“It felt like the town had one foot in the past and one in a pair of muddy boots.” Riverhead surprised me. I had expected outlet stores and maybe a few beachy detours. What I got was a town layered with farmland, sea air, polished culture, and tractor grit. The kind of place where you can sip something craft-brewed in the afternoon and cheer at a racetrack by night. And somewhere in the middle of it all—apple trees, theater lights, and jellyfish, too.
Best Things to Do in Riverhead, New York
Downtown Riverhead
I started in Downtown Riverhead, walking past brick storefronts and colorful murals along Main Street. There was a working-town heartbeat to it—people chatting outside bakeries, antique shops with sun-faded treasures in the windows, and the smell of roasted coffee drifting from open doors. I ducked into a bookstore with creaky floors and local titles I’d never seen elsewhere. "This feels like a town that knows itself," I thought.
Hallock State Park Preserve
Next I drove to Hallock State Park Preserve, where the trail opened up to a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound. The air smelled of pine and salt, and the only sound was the gentle sweep of waves below. I took my time wandering through meadows filled with goldenrod and the occasional monarch. At one point, I just stood and stared at the sky—it was that kind of place.
Tanger Outlets Riverhead
After a few hours outdoors, I changed pace at Tanger Outlets Riverhead. It was buzzing—families with armfuls of bags, couples browsing, music playing from store entrances. I picked up a new jacket (on sale, of course) and let myself enjoy the low-stakes decision-making of outlet shopping. A contrast from the trails, but somehow it all belonged to the same day.
Lunch at Bistro 72
Just around the corner, I grabbed lunch at Bistro 72. I ordered the roasted vegetable flatbread with mozzarella and balsamic glaze. The crust was crisp and smoky from the wood oven, the vegetables charred and sweet. I sat near the window, the scent of rosemary and fresh tomato sauce lingering as the bustle of the outlets faded behind glass. The space felt calm and upscale—perfect for a little recharge.
Long Island Aquarium
Back in town, I visited the Long Island Aquarium. I expected tanks—I didn’t expect to be enchanted. There were sharks and stingrays, yes, but also a butterfly garden, sea lion show, and a jellyfish room that stopped me in my tracks. The lighting, the slow pulse of the jellies—it was hypnotic. I stood there longer than I meant to, watching them drift like sea ghosts. "This is what wonder looks like when it glows," I wrote later.
Jamesport Farm Brewery
Later in the afternoon, I headed to Jamesport Farm Brewery, a place that felt more like a gathering than a business. The taproom opened to a big lawn where people played cornhole and watched the wind ripple over a field of hops. I tried a seasonal raspberry wheat ale—light, floral, slightly tart. It smelled of fresh grain and fruit. I sat under a wide umbrella, letting the breeze mix with the laughter around me.
Suffolk Theater
In the evening, I returned to Main Street for a show at the Suffolk Theater. The marquee lights glowed against the brick, and inside was all vintage elegance—velvet seats, art deco details, cocktails in real glasses. The performance was lively, the crowd relaxed. The whole space buzzed like something preserved just right. A theater that had lived a little and still had stories to tell.
Riverhead Raceway
I ended the night at Riverhead Raceway, leaning into something completely different. The air smelled of gasoline and fried food, and the engines roared in a way that shook my ribs. Families lined the bleachers, kids waved glow sticks, and everyone seemed to be in on it. It was loud, gritty, fun. The kind of place where you don’t just watch—you cheer.
Hallockville Museum Farm
The next morning, I visited the Hallockville Museum Farm. It was quiet, with weathered barns, heirloom gardens, and goats chewing thoughtfully in their pens. I walked through the farmhouse museum and listened to a guide explain how early settlers lived here. There was an honesty in the walls, in the tools left where they had last been used. I could feel the stories in the grain of the wood.
Harbes Orchard
Just up the road was Harbes Orchard, where the trees hung low with apples and kids ran laughing between rows. I bought a bag and picked a few Fujis straight from the branch—cool to the touch, perfectly red. I also grabbed a warm apple cider donut from the stand nearby. It was soft, cinnamon-sugar coated, and still steaming when I bit in. The orchard smelled like fall. I held onto that moment as long as I could.
Riverhead At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: About 1.5–2 hours east
- Vibe: Farm town meets beach town with a hint of art deco and horsepower
- Highlights: Aquarium, apple orchards, brewery, live theater, nature preserves
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for apples and color; summer for full access to trails and water
- Cost: Moderate; many outdoor spots are free or low-cost
- Hours: Museums and shops generally open by 10 a.m.; raceway and shows in the evening
- Address Base: Start along Main Street in Downtown Riverhead
Travel Tips: Best Time to Visit
I’ve had the best visits from late spring to early fall (May–September). You’ll enjoy warm weather perfect for winery patios, beach days, and outdoor festivals. Trust me, every corner of Riverhead comes to life in the sunshine.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I usually take the Long Island Expressway east. You’ll reach Riverhead in about 90 minutes from NYC, traffic permitting.
- By Train: When I don’t feel like driving, I hop on the LIRR from Penn Station. You’ll step off right in town and skip the parking hunt.
- By Plane: If you fly into Long Island MacArthur (ISP), you’re only 45 minutes away. I’ve also landed at JFK and LaGuardia when I need more flight options—you’ll just add a bit more drive time.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Indigo East End – I like the modern vibe and pool here, plus you’ll be steps from the outlets for easy shopping breaks.
- Hyatt Place Long Island East End – I stay here when I want aquarium views. You’ll appreciate the spacious suites and waterfront backdrop.
- The Preston House & Hotel – If you’re after luxury, this restored 1905 mansion impresses. I love the blend of historic charm and sleek design—you will too.
Final Thoughts
Riverhead wasn’t trying to be trendy. It felt like it had already figured itself out—part heritage, part fun, part unexpected grace. From apple trees to racetracks, jellyfish to jazz shows, every stop added a new note to the day. I left feeling like I hadn’t just visited a town—I had been welcomed into its rhythm.
