LI Beaches Make List Of NY's Natural Wonders

NEW YORK — The secret is out: Some of the nation's most breathtaking natural wonders can be found right in New York, close to home– including Long Island's breathtaking beaches. And that's good news for travelers hoping to hit the road in search of some natural beauty who might be daunted by escalating gas prices this summer.

A new post by OnlyInYourState.com lists 12 natural wonders that they say should be on everyone's bucket list. Included in the Top 12 are Long Island beaches.

"People don't often think of New York as a beach destination but Long Island begs to differ with that assessment," the post said. "There are sandy beaches on both the north and south shores of the island that rival the beauty of beaches anywhere in the country."

Others agree: For years, Coopers Beach in Southampton has gotten top ranking by Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman, who ranked the beach #2 in the nation just last year.

Last year, Dr. Beach wrote that as the first "Gold Coast" in the country, "Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand. The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with large and extravagant mansions. Some of the best beach access in the Hamptons exists on Coopers Beach, and a snack bar serving lunch and drinks can be found here as well."

But, if you're looking to hit the road in search of some natural wonders but don't want to travel to far, Only In Your State lists 11 other natural wonders to visit. Here's a rundown of where to head for some jaw-dropping natural splendor:

1) Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, theOnly In Your State post said, is "known around the world as one of the most beautiful waterfalls on earth."

2) Chimney Bluffs State Park

According to the park's website, "Land and water clash at Chimney Bluffs, sculpting the most dramatic landscape on the Lake Ontario shore."

3) Letchworth State Park

"Letchworth State Park, renowned as the 'Grand Canyon of the East' is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S," its website states.

4) Watkins Glen State Park

"Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound," the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website states.

5) The Thousand Islands Region

"In the far northwest are of New York state, you can visit the Thousand Islands Region along our St. Lawrence River border with Canada. Thousand Islands is actually an understatement; there are 1,864 islands in this area,"Only In Your State said.

6) Fall Foliage

There's nothing more magical than a drive upstate to see the majestic fall foliage.

7) Lake George

According to the Only In Your State post, "Lake George's nickname is 'The Queen of American Lakes'" and it's surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. It's long been known as a destination for family fun.

8) The Adirondacks

The area features some of the state's highest peaks, hiking trails, and lakes galore.

9) Howe Caverns

The cave tour and boat ride are made for memory-making.

10) Herkimer Diamonds

Search for Herkimer diamond quartz crystals in above-ground mines or break open rocks in search of crystals formed more than 500 million years ago, the Herkimer Diamonds website says. And, according to the Only In Your State post, "These double-terminated quartz crystals are found in dolomite Herkimer County and the Mohawk River Valley and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. "

11) The Hudson Highlands

Beautiful views abound on this gorgeous stretch of the Hudson River.

For the full OnlyInYourState post, click here.

What's your favorite natural getaway in New York? What Long Island beach do you like best? Tell us in the comments.