Long Island

Long Island is a major island in southeastern New York State, lying immediately east of New York City. It is the largest island in the contiguous United States, stretching roughly 118 miles (190 km) from New York Harbor to Montauk Point.

The island’s western third contains the urban boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, while Nassau and Suffolk counties to the east offer beaches, small towns and agricultural areas. Outdoor highlights include long ocean beaches, barrier-island shores such as Fire Island, public parks like Jones Beach State Park, and the fishing and surfing headlands at Montauk at the eastern tip. Montauk Point Lighthouse, first lit in 1796, marks the Atlantic approach at the island’s end.

Long Island also has distinct coastal leisure regions - the South Fork’s Hamptons and the North Fork’s agricultural and vineyard areas - plus conservation tracts such as the Pine Barrens in the central island interior. The Long Island Rail Road and several parkways provide the main east-west transit routes across the island.

European settlement intensified in the 17th century under Dutch and English colonists; the western municipalities were incorporated into New York City during the 1898 consolidation. Over the 20th century the island urbanized rapidly near the city while eastern sections retained agriculture and recreational uses.

The island sits off the southeastern coast of New York State, immediately east of Manhattan and Staten Island. The western end is contiguous with the New York metropolitan area and the island reaches into the Atlantic Ocean at Montauk Point on its easternmost tip.

• Size and shape: Geographically the island stretches about 118 miles (190 km) east from New York Harbor and reaches a maximum width of about 23 miles (37 km).
• City boroughs: Two of New York City's five boroughs are located on the island - Brooklyn and Queens occupy its western third.
• Rail access: The Long Island Rail Road provides frequent commuter service between New York City and points across the island; it is one of the oldest continuously operating commuter railroads in the United States.

What to See #

• Brooklyn and Queens: Covers the western end of the island and is one of New York City's five boroughs; contains the neighborhoods and waterfronts that form Brooklyn's and Queens' urban fabric.
• Nassau and Suffolk counties: Comprise the suburban counties east of the city, known for beach towns, vineyards and the Hamptons on the South Fork.
• Fire Island: A barrier-island national seashore with sheltered bays, dunes and ferry access from central Long Island.
• Montauk Point Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse at the east end of the island, first lit in 1796 and marking the Atlantic approach at Montauk Point.
• Jones Beach State Park: State park and public beach popular for swimming and boardwalk recreation on the southern shore near Jones Beach.
• Long Island Pine Barrens: A largely undeveloped interior of pine barrens and freshwater ponds that covers large parts of central and eastern Long Island.