The largest island off America's East Coast, Long Island lives up to its name - its vast stretch includes two boroughs of Manhattan (Brooklyn and Queens) and resort towns, several other towns as well as extensive farmland. Towards the far end it splits into two, the North Fork with its farms and the South Fork, better known for its exclusive enclave The Hamptons.

Long Island boasts of some of the finest beaches in the U.S and makes for a great vacation destination. The summers are warm and pleasant here, ideal for a day on the beach- so don’t forget those sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.

Montauk, on the eastern edge of the island is home to America's oldest lighthouse built in 1796. Surrounded by some great beaches, the town is close to the Hither Hills State Park which offers some good hiking , trekking and camping.

Long Island has plenty to offer to the visitor - drive around admiring the fine beaches, the stately homes, unusual museums, quaint fishing villages and much more. The North Shore which begins just as you leave New York city has often been referred to as the Gold Coast for the wealthy families who built their huge mansions here. Stop by at the Nassau County Museum of Art and the nearby Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park.

A little further on, visit President Theodore Roosevelt's country retreat at Sagamore Hill. Cold Spring Harbor, once a major whaling port is one of Long Island's most charming towns. Spend some time at the Whaling Museum with its interesting exhibits and at the Vanderbilt Mansion.

As you get to the North Fork, green farmlands and vineyards begin to take over -- the area is a major winemaking area. Greenport, an enchanting town has an interesting maritime museum.

Step onto Shelter Island, ensconced between the North and the South Fork is a major summer resort town. One of the oldest inhabited parts of Long Island, Shelter Island offers some great boating opportunities.

Take a ferry from Shelter Island to North Haven on the South Fork. Visit the exclusive enclave of the Hamptons, seaside villages where the rich and famous have their homes. Extremely trendy and upscale, the area retains much of its colonial legacy.

Other important places on the South Fork include Sag Harbor, once a major whaling center and Southampton, a posh resort town. In Sag Harbor, definitely visit the Whaling Museum, the old Whalers Presbyterian Church and the Old Custom house.

Long Island's South Shore has some of the best beaches on the island such as Long Beach and the Jones Beach State Park. Parallel to the South Shore is Fire Island, with many interesting beaches. It is very popular with the gay and lesbian community.

To get to Long island you could fly into Long Island MacArthur Airport, in Islip on any major national carrier. You can also fly into John F Kennedy or Laguardia airport at Queens and then drive up to Long Island. From Manhattan, you can get on to the I-495, Midtown Tunnel, the Queensborough Bridge or the Triborough Bridge on I-278. From Bronx and New England, take the I-295 or the I-678 to Long Island.

There are several bus services including to and from the island. The Long Island Railroad connects Penn Station, Manhattan to several destinations on the island.

A car is essential to explore the island - though public transport is available, a car is convenient if you wish to stop and explore the countryside or the beaches. So get in touch with a car rental company or a travel agent.

Most major motel chains are present on the island. Accommodation varies from romantic hideaways to heritage hotels to reasonably priced motels. Prices tend to go up dramatically during summer.

The surrounding waters make this a haven for sea-food lovers. Many many eating places cater to the tastes and budgets of the massive inflow of tourists every year. You could choose from fast food chains to gourmet restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. Nightlife on the island is exciting, especially in the Hamptons which have many lively clubs and bars.

There are some big shopping malls on the island. Most towns have interesting stores and boutiques.

Contact the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau at Tel 516 951 2423 for any further information.