Long Island Sound offers a variety of ways to explore, from scenic cruises to self-guided road trips. The best option for you depends on whether you prefer to be on the water or on land.
Long Island Sound is a body of water between Long Island, NY and Connecticut.
Based on public domain satellite photo courtesy of NOAA.
© 2004 Matthew Trump.
On the Water
Cruises and ferries are an excellent way to see the Sound from a different perspective. Some prefer to see it on a yacht. Check out this video from the Fosters, who sailed long island for an entire summer.
Ways to See Long Island Sound on the Water
You can choose from a few types of boat trips:
- Sightseeing Cruises: Companies like Cross Sound Ferry offer “Lights & Sights” cruises from New London, Connecticut, and Orient Point, New York. These narrated tours focus on the historic lighthouses, bridges, and mansions along the shoreline.
- Ferry Services: For a more utilitarian but still scenic option, you can take a car ferry across the Sound. The Port Jefferson-Bridgeport and Orient Point-New London ferries are popular routes that offer beautiful views and can be part of a larger road trip.
- Schooner Sails and Whale Watching: For a more hands-on experience, you can find sailboat charters or book a whale and seal watching tour, particularly from Montauk.
On Land
If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can explore the Long Island Sound coast by car or on foot.
- Scenic Drives: Route 25A on the North Shore is a scenic drive that takes you through charming towns like Stony Brook and Port Jefferson, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy views of the Sound.
- State Parks and Beaches: Many state parks and public beaches, such as Sunken Meadow State Park, offer direct access to the Sound for walks, picnics, and scenic views.
- Historic Sites: You can visit waterfront attractions like the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport or the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise, a fun ferry ride, or a scenic drive, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of Long Island Sound.
