Bay Shore may best be known as the gateway to Fire Island, but don’t be too quick to hop on the ferry. Located just about an hour-long train ride from NYC, this South Shore downtown’s dining scene is raved by foodies and the views are loved by locals. Bay Shore is the perfect place to kick off a Fire Island weekend or enjoy a full day trip all on its own.
We rounded up some top spots for your Bay Shore itinerary:
Morning:
A Long Island Breakfast Staple & Walk
Start your day by ordering an iconic Long Island Breakfast, a baconeggandcheese or BECSPK (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with salt, pepper, ketchup) at a local deli. Don’t forget to pick up a bag of North Fork Potato Chips, another LI staple. Who says you can’t have chips for breakfast?
If you’d rather have more of a traditional sit-down breakfast, opt for Tap Room. They serve American classics and more mouthwatering, creative dishes, like the Loaded Tap Stack, which includes a corn flake crusted chicken tender, pancake stack, bacon, whiskey syrup and powdered sugar.
Once you’re all fueled up for the day, take a 10-or-so-minute stroll to the Bay Shore Marina on South Clinton Avenue. Spend some time walking along the docks, visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial, soaking in the views of the Great South Bay, and taking your family to the playground. In warm weather, dip your toes in the water at Benjamin’s Beach, or bring your fishing pole to catch along the pier.
In the summer season, kids have a blast at Shipwreck Cove, the marina’s popular spray park, featuring a wading pool, water slides, and a pirate ship play structure.
Afternoon:
Eat Lunch & Shop
Spend the rest of the afternoon window shopping or treating yourself to some goodies from one of the many boutiques, from clothing to chocolates to jewelry to homeware. Don’t forget to stop in Fire Island Vines, sample some wines, and bring home a taste of Long Island!
After, refuel with a full lunch. There’s no shortage of dining options in Bay Shore year-round:
Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar- A tropical-themed restaurant known for fresh seafood, island-inspired fare, and daiquiris in a lively, beachy atmosphere year-round.
Verde Kitchen & Cocktails- A greenhouse-inspired Mexican eatery with farm-fresh tacos, homemade guac, and craft cocktails.
Evening:
Dinner, Live Music, & A Traditional Absinthe Service
Before dinner, stop by the Bay Shore Bandshell where you may find a free live music performance to tap your feet to.
A Bay Shore non-negotiable stop is Sweet Jane Cocktail Bar, a modern cocktail bar known for its art deco-inspired vibe, long menu of niche cocktails, and some of the best mixologists on Long Island. It’s also one of the only places on Long Island that offers traditional Absinthe fountain service! Here’s how it works: Your absinthe of choice (yes, they have a curated selection of some of the best Swiss and French absinthe) is poured into your glass, then ice-cold filtered water slowly drips, one drop at a time, through a sugar cube on a vintage slotted spoon, diluting and sweetening the absinthe to perfection. And don’t fret about the effects of absinthe. Although “the green fairy” is long-rumored to cause hallucinations, it’s just a myth!
After liquid aperitifs (or an item from Sweet Jane’s food delicious food menu) pick your dinner spot:
Salt & Barrel- An upscale oyster and whiskey spot known for raw bar selections and over 100 types of whiskey to try.
Tap Room- Inventive American bar food with rotating craft beers in a casual setting. Plus, Tap Room’s TVs are perfect for sports-lovers!
A trip to Long Island is never complete without a dessert stop at Ralph’s Italian Ices. Choose from over 50 flavors of water and cream ices.
Not tired yet? Barhop and experience the nightlife scene in Bay Shore.
While You’re in Town:
If you have extra time (or you aren’t ready to head home yet) these local gems are well worth the detour off Main Street. Add these other South Shore attractions to your itinerary:
Sagtikos Manor- A historic estate dating back to the 1600s, once visited by President George Washington, offering seasonal tours and rich colonial history.
Teller’s: An American Chophouse- A former 1920s bank turned elegant steakhouse, known for exceptional hospitality, stylish ambiance, delicious food and drinks, and the vault-turned-wine cellar.
Fire Island- Take the Bay Shore Ferry to one of Fire Island’s unique car-free beach communities, including Ocean Beach, Kismet, Fair Harbor for a day trip or weekend getaway. Learn all about Fire Island by clicking HERE.
Getting There:
Car:
Driving from NYC takes about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is available in several village lots, though weekends can get busy so arrive early.
Train:
Public transportation via the Long Island Rail Road to Bay Shore Station on the Montauk line makes it easy to visit without a car. Plus, ride share options (Uber/Lyft) and local taxis can help you get around.
Boat:
Boaters can reserve season-long or transient slips and guest moorings at the Bay Shore Marina
Stay:
Courtyard Islip Courthouse Complex
