I love spending time outdoors, and I especially love walking in the gardens and greenhouses of Long Island.
1. Bring your camera! There’s so much to see!
2. Pack a snack or picnic lunch!
3. Spend the day alone and enjoy some peace and quiet.
4. Or...
Sections
4
Arboretums
Botanical Gardens
Nature at the Beach
Nature Preserve
Arboretums
Botanical gardens specifically devoted to trees! Many of these places have unique specimens that won’t be found anywhere else on the East Coast.
This is one of my favorite places to spend the day! Indoor greenhouses, outdoor gardens, a big field, and a variety of trees, all on the Gold Coast of Long Island. Bring a picnic lunch!
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Another great place to walk around and spend the day! It’s also on the water, so there is extra scenery!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Such a fun place to go with kids! There is a special children’s area to play, rare Dawn redwood trees, and a wildlife rehabilitation area.
Bailey Arboretum
Botanical Gardens
Beautiful, well-kept gardens, many on old estates.
A great smaller botanical garden to take a walk and enjoy flowers.
Clark Botanic Gardens
Visit Sagamore Hill, home of Teddy Roosevelt, walk the grounds, and do some birdwatching.
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center
A two-for-one deal: Museum/Planetarium with beautiful grounds that go down to the water.
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
A well-maintained preserve with trails.
Muttontown Preserve
Long Island is filled with old estates turned into public nature areas. This one is also by the water!
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
This place is on my list - small, peaceful, and secluded location with trails.
John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden
Another old estate turned into a great place to explore.
Old Westbury Gardens
Nature at the Beach
Beach and nature? It’s a win-win!
I’ve been meaning to check out this nature center on the south shore, right on the water!
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
Another great nature preserve by the water!
Cedar Beach Town Nature Preserve
More Gold Coast beauty open to the public!
Sands Point Preserve
This place is so much fun! Farm animals and a path down to a dock on the water.
Facilities • Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve
I haven’t been here yet, but now I definitely need to!
MNSA
Nature Preserve
Family friendly nature walk on the water!
Massapequa Preserve
Animal exhibits? Ecology displays? Trails and birdwatching? Sounds like a great day!
Tackapausha Museum and Preserve | Nassau County, NY - Official Website
Beautiful trails on the Nissaguogue River, science education, and wildlife rehabilitation!
