The best road cycling routes around Hampton Bays

The Old Montauk Highway leads to a trail through the woods with a gate that says closed to traffic. We took it and it’s fine. There’s a nice parking area with a cliff view at the end just before you get to the lighthouse, check it out.

This is really a stunning area. Beaches as long your look is reaching. And please do a stop

The Shinnecock Canal was the first saltwater canal in New York State, built between 1884 and 1892. Once a site used by Native Americans to carry canoes over land, the Canal today connects two of the most stunning bays on Long Island's eastern side, Shinnecock Bay and Great Peconic Bay, which had become landlocked over time. Though the Hamptons officially begin 10 miles (16.09 km) west of the Canal, it is known as the starting point of this exclusive summer resort, as every modern bridge leading to the Hamptons crosses the Canal.

Otter Pond is part of the Long Pond Greenbelt, known as the "string of pearls" due to its chain of 13 rare coastal plain ponds. These fragile ecosystems are crucial habitats for diverse plant and animal life, making them a significant conservation area.

Napeague State Park, in Long Island, offers a pristine coastal respite. Its unspoiled beaches stretch for miles, providing a perfect setting for sunbathing, beach going and hiking. The park's natural beauty, encompassing dunes and diverse wildlife, inviting you to enjoy its natural beauty in this largely undeveloped and unspoiled park.

Built in 1920, this carousel is one of the few remaining with a brass ring game where rings are dispensed to riders during the ride. Riders grab the brass ring among the iron rings for a chance to win a prize from the operator. Visitors test their skills and play a 100 year old game.

Arshamomaque Cemetery, also known as the Hashamomack Old Families' Burying Ground, is open to the public and a great spot to stop by and check out some of the oldest graves on Long Island. Here lie settlers from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and the oldest known grave here is over 200 years old.

Custer Institute and Observatory, established in 1927, opens exclusively on Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. for Saturday Night Observing. Long Island's oldest public observatory offers tours led by knowledgeable volunteer staff members. Visitors can tour the facilities and view the night sky through powerful telescopes, as well as explore the library, exhibit room, and gift shop. Custer Institute and Observatory also hosts lectures, classes, concerts, art exhibits, and other special events.