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Top 15 Best Things to Do in Islip, New York

Top tourist spots in islip, new york.

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Bucket List: 15 Best Places to Visit in Islip, New York

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Islip is not as popular as the other cities in New York, but it has its fair share of outdoor activities that are either fun or relaxing. One of ten towns in Suffolk County, Islip is known for its parks, most notably Fire Island National Seashore.

Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore is one of the smallest United States National Seashores and was established in 1964. Seashores and lakeshores declared as National Seashores are federally designated as preserved areas. Fire Island has several activities to do, and even day trippers can complete them in one day. Fire Island has warm weather water-based activities like fishing, canoeing, and boating along Fire Island’s salt marshes. Hike the extensive networks of nature trails at several National Park Service Sites, like the Lighthouse, Sunken Forest, Watch Hill, and Talisman, or on the grounds of William Floyd Estate.

Location: Ocean Beach, NY 11770

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Bayard Cutting Arboretum was donated by Mrs. William Bayard Cutting and her daughter, Mrs. Olivia James, in memory of William Bayard Cutting, “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest, and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting.”

Landscape planning started in 1887 by Frederick Law Olmsted, and most of the plantings were done in the 1940s. However, a hurricane in 1985 destroyed most of these. The Arboretum has extensive collections and plantings of dwarf evergreens, rhododendron, azaleas, hollies, oaks, wildflowers, and daffodils.

Location: 440 Montauk Highway, Great River, NY 11739

Seatuck Environmental Association

Seatuck Environmental Association is a family-friendly nature center committed to preserving natural sea habitats. The Association has an array of marine-related artifacts on display and marine-centered activities for visitors. Every year, Seatuck Environmental Association also hosts an eco-carnival festival with the theme of nature preservation.

Location: 550 S Bay Ave, Islip, NY 11751

South Shore Nature Center

The South Shore Nature Center, operated by Seatuck Environmental Association, is a 200-acre nature preserve established in 1977. The nature preserve stretches to the shores of the Great South Bay and includes upland forests, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh. The visitor center provides guests with an extensive exhibit, a collection of live animals, mounted wildlife specimens, and dioramas. The center has a trail and boardwalks that let visitors walk through the preserve.

Location: 130 Bayview Ave, East Islip, NY 11730

Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge

The Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge is a 209-acre wildlife refuge donated in 1968. The Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Although the refuge is not open to the public, residents and visitors can take the network of trails and boardwalks on the outskirt of the refuge. Every November through January, Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge opens 100 acres of land to white-tailed deer hunters. All hunters must complete an archery hunting application.

Location: 500 St. Marks Lane, Islip, NY 11751

Suffolk County Environmental Center

The Suffolk County Environmental Center is located on the Scully Estate and opened in 2010. It is operated by the Seatuck Environmental Association and the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. The 70-acre environmental center is adjacent to the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge and Islip Town Beach. Like the South Shore Nature Center, Suffolk County Environmental Center has a network of trails and boardwalks that lets visitors walk through the nature center. Visitors can take self-guided and passive tours or join the nature programs offered.

Shipwreck Cove Sprinkler Park

The Shipwreck Cove Sprinkler Park is a pirate-themed spray park with sails and canons. The pools are not deep enough to swim in but safe enough for younger children to sit and crawl in the pool. There are slides of different sizes, sprinklers everywhere, and a big water barrel that unexpectedly dumps large amounts of water. There are rope bridges and staircases around the spray park that children can traverse. Shipwreck Cove Spray Park is relatively smaller than other waterparks, but this local spray park is a community favorite.

Location: 139 S Clinton Ave, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Brookwood Hall Park

Brookwood Hall Park is a great place for outdoor activities where families can have a picnic by the lake, take the hiking trails around the lake, or let the children feed the geese. The 35-acre park has many animals; visitors can see squirrels, raccoons, swans, and even turtles. The Brookwood Hall Park Playground is also on the other side of the park. The Playground has a sign language teaching sign, monkey bars, and rock-climbing walls. The ground is rubber, and the entire area is fenced in.

Location: 50 Irish Ln, Islip, NY 11751

Beaver Dam Park – Islip Owls

The Beaver Dam Park is a quiet park with open spaces, play areas, a basketball court, and a baseball field. The park is often filled with young children playing and older children in the jungle gym. It is a popular park for residents to take a break in as it connects two neighborhoods.

