Long Island's Gold Coast Gatsby-era mansions delight residents and visitors. You'll enjoy exploring the interior furnishings and beautiful landscapes of Old Westbury Gardens, Oheka Castle, the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, and more.

Nassau County's Cradle of Aviation Museum and Planetarium showcases Long Island's rich history of flying.

Learn about aviation pioneers who made history on the bluffs and plains of Long Island in the early 1900s. And don't miss the Bayport Aerodrome, a grass-runway airfield owned and operated by the Town of Islip.

The Museum of American Armor and American Air Power Museum also feature history and aviation.

Long Island's historic lighthouses are treasures that both local residents and visitors cherish. The Montauk Lighthouse is the oldest, commissioned in 1792 by President George Washington. This National Historic Landmark is the fourth-oldest lighthouse in the nation and features magnificent views. Fire Island Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Long Island and is located within the Fire Island National Seashore, just east of Robert Moses State Park. Climb the 182 steps to the top of the tower to fully appreciate Long Island's nautical tradition and natural beauty.

More lighthouses to visit:

• Huntington Harbor Lighthouse
• Long Beach Bar Lighthouse (the "Bug Light")
• Cedar Island Lighthouse
• Horton Point Lighthouse Nautical Museum

Please keep in mind that lighthouse access is often limited. Tour availability changes seasonally and depends on weather conditions.

Given Long Island's 1,000+ miles of spectacular shoreline and maritime history, it's no surprise that nautical museums abound, including the Southold Museum, East End Seaport Museum, and Long Island Maritime Museum. Two museums are dedicated to firefighting: the Islip Town Firefighters Museum and the Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center.

Many Long Island towns and hamlets have arts councils, historical societies, historical markers, and museums with fascinating galleries, exhibits, programs, and events. Check out the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society, Islip Grange, Old Bethpage Village, Islip Arts Council, the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, and many more. Historic mills and windmills also dot the landscape. Always confirm visitor hours, respect private areas and artifacts, and look for informational signs.

Another Long Island treasure is the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. Known as his "Summer White House," Sagamore Hill received international attention. You can now explore 83 acres of natural surroundings, historic buildings, and trails.

Beyond the many history museums, MoCA LI, the Islip Art Museum (temporarily closed), Hofstra University Museum of Art, Steinberg Museum of Art, the Long Island Museum, the Heckscher Museum of Art, Nassau County Museum of Art, and Parrish Art Museum showcase Long Island arts.

Traveling with kids? The Long Island Children's Museum & its historic Nunley's Carousel are fun choices.

Find more at DiscoverLongIsland.com