Why Locals Escape to Long Island: A Quiet Day Away from NYC
It only takes about an hour and a half to leave New York City, but somehow it feels much further once you reach Long Island’s east end.
I didn’t plan much. Just tossed my essentials into my expandable backpack, rented a car, and headed east—chasing space, sea breeze, and a change of pace.
Montauk Lighthouse: The Edge of the East
This was my first stop, and the perfect one to start with. Perched on the farthest edge of the island, the Montauk Lighthouse gives you everything you’d want from a coastal viewpoint—cliffside winds, panoramic ocean blues, and a silence that's surprisingly easy to find even in peak season.
I sat on the rocks below for a while, watching waves crash against boulders. No noise. Just air.
Fire Island National Seashore: Wild and Unexpected
Further west, I crossed onto Fire Island, known for its sandy trails and low-key charm. I wandered into the dunes, letting the boardwalk guide me past tall grasses and small pockets of quiet. Somewhere near the marshes, I spotted two wild deer moving through the shrubs—completely unbothered by my presence.
It felt like the kind of place you reach by accident, but remember on purpose.
Cupsogue Beach: The Sunset Scene
White sand. Ridiculously blue water. And that unmistakable golden light just before sunset.
I parked just before dusk and walked to the beach with my backpack slung low, camera in hand, phone mostly off.
The scene felt cinematic—wind turbines spinning in the distance, waves curling in just enough to create rhythm.
It was soft and slow and perfect.
Where I Took Photos (And Breathed Deeply)
· Old Westbury Gardens — English-style lawns, tree tunnels, and a rose maze that somehow wasn’t cliché.
· Lavender by the Bay — In July, the purple fields bloom full, and you can make your own sachet. That’s the sort of thing I’d normally roll my eyes at. But that day, it made sense.
Getting Around
Driving was easiest—especially with flexible stops. But if you don’t want to drive, the LIRR train is reliable and scenic in its own way. Just make sure you go in spring, summer, or early autumn—winter closes down a lot.
My expandable backpack travel setup kept things light: a windbreaker, water, book, change of shoes, lavender soap (don’t judge), and a sandwich I forgot to eat until sunset.
So, Is Long Island Worth Visiting?
If you ask a local, they’ll tell you yes. Quietly.
Because part of the charm is how off-radar it still feels once you leave the Hamptons hype and city noise behind.
I didn’t do much. And that was kind of the point.
Just drove. Walked. Paused.
Sometimes, travel isn’t about going far. It’s just about going somewhere you can hear yourself think.
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