Long Island is one of the biggest islands of New York and the United States, located on the southeastern-most end of New York.
The Long Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean, New York Bay, and the East River are the surrounding bodies of water on the island. If you are in the Big Apple, dropping by at Long Island for a weekend getaway is surely a must.
With four New York counties situated here, there are endless activities and attractions for you to explore. Whether you prefer quiet charming towns or the buzzing streets of the metro, Long Island has a place for all types of itineraries.
Know some interesting facts about the island before you embark on your adventurous journey.
The more you learn about the island, the more you will appreciate the places you visit. In this article, I listed the most important facts to know, including its short history, counties and boroughs, and what it is famous for.
As a bonus, I added the best places to visit on the island to ensure that your visit is worthwhile.
Here’s a summary of what this article entails:
- Brief Long Island History
- What Is Long Island Known For?
- What Are the Areas in Long Island?
- Where Is Long Island in New York?
- What Does Long Island Look Like?
- Famous Places in Long Island
Brief Long Island History
The first settlers of Long Island were Native American tribes, one of which is called the Lenape, which inhabited the western part of the island. The Europeans also named the Lenape tribe Delaware, who spoke the Algonquian languages Munsee and Unami.
As for the eastern part of the island, it was occupied by indigenous people who spoke another Algonquian language called Mohegan-Pequot.
The other areas of Long Island were inhabited by the Montauk tribe. There are still some tribes living on the island today, such as the Montaukett, Unkechaug, and Shinnecock.
Aside from Native Americans, the English and Dutch were among the first European immigrants on the island.
The Native American population eventually decreased when the English people governed the island in 1664. One of the most notable events that occurred on Long Island is the Battle of the Long Island during the American Revolutionary War in 1776.
After the battle, Long Island continued to develop parks, beaches, subdivisions, and transportation, which is also now a popular summer getaway for many.
What Is Long Island Known For?
Long Island is also known as Strong Island or the Island of Nassau. However, when New Yorkers refer to the island, they usually talk about both Nassau and Suffolk counties. In the Native American language, the island is also called “Paumonauk” or in translation “fish-shaped island”.
The island is especially famous for its Long island iced tea, bagel, white sand beaches, and The Hamptons.
Some of its well-known stunning locations are its city skyline, Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, Montauk Point Lighthouse, Sands Point Preserve, and Vanderbilt estate.
What Are the Areas in Long Island?
Counties in Long Island
Long Island contains four counties: Kings County, Queens County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. They are all in the list of New York Counties.
On the eastern end are the Nassau and Suffolk counties, whereas Kings and Queens counties are on the western end. More than half of New York City’s population is situated on Long Island, specifically in Kings and Queens counties.
Boroughs of Long Island
The New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are the two boroughs found on the island. In fact, Brooklyn has the largest settlement on the island with a population of almost 3 million. Check out the guide to learn more facts about Brooklyn.
Where Is Long Island in New York?
Long Island is located at the southern end of New York, stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. It is just below Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Is Long Island Part of Queens? Is Brooklyn on Long Island?
In the physical aspect, Queens and Brooklyn, two of 5 Boroughs in NYC, are part of Long Island. Both of these New York City boroughs are situated on the western tip of the island.
Is Manhattan on Long Island?
No, generally speaking, Manhattan is another island separated by the East River. It is only connected to Long Island via several bridges including Queensboro Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge, four famous bridges from NYC.
Is Long Island Part of NYC?
Since the New York City boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn are situated on the island, Long Island is considered part of NYC. Nassau and Suffolk counties are only included in the U.S. state of New York counties and are actually not located within the city of New York. Even though Nassau and Suffolk counties are not in NYC, Long Island is still technically a part of NYC because of Queens and Brooklyn.
What Does Long Island Look Like
What Is the Population of Long Island?
As of 2020, Long Island has approximately 8 million residents, making it the island with the highest population in the United States.
It constitutes about 40% of the total population of NYC, with a population density of about 5,859.5 per sq mi. The population is composed of various races including 54.7% White, 20.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Black, 12.3% Asian, and the rest of the percentage for other races.
How Big Is Long Island?
Long Island has an area of 1,376.1 sq mi or 3,564 km2, making it the 11th largest island in the United States. Moreover, it is the 149th largest island in the world, following the 148th largest Santa Isabel Island in the Solomon Islands.
How Many Miles Long Is Long Island?
The island stretches a length of approximately 120 miles and a width of 23 miles. As per individual counties, Queens County has an area of 109 sq mi, whereas Kings County has approximately 71 sq mi. Moreover, Nassau County takes up about 291 sq mi and 934 sq mi for Suffolk County.
