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Port Jefferson–AKA Port Jeff or PJ to locals–is one of Long Island’s most charming waterfront downtowns, just 50 miles east of New York City. Once a bustling shipbuilding port in the 1800s, today it’s packed with international cuisine, boutique-lined streets, views of the Long Island Sound and tons of that coastal small-town character. Bonus? You can even arrive by boat or ferry. The Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry connects coastal Connecticut to Long Island, making the transportation equally easy and scenic. So, add PJ to your must-see travel list!
We rounded up some top spots for your Port Jeff itinerary:
Morning:
Breakfast & Shop
Start your day with a hearty brunch from Danford’s Hotel & Marina’s on-site restaurant, Black Pearl Seafood Chophouse, open 7 days a week at 8AM. Fill up on American breakfast classics, like buttermilk pancakes or steak and eggs. The best part? They offer a $1.99 mimosa special.
Afterward, treat yourself to a little (or a lot of) retail therapy as you stroll the village streets lined with storefronts.
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Port Jefferson is bound to make you hungry again despite just having eaten. The walls are lined in spices and teas hard to find anywhere else. You’ll find everything from baked potato spices to chocolate candy cane tea to colonial seasoning. So, pick up a gift for a foodie or some must-have meal essentials.
On Main Street, browse The Wellness Stop for holistic beauty products, all-natural cleaning supplies, supplements, self-care essentials, and more.
Afternoon:
Casual Lunch & Seasonal Draws
Take a stroll through Harborfront Park, where you’ll find views of the harbor, open lawns, paved paths, and spots to relax. Take a picture for Instagram on the oversized blue Adirondack chair (#PJBigChair) and in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, which was originally built in 1917 as a Shipyard Building. Depicting the region’s past, there is a sculpture of four men carrying a ship overhead.
Enjoy lunch at Slurp Ramen, a fast casual restaurant serving up authentic Japanese cuisine without the airfare. Don’t worry if you’re a ramen first-timer. The staff will guide you through the menu and help customize your bowl for your tastebuds.
Seasonal Activities-
Every Sunday from May-November, the Port Jefferson Farmers Market offers fresh produce, fresh seafood, and other artisanal goods. Some weeks you may find anything from goat cheese to locally distilled moonshine to embroidered tote bags.
In the winter, step into a storybook at PJ’s internationally recognized Annual Charles Dickens Festival, then lace up your skates (rentals available) and glide across the outdoor ice rink at The Rinx at Harborfront Park, overlooking the Sound.
Evening:
Spot the Sunset
In the warm weather, take the evening to the water by boarding the Tiki Boat Long Island for a sunset cruise. The ride lasts a few hours and tours passengers around the harbor with music, cocktails, and unbeatable views. With a full bar, food add-ons and plenty of photo ops, it’s part sightseeing tour, part floating party, and fully a hot commodity, so book ahead!
Enjoy a colorful, flavorful dinner at the Curry Club at SāGhar. This family-owned gem serves up traditional Indian cuisine in a space that honors Indian culture through the spices, artwork, and colored drapery. Head upstairs for floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Long Island Sound. Don’t skip their Kulfi for dessert, also known as Indian ice cream.
Cap your night with a taste of nightlife and music at one of Port Jeff’s lively bars.
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 North Shore attractions to your itinerary:
Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame– Since 2004, the LIMEHOF has inducted over 120 music artists and related professionals who hail from Long Island. Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Twisted Sister, Mariah Carey, The Ramones, Salt-N-Pepa, Pat Benatar, Louis Armstrong… The list of iconic inductees goes on! Inside the museum you can find artifacts from Long Island entertainment legends through the decades.
Mirabelle Tavern– Nestled within the historic Three Village Inn, Mirabelle Tavern offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the heart of Stony Brook. Their signature offering, the 1890 burger, pays homage to the year the Lessing’s Restaurant Group was founded.
Pirates Cove– In the waters of McAllister County Park, Pirates Cove is a popular spot for boaters who anchor near the shoreline during the summer months, or those looking for a beach day.
Staller Center for the Arts– Get your steps in and walk around the campus of nearby SUNY Stony Brook University, and make sure you catch a show at the Staller Center.
Washington Spy Trail– Did you know George Washington had a dedicated secret group of spies on Long Island’s north shore to pass intel during the Revolutionary War? Learn all about the Culper Spy Ring and Long Island’s pivotal role in our nation’s history by visiting a trail of historic sites in neighboring towns, like Sagtikos Manor, The Thompson House, The Brewster House, or the Sherwood-Jayne Farm.
Wildlife Tours– Join the Discovery Wetlands Cruise from May-October, where an on-board naturalist describes the surrounding wildlife through an 88-acre wetlands preserve.
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 Port Jefferson Station on the Port Jefferson line makes it easy to visit without a car. Plus, ride share options (Uber/Lyft) and local taxis can help you get around.
Ferry:
As mentioned, Long Island is easily accessible to Connecticut and the greater New England region via the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry. The ferry is around an hour and fifteen minutes from dock to dock. Walk-ons can buy their tickets at the on-site booths or online, but drivers are encouraged to make their reservations online in advance.
Boat:
Boaters can reserve season-long or transient slips and guest moorings at various locations:
Harborside Marine & Boat Place
