Baltrum

Long Island for summer vacation?

We are thinking of going to Long Island for vacation in August. Would we need to have a rental or can we do quite a bit with public transport? We want to go to NYC for a day or 2 and probably just go to the beaches. Is it a good place to visit with kids? Any suggestions? Has anyone stayed at the Long Island Sheraton? Comments??

Public Comments

1. The Hamptons are popular for summer relaxation. Fire Island is tremendously popular, to the point where it may already be too late to find a rental there for any part of the summer. Public transportation to and from LI involves either the Long Island Railroad or buses. Neither is very convenient, since you are limited to their schedules and where they run (neither reaches Fire Island). Much of the area is child-friendly, although there are communities on Fire Island where you definitely would not want to take a child--singles areas, and a gay beach. There are also places like the LI Game Farm which are designed for kids. Travel into the city is possible, just remember you will be jostling with two million commuters.
2. Long Island = car Manhattan = no car A car definitely comes in handy on Long Island. Almost a necessity unless you like waiting for and sitting on buses all day. When you go to NYC, definitely take the LIRR from Long Island and leave the car behind! You'll conveniently arrive at Penn Station/Madison Sq Garden so getting around Manhattan will be easy with all the subways and cabs in the area.
3. My dad took me to Mastic Beach, it was in October so it was a little chilly, needed a sweatshirt. But it was so beautiful there. He grew up in Brooklyn but his parents bought a house near Mastic Beach when he was like 16 or 17 so he knew the area well.
4. Why on earth would you want to go to Long Island for Summer Vacation. Other than the Hampton's, its suburban and boring. If you are using it as a base to Visit NYC, it's kind of inconvenient.
5. you most definitely will need a car on long island. currently gas is $3.15 a gallon... ( ouch..and i drive an suv!!) there is just the long island railroad....that goes into manhattan. there is traffic....at rush hour...LIE is notorious. long island is gorgeous though. the beaches are world famous...hamptons..pretty villages.... robert moses state park ( good family beach) long island is perfect for families. is that the smithtown hauppague sheraton? you might want to rent a house on the north shore of long island..for the month of august...stony brook..setauket. three village .area..is very pretty. ( 60 miles or 1 1/2 hours to manhattan by car )..( look it up on google).. port jefferson village also fun. new york city..great in the summer...museums. central park ..central park zoo..bronx zoo. your best bet would be to rent a home for the month...probably better suited for a family with children. rent a car..bring a map..or gps..and explore the island.... hope i've helped!
6. Well i live on long island. There is pretty cool stuff here. There's malls, beaches, amusement parks, beautiful lakes, and lots of other stuff. Most parts are nice and clean and quiet. In New York City (an hour away from where I live) there is a ton of stuff to do on every corner of every street. I don't really like the city. I think it's dirty and smelly but that's just me. Anyways on long island you'll definitely need a car but in the city you don't. Have fun!
7. I've lived on Long Island all my life, I would say rent a car. Going to the beaches can be fun but also very crowded. There's so much to do in the city, I'm sure you'll find stuff to do with kids. I'm sure they'll like the Toys R Us in Time Square.