Is Long Island a Peninsula?
Although Long Island is technically considered an island because of the surrounding bodies of water, the Supreme Court decided it is only a peninsula. In 1985, the court ruled that it is a peninsula of the state of New York in order to have sole control of the island.
Is Long Island Suburban?
Long Island is considered the country’s first suburban area for constructing single-family homes, specifically in Levittown.
In addition, more suburban communities are found in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Overall, Long Island is already predominantly urbanized and heavily populated.
Famous Places in Long Island
Fire Island
Off the southern shore of Long Island
Phone: Contact Page
Fire Island is located along Great South Bay and is only accessible via car. It is popular for its beaches, picnic areas, and Robert Moses State Park.
Traveling around Fire Island is also possible by riding a ferry service including Bay Shore Ferry, Sayville Ferry, and Davis Park Ferry.
The Hamptons
On the eastern end of Long Island
Phone: +1 631-405-3902
The Hamptons is a top-rated summer destination that is popular for its golf clubs, world-class beaches, farm tours, high-end bars and restaurants, and seaside luxury resorts. There are several events to look forward to, whether you are into arts, entertainment, and film festivals.
You can reach The Hamptons through Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway or simply take the rail or bus services.
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793
Phone: +1 516-785-1600
Jones Beach State Park is one of the most famous beaches and state parks located in Nassau County. About 8 million visitors come to relax in the 6.5-mile-long park. Visitors can swim at the beach, walk on the boardwalk, have a tasty meal, and enjoy a concert.
Some of its popular features are its beachfront, East and West Bathhouse, The Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell, and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center.
Lavender By The Bay
7540 Main Rd, East Marion, NY 11939
Phone: +1 631-477-1019
Lavender By The Bay is one of the best places to appreciate nature on Long Island with its 17-acre farm filled with more than 80,000 plants.
The ideal time to visit the farm and smell the lavenders are during the late summer and early fall seasons. On top of that, you can also shop for lavender gifts, from essential oils to dried flowers and body lotions.
Long Beach Boardwalk
1 West Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
Phone: +1 516-431-1000
Long Beach Boardwalk offers more than its white sand beaches and famous boardwalk. This place is a favorite for its shopping locations, superb restaurants, and fun water and sports activities.
Plus, the nightlife is also a booming element of the boardwalk where you can relish the after-hours and dance the night away.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954
Phone: +1 631-668-2544
At the eastern tip of Long Island is the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the most well-known in the United States and is included in the 12 lighthouses named as a National Historic Landmark. It was built on November 5, 1796, making it New York’s very first lighthouse.
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568
Phone: +1 516-333-0048
Old Westbury Gardens was founded and designed by John Shaffer Phipps, an American businessman and heir to the Phipps family wealth.
The estate is now a historic mansion and is used for exhibitions, events, and weddings. For a general admission of $14, you can visit on any day of the week except Tuesdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Oheka Castle
135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743
Phone: +1 631-659-1400
Oheka Castle is nestled in the heart of Long Island at Gold Coast on a 23.2-acre land. It is a majestic historic hotel built between 1914 to 1919 and designed by architects Delano & Aldrich and Olmsted Brothers. Book a mansion tour for only $30 and get a glimpse of Chateauesque architectural style.
Sands Point Preserve
127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050
Phone: +1 516-571-7901
Sands Point Preserve is a massive 216-acre estate featuring its historic castle, culinary herb garden, and forest trails. Visitors are welcome from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 7 pm.
The admission fee is $15 per car or $4 per person, which gives access to public areas such as the pond, the Great Lawn, and Rose Garden, Woodland Playground.
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721
Phone: +1 631-854-5579
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is located in Suffolk County on the North Shore. If you are interested in art and science, the museum offers mansion tours, exhibitions, an observatory, a solar system hiking trail, planetarium education programs, and workshops. The admission fee starts at $10 and is open every day except Mondays from 11 am to 5 pm.
Which Fact Did You Find Interesting?
Rich history, beautiful landscapes, and grand estates are some of the best things that make Long Island an intriguing place to explore and wander.
Long Island may be collectively whole, but it sure has a diverse culture and vibe because of its four different counties. So whether you are going to the western or eastern tip of Long Island, you get to experience a different atmosphere every time.
Did you find Long Island interesting? Share with us what you liked about this article in the comments section below as we would love to hear your side. And if you know any additional fun facts about Long Island, kindly share them here too so we can all learn something new every day.
If you enjoyed this article, why don’t you also share it with your friends and family and have a trivia night? It would definitely be a fun night to get to know about Long Island. See you again in the next articles!
