Now the roar of the Ryder Cup crowd at Bethpage has died down, it’s time to book your US adventure by exploring what New York State has to offer.
While the charms of the Big Apple are obvious, the region has so
much else to offer a visitor, from the windswept shores of the Hamptons to the rolling vineyards of the Catskills, the Empire State offers a world of beauty, history, and flavour just beyond the city limits.
New York might be most famous for the dazzling lights of Times Square and the towering skyline of Manhattan, but there’s an entire state beyond the city that brims with culture, natural beauty and charm.
The joy of travelling beyond New York City is the sheer variety on offer. In a single week, you could lounge on the beaches of the Hamptons, cycle through Shelter Island’s nature preserves, sip your way across the North Fork, and then head north for mountain air and vineyard views.
And while summer is a natural draw for Long Island’s beaches, each season offers something special. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds; autumn dresses vineyards and forests in golden hues; winter transforms upstate towns into cozy retreats.
Getting around is part of the adventure. A rental car will give you the flexibility to hop between small towns, vineyards, and trails, ferries connect the islands, while scenic roads in the Catskills and Hudson Valley reward slow, meandering drives.
THE HAMPTONS
It’s impossible to talk about Long Island without mentioning its crown jewel – The Hamptons. This collection of seaside communities has been a coveted summer playground for decades, attracting celebrities, artists, and anyone with an appreciation for luxury and leisure.
Each village has its own personality. Southampton, with its historic mansions, polo matches, and the pristine sands of Cooper’s Beach, epitomises Hamptons prestige. Culture lovers can explore the Parrish Art Museum or sip vintages at Duck Walk Vineyards.
Head east and the vibe shifts in East Hampton, where couture boutiques and cozy cafés line the quaint main street.
Out in Bridgehampton, rural charm meets refined taste, with horse farms, farm-to-table restaurants, and the famed Hampton Classic horse show.
And then there’s Montauk – known locally as ‘The End’ – where a rugged, adventurous spirit rules. Surf the Atlantic, fish for striped bass, or take in the sweeping ocean views from Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, a New York landmark since 1796.
Wherever you land, the Hamptons deliver more than just a beach escape. Think hiking trails with postcard-perfect views, whale and seal watching cruises, sunset sails, and that salty breeze that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
NORTH SHORE
Long Island’s North Shore is where history, elegance, and literary legend intertwine. Dubbed the ‘Gold Coast’, this stretch of rocky shoreline was the inspiration for The Great Gatsby, its grand estates whispering of Jazz Age glamour.
The charm here lies in its harbour towns and their New England feel – think sailboats bobbing in the water, local seafood shacks, and cobblestone streets perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Drive further east and the manicured lawns give way to the farmlands of the North Fork, a slower-paced haven known for its wineries, local food markets, and farm-to-table dining.
Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island Region
NORTH FORK
Known affectionately as NOFO, the North Fork boasts more than 60 vineyards, along with a wide range of breweries and craft spirits distilleries.
Wine tasting here is as unpretentious as it is delightful. You might sip a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while overlooking a sun-dappled vineyard or try a bold Merlot in a rustic barn-turned-tasting room. Autumn – brings harvest season, when roadside farmers’ stalls overflow with pumpkins, apples, and late-summer vegetables.
SOUTH SHORE
If the North Fork feels rural, Long Island’s South Shore is pure seaside energy. White- sand beaches stretch for miles, with Jones Beach State Park at its heart. The legendary Jones Beach Theater hosts summer concerts under the stars, while bustling boardwalks serve up ice cream, ocean views, and that quintessential coastal buzz.
Water lovers can dive into surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, or seal and whale watching tours. For a calmer escape, Heckscher State Park offers 1,600 acres of trails, picnic spots, and sweeping views of the Great South Bay with Fire Island shimmering on the horizon.
ISLAND ESCAPES
Tucked between Long Island’s forks lies Shelter Island, a tranquil retreat accessible only by ferry. Once ashore, you’ll find a landscape of quiet beaches, wooded trails, and some of the best kayaking in Suffolk County.
Then there’s Fire Island, a long, narrow barrier island where cars are largely absent and life moves to the rhythm of the tide. Boardwalks connect charming hamlets, each with its own personality.
Days are for sunbathing, hiking through towering dunes, or photographing spectacular sunsets. Evenings might be spent dining on lobster, clams and oysters with the sound of waves in the background.
Whether you camp beneath the stars, stay in a quaint beach house, or dance the night away at one of its lively bars, Fire Island captures a rare blend of wild nature and creative spirit.
THE CATSKILLS
When it comes to wine country in the US, California might get the headlines, but the Catskills are making a name all for themselves.
This four-region mountain escape is dotted with vineyards that range from boutique family-run operations to larger estates offering full tours and tastings.
Some wineries craft their vintages from imported grapes, while others take advantage of the fertile local soil to produce bottles that truly reflect the land.
Wolffer Estate Vineyards on Long Island , Long Island Region
Just 90 minutes from New York City, the area between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the US.
The Shawangunk Wine Trail features a mix of historic estates and modern tasting rooms, many with panoramic views over the valley.
Here, wine tasting often blends with history lessons, as many vineyards occupy land with deep colonial and Revolutionary War roots.
View of Catskill Mountains from Hudson River , Hudson Valley Region
It’s a place where you can toast with a chilled Riesling in the afternoon and dine in a centuries-old inn by evening.
So next time you think of New York, picture more than skyscrapers and subways. Picture, instead, sandy beaches, vineyard picnics, mountain sunsets and, of course, great golf courses!
For more information and things to do and where to stay in New York state, visit iloveny.com
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