We've made it ladies and gents. Summer is here! Weeks of studying and writing papers have finally paid off. If you're like me, born and raised on the south shore of Long Island, summers on the water have been an annual indulgence. Long Island is one of the most traveled-to locations for the summer. Whether you spend your summer working on the dock, sailing on the bay, or just lounging on the sand, there is always something to do on the south shore. So here are seven essential summer spots that I have had the pleasure of enjoying.
1. Land's End - Sayville, LI
Land's End will forever be one of Sayville's landmarks. Whether you are attending your senior prom, or eating acai bowls in your car, you can always count on running into someone you know down by the water. It's where you go when you don't know where to go, or after a first date. The special thing about Land's End is that everyone who has been there can make a memory. Many of us know it as the place where we eat ice cream when the sun sets, but it is also the place where many people have said "I do".
2. Flo's Luncheonette - Blue Point, LI
Flo's is the go-to summer lunch spot for many Long Islanders. After a long day of playing on the see-saws and swings at Corey Beach, Flo's is a staple to families on the shore. Once you've parked your bike, you can expect a long line of sandals among the gravel and picnic tables. A vanilla milkshake from Flo's can cure any sunburn or splinters you may have gotten at the beach.
3. Nikon Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, LI
Jones Beach Theater has been said to be many artists favorite venue to play at. This floating amphitheater holds concerts throughout the summer season of all genres. From Jack Johnson and Vans Warped Tour, to our favorite, Jimmy Buffet, Jones Beach attracts thousands of tailgating music lovers every week.
4. Montauk - Montauk, LI
Montauk, otherwise known as "The End", holds summer homes to people all over the country. I'm 90% positive that every single long island resident owns a Montauk sweatshirt. This beloved beach community is home to the infamous light house as well as one of my favorite places to eat, The Lobster Roll. Nautical and historic, Montauk is a great place to drive your jeep onto the beach and make some s'mores or have a Montauk Summer Ale.
5. Main Street Patchogue - Patchogue, LI
Patchogue is by far the BEST place to eat on the south shore. Home of restaurants from around the world, you can find everything you may want to eat. My personal favorite is Bierhaus, where you can get both a mug of beer and a pretzel the size of a small horse, along with some potato pancakes. Another great find in Patchogue is That Meetball Place, where they specialize in serving different kinds of, you guessed it, meatballs. If you're not looking to eat out, there is also The Roast, a cute coffee and tea shop with live music for cozy nights out. With a large variety of bars and pubs, Patchogue is known for quite the nightlife. Home to The Emporium, Patchogue attracts club-goers of all ages. The Patchogue Theater is also a popular spot, for both theater enthusiasts and parents of 3-5 year old ballerinas.
6. The Hamptons - Hamptons, LI
Many know the Hamptons as the community of summer houses owned by celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld and Jennifer Lopez, the place of Vineyard Vines and pastels, or perhaps you know the Hamptons as the holding place for the Kardashians clothing store, DASH. Long Island residents know the Hamptons as home of the plentiful farm stands to pickup your Long Island sweet corn and strawberries, Duckwalk Vineyards, Street Theater on the Wharf at Sag Harbor, the Whaling Museum, and of course, the beaches. No matter what your image of the Hamptons may be, it is definitely a huge contribution to a south shore summer.
7. Sayville Ferry/Fire Island
I saved the best for last here. You simply cannot come to the south shore without taking a ferry ride to Fire Island. Whether it's the friendly crew members at the Sayville Ferry Service (shoutout) or the bay breeze on the top deck of the Clipper, a trip to Fire Island will never fail to put a smile on your face. Three different beach communities sit across the Sayville dock, each with their own personal flare. There is plenty to do on the other side, whether it be taking a nature walk at the Sunken Forest in Sailors Haven, having a drink at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, or grabbing a sandwich from the Pines Pantry and heading to the beach at the Pines, Fire Island is a favorite tourist location for many NYC residents and Long Island residents alike.
