One of the reasons Long Island is so popular with New Yorkers and people from well beyond the big city is its beaches. A 118-mile stretch of land that juts into the Atlantic, there are many great options, with the Hamptons a classic.

Here, Copper's Beach in Southampton is often ranked among the country's Top 10 best beaches by a variety of publications, with white sandy shores against a backdrop of magnificent historic mansions and nature. 

Jones Beach is a popular beach among families while Amagansett's Atlantic Avenue Beach is known as a lively party beach, and Long Beach draws foodies with its many outstanding eateries. Of course, there are many others throughout Long Island.

No matter which you plan to visit, you're likely to find yourself searching through the Long Island houses for sale as so many others do, dreaming of living here so that you can enjoy the sand and the sea close to your own front door.

In the meantime, here's how you can plan that perfect beach trip.

When To Go

Like most beaches, the warmest months of the year are the best time to go, with summer the high season. If you prefer to avoid sizzling hot temperatures and crowds, you can enjoy milder temperatures and a spot to toss down your beach blanket by visiting in late spring or early fall.

Transport

The best way to get to Long Island and get around once you're there is by car. But you can travel between cities by using the Long Island Railroad or via bike within North Fork and the Hamptons. Within a city, Lyft and Uber are both available. If you plan to visit Nassau County, you can take advantage of the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus system. 

Where to Stay

There are a wide range of accommodation options throughout Long Island, from vacation rentals to luxurious hotels. The Allegria is right on the oceanfront in Long Beach, providing direct access to the sand and lots of activities like surfing, fishing, boating, and volleyball. It has a rooftop pool and a fine dining restaurant on the boardwalk, Atlantica on the Ocean.

At the easternmost end in Montauk, Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa offers rooms, suites, and cottages; all boast ocean views and upscale amenities along with access to the 2,000-foot stretch of private sandy beach. Plus, there's a spa with an indoor pool and Roman bath.

What to Do

While the highlight for most is spending time relaxing, surfing, building sandcastles, sunbathing, or playing on the beach in other ways, there's a lot more to do here. You can explore some amazing former estates and mansions that are open to the public, and dozens of historic lighthouses can be visited, some of which you can climb.

There are many museums for art enthusiasts with acclaimed collections, while families with kids will appreciate the many aquariums, amusement parks, and children's museums.

Wine country is a must for any oenophile (a person who appreciates a good glass of wine), with dozens of picturesque vineyards. This is a foodies' delight too, with many menus focused around fresh seafood, for obvious reasons.