Get ready for fun in the sun on the open ocean, or at least a nice sailing trip or boat ride to these wonderful boat-friendly locations right here on Long Island. We’ve found a list of great local attractions to explore when you’re not swimming or fishing or relaxing on your boat. There’s lots of local area marinas at which to drop anchor, and many of them are even free of charge.
Each of these portside destinations has something to enjoy for everyone in your family, and makes a great day trip out with your friends. You’ll have a chance to explore the wonderful history of Long Island, enjoy delicious local restaurants, tour wineries and breweries, and so much more. It’s all right here on today’s travel blog!
Cold Spring Harbor
There are lots of ways to spend the day after docking in Cold Spring Harbor! Check out the local Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium to learn more about local aquatic flora and fauna. Take a trip to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for some historic sightseeing and beautiful outdoor gardens. Enjoy a stroll through Cold Spring Harbor State Park and walk the waterfront trails and shake off those “sea legs.” Carry on your theme of sailing and boating at The Whaling Museum and Education Center for a glimpse back in time through Maritime history. Kick back and relax with a good book or study some educational materials at the Cold Spring Harbor Library and Environmental Center. Visit the carbon-neutral wildlife conservancy preserve at Uplands Farm Sanctuary and hike the trails as you observe local wildlife and plants!
Where to Dock Nearby: Cold Spring Beach, Cold Spring Inner Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Oyster Cove, West Harbor, Price Bend, Sand Hole-Outer Harbor, Sand Hole-Inner Harbor, Mill Neck Creek, Duck Island Harbor, Bluff Point, Asharoken Bight, Eatons Neck Basin
Greenport
Once you’ve dropped anchor, you can explore the sights and sounds of Greenport! Take a step back in time at the Antique Carousel pavilion in Mitchell Park for some unique views and photo ops. Enjoy an educational excursion to the Fireboat Firefighter Museum and learn about this sea-worthy emergency services boat and snap some memorable pics. Hop on over for a tour of the East End Seaport Maritime Museum for a historical tour of the building, fun facts about the Greenport area, and even learn about the Bug Light Lighthouse. For those who love all things transportation, pop over to the Railroad Museum of Long Island; great for those who are fans of trains both big (real life train cars) and small (such as Lionel model trains.) If you’re looking for a memorable and unusual experience, you simply must visit the Camera Obscura for 360º views of the harbor and nearby buildings. Stop by the Village Blacksmith to view a real working metalsmithing shop and take home your very own piece of metalwork! Wind down at the end of your day with a tasting and some snacks at the Greenport Farmers’ Market Inc, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, and the Kontokosta Winery on the LI Sound.
Where to Dock Nearby: Brewer Stirling Harbor Marina, Brewer Yacht Yard, Townsend Manor Inn Marina, Claudio’s Marina, Mitchell Park
Freeport
For those looking to experience a taste of boardwalk living, you can stop off at Freeport’s Nautical Mile for local restaurants and eateries and maritime/beach themed shopping for the whole family. Attend a workshop, community event, book club, or just a quick read at the beautiful Freeport Memorial Library for the afternoon. For the athletes in your group, you’ll want to pay a visit to Randall Park, Freeport Recreation Center, and Freeport Kayak Rentals. For the culinary adventurer, you may wish to stop over for a visit to BrewSA Brewing Company for some beer and wine, the Freeport Farmers Market, or book a LI Winery Tour. There’s also public and private charter yachts available for fishing, whale watching, seal watching and so much more!
Where to Dock Nearby: Atlantic Yacht Haven, Yachtsmans Cove Marina, Outboard Service of Al Grovers, Al Grovers High & Dry Marina, Mako Marine, Travelers Marine Service, Hempstead Town Marina Guy Lombardo, The Mooring Marina, Whaleneck HArbor Marina, Ocean Bay Marina, Blue Water Yacht Club, Wantagh Park Marina, Crow’s Nest Marina, Empire Point Marina, DelMarine Inc, Amity Harbor Marine
Jones Beach
Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay is a beautiful seaside coastal area with lots of charming sightseeing and history. Visit the home of Theodore Roosevelt and family at the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site for a tour of the grounds and building from the 1880s. History buffs will be delighted with a stop at the Raynham Hall Museum, the preserved home and living quarters of a real life spy! The Planting Fields Arboretum is a perfect blend of history, architecture, and gorgeous botanical gardens on the grounds. Go for a hike at the Muttontown Preserve and park, and be sure to bring your camera for beautiful views and landscapes.Enjoy a lovely afternoon of inspiring artwork with a trip to the Nassau County Museum of Ar. Those with a penchant for urban exploration will love learning about The Hidden Colonial Cemeteries of Oyster Bay, too. And just a ew miles away is the incredibly unique and utterly whimsical Long Island Puppet Theater in Hicksville!
Where To Dock Nearby: Sagamore Yacht Clove, Oyster Bay Marine Center, Bridge Marine Sales & Marina, Whalers Cove Yacht, Powles, Marina, Gold Star Battalion, Knutson Marine, Safe Harbor Glen Cove, West Shore Marina, Wills Marine Center, Glen Cove Yacht Club, Coneys Marine, Huntington Yacht Club, Hempstead Harbour Club
Port Jefferson
When we say Port Jefferson is great for the whole family, we even mean the furry pals! Bring your vaccinated pups along for the boat ride and make a stop at the Port Jefferson Public Beach and Dog Park or for a romp in the wetlands of Flax Pond. Take a stroll through the family friendly beachside nature spot at Cedar Beach Town Nature Preserve and recreation area. Pirate’s Cove and Cedar beach are excellent for laying out in the sun and enjoying a good swim. Harborfront Park is perfect for leisurely strolls and a day at the park. Kids can unwind and enjoy an afternoon of educational fun at the Long Island Explorium, an interactive kids museum. History buffs will love The Mather House Museum and the Sherwood Jayne House, both of which make beautiful keepsake photos with interesting details, architecture, and lots of options for walking and meandering.
Where to Dock Nearby: Port Jefferson Marina, Port Jefferson Yacht Club, Danfords Hotel & Marina