RoadAtlas
Long Island Loop — United States — Scenic
North America

Long Island Loop

United States

In short: Long Island Loop is a 429 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in May – October. Highlights: Central Park, Montauk Point Lighthouse, East Hampton.

Distance
429 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
May – October
Hidden GemEasyScenicEV-friendly

Beginning and ending in New York City, this Long Island circuit heads east on the Expressway to Montauk, then returns down the Southern State past 30 vineyards, Hamptons mega-mansions, unspoilt North Fork farmland, Shelter Island, and Fire Island (car-free, visit on foot). Allow four days for the Gilded Age beach resorts, Cedar Point lighthouse, and the Sagamore Hill home of Theodore Roosevelt.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
This loop is straightforward in a normal car, but summer traffic can be heavy on the LIE, the Southern State, and the approaches to the Hamptons and Jones Beach. Fire Island is car-free, so plan to leave the vehicle at the ferry terminal and check sailing times, and expect some park lots and beach access points to be busier or seasonally restricted on peak weekends.
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Stops along the route

East Hampton — City — Long Island Loop — United States
City
East Hampton
The social capital of the Hamptons, lined with cedar-shingled mansions and galleries. The Pollock-Krasner House in Springs preserves the studio where drip painting was born.
Hotels
Sag Harbor — City — Long Island Loop — United States
City
Sag Harbor
A former whaling port with a perfectly preserved 19th-century Main Street. The Whaling Museum occupies an 1845 Greek Revival mansion built from a single whale-oil fortune.
Hotels

Things to Do

Central Park — Nature — Long Island Loop — United States
Nature
Central Park
The loop departs east via the Queensboro Bridge onto I-495. Within 30 minutes the Manhattan skyline dissolves into Long Island's North Shore Gold Coast.
Montauk Point Lighthouse — Landmark — Long Island Loop — United States
Landmark
Montauk Point Lighthouse
New York's oldest lighthouse, built 1796, stands above seal-inhabited rocks at Long Island's eastern tip. The surf town below has resisted full Hamptons gentrification.
Shelter Island — Nature — Long Island Loop — United States
Nature
Shelter Island
Reached by ferry from North Haven, a third of this quiet island is the Mashomack Nature Preserve of tidal creeks, osprey nests, and white-tailed deer.
Fire Island National Seashore — Nature — Long Island Loop — United States
Nature
Fire Island National Seashore
A car-free barrier island reached by ferry from Bay Shore. Boardwalk communities, a 19th-century lighthouse, and 50 km of undeveloped Atlantic beach.
Jones Beach State Park — Nature — Long Island Loop — United States
Nature
Jones Beach State Park
Robert Moses's 1929 masterpiece stretches 10 km along the Atlantic with its Art Deco water tower landmark. The Southern State Parkway feeds directly into the park's grand entrance.
Coney Island — Landmark — Long Island Loop — United States
Landmark
Coney Island
The democratic beach at journey's end. The 1927 Cyclone, Wonder Wheel, and Nathan's Famous hot dogs close the loop 90 minutes by subway from where it began.
Montauk Point State Park — Nature — Long Island Loop — United States
Nature
Montauk Point State Park
Explore scenic trails and enjoy panoramic ocean views at the eastern tip of Long Island.
Parrish Art Museum — Museum — Long Island Loop — United States
Museum
Parrish Art Museum
Contemporary art museum in Water Mill showcasing works by American artists with a focus on the East End.
Long Island Aquarium — Aquarium — Long Island Loop — United States
Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium
Family-friendly aquarium in Riverhead featuring marine life exhibits and interactive experiences.
Luna Park — Amusement Park — Long Island Loop — United States
Amusement Park
Luna Park
Historic amusement park in Coney Island offering classic rides and carnival games.

Where to Eat

North Fork Wine Country — Food & Drink — Long Island Loop — United States
Food & Drink
North Fork Wine Country
Thirty vineyards along a 24 km corridor produce Long Island's best Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Bedell Cellars and Pellegrini Vineyards are the flagships.
The Lobster Roll — Seafood — Long Island Loop — United States
Seafood
The Lobster Roll
A classic roadside eatery in Amagansett, famous for its lobster rolls and casual beachside atmosphere.
Nick & Toni's — Italian — Long Island Loop — United States
Italian
Nick & Toni's
Upscale Italian dining in East Hampton, known for its wood-fired pizzas and celebrity clientele.
Claudio's Restaurant — Seafood — Long Island Loop — United States
Seafood
Claudio's Restaurant
Historic waterfront restaurant in Greenport offering fresh seafood and harbor views.
Peter Luger Steak House — Steakhouse — Long Island Loop — United States
Steakhouse
Peter Luger Steak House
Iconic Brooklyn steakhouse renowned for its dry-aged steaks and old-school charm.

Explore related routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Long Island Loop drive?

The Long Island Loop covers 429 km from start to finish.

How long does the Long Island Loop take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Long Island Loop, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Long Island Loop?

The recommended season for the Long Island Loop is May – October.

Where does the Long Island Loop start and end?

The Long Island Loop runs from Central Park to Coney Island.

What are the main stops on the Long Island Loop?

The Long Island Loop passes through Central Park, Montauk Point Lighthouse, East Hampton.

Can I drive the Long Island Loop in a regular car?

Yes — the Long Island Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Long Island Loop?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Long Island Loop, based on its 429 km length.

Is the Long Island Loop EV friendly?

Yes — the Long Island Loop has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Long Island Loop safe to drive?

This loop is straightforward in a normal car, but summer traffic can be heavy on the LIE, the Southern State, and the approaches to the Hamptons and Jones Beach. Fire Island is car-free, so plan to leave the vehicle at the ferry terminal and check sailing times, and expect some park lots and beach access points to be busier or seasonally restricted on peak weekends.

What scenic tier is the Long Island Loop?

The Long Island Loop is a hidden gem drive — Hidden gem road trips — quieter routes off the main travel circuit, often with the same scenery you came to see but without the crowds.