From trendy restaurants and cafes to upscale homes and antique shops, the expansive stretch of Long Island, New York, is the place to be.
But city life is not all the ‘island’ has to offer. Long Island is home to one of the best small towns in New York. And with many farms, fields and mazes to visit, you truly can have the best of both worlds when visiting Long Island. We particularly love the sunflower fields!
Where to See the Sunflower Fields in Long Island
If you’re in the mood for a family-fun farm day but you’re just not sure where to start, here are 15 of the best sunflower fields and farms in Long Island.
And, if you just can’t get enough of sunflowers, here are some more sunflower fields in New Jersey.
1. Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden
Located in Manorville, on the corner of Wading River Road and South Street, is the Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden. This farm is perfect for the whole family, including your furry little friends.
Waterdrinker Farm is open from 9am to 5pm everyday, and until sunset on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to bring your best camera along for the spectacular sunflower sunsets.
Aside from the sunflower mazes, a greenhouse, mini-golf and so much more, be sure to keep an eye out for some of Waterdrinker’s annual festivities. These include the Fall Festival and Winter Wonderland, and of course the Sunflower Festival.
And if sunflowers aren’t the only flowers you fancy, there’s even a Tulip Festival. If you’re looking for the best sunflower field Long Island has to offer, then you should head to this sunflower festival for a great time.
2. Manor Farm Sunflower Maze
Hand-planted sunflowers and harvest festivals – that’s all you need to know to draw you to this gorgeous little farm. With the help of some volunteers like high-school kids or even boy-scouts, these sunflowers are brought to life. If you’re looking for an incredible sunflower maze, this Long Island gem is where you need to be.
Manor Farm doesn’t only offer the chance to see beautiful sunflowers. You can also expect stunning sunrises and sunsets, community yard sales, egg-hunts and more. Definitely the place to go for some sunshine and sunflowers. If you’re looking for the best sunflower Long Island has to offer, you’ll find it on Manor Farm without a doubt.
3. Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm
Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm will entice you with sunflowers of all different colors. From the classic, yet beautiful, yellow flowers to pink, maroon and even white ones. This farm has all the colored sunnies you could dream of.
By paying the $5 entry fee, you will be given access to roam the fields while eating yummy treats from the For Goodness Cakes Co. The perfect combo!
You’ll also have access to corn mazes, hayrides, and a farmstand with the freshest produce in Long Island. Whether it’s fresh fruits or delicious desserts, you’ll be feeling satisfied by the end of it. So, you better prepare your sweet tooth for this one. Whether you’re looking for the best sunflower garden in Long Island or something to satisfy your sweet cravings, you’ll be well satisfied by the time you leave.
4. Pindar Vineyard and Sunflower Fields
Ever seen a sunflower that looked so beautiful you just had to have it? Well, here you don’t have to steal it, simply grab yourself a basket and get picking for $2 a stem.
And after you’ve picked yourself a few sunflowers, why not sit down and enjoy some wine tasting on a Sunset Friday with vibey live music to top it all off. At Pindar Vineyard and Sunflower Fields, your sunny experience will give you all you need.
5. Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s
Sunflowers and a farmer’s market – what more could you ask for? Crossroads Farm brings you the best of both. With many different stands offering anything you could think of, you’ll never get bored.
They even have a petting zoo for your little ones. Not to mention the live music. And the best part yet; you can leave this little experience with a little souvenir thanks to the convenient photography services. This is the perfect family-friendly Long Island sunflower festival to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
6. Schmitt’s Family Farm
This sunny spot is open 7 days a week. So, whenever you get the chance, don’t miss out on Schmitt’s Family Farm. Whether you want to pick some sunflowers or pumpkins, this place is bound to keep you busy.
Sunflower picking, mini golf, pumpkin patches – there’s so much to do! For a fun-filled fall, this is definitely the place to be. If you’re looking for beautiful sunflowers, Long Island has some of the best and they can be found right here on Schmitt’s Family Farm. You can visit anytime during spring from 9 am to 6 pm.
7. Patty’s Berries and Bunches
At Patty’s, you don’t have to settle for picking only sunflowers, you can pick some fresh (and delicious) berries too. This pet-friendly farm really is the perfect place to go.
They offer yard art, live music, classes, and as if that wasn’t enough, they even have homemade vegan ice-cream! They also offer u-pick strawberry picking during the summer months which opens on the 6th of June 2022. You won’t be disappointed at Patty’s Berries and Bunches for strawberry and sunflower picking.
8. Shore Farms & Market
Sound Shore Farms is the perfect place for a stroll through the sunflower fields. You can even grab a few fresh goodies and sunflower souvenirs, as this is a U-Pick venue.
And if you’re bored of the typical visit to the supermarket, why not grab some fresh produce from this lovely little fruit and veg market while you’re visiting Sound Shore Farm. The farm is open throughout spring so ensure that you make the most of it while the flowers are in full bloom.
9. Martin Sidor Farms
Not only is Martin Sidor Farms a gorgeous spot for a stroll through the sunflowers, but it’s also a sunflower oil farm. Interestingly enough, they use their sunflower oil to make yummy potato chips, which you can grab on your way in or out.
For a $7 admission, you’ll be given access to so many different opportunities. Such as private photography lessons, proposal opportunities, yoga or even painting classes. What more could you want?
10. Bayview Farms and Market
Something about picking your own flowers and fresh, organic produce just sounds so appealing. At Bayview Farms, you get to do just that: hand pick your own sunflowers and fruit. They even sell artisanal treats like jam and honey, which are made with their own ingredients from the farm.