Location: 200 Beech Street, Islip, NY 11751

Byron Lake Park

Byron Lake Park is a tree-lined park that is popular for picnics and pool parties. At 37 acres, the park has several features. These include an Olympic-size swimming pool, waterslide, barbeque-pit-filled picnic areas, a basketball court, a children’s playground, and a gazebo that overlooks Byron Lake. The park is also used as a summer camp for children.

Location: 80 Bridle Way, Oakdale, NY 11769

Gardiner County Park

Gardiner County Park is a public park on the Great South Bay known for being dog-friendly. The park is great for owners to bring and walk their dogs on several on-leash trails. There are dog runs in the park for large and small dogs, as well as a dog agility course, doggie water fountain, and waste station. The county park is also frequented by casual walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The park’s land was originally owned by The Gardiner family, Suffolk’s first non-native landowners.

Location: Montauk Highway, Bay Shore, NY 11706,

The Common Ground at Rotary Park

The Common Ground at Rotary Park is a popular venue for community events like live concerts and parades. The park was created by a group of community members as a reflective garden dedicated to the lives lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Common Ground has several features like the flower gardens, stone walkways, memorial benches, The Peace Labyrinth, and The Pamela Raymond Performance Pavilion.

Location: 46 Gillette Avenue, Box 533, Sayville, NY 11782

Sayville Falls Mini Golf

The Sayville Falls Mini Golf is a family-friendly entertainment center with double-sided waterfalls, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and viewing platforms overlooking ponds filled with fish and turtles. Although a mini-golf course, the holes have great designs and can make any game competitive enough.

Location: 30 Hanson Pl, Sayville, NY 11782

The Himes Museum of Motor Racing Nostalgia

The Himes Museum of Motor Racing Nostalgia, sometimes called The Marty Himes Museum, has an extensive collection of racing memorabilia from the owner himself, Marty Himes. The museum was created to preserve vintage race cars and showcase Long Island’s racing history. Mr. Himes has stock cars, model racers, helmets, driving suits, tickets, and thousands of photos on display.

Location: 15 Oneill Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Mini Monet Art Studio

Mini Monet Art Studio is an art school that offers art classes to children and adults. These art classes range from drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking to various art techniques and mediums like canvas and glass. The art studio is a great place to enjoy with young children, hone their interest in arts, and let their young minds wander with creativity.

Location: 122 & 128 Main Street, Sayville, NY 11782

How to Get There

Visitors can get to Islip by plane and train. The nearest airport to Islip is the Long Island MacArthur Airport, although Liberty Jet Management offers private jet charter services. The main railway metro system that services Islip is the Long Island Rail Road, but there are other stations to get off to, depending on the destination.

Our Top Hotel Picks for Islip NY

Islip ny travel and tour packages.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Islip, NY hotels and resorts via Agoda , Booking , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Islip

Things to do in islip, tours near islip.

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Boat Ride

Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979 ™

Empire State Building Ticket

New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience

Private New York City Helicopter Tour for Couples from Westchester

Top attractions in islip.

Other Top Attractions around Islip

What travellers are saying

• Long Island Photo Gallery
• Beaver Dam Park
• Capt. Rod Fishing Boat
• Long Island Shooting Center
• Growin Shade

April 21, 2024

Things To Do

Things to do in islip.

Islip town is home to many museums – boasting exhibits in the fields of science, history, aeronautics, art, local culture, and more. With so many great museums locally, no matter what you are passionate to learn about, you won’t have to travel far. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor fun, there is always something to do no matter where on Long Island you’re located. From pristine beaches and beautiful parks, to bowling alleys and miniature golf, Long Island is packed with Things to Do no matter what your passion is.

