10 Best Sights in Long Island, New York

With touch tanks, a submarine simulator, sea lion kisses, swimming with the sharks, and a shark keeper program, this aquarium offers a truly interactive and hands-on experience for its visitors. Based on the theme of the Lost City of Atlantis, indoor and outdoor exhibits, such as a natural rockscape pool and salt marsh, offer a compelling glimpse of regional marine life. Educational programs and events for kids include "sleeping with the fish" overnight stays; for the adults, there are wine cruises. A "Behind the Scenes" tour is offered twice daily and provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the aquarium.

A wood-shingled, circa-1850 barn holds a modern winery and tasting room; the feel is casual and friendly, with knowledgeable pourers willing to give extra attention. The Melange de Trois blend is their best-selling red, and the crisp Sauvignon Blanc is a highly accomplished expression of a grape that's gaining ground in this region. Jamesport Vineyards supports sustainable farming practices.

Once a roadside farm stand, the winery founded by the Entenmann family and named for their matriarch, Martha Clara, now has a large, barn-style summer tasting room with patio and has become quite popular for its large-scale events. Off-season, a winter tasting room gives a more intimate feel, although it's becoming increasingly busy. Original old barns serve as art galleries and event spaces; pet goats, live music, and antique-carriage tours pulled by resident Clydesdales add to the down-on-the-farm feel. Making waves in the wine world is the 2010 Norseville Red, and the Rieslings are always a popular choice.

A small, old-fashioned tasting room leads out to a wooden deck and lawn—a top spot for watching the sun set over acres of vines and farm fields. Palmer wines regularly impress top critics, especially the "41/72" merlot cuvée. The Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc are among the most popular vintages here. In-season, look for special events including live music, yoga, food truck, and Friday night firepit with open mike.

The Massoud family tends the vines, makes the wine, and greets visitors in a tasting room that has a great view of the whole wine-making operation; ask, and you might be shown the extensive catwalk system. Paumanok wines, traditionally crafted, consistently receive top marks, and the Chenin Blanc and Rieslings are the most popular.

The working farm on 13 riverfront acres west of Riverhead grows more than 700 varieties of plants, including herbs, heirloom vegetables, beautiful shrubs, and roses. Wander through the trail gardens, visit the eight greenhouses, and (in season) stop by their farmers' market. Garden-related workshops and other events are offered off-season. Artists and photographers are welcome to utilize the gardens for inspiration.

More than a home for old railroad cars, this museum, with another location in Greenport, outlines the history and development of Long Island railroads. Created in 1990, the museum and its curators preserve and restore cars and artifacts that contributed to the island's communities and industries. A World's Fair miniture train ride operates spring through autumn, weather permitting. Admission includes a guided tour of both sites. If you want to make a day of it, for an extra fee ride the nearby LIRR for transportation between the sites.

One of the oldest stock-car racing tracks in the country and the only NASCAR track in the New York Metropolitan area, Riverhead Raceway also hosts monster truck rallies, school bus demolition derbies, and hosts special events including amusement rides and fireworks. Bring ear plugs if you don't like loud noises.

At this 96-acre water park you can ride an inner tube down the 1,300-foot-long Lazy River, passing waterfalls, geysers, and wave pools, or go for something more exhilarating (or scary). Attractions include Monsoon Lagoon, Mammoth River Ride, Kiddie Cove, and the new Bootleggers Run and Battle of Mutiny Bay water roller coasters. The park has three pools, a beach area, four restaurants, and the Parrots of the Carribean show.

Duck farming was a major industry on Long Island when a local farmer erected this massive and endearing 20-foot-tall duck-shape building in 1931. Today it serves as a tourism center and gift shop carrying T-shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs bearing the aquatic birds. Long Island's most recognized landmark, the Big Duck is on the National Register of Historic Places. Annual events at the Big Duck Ranch include the rubber duck race. A farming museum was new in the fall of 2014.