Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Long Beach to Southampton
Driving from Long Beach, New York to Southampton, New York is a beautiful route along the south shore of Long Island. This scenic drive lasts approximately 90 minutes with the view of the coastline on one side and the peaceful bays on the other. But why just drive straight through when there are some exciting and unexpected detours to take along the way? Here are five excellent places to stop that will make the drive much more memorable.
Halfway Point: East Islip, NY
Before embarking on the journey further east, take a break at the halfway point in East Islip, NY. This is a perfect spot to stretch the legs and take a break from the car. East Islip boasts a beautiful park that sits at the end of Montauk Highway with a nature trail along the Great South Bay. Take a walk along the trail to take in the nature and peacefulness of the wetlands.
Don’t leave East Islip without grabbing some sustenance, in the form of sandwiches at East Islip Gourmet Deli. The sandwiches are made fresh with ample fillings and available on a wide range of bread options that will leave satisfied.
1. Fire Island Lighthouse
Just past the halfway point, you'll reach one of the crown jewels of Long Island, the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse in Ocean Beach. The lighthouse was first lit in 1826 and became automated in 1974. It stands at an impressive 168 feet tall and overlooks both the ocean and bay sides of Fire Island. It's worth a stop for some pictures and a bit of history.
A must-try on Fire Island is the Hot Lobster Roll at Maguire's Bayfront Restaurant. The Hot Lobster Roll is a unique twist on the traditional Lobster Roll, made with warm buttered bread and generous helpings of lobster.
2. Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill offers a haven of visual art. The modern and minimalist design is breathtaking, and the galleries offer an excellent collection of local artists spanning from the 19th century to the present day. One cannot leave without visiting the outdoor sculpture gardens, which are as inspiring as the indoor galleries.
After viewing all the art, it's time for a drink and a light bite. Stop at Estia's Little Kitchen for their famous green chili salsa and the ultimate Taco Tu Madre. The Taco Tu Madre is a unique fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisine, bringing a surprising yet ultimately delicious combination of flavors.
3. Cooper's Beach
If you're searching for something more relaxing, Cooper's Beach in Southampton is a great spot to lay down for a while. This stunning beach was ranked the best in all of America in 2010 by Dr. Beach because of its soft and powdery sand, clear blue water, and world-class amenities. The beach is open to the public and is a perfect spot to take a dip or bathe in the sun's rays.
After sunbathing for a while, head to the charming Hamlet of Bridgehampton for some of the best breakfast around at Estia’s Little Kitchen. Their savory Mushroom Cakes Benedict will have you returning time and time again.
4. Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum
The Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum in Southampton features exhibits on the Shinnecock Indian Nation's local history and traditions. The displays interpret the language, cultural objects, and daily life of the Shinnecock tribe, affiliated with the Algonquian language family that settled in the area in the 1600s. It's a great spot to gain knowledge of the area’s history.
To get the full eastern Long Island experience, end the day at Claudio's Restaurant in Greenport for some fresh seafood. Try the classic steamed clams with drawn butter or the fluke with the vegetable du jour for an excellent meal experience.
5. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Lastly, cap off your day with a trip to Montauk, where the Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Montauk Point Lighthouse was commissioned by President George Washington in 1792 and has been a beacon for shipping vessels and recreational boats ever since. The lighthouse and museum offer a fantastic history of the area and the maritime industry.
Montauk’s harbor offers a selection of amazing seafood restaurants, but only one is true to Montuak’s roots: The Lobster Roll (aka “Lunch”). As the name implies, the Lobster Roll is a signature dish, but you can’t go wrong with the Crispy Calamari as an appetizer.
After exploring all of these amazing stops, it's clear that this is not just a regular drive from Long Beach to Southampton. With beautiful landscapes and unique stops along the way, driving along the south shore of Long Island will make you want to pull over and take it all in.