From small grassy knolls, to sprawling tree-filled nature preserves, Islip is home to an extensive network of town parks, many of which are free for residents to enjoy year round. Whether your passion is hiking, biking, skating, camping, picnicking, or you’re just looking for a breath of fresh air after a busy day, there are loads of different parks all over the Islip for you to choose from. Many of these parks even have programs open to both the public and to school groups that will teach our future generations about the ecosystem of Islip, and how they can make a positive impact on preserving these great gifts from nature. There is also plenty of wildlife – from the endangered Plovers that make their homes on our beaches, to the deer that run plentiful through the wooded park grounds, there is plenty of amazing native wildlife you may encounter. We have:

Heckscher State Park Hecksher Park, on the Great South Bay, offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities on the south shore with its 1600 acres of land. Park visitors will enjoy the various outdoor activities that can be done within the park which include nature trails, camping, and hiking. If one enjoys water activities, visitors can launch boats, wind surf, paddle board, and kayaking. With its large out fields, one can use the area for field sports. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view with the wildlife that lives within the park including whitetail deer. Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon swimming, or biking, nature walks or boating on the bay, Heckscher park won’t let you down.

Seatuck Suffolk County Environmental Center The Suffolk County Environmental Center is located at the Scully Estate Sanctuary in Islip. The Environmental Center is a full-service, 70-acre nature center and offers workshop and programs to the community that proves its dedication to conserving Long Island’s wildlife, environment and natural habitats. Consisting of salt marshes and grassland habitats the Center is neighbor to a 200-acre National Wildlife Refuge.

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in East Islip

Things to do in east islip.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Heckscher State Park

2. East Islip Public Library

3. Organics Today Farm

4. Brookwood Hall

5. South Shore Nature Center

6. East Islip Marina Park

7. Islip Art Museum

8. marshalls, 9. fatty mcgees.

10. East Islip Lanes

11. East Islip Taxi and Airport Service

12. On a Whim

13. vitality spa.

14. Shortstop Inn

15. faces by felicia, 16. summer spa, what travellers are saying.

• Organics Today Farm
• East Islip Public Library
• Heckscher State Park
• South Shore Nature Center
• Islip Art Museum
• East Islip Marina Park

Top Things to Do in Islip, NY

Places to visit in islip, tours near islip.

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Boat Ride

Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979 ™

Empire State Building Ticket

New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience

Private New York City Helicopter Tour for Couples from Westchester

Top attractions in islip.

Other Top Attractions around Islip

What travellers are saying

• Long Island Photo Gallery
• Beaver Dam Park
• Capt. Rod Fishing Boat
• Long Island Shooting Center
• Growin Shade

• Central Islip Tourism
• Central Islip Itineraries
• Central Islip Hotels

Top Tourist Attractions in Central Islip

• North America
• United States
• Central Islip
• Things To Do In Central Islip

Best Things To Do in Central Islip, New York

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Central Islip.

Central Islip may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but don’t let that fool you. Central Islip is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Central Islip.

If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Central Islip should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Central Islip and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

• Art & Cultural Attractions in Central Islip

Tourist Attractions in Central Islip

Here is the list of things to do in Central Islip and tourist attractions in city.

Nyit Library, Central Islip, United States

Address: 300 Clayton St, P.O. Box 9029

Bethpage Ballpark

Iglesia fuente de agua viva, grace lutheran church, jehovah's witnesses kingdom hl, harvest christian bible church, central islip public library, faith alive ministries, lighthouse tabernacle church of god.

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Midtown East

Financial District

Midtown West

Things to Do in West Islip, NY

"A great new place with fresh new Ideas! I LOVE ZEST because it's not another burger j..." more

2. Jack Jack's Coffee House

"Stopped in while passing thru, and needed a spot to land for 30 minutes. Nice, tradit..." more

3. First Glass Wine Tours of Long Island

"Such a fun time!!!!!!! They set up all the reservations for us and everything was per..." more

4. Belmont Lake State Park

"The Princess of Queens Anna H reminded me I never wrote a review for this cool State ..." more

5. The Brixton

"Great food and drinks!! Service was also speedy and attentive! Would recommend! Also ..." more

6. Long Island Pekin

"I'll take the crystal shrimp dumplings and string beans, please and thank you. Lovely..." more

7. The Piermont

"Beautiful from beginning to end. The Piermont is a hidden gem located on the waterfro..." more

Best Restaurants in West Islip, NY

" Chef Mike kills it in the kitchen, creating culinary curios that will awaken taste buds you didn't know you had." See all Zest reviews

Long Island Pekin

"Food- so far we have only tried the crab soup dumplings, pork soup dumplings, and scallion pancakes." See all Long Island Pekin reviews

Takumi Hibachi and Sushi Lounge

"I usually get their specialty rolls our favorite are the Takumi roll , the angry dragon roll and the May roll." See all Takumi Hibachi and Sushi Lounge reviews

