Things to do in Wading River

No. 10 of Fall Viewing Attractions in United States

Long Island

Long Island is a long, narrow island extending into the Atlantic Ocean east of New York City, known for its sprawling coastline and diverse vacation experiences. The island's eastern and western ends feature distinct regions, ranging from beach vacations to estate sightseeing, creating a rich travel landscape. The Hamptons, on the island's southeastern end, are made up of several villages and towns, including Southampton and East Hampton, and are known for their fine white sand beaches, exquisite main street shops, and vibrant artist community. Continuing east along the south shore to Montauk at the island's eastern tip, you will find the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum standing atop the cliffs, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the open ocean. Fire Island, located on the south side of Long Island, is a barrier island. Most of the island is car-free and primarily accessible by ferry, preserving pristine sand dunes and hiking trails. The North Shore is home to the Gold Coast mansions, with Gilded Age estates like Oheka Castle and the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium spread along the coast, some of which are open to the public. Additionally, the North Fork on the northeastern end features dozens of family-run wineries and is a well-known wine region on the East Coast.

Splish Splash Water Park

Splish Splash Water Park is very clean, has many attractions to choose from, and is a great place for travelers to relax and unwind.

Wildwood State Park

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Empire State Building

• Iconic Landmark – The Empire State Building is one of the most recognized skyscrapers in the world and is ranked #1 top attraction in NYC. Its Art Deco design and cinematic fame make it a true New York icon.​ • Breathtaking Panoramic Views – Enjoy 360° views that stretch up to 80 miles on a clear day. From the open-air 86th Floor Observatory or the glass-enclosed 102nd Floor Observatory, spot Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and neighboring states.​ • Immersive Exhibits – Explore the interactive museum on the second and 80th floors, with immersive galleries that bring the building's story to life from Opening Day in 1931 to its role as a pop culture icon. Meet Kong, snap photos with celebrity moments, and admire the building's innovative construction. • Famous Filming Location – From "King Kong" to "Sleepless in Seattle" and countless others, the Empire State Building has been featured in more than 250 films and TV shows.​ • Art Deco Masterpiece – Marvel at the restored Fifth Avenue Lobby with its iconic gold leaf ceiling mural, bronze finishes, and two-story architectural model.​ Other notes for the listing. △Sustainability Exhibit: The Empire State Building has a sustainability exhibit on the 2nd floor that showcases the building's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, officially named "Liberty Enlightening the World." It was a gift from the people of France to the United States, created to commemorate American independence and completed in 1886. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its internal steel framework was crafted by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower. She holds a torch aloft in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with "July 4, 1776" in her left, with broken chains at her feet. The seven spikes on her crown symbolize the seven continents and seven seas, while the theme of breaking free from*********and embracing liberty is woven into every detail. Reaching the crown is the signature experience here: ascend via the narrow double-helix staircase inside the statue to overlook New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline from the crown's observation windows. Crown access has limited availability and requires advance reservations. The staircase is steep and narrow with no elevator, so travelers with acrophobia or limited physical stamina should assess their capabilities. Opting for the pedestal observatory still allows close-up views of the statue and panoramic harbor vistas. The original torch replaced in 1984 is now displayed at the Statue of Liberty Museum on the island, which opened in 2019, fully presenting the statue's construction history and symbolic significance. The adjacent Ellis Island Immigration Museum recounts the stories of millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. here to begin new lives, often combined with a visit to Liberty Island. △Statue of LibertyCrown visit: one of the must-do experiences is climbing up to the statue's crown. Travelers can access the crown via a narrow spiral staircase and enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline. △: Closely connected, the visit is a fascinating experience. This museum tells the story of millions of immigrants who passed through to start new lives in the United States. △Statue of LibertyPedestal access: Travelers can also enter the pedestal to observe the statue and its intricate details up close. The pedestal also houses a museum showcasing the history and significance of the statue.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870, with its main building adjacent to New York Central Park. It is an encyclopedic museum that encapsulates over 5,000 years of global art history under one roof: Egyptian statues and painted sarcophagi, European classical oil paintings, and Asian calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain are displayed together here, making its collection breadth exceptionally rare among similar museums. In addition to the main building, the museum also operates The Cloisters branch in Upper Manhattan, dedicated to medieval art. △The Metropolitan Museum of ArtIt showcases over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The museum is located at two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions also engage onlineThe Metropolitan Museum of ArtExperiences. △Since its establishment in 1870,The Metropolitan Museum of ArtIt has always been committed to being a treasure trove of rare and beautiful items. Every day, art comes alive in the museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and activities, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and cultures. △The Metropolitan Museum of ArtTo collect, study, preserve and exhibit significant works of art across time and cultures, connecting all people to creativity, knowledge, ideas and one another. Egypt exhibition hall Located on the first floor, the highlight here is the Temple of Dendur, which was relocated from Egypt in its entirety. Lehman collection gallery Located on the first floor, this independent circular pavilion houses exquisite European paintings and various decorative arts from the 14th to 20th centuries. China exhibition hall Located on the second floor, in addition to porcelain from various periods, a life-size replica of a Suzhou garden makes you feel like you're in Suzhou. European painting exhibition hall Located on the second floor, you might as well sit down and quietly admire the masterpieces after taking photos.

East Wind Long Island

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The Museum of Modern Art

▴The Museum of Modern Art, abbreviated as MoMA, is a cultural icon of New York. It houses masterpieces such as Monet's Water Lilies, Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Matisse's Dance, and Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, as well as modern artworks including sculptures, prints, photography, furniture, and installation art. ▴The Museum of Modern Art houses a cinema that screens art films, and the sculpture garden designed by Philip Johnson serves as an important space for outdoor sculpture displays and relaxation, where the scattered sculptures form a unique dialogue with the surrounding modern architecture.

Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Central Park

Central Park is located in the skyscraper-filled Manhattan urban area, covering an area of 3.4 million square meters. With over 90 km of walking paths, it serves as a tranquil retreat in the bustling city of New York. The park features lakes and forests of various sizes, along with a zoo, sports facilities, and recreational amenities, offering more than a day's worth of exploration. Recommended routes and attractions 1. There are two large lakes in the park, the slightly larger one is Reservoir, and the smaller one isThe lake, two large lawns including the Great Lawn located between the two lakes and the one atThe lakeThe sheep meadow on the south side. 2. The entrance at the southwest corner of the park is famousColumbus Circle; The southeast corner entrance of the park is the Grand Army Plaza. 3. To the north is the zoo, which mainly displays animals from three climate zones, including tropical rainforests and California. 4. The more famous attraction in the central part of the park is the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain by the lake. On the western side of the lake lies Strawberry Fields Forever, a teardrop-shaped hill purchased by John Lennon's widow in memory of her late husband. It has now become a popular destination for many music fans, with frequent flower tributes and large memorial activities held annually on the anniversary of Lennon's death. 5. Near the heart of the park stands Belvedere Castle, the highest point in the park and a great spot for panoramic views. 6. The northern part of the park is mainly composed of lawns and woods, offering a quieter and more pleasant atmosphere compared to the southern area, with fewer visitors.