With different activities such as the food market, growing your own plants, or experiencing the different seasonal flowers, Bayview Farms is a must-see. And to top it all off, you can watch the sun go down behind a field of sunflowers.
11. Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard
With wine-tasting and freshly-cut sunflowers – Harbes Family Farm and Vineyard sounds like the perfect weekend activity. You can even bring the kiddies along to enjoy a barnyard adventure and some rather unique ice-cream flavors.
Not only is there something for everyone, but the whole family can enjoy an afternoon together as you take a walk through the stunning sunflower fields. You can also go apple picking or taste some delicious homemade desserts. They host many events such as 4th of July weekend and a sweet corn harvest toward the end of July.
12. Briermere Farms
Briermere Farms is a fruit farm with a bakery that sells fresh fruit pies. It also has sunflower fields to top it all off. For $10 per person, you can take a lovely little stroll through the sunflower fields and end your day with a freshly-made pie or pastry.
Not to mention they offer brand new menus every day!
13. Hank Hulse Farms
Formally known as a wholesaler of fruits and veggies, Hank Hulse Farms aims to offer you so much more. With corn mazes, U-Pick sunflower fields and a farmstand with the freshest fruits and veg – Hank Hulse has it all.
Be sure to soak up the sun as you stroll through the sunflower fields, and pick a few to take home.
14. North Fork Sunflower Maze
North Fork Sunflower Maze was started all the way back in 1910 and has an impressive 170 acres worth of sunflower fields. In 2012, the family decided it was time to open their sunflower fields so that the public can enjoy them too, and we can be so grateful that they did.
Adults are charged an $8 admission fee to North Fork Sunflower Maze, but kids under the age of 10 get in free. The farm is open all through the spring and summer months, and operates from 9 am to 5pm Monday – Thursday, and Friday to Sunday it stays open from 9 am – sunet.
Ensure that you check the weather before heading to the farm as they do close to the public on bad weather days – which would not be ideal for photos anyway.
15. Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market Sunflower Maze Festival
This organic farm was founded in 2001, and ever since, it has been open to the public for sunflower viewings as well as being home to one of the amazing u-pick experiences. The sunflower maze is an incredible 100,000 flowers strong, so you really can get lost if you don’t watch your step.
During the sunflower festival which takes place in spring and summer, you can do a sunflower oil test, or partake in a hayride if you are up for a little fun. But don’t limit your visit to just sunflower season as they also throw Garlic Fest, craft beer tastings, and strawberry and pumpkin picking at different times throughout the year.
If you’re looking to take some mesmerising photos while still making a day of it, visit the Garden of Eve Organic Farm for a whole heap of fun.
8 Fun Facts about Sunflowers
- Not all sunflowers are yellow – they also come in purple and red.
- Sunflowers can range in height. There are two categories of sunflowers: tall and dwarf. Tall sunflowers tend to be yellow and durable and will reach between 12 and 16 feet high. Dwarf sunflowers tend to be grown in clusters in small gardens and pots. They are referred to as dwarfs because they tend not to grow taller than 3 feet. However, both sizes love the full sunlight.
- Young sunflowers track the sun. Their face will follow the sun from sunrise to sunset every day and keep repeating this until they mature.
- Mature sunflowers face East. Once a sunflower reaches maturity their internal clocks start slowing down. Also, sunflowers are more productively warmed when facing East and once warmer they can attract up to five times more pollinators.
- Sunflowers are native to the United States. Although it is now harvested around the world, the sunflower plant is native to North America. North Dakota is the leading US state for sunflower production.
- Thousands of tiny flowers create a sunflower’s head. Each petal on the circumference of a sunflower is a unique flower. The long petals are called “ray florets”.
- There is a Teddy Bear Sunflower. These sunflowers are particularly bushy and spherical. They tend to produce double blooms which gives them a full fluffy head that looks like a teddy bear.
- Sunflower Seeds are highly nutritious. They are loaded with minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron as well as vitamins. Plus they are a valuable source of protein, fiber and polyunsaturated fat.
What Can I do with Sunflower Seeds?
Sunflower seeds are most commonly used in two ways. One is to eat them and two is to grow more sunflowers. Here’s how!
How to Cook with Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are often forgotten in the pantry but they are super nutritious and can also add great flavour to food. Here are six ways to cook with sunflower seeds:
- Add to dough when making bread
- Sprinkle on your salads for some extra crunch
- Add to baked goods like muffins before putting them in the oven
- Add to vegetables for more flavor – toast the sunflower seeds before or add them to the cooking method
- Mix them in with your breakfast cereal
- When making pesto
How to Grow Sunflowers at Home
It is relatively easy to grow sunflowers at home. Sunflowers like full sun but they also need a bit of shelter so they don’t fall over. Against a wall or a fence is perfect. Literally sow the seeds where you want the sunflowers to grow. Place the seeds about 12mm deep and 45cm apart. Mid April to May is the best time of year to sow sunflower seeds. Give them a good thorough water at least once a week.
If you want to cut your sunflowers do so early in the morning and make sure you use a tall vase so that their heads are support.
See the Sunflower Fields in Long Island
Well, there you have it. The best of the best sunflower fields in Long Island. So, grab your friends and family, your camera and maybe even a picnic basket. Then, take a drive out to Long Island for some summer fun in the sunny sunflower fields!
Now all you have to do is decide where to head first. And, if you’re passing through Philadelphia on your way, here are some of the best places to visit!
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I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this sunflower fields in Long Island post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.