Henley's Village Tavern

"Their food is always amazing, and we've liked the variety of the scratch menu ." See all Henley's Village Tavern reviews

Masa Asian Cuisine

"The food arrived within a half hour which is pretty awesome for delivery in Babylon Village ." See all Masa Asian Cuisine reviews

Rock City Dogs

"Had the Santana Dog with herb slaw, avocado and a chorizo and olive crumble." See all Rock City Dogs reviews

"I ordered a mojito which had so much fresh mint, and my mom ordered the clarified margarita with black volcanic salt." See all Pecado reviews

Our Little Italy

"Wife and I moved to the north shore, but when we visit my parents - I'm delighted to stop in and see Jay and John." See all Our Little Italy reviews

Restoration Kitchen & Cocktails

"Restoration Kitchen provides a unique opportunity to select a charity for donation at the end of your meal." See all Restoration Kitchen & Cocktails reviews

The Brixton

"Highly recommend the short rib toast , the short rib steamed buns, short rib Benedict, anything short rib." See all The Brixton reviews

The LakeHouse

"The Lake House in Bay Shore is a restaurant that my wife and I have been wanting to visit for some time now." See all The LakeHouse reviews

Besito Mexican Restaurant

"We got the queso fundito (a favorite of mine which definitely held up to the competition) and shrimp empanadas for the apps." See all Besito Mexican Restaurant reviews

Salt & Barrel

"I also enjoyed the rock shrimp as an appetizer and tried the fried chicken sandwich that my husband ordered." See all Salt & Barrel reviews

Four Season Kitchen

"Some of our favorites include noodle soup , bbq ribs, Phenix and Dragon, Pineapple rice, and many more." See all Four Season Kitchen reviews

Casa Del Campo

"We ordered " dominican nachos " which was absolutely incredible and from start to finish we were very pleased." See all Casa Del Campo reviews

Primi Italian Steakhouse

"It was during covid so there wasn't many people in there and the let us chose to sit next to the beautiful fireplace." See all Primi Italian Steakhouse reviews

Nightlife in West Islip, NY

Hermanas Kitchen and Cocktails

"We enjoyed everything we had, from the margaritas to the hearts of palm ceviche to the pernil and tacos!" See all Hermanas Kitchen and Cocktails reviews

The Pizzeria of Bay Shore

"For my meal I couldn't decide if I wanted "The Trifecta" personal pie or " Uncle Benny " personal pie." See all The Pizzeria of Bay Shore reviews

The Linwood Restaurant and Cocktails

"The restaurant had dividers, which to be fair, I am not sure they were doing much as far as Covid is concerned (hehee)." See all The Linwood Restaurant and Cocktails reviews

"We ordered the following: Crispy Chicken Bun , Crispy Shrimp Bun, Bakuto Pork Ramen, and Spicy Pork Ramen." See all Bakuto reviews

Verde Kitchen & Cocktails

"And the seating in the greenhouse is magic, but not necessary for an incredible dining experience." See all Verde Kitchen & Cocktails reviews

Americano Pie Bar

"(Next time we might just have to dine in!) We ordered a short rib BBQ pie and short rib Mac and cheese and wow!!" See all Americano Pie Bar reviews

Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar

"You have a choice to sit inside or outside which most places in Babylon village don't offer that option." See all Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar reviews

Coastal Kitchen and Daiquiri Bar

"I also highly recommend the jerk chicken quesadilla and recently tried their new birria short rib quesadilla which was incredible." See all Coastal Kitchen and Daiquiri Bar reviews

"We had the seafood risotto and shrimp pappardelle which were both large portions and tasted great." See all Whalers reviews

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• Free & Cheap Activities

Free & Cheap Things to Do in West Islip, NY

• The list below includes 145 free or cheap things to do in or near West Islip, New York, including 115 different types of inexpensive activities like Magic Shows, Beaches, Recreation Centers and Sports Teams (Amateur).
• From West Islip Beach & Marina to Parlor of Mystery, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in West Islip and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Freeport , Long Beach , Deer Park and Valley Stream .

West Islip Beach & Marina

Parlor of mystery, strong island derby revolution, islip town of, south bay cinemas, amf babylon lanes, belmont lake state park, deer park tennis & fitness center, lindenhurst village square, breezy's field of dreams.