Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but Long Island’s beach weather temps and outdoor entertainment stick around. That’s why we rounded up the best ways to keep the fun in the sun going and where you can experience an endless summer on Long Island. And the best part is, they’re all accessible by the Long Island Rail Road!

Clamming, Crabbing, and Oyster Shucking

With hundreds of miles of coastline, Long Island is known as a shellfish mecca and harvest is year-round! Soak in the end of the summer season with the age-old pastime of clamming in the shallow waters of the north or south shore. Moriches Bay at Cupsogue Beach County Park in Westhampton and Cordwood Landing County Park in Miller Place are good places to start.

If you prefer to stay dry, try an oyster shucking class at The Shoals in Southold. Be sure to check the regulations of your clamming or crabbing spot – some locations require a permit.

WHERE TO STAY: Canoe Place Inn (Hampton Bays), Danford’s Hotel & Marina (Port Jefferson - close to Miller Place), The Shoals (Southold)

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Westhampton, Port Jefferson, or Southold, then grab a cab or schedule a rideshare app service to your hotel.

Sail Into the Sunset or Hit the Waves in Warmer Waters

Some may be surprised to learn that Long Island waters are often the warmest at the tail end of the summer season. That’s why September is an ideal time for watersports! Whether you’re looking to wakeboard, surf, paddle board, kayak, or jet ski, every area of Long Island provides the gear, services and lessons for your ideal watersports experience.

For something adventurous, look no further than jet skiing with Island Jet Ski, or Over the Top Watersports for wakeboarding and much more. Fall is also a great time of year to take advantage of the many boating opportunities across the island.

You can also sail into the sunset with Long Island Boat Rentals, operating out of Port Washington on the North Shore. They offer everything from private yacht rentals to party boat charters, and more.

WHERE TO STAY: The Freeport Inn & Marina (close to Island Jet Ski), Chalet Inn & Suites (close to Over the Top Watersports), Hilton Garden Inn Roslyn (close to Long island Boat Rentals)

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Freeport, Northport, or Port Washington, then hail a cab or hop in a rideshare to your hotel.

Explore a Legendary Lighthouse

Many of our region’s landmark lighthouses allow visitors to climb to the very top to take in sweeping ocean views and capture magnificent photos. Fire Island Lighthouse, Montauk Lighthouse, and Horton Point Lighthouse are all open for tours through November! So, climb the 182-step tower in Fire Island, or take the LIRR’s Escorted Tour to the Montauk Lighthouse, where you can learn about Long Island’s cherished maritime history at the oldest lighthouse in New York state, commissioned by President George Washington himself in 1792! Whether you’re a history buff, social media influencer or a family looking for a memorable adventure, visiting one of Long Island’s legendary lighthouses is a fantastic opportunity to keep the nautical adventures going post-Labor Day.

WHERE TO STAY: The Palms Hotel (Fire Island), Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina (Montauk), Soundview (close to Horton Point)

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Bayshore and board the Fire Island Ferry to Kismet (Fire Island Lighthouse) or Greenport (Soundview), and grab a rideshare or cab to your hotel or destination.

Take A Selfie Among A Sea of Sunflowers

Strike a pose at Waterdrinker Farms’ Sunflower Fields during a sunset for an unrivaled summer setting and photo op throughout September! Beyond the flower fields you’ll find barnyard animals, mini golf, tractor pedal cars, obstacle courses, a wooden playland and more. Harbes Family Farm in Jamesport has fun-filled weekend Sunflower festivals throughout September with a breathtaking sunflower maze perfect for selfies.

WHERE TO STAY: Take advantage of the LIRR’s package to Hotel Indigo Long Island - East End (close to Waterdrinker), stay at The Preston House (close to both), Aqua by American Beech (near Jamesport), or Jedediah Hawkins (Jamesport)

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Riverhead for either location. From there, book a rideshare service or grab a taxi to your hotel or sunflower destination.

Beat the Crowds & Soak in the Season at an Iconic Beach

Labor Day weekend does not mark the end of beach season – in fact, lifeguards stay on duty at many iconic beaches past the holiday. So, take advantage of the thinner crowds and milder temperatures that September offers and hit the beach: Jones Beach in Wantagh and Robert Moses in Babylon have lifeguards on duty until September 18. Hither Hills in Montauk is staffed until September 20 and Main Beach in East Hampton welcomes visitors through Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 10th.

And no trip to New York state’s most popular beach is complete with an adventure at WildPlay at Jones Beach, featuring a ropes course on an elevated platform, a challenge course, a child-friendly course, a zipline and much more.

WHERE TO STAY: The Fire Island Beach house, The Capri Southampton, The Montauk Beach House, Marram Montauk

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the LIRR to Freeport station and take the NICE bus N88 through September 18th to Jones Beach. Or take the LIRR to Montauk Station and take a rideshare to your favorite beach!

Experience the Nautical Charm of Long Island’s Waterfront Villages

Experience the nautical charm of the many historic, waterfront, restaurant-laden bustling downtown villages across Long Island’s suburban landscape. Main Streets on Long Island come alive with festivals and entertainment throughout the year and are home to an array of locally-owned shops, pubs and museums. From Long Beach on the South Shore to Greenport and Port Jefferson on the North Shore, each village has a distinct personality of its own and many hidden gems to discover.

WHERE TO STAY: The Allegria Hotel (Long Beach), Danford’s Hotel & Marina (Port Jefferson), The Manhaden (Greenport), American Beech (Greenport)

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Long Beach, Port Jefferson, or Greenport. Then, schedule a bus shuttle if available or take a taxi to your hotel or waterfront village.