Explore an island filled with autumn treasures!
Most famous for white sand beaches and world-class wineries, Long Island’s fun in every season. Discover its autumn treasures in quaint seaside villages, unique museums, opulent estates, and fabulous shopping options ranging from farm markets to the swanky Americana Manhasset’s “Miracle Mile” of posh designers.
From oysters to the fall harvest, there’s so much to celebrate! Check out the American Music Festival in Port Jefferson, featuring more than 25 musicians from September 28 to 30. Fun-filled country fairs include the Long Island 1800s Fair at Old Bethpage Village September 27 to 30 and the Festival by the Sea in Lido September 29 to 30.
The Riverhead Country Fair, October 7, presents shows by over 400 artists and craft vendors, folk musicians, pony rides and other family fun.
Families have fun learning together at the Long island Aquarium and Long Island Children's Museum, housed in a former airplane hangar. Explore the Island's aerospace heritage at the Cradle of Aviation Museum or its seafaring past at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum.
Whether you eat oysters or not, you’ll enjoy the 29th annual Oyster Festival, October 13 and 14 in Oyster Bay. One of the East Coast's largest waterfront festivals, it features music, crafts, boat races, pirates, treasure hunts, and oysters served every way imaginable.
Stroll through historic Gold Coast mansions: the Vanderbilt Museum, Old Westbury Gardens, Oheka Castle (now a luxury hotel), Mill Neck Manor, and Coe Hall at scenic Planting Fields Arboretum. These opulent estates have inspired films and classic novels such as "The Great Gatsby."
Autumn traditionally brings a quiet post-season with spectacular foliage and clouds of monarch butterflies to The Hamptons. Step into art history at the Pollock-Krasner House in East Hampton, where you can tour the country home of Jackson Pollock, founder of the Abstract Expressionist movement. To get there, you’ll travel through the colorful scenery that inspired him. The wooden floorboards are splashed with bright colors of Pollock’s famous works “Autumn Rhythm.”
There’s a buzz of activity October 4 to 8, when the annual Hamptons International Film Festival draws fans and celebrities. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this fall fixture on the east end features over 100 films, premieres, red carpets, panels and parties.
If you’d like to try world-class fishing, head to the annual Surf Fishing Classic, September 21 to 23, at Montauk Point State Park on the tip of Long Island. Nearby, climb to the top of the historic lighthouse or saddle-up for a beach ride at Deep Hollow, a 350-year-old working cattle ranch. Golfing includes spectacular ocean views at Montauk Downs, one of America’s top public courses.
Follow the North Fork Trail scenic byway, from Southold to Orient Point, to discover wineries, farmstands, antique shops and great seafood restaurants.
For more ideas and information, see Long Island's Culinary, History & Culture, Outdoors and Water listings.
View: Long Island Region Video
For more information visit: Long Island Regional Tourism Office