62 Things to Do on the East End during July and August

7/1/12 - By DebRA

The months of July and August offer us 62 long, sunny, perfect days to get out, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the East End of Long Island. From picturesque quaint towns on the water and homegrown music to Long Island history, hands-on fun, and the quiet beauty of an unspoiled beach, the East End is THE place to be this summer!

Here are 62 ideas of to help you get your summer on! How many have you done already?

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1. Visit the Flight 800 Memorial at  Smith Point County Park in Shirley and then hit the beach for a day in the sun and waves.

 2. Enjoy some clams at Claudio's clam bar in Greenport.

3. Pick out a future beach house on Dune Road near Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton.

4. Visit the Children's Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton for some hands-on fun.

5. Pick strawberries or peaches at one of the many farms on Sound Avenue on the North Fork.

6. Visit Harbes Family Farm for fresh lemonade, corn, and in-season fruits and veggies.

7. Go fishing on one of the many charter boats in Montauk.

8. Spend a day on the water slides and in the wave pools at Splish Splash.

9. Meet the  animals at The Animal Farm Petting Zoo.

10. Visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse.

11. Watch the fishing boats unload their catches at Gosman's Dock in Montauk.

12. Explore the saltwater marshes at the Elizabeth Morton Wildlife Refuge.

13. Let the kids explore at the Long Island Science Center  in Riverhead.

14. Check out the exhibits at  the South Fork Natural History Museum.

15. Meet the sharks, the seals, and the penguins at  Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center.

16. Grab a bike and take the ferry from Greenport to Shelter Island to explore the shore.

17. Enjoy  a puppet show at Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre in Sag Harbor.

18. Take a hike at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

19. Watch the stock-car races at Riverhead Raceway.

20. Play minigolf at Puff N Putt in Montauk.

21. Take a ride on a mini train at the Peconic County Miniature Train in Greenport.

22. Plan a camping trip at Hither Hills State Park in Montauk or Smith Point County Park on Fire Island.

23. Ride the LIRR out to Montauk or Greenport , the very last stops on the Island.

24. Watch the fireworks from one of  the many beautiful beaches on July 4th weekend.

25. Visit Long House Reserve in East Hampton to enjoy the gardens and sculptures.

26. Take a ride along Sound Avenue, stopping at farm stands and gift shops along the way.

27. Spend a day or overnight camp trip at Indian Island County Park on Flanders Bay in Riverhead.

28. Visit the Whaling Museum in Sag Harbor.

29. Explore the trains and memorabilia at the railroad museums in Riverhead or Greenport ( Don't miss the train festival in August).

30. Go to the Shinnecock Pow-Wow for some Native-American culture.

31. Grab an ice cream at one of the many shops in town and people watch while you enjoy it.

32. Stay at a hotel in the town of Montauk and live like a tourist for a few days. 

33. Catch a show at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor.

34. Visit the beautiful gardens at Bridge Gardens in East Hampton.

35. Pack a picnic and a book and spend the day on one of the gorgeous beaches.  

36. Take the ferry to Block Island and enjoy a world of pristine beauty.

37. Chill out at a movie at one of the many theaters out East.

38.  Take a surf or SUP lesson at Main Beach Surf and Sport

37. Treat yourself to a new sun dress at a boutique in the towns of Southampton, East Hampton or Water Mill.

38. Browse at Hildreth's, America's oldest home furnishing store, in West Hampton or Southampton.

39.  Search for birds at the Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island.

40. Take a drive through wine country and stop for tastings and live music  on their patios and decks overlooking the vineyards.

41. Get  artsy at the Parish Art Museum in Southampton.

42. Go bowling at East Hampton Bowl.

43.  Visit the Sag Harbor Fireman's Museum.

44.  Catch a book or poetry reading at Book Hampton.

45.  Enjoy an independent film at the Sag Harbor Cinema.

46. Learn  maritime history at the East Hampton Town Marine Museum.

47.  Take the family horseback riding at Rita's Stable or Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk.

48.  Explore the Water Mill Museum in Water Mill.

49.  Take a  windmill-viewing drive on the East End ( there are 11 in all).

50.  Check out the classes and workshops at the East End Arts Council in Riverhead.

51. Do some stargazing and planet watching on a Saturday evening at the Custer Observatory.

52.  Take a summer program or join a league at North Beach Volley Ball on the North Fork.

53.  Get nautical at the East End Seaport Museum in Greenport.

54.  See a play at the North Fork Community Theater.

55.  Catch a concert at the West Hampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

56.  Catch fireflies on a summer night on the beach anywhere!

57.  Try geocaching all over the North Fork.

58.  Go down the 100 steps to the beach and visit Horton Point Lighthouse.

59.  Stroll the charming Love Lane in Mattituck.

60.  Visit the animals, make a donation, or bring home a new friend at  Kent Animal Shelter in Riverhead.

61.  Attend one of the many fun street fairs and festivals. 

62.  Float around in the bay at Meschutt Beach in Hampton Bays