural splendor. Aside from attractive stores and galleries, the island is also home to several mouthwatering restaurants. The famed Sylvester Manor Educational Farm is a must-see, as is the historic district of Shelter Island Heights, especially for history buffs.

Huntington Village

With beaches, parks, cinemas, and several eat-out spots, one cannot get bored in this beautiful community. Travelers to this waterfront neighborhood can begin a day with a sumptuous English breakfast and then proceed to shop at any of the specialty shops or one of the art galleries. Next, check out the Hecksher Museum of art and Cinema Art Centre, and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the town’s restaurants.

Stony Brook

Birthed in the colonial era, this beautiful Long Island town is a vibrant education and tourist center that hosts a wide range of attractions and landmarks. With so many beautiful trees and water bodies around the town, there is a lot of natural scenery to be seen here. Besides the scenery, Stony Brook has museums, historic buildings, nature parks, and all that’s needed for an enjoyable vacation. When in Stony Brook, be sure to take a walk around Avalon Park and Reserve and also enjoy the scenery at Stony Brook Beach.

Port Washington

More of a Hamlet than a town, Port Washington is a beautiful waterfront area situated on the North Shore of Long Island. Despite being small, it does not lack the characteristics that make a town beautiful. With picturesque beaches, interesting museums, scenic parks, and amazing shopping, this hamlet is perfect for an enjoyable vacation.

Northport

Northport’s beauty lies in its rich history and its numerous attractions. The village features restaurants, art centers, and museums that promise visitors a vacation filled with lots of adventures. The Victorian-era architecture and the beautiful trees nested all over the area also make it particularly gorgeous. When in Northport, be sure to taste the wine at Del Vino Vineyard, eat food at Northport Main Street, and also visit the Thompson building to learn about the history of the area.

Long Beach

Long Beach is an oceanfront city characterized by miles of soft sandy beaches and beautiful waterfront views. The city is rich in art and culture, and it features an amusement park, museum, and parks where there are lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures. While the beach is the most appealing place to be in this city, one can also explore the city on a bike, take a walk on the beach boardwalk, or explore the city’s amazing dishes.

Related: Start Planning A Long Island Trip (With These Beaches In Mind)

Greenport

Located on the North Fork of Long Island is the small charming small town of Greenport, which is characterized by an oceanfront view and several unique eye-catchy structures dating far back as the 1930s. The town features historical museums and several antique shops, cafés, and restaurants serving up delicious food all day long. Greenport’s 67-step beach is also a great place visitors to Greenport can just visit to enjoy a picnic.

Related: NYC To LI: How To Spend An Entire Day In Greenport, New York

Oyster Bay

This Hamlet on Long Island, New York, is popular for its coastal forests, lagoons, sandy Beach, horses, and general natural beauty. The small village also has a diverse marine life, and the African oyster is the most popular marine creature to see here. One can simply take a walk through this hamlet to admire the beauty, but many other interesting things can be done here, like - horseback riding on the beach, mountain biking, or hiking. Spa centers, galleries, museums, and several restaurants are also located in this village to give visitors an unforgettable vacation.

Ocean Beach

Located at the heart of Fire Island, Ocean Beach is a popular tourist area that’s characterized by beautiful white sand beaches and the oceanfront lineup of hotels, restaurants, and stores. While most people come here to enjoy relaxation beside the ocean, other activities such as - surfing, windsurfing, and boating can also be done here. One can also spend their time riding through the village on a bike and sampling dishes in the different restaurants lined up on the streets.

Port Jefferson

Long Island’s Port Jefferson comes with a beautiful waterfront view and picturesque surrounding greenery. Within the small village are several attractions, such as - Mather Museum Port Jefferson Village Center, where one will learn about the area’s history and also witness some social activities. With stores, parks, a brewing company, a gallery, and more attractions, visitors to Jefferson will always have something interesting to do.

Cutchogue

Cutchogue is a small village that comes with history and scenery. Located on the North Folk, this hamlet features some of the oldest buildings in the country. It also has farms and lots of vineyards offering amazing wine. For those looking for where to enjoy a farm stay and experience the farm-to-fork kind of dining, Cutchogue offers that opportunity at 8 Harms farm. Check out Castello di Borghese, one of the oldest vineyards in Cutchogue, and also explore the impressive artworks at Alex Ferrone’s gallery. Albert Einstein spent a good amount of his leisure time in this hamlet, and that’s more reason this town is worth a train ticket.

Babylon

Babylon, Long Island, is not to be confused with the ancient city of Babylon now in Iraq. Babylon is a bustling town that offers a slower pace of life than what many New Yorkers may be acquainted with. It is close to excellent beaches (there, the pace is much slower). People can visit the Bubble Boutique & Learning Center, the historic Conklin House, and Argyle Park.

Enjoy the beaches near the town as well as the waterfall and lakeside trails open year-round in Argyle Park.

Farmingdale

One of the more notable attributes of Farmingdale Village is its walkability. This is thanks to having its shops and restaurants centralized. Like many small towns, Main Street is the main hub of the small town and for its cultural events. Visit the Village Green and attend the Art in the Park.

Bring the family and enjoy the free annual event - the Music on the Main festival. Listen to live music and see the little town come alive. Other times to visit include Memorial Day for the parade.

Related: Long Island's Most Beautiful Places Also Offer Some Unexpected History

Garden City

Garden City is certainly a place to have on one's Long Island itinerary. It is famous for its Museum Row (museums include The Long Island Children's Museum and the Cradle of Aviation Museum). Garden City is ideal for families to wander about. The main part of the town is around Seventh Street and Franklin Avenue. After working up an appetite, enjoy a made-to-order burger at The Burger Spot.