Top Places to Visit Near LIRR Ronkonkoma Station: Local Gems

 Top Places to Visit Near LIRR Ronkonkoma Station -  Best Attractions around LIRR Ronkonkoma Station are Lake Ronkonkoma that is a peaceful freshwater lake that can be used to have picnics or to have beautiful walks. The Long Island Maritime Museum, a few minutes distant, gives an insight into the maritime past. Adventure seekers have the chance to visit the Connetquot River State Park Preserve which is ideal to go on hikes and bird watching. The ecology site in Holtsville will be installed where small zoo and a playground will also have families to play with. They have nearby breweries and local restaurants which are excellent places to relax. These sights are easily approached via the station and they are a combination of nature, history, and local color, so Ronkonkoma is an excellent place to have a day trip to.

Top Places to Visit Near LIRR Ronkonkoma Station

In case you are coming to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Station, you are lucky, as you will find a great number of interesting places to visit which will vary both in terms of parks and lakes and shopping and eating outlets. This is how to get a little tour of some of the best gems of the area with route from LIRR Ronkonkoma Station:

1. Lake Ronkonkoma


📍 Distance from Station: ~1.5 miles (5 min drive or 30 min walk)

  • The largest lakes of freshwater in Long Island that are covered with local mythology (such as the legend of the Lady of the Lake which is a ghost story).

  • Provides fishing (permit required), picnicking and a small beach (limited access to the general population).

  • Tideline walking tracks, where one can just have a quiet stroll.

  • There is a playground and benches with water view in the nearby Raynor Park.

2. Ronkonkoma Plaza & Local Eateries

📍 Right near the station (~5 min walk)

  • Ronkonkoma plaza includes shops, fast food and convenience stores.

  • Must-try food spots:

    • Mario pizzeria and Restaurant- Known to serve NY style pizza.

    • T J Finleys pub house, T.J. Finley Pub house pub, great burgers and entertainment pub, hometown of t j finleys, small Irish style pub, finest pub steaks, live music pub.

    • Sushi Ko 44Chicago, IL Very good reviews about fresh sushi and Japanese.

3. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) Observation Area

📍 About 2-miles (5 minutes drive)

  • A little known jewel to the aviation buff-see the planes land and depart in a free viewing area which can be accessed by all.

  • Nice place to shoot or simply to sight see.

4. Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve

📍 Approx 3 miles (7 mins drive).

  • A nature park with the walking trails, picnic and a small zoo of natives (eagles, deer, farm animals) free of charge.

  • It has a tremendous summer attraction such as the Holtsville Pool (seasonal).

5. Bald Hill (Blydenburgh County Park)

📍 Approximately 6 miles (10 min drive)

  • Offers hiking trails and the classic Bald Hill summit which has panoramic views of Long Island.

  • It is popular at sunset, and summer outdoor concerts.

6. Smith Haven Mall


📍 Approximately 4 miles (8 min drive)

  • The largest shopping center in Long Island (100 + shops, including Macy, Apple, H&M, etc.).

  • Restaurants include: Cheesecake factory, P.F. Chang, Shake Shack.

  • On site AMC Movie Theater.

7. Long Island Game Farm (Seasonal)

📍 Approximately 12 miles (20 minutes travelling time)

  • A zoo that is child-friendly (and offers petting zoos, pony rides, exotic animals).

  • Excellent when you have children and animal lovers.

8. Port Jefferson Village (A Bit Farther But Worth It)

📍 About 15 miles (25 mins drive or catch LIRR in Port Jeff Station)

  • Beautiful harbor village full of quaint shops, restaurants and waterfront views and ferry access to Connecticut.

  • Chill out in Danford Hotel and Marina, or play Pirates Cove mini-golf.

Transportation Tips:

  • Walking/Cycling: Some of the places (Lake Ronkonkoma, Ronkonkoma Plaza) can be reached by foot.

  • Rideshare/Taxi: Uber/Lyft or local taxi is available in cases of longer distance places.

  • Car Rental: the Enterprise branch and Hertz branches are located in the vicinity in case you need wheels.

Final Thoughts:

Ronkonkoma boasts of being an excellent destination to discover nature, food, and shopping at the heart of the Long Island. An itinerary that will entice you whether you visit as visually and literally, a few hours or spend a whole day!

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