Ready for an adventure that’s straight out of the movies? Well, grab your popcorn and get your camera ready because we’re diving into Long Island, the unsung star of Hollywood that’s been setting the stage for blockbuster films and iconic scenes for decades. It’s time to explore the real-life movie magic hiding in plain sight, with a side of insider secrets, fun references, and quirky celebrity tidbits. Let’s roll!
Lloyd Harbor & Caumsett State Park:
Your Spy Movie Adventure
Welcome to the real-life spy headquarters. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve might look like your average tranquil park, but it’s actually been the site of some serious spy business. Angelina Jolie did her thing in Salt (2010), running through these wild trails and escaping bad guys with style. Fun fact: Jolie, known for her humanitarian work, filmed here right after having her twins – talk about multitasking.
Also, Julia Roberts brought the drama to Leave the World Behind (2022), filming here in both Lloyd Neck and Riverhead. Between spy chases and dramatic thrillers, this park is basically a Hollywood set in disguise. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot a rogue agent or two.
Oheka Castle: Living the Gatsby Dream
Next, let’s head to Oheka Castle, the real-life fairytale spot that looks like it jumped straight out of The Great Gatsby. This is where the magic of opulence and excess meets the big screen. Leonardo DiCaprio (who’s still living the dream of playing Gatsby) and Carey Mulligan filmed some of the most jaw-dropping scenes of Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 remake here. They even digitally enhanced the castle’s exterior to make it look like Daisy Buchanan’s mansion.
It was the most extravagant thing in the 1920s. But here’s a hidden gem for you: Taylor Swift also shot her Blank Space (2014) video here. Rumor has it she loved the idea of portraying a mysterious and glamorous character – and let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to run around an actual castle pretending to be a billionaire’s ex?
Sands Point Preserve:
Where the Mafia Meets History
Long Island Sands Point Preserve brings a little bit of The Godfather (1972) to your day. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino made some serious memories here in the 70s. This place is like a mafia boss’s dream vacation spot, with its castles and luxurious gardens. But the real behind-the-scenes story? Charles Lindbergh (the aviation legend) used to visit here for some much-needed peace and quiet, writing his book “We” during his stays.
So, as you walk through these beautiful grounds, just know you’re stepping on the same soil that’s felt the footsteps of real-life heroes and movie legends alike. And for all you Scorsese fans – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) filmed at the nearby Belfort Beach House, where Leonardo DiCaprio did his usual “wild” thing – trust me, this is no normal beach house.
Old Westbury Gardens:
A Place for Romance and Hitchcock
Oh, Old Westbury Gardens. You’re a vision. This English-style estate has starred in over 25 films, from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Wrong Man (1959) to Sex and the City (1998). Get this: the gardens were used for the exterior shots of Daisy Buchanan’s mansion in The Great Gatsby (2013) – we’re talking about the same location where Leo and Carey waltzed their way through grand parties.
But, here’s a little twist: remember that iconic scene in Love Story (1970), when Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw kiss under the trees? You guessed it – that was shot here too. So, next time you stroll through these gardens, imagine Ryan and Ali running through the same paths, and Sarah Jessica Parker making power moves in stilettos.
Montauk:
From Lighthouses to Love Stories
Time to hit the beach – but not just any beach. Montauk, baby! Famous for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), where Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet had that unforgettable love/hate relationship, Montauk is all about emotional drama against a breathtaking coastal backdrop.
And if that’s not enough, Jennifer Lawrence filmed No Hard Feelings (2023) right here, at the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse. Imagine: dating dramas and lighthouse views… seems like the perfect spot for love to bloom… or crash and burn. Either way, you’re in the middle of movie history.
Greenport: A Quiet Harbor, A Big Screen Moment
Looking for a hidden gem? Greenport might be small, but it packs a punch. Known for its charming harbor and boutique cafes, this town has also been home to Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It (1997). If you’re a fan of Girls (2015), you’ll love knowing that one of the episodes was filmed right here in this little coastal village. With over 40 wineries nearby, you can sip wine while pretending you’re in the middle of a movie set. Who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Pitt while casually walking around?
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium:
Ready for Adventure?
Next stop: the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport. It’s got everything: a historical mansion, a planetarium, and some serious Crocodile Dundee vibes (you know, because it’s where Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski filmed Crocodile Dundee II (1988)). As you walk through the exhibits, you might feel like you’re about to star in an adventure movie, solving mysteries or chasing a dinosaur (they have fossils too!). So, strap in and get ready to pretend you’re part of the crew on an action-packed quest.
Jones Beach State Park:
For Action Sequences and Sunsets
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in the middle of a high-octane chase scene, head to Long Island Jones Beach State Park. It’s where some of the most heart-pounding action of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) was filmed. Plus, The Blacklist (2012) filmed several explosive stunts on the Long Beach Bridge, which is totally used as a stand-in for Washington D.C. in the show. Here, it’s all about the action – but after the stunts, you can kick back on the beach and watch the sunset like a true star. Just remember: no mutant turtles allowed.
Long Island Behind-the-Scenes Tidbits:
- The Avengers filmed at Grumman Studios in Bethpage – it’s where all the superhero magic happens. You could walk past the same spot where the Hulk smashed through the walls!
- John Wick (2014) filmed in Long Island too – so if you’re walking down the streets here, just remember to keep your eyes open. You never know when Keanu Reeves might be nearby… Or when the next battle will break out!
Long Island isn’t just about beaches and mansions – it’s where movie dreams come alive. Whether you’re chasing spies, living the Gatsby life, or romancing by a lighthouse, the island offers you the chance to step right into your favorite film. Grab your camera, wear your best movie star look, and get ready for your own Hollywood adventure.
Text: Marco Kokkot
Images: Discover Long Island
