Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Long Island is noted for its beaches, golf courses, arboretums and grand estates attracting millions of visitors annually to its state parks and historic sites.

Jones Beach State Park, famous for its landmark water tower and popular sandy beach, is the most celebrated of the many parks on Long Island. The Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center features exhibits on beach ecology. Golfers can choose among five championship courses at the renowned Bethpage State Park or opt to hit the links at Montauk Downs State Park. Nissequogue River State Park connects with Sunken Meadow State Park allowing visitors to explore 153 riverfront acres of trails, saltwater wetlands and wildlife habitats. 

Visitors can surf cast for striped bass at Camp Hero State Park. The boat basin at Captree State Park is popular with charter boats, and Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a favorite spot for fly fishermen.  Anglers can also enjoy some of the best surf fishing in the world at Montauk Point State Park, where tides from the Atlantic and Block Island Sound converge. 

Hither Hills State Park campground delivers a one-of-a-kind ocean-front camping experience so popular that you should reserve a spot early.  If you prefer a shaded woodland campsite, try Wildwood State Park where the campground is nestled on the headland overlooking the cool waters of Long Island Sound. 

The sweeping lawns, formal gardens and 65-room Tudor-style Gold Coast mansion of Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park will take visitors back to an age of splendor and beauty, and literature buffs can glimpse into the past of American poet Walk Whitman at the Walt Whitman Birthplace.  Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve offers environmental programs, hiking, fishing, and biking on the formal Marshall Field III estate.   

• Phone: (631) 669-1000