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New York City: There's more to see

Long Island, NY

From the working-class, urban clutter of Brooklyn to the sophisticated wineries of North Fork, Long Island, NY is a study in geographic and economic contrasts. For most visitors, crossing the East River from Manhattan means a trip to the beach, whether the destination is crowded Jones Beach or Fire Island in Nassau county, NY, quiet Shelter Island or the showy Hamptons. You can get to Long Island, NY on the Long Island Expressway from Manhattan or catch one of the many buses running from the East Side (the bus drivers know all the short cuts and may well get you there quicker than driving). A train also runs between Long Island, NY and New York's Penn Station. There's plenty of public transport once you get there.

Jones Beach and Fire Island: New York Beaches

Jones Beach is the least exclusive beach area on Long Island. Tens of thousands of people converge on its 6 mile (10km) stretch of ocean, and there's parking for nearly 25,000 cars. Nevertheless, the sand is clean, and it can be a welcome respite from a sweltering New York City summer. Robert Moses State Park , to the east, is almost as crowded. The neighboring villages of Fire Island, accessible only by ferry, make up the country's leading gay resort area.

The Hamptons

Somewhat more exclusive, the Hamptons, in the island's far east, are the hot summer spot for the West Coast movie crowd. Although soaking up the glitzy atmosphere is half the fun of a visit here, you can also have a look at the Whaling Museum in Sag Harbor, the impressive Parrish Art Museum in Southampton or play a round on the fine Montauk Downs golf course. East Hampton is the heart of the Hampton scene, and worth a visit if you enjoy envying the lifestyles of the rich and famous. It also has some excellent restaurants and nightspots.

Wine District

In one of life's ironic twists, the wine district is the only part of Long Island where you'll need a car to get around. Thirteen wineries are clustered together on Long Island's North Fork, mostly around the town of Cutchogue. Pindar Vineyards is the largest, with frequent tours, daily tastings and wine festivals throughout the year. When your cup runneth over, head for the charming 17th century town of Orient at the eastern tip of the North Fork. It's a very pretty collection of white clapboard houses and former inns, with a nearby beach and oyster ponds.

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