Long Island Downtowns: Huntington

Located right along Long Island’s North Shore, Downtown Huntington is perfect for history buffs, foodies, photogs, and everyone in between. Think historic museums, delicious dining, boutique shopping, and artsy fun. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, it's the kind of place that makes it easy to spend the whole day exploring. If coastal charm and brewery golden retrievers sound like your thing, then put Huntington on your must-visit list.

Grab your girls, bring the kids, or maybe just you and your dog. We rounded up the top spots for your Huntington itinerary:

Morning:

History, Nature and Art

Start your day on the water with a Huntington Lighthouse Tour. Available in summer only, hop on the boat and enjoy a guided tour to one of the few offshore lighthouses in the U.S. open to the public. Feel the breeze coming off the Long Island Sound during the 75-90 minute ride, and learn about the maritime history of the region. Visit their website for available tour dates.

Next, maybe you’ll let your artsy side come out–or your inner art critic. Visit the Heckscher Museum of Art, home to over 2,300 works spanning 500 years.

Don’t miss out on exploring Heckscher Park other than the museum. The area is one of Huntington’s most popular nature spots, known for the windy paths and stone bridges.

Afternoon:

Heart of the Village

Huntington Downtown

Fuel up for the day at The Shed, known for its modern take on American comfort food and great brunch. Craving something with a kick? At Besito Mexican Restaurant you can expect flavor, color, tequila and sometimes mariachi!

Spend the afternoon strolling down Main Street, stopping inside the eclectic mix of boutiques, bookstores, homeware, jewelry and vintage shops. Therapeutic retail!

Stop in Bon Bons Chocolatier to gift a loved one (or yourself) something oh-so sweet. They have over 50 hard-to-resist varieties of chocolate, from truffles to chewy caramels.

If you love local brews, stop into Six Harbors Brewing Company. This family-owned brewery features a rotating selection of craft beer (try a flight if you can’t decide!) and a nautical-industrial vibe. Say hi to the brewery’s lovable, unofficial mascots, three golden retrievers: Buddy, Barley, and Brandy.

Evening:

Dinner, Drinks and a Show

Huntington Downtown

For dinner with a view, make a reservation at Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar. Located on Huntington Harbor, this upscale restaurant has a raw bar, sushi, surf & turf, steak, and a 1,000-label wine list. Diners coming by boat often dock nearby and head straight to the patio.

If you’re in the mood for Italian, The Farm Italy Restaurant & Cocktail Bar will make you feel like you’re in someone’s Nonna’s backyard in the Italian countryside. Expect seasonal menus with fresh ingredients and handcrafted, creative cocktails.

Cap your night at The Paramount, one of Long Island’s most iconic music venues. Snag tickets ahead of time for your favorite live band, comedian, or touring act to secure your spot.

While You’re in Town:

If you’ve got extra time (or you aren’t ready to head home yet), these local gems are well worth the detour off Main. Huntington has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Fogo de Chao- Enjoy steak right off the bone at this upscale Brazilian steakhouse in nearby town, Huntington Station.

Tap Room Huntington- This gastropub with elevated pub fare is perfect for a casual brunch, lunch, or dinner. 20 beers on tap, insane dessert milkshakes, and numerous TVs for sportslovers.

Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site- Tour the preserved home of the world-renowned poet and learn about his life in Huntington. A must for literary fans.

Oheka Castle- Just a short drive away, live like Gatsby for the day as you tour Oheka Castle. Known for its grandeur, celebrity weddings, and luxurious hotel stays, no trip to Long Island is complete without a visit to a Gold Coast mansion.

Berkeley Jackson County Park- For a more rugged adventure, hike the 1.8 mile trail through 130 acres of rolling hills and woods.

Conklin House- Tour one of the oldest museums on LI and learn about colonial life. Be sure to see the chair George Washington reportedly sat in during his Long Island tour in 1790!

Getting There:

While driving offers flexibility, parking in Downtown Huntington can be limited during peak hours and weekends. Public transportation via the Long Island Rail Road to Huntington 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.