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Though linked by beautiful land, surrounding waters, and centuries of American history, Long Island towns each have developed an ambiance of their own. From laid back to luxurious, famous to farm country, there’s a place with the perfect personality for your getaway.
Babylon
Bursting with natural beauty, this quaint town has a down-to-earth vibe. With four state parks and three beaches, there’s plenty to do outside from fishing and kayaking to horseback riding and hiking. The town boasts the largest public fishing fleet on Long Island and the gorgeous theater restored to its 1920s grandeur. Stroll downtown to visit charming shops and a history museum. Feast on seafood, diner classics, and Italian delicacies. Stay at chain hotels and motels, or book a vacation rental home.
Bay Shore
With a scenic marina, deep historic roots, and a modern food scene, Bay Shore is a hip spot on its own or to rev up for a ferry ride to Fire Island and wind down afterward. Have a vacation-mode daiquiri with “coastal” cuisine, craft cocktails with oysters, winery flights with Greek small plates, Southern comfort food with high-end bourbons, and Mexican food with rare agave spirits. Stop in at Sagtikos Manor and Islip Arts Council. Plus, grab some wine and enjoy live music at Fire Island Vines.
Huntington
President Theodore Roosevelt’s home, poet Walt Whitman’s birthplace, and singer Billy Joel’s motorcycle shop are some of this picturesque town’s highlights. Other popular places are the Raynham Hall Museum, Huntington Lighthouse, the Whaling Museum, Planting Fields Arboretum, Caumsett State Historic Park Reserve, Huntington Harbor, and Crab Meadow and West Neck beaches. Don’t miss out on the craft beer scene and cuisines in Brazil, Afghanistan, and Argentina. Accommodations include a castle, boutique hotel, and bed and breakfast.
Montauk
One of the world’s most famous resort getaways, Montauk is known for stunning scenery from white sand beaches and sweeping coastlines to unspoiled state parks and a historic lighthouse. Its Atlantic waters lure top surfers and earn it the title of sport fishing capital of the world. Watch seals on the offshore rocks. Dine on the freshest seafood, sip craft brews and wines, shop chic boutiques, and relax at a seawater spa or salt cave. There are an abundance of places to stay including oceanfront suites, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses.
Northport
Travel back to simpler times in this nostalgic community of 18th-century homes, trolley tracks, and a harborside park that’s like a Currier and Ives painting. The vintage Main Street district has a 1929 family-owned sweet shop and luncheonette, a restaurant in an antique trolley diner car, and the restored historic Engeman Theater. A vineyard, orchard, German restaurant, and Danish bake shop are other charming choices. A luxury boutique hotel, boat houses, and waterfront cottages are among the available accommodations.
Patchogue
Rooted firmly in culture, art, live music, and nightlife, this village with beautiful bay views is experiencing a downtown renaissance of restaurants and shops. A cocktail bar with indoor golf and a decadent speakeasy-style steakhouse are among the offerings. What’s new complements the old, including a performing arts theater and three churches on the National Historic Register, a contemporary art museum, and a huge annual music festival. Waterfront cottages and houseboats are among the places to stay, and you can catch a ferry to Fire Island.
Port Jefferson
A proud shipbuilding history shapes “Port Jeff.” Kids will love the hands-on exhibits at Long Island Explorium and ice skating at Harborfront Park. If you’re hungry for it, there’s a restaurant that serves it, from gourmet burgers to Victorian afternoon tea. Speaking of Victorian, the community magically transforms into that era each December for the Charles Dickens Festival. For a day trip during your visit, take a ferry to and from Connecticut. Stay at an upscale marina hotel or multiple bed and breakfasts.
Riverhead
Vineyards, farms, cider houses, sunflower fields, roadside stands of fresh-picked produce, and homemade jams – agriculture is the root of this town. Get a lay of the land at the Hallockville Museum Farm and enjoy a drink at Montauk Distilling Co.,but that’s definitely not all to take in. Plan to spend quality time at the awe-inspiring Long Island Aquarium or restored art deco Suffolk Theater. Play at four picturesque beaches, or the thrilling water park Splish Splash. Have a hearty meal at a country kitchen or enjoy chocolate chip and bacon pancakes served in a 1920s luncheonette. Stay at a 1905 boutique hotel or even a ranch.
Sayville
Victorian homes, a lovely downtown full of shops, and a nautical past make this hamlet – a tourist destination since the 19th century – a soothing spot to visit. Explore the Sans Souci County Park, a 316-acre nature preserve with hiking trails. Head over to the Navy SEAL Museum to learn more about our nation’s heroes, or take a ferry to Fire Island. Fresh seafood shines in American, Italian, and Greek restaurants, and you can have brunch all day. An inn and a waterfront motel are cozy accommodations.
Southampton
This famous area is known for its Palatial homes, dazzling white beaches, celebrities, upscale shopping, and buzzing nightlife. Relax at Cooper’s Beach, where you can see historic mansions in the distance and may catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales. Check out multiple art and cultural museums, treats at Tate’s Bake Shop, and the iconic Big Duck building. You’ll find food that caters to every taste and atmosphere, from sidewalk bistros and cafés to mom-and-pop diners and fine dining. Historic homes, boutique hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts are among the accommodations.
