Northport has long been a getaway destination since the 1800s, thanks to the rich maritime heritage, postcard views, and old-school charm. The village still bears the trolley tracks laid in the early 1900s, and Main Street is lined with establishments old and new, from flagship restaurants to a vintage sweet shop to the historic John W. Engeman Theater. Northport sits right on Long Island’s Gold Coast, where scenic harbor views, waterfront parks, and coastal architecture all feel like the backdrop for a Hallmark movie. Spend a day (or the weekend) strolling this Instagram-worthy downtown, soaking up the charm that feels like stepping back in time.
We rounded up some top spots for your Northport itinerary:
Morning:
Casual Breakfast and a Nature Walk
No trip to Long Island is complete without eating the Long Island breakfast classic, a BECSPK (bacon, egg, and cheese with salt, pepper, and ketchup). Call in your order ahead of time for pickup at Bagel Boss to live like a local.
Pack some snacks and head to nearby public parks for some early morning fresh air, like Crab Meadow Park, Makamah Nature Preserve or Betty Allen Twin Ponds Nature Park. If you’re more in the mood for a waterfront view and the soft whoosh of light waves, bring your beach chair to Centerport Beach or Fleets Cove Beach.
INSIDER’S TIP: Betty Allen Twin Ponds Nature Park is one of the best spots for Long Island leafpeeping in the fall.
Afternoon:
Lunch & Retail Therapy
Eat lunch at Symi for some of Long Island’s best Mediterranean cuisine. They have all the Greek classics from souvlaki to spanakopita to a selection of Greek wines. For elevated American classics and widely known crowd pleasers like lobster rolls, burgers, and flatbreads, head to the restaurant at The Northport Hotel, open to the public.
After lunch, enjoy strolling Northport’s Main Street shops. Buy artisan crafts, souvenir tchotchkes, nautical-themed home decor, and more. Expect everything from gourmet olive oil tastings to a vintage soda and ice cream parlor from the 1920s.
Hundreds of colorful sailboats and motorboats line the docks and dot the moorings in Northport Bay at the end of Main Street. See chipmunks, Canadian geese, cardinals and more native to the region at Northport Village Park overlooking the water. Plus, the stage at Northport Village Park sometimes has live performances during weekends, so don’t forget to stop by to possibly enjoy a free show.
Evening:
Cruise Into the Evening
In warmer weather, don’t miss out on a sunset cruise on the Long Island Sound with Onda Bella Cruises. The European-inspired boat is romantic, especially if paired with a tasty bottle of wine, a charcuterie board, and a killer playlist.
Or sit back and be entertained with a live show. See what John W. Engeman Theater has to offer on the Main Stage during your visit. Their productions are cast straight from the Broadway talent pool, so expect more than a local theater!
Whether you indulge in appetizers onboard Onda Bella Cruises or snack on candy from the theater concession stand, don’t skip visiting Arlo for dinner. Arlo Kitchen & Bar is on a hilltop with a multi-level dining experience. The restaurant has two bars, an open kitchen and an outdoor patio. Everything feels elevated here, from the lighting to the food to the modern architecture. It is a Northport must-visit!
And if you’re in the mood for a classic Italian restaurant, or maybe you want to try authentic New York pizza, visit La Porta, known for their wood-fired pizza and delicious dishes.
End the night with a carefully crafted cocktail and live music at Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport, less than a 10 minute drive away.
DID YOU KNOW Twisted Cow has a “Culper Spy Ring Rum,” a tribute to the members of Washington’s Spy Ring on Long Island that helped America win the Revolutionary War?
While You’re in Town:
Photo Credit: Del Vino Vineyards (Far Left), Rob Heubish (Far Right)
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. Northport has a few surprises up its sleeve.
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium– When passing through the Northport Harbor, you’ll pass a Spanish-Revival style grand mansion once owned by William K. Vanderbilt II, from the prominent Vanderbilt family, who gained their fortune from the railroad. The Centerport estate has since been turned into a museum, a unique combination of Gilded Age mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium and park.
Del Vino Vineyards– The wine is award-winning and the tables are highly coveted. This Long Island vineyard earns a spot on OpenTable’s prestigious Top 100 restaurant list consistently, year after year. Plus, the vineyard view will transcend you to Italy.
Sunken Meadow State Park– Next door in Kings Park, run miles of scenic trails, pack a picnic, enjoy pick-up sports on the vast green lawns, or swim at the lifeguarded beach.
Northport Golf Course– This 9-hole course has a country club feel, and reservations can be made up to two days in advance.
Getting There:
While driving offers flexibility, parking in Downtown Northport can be limited during peak hours and weekends. Public transportation via the Long Island Rail Road to Northport 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.
Also, Northport is highly accessible by boat. Seymour’s Boatyard offers seasonal and transient/guest moorings daily and weekly from April to October. From Connecticut and the Long Island Sound, Northport is known for the four red and white striped smoke stacks. Each stack is 600 feet tall, and powers homes across the island through the Northport Power Station.
Stay:
