Need a fun day trip or weekend escape on Long Island? Head to Riverhead! Explore top-notch wineries, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful beaches right at the gateway to the Hamptons and North Fork. Whether you're sipping local wines, shopping outlets, or discovering marine life, Riverhead offers something for every kind of traveler.
Riverhead, NY Highlights:
- Long Island Aquarium: Encounter sharks, penguins, sea lions, and more at this impressive aquarium and adventure park.
- Tanger Outlets Riverhead: Shop over 150 brand-name stores at Long Island’s largest outlet shopping destination.
- Hallock State Park Preserve: Hike scenic coastal trails and explore quiet beaches and woodlands on Long Island Sound.
- Splish Splash Water Park: Cool off at one of the best water parks in the Northeast, packed with rides, slides, and lazy rivers.
- Downtown Riverhead: Stroll along Main Street for charming shops, dining, live music, and seasonal farmers markets.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Riverhead is during the late spring to early fall (May–September). Warm, sunny weather makes it ideal for beach trips, winery tours, outdoor festivals, and family adventures at the aquarium and parks.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Riverhead is about 90 minutes east of New York City via the Long Island Expressway (I-495).
- By Train: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers direct service to Riverhead Station from New York’s Penn Station and other points west.
- By Plane: Fly into Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), about 45 minutes away by car, or into JFK/LaGuardia for broader flight options.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Indigo East End – Modern boutique hotel near Tanger Outlets offering a pool, farm-to-table restaurant, and stylish rooms.
- Hyatt Place Long Island East End – Comfortable waterfront hotel next to the aquarium with spacious suites and a marina view.
- The Preston House & Hotel – Historic luxury boutique hotel offering elegant rooms in a restored 1905 mansion.
Best Things to Do
Where to Eat
- Jerry and the Mermaid – Fresh seafood favorites and relaxed marina views near the aquarium and Peconic Riverfront.
- Turkuaz Grill – Cozy spot serving Mediterranean and Turkish dishes with a welcoming, casual vibe.
- Preston House Restaurant – Upscale New American cuisine in a beautifully restored historic setting downtown.
If you are interested in local events:
- Alive on 25 (Summer Thursdays) – Outdoor street festival featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, and family fun along Main Street.
- Riverhead Country Fair (October) – One of Long Island’s largest fall festivals, showcasing crafts, food, agriculture, and entertainment.
- Reflextions: Art in the Park (Summer) – Interactive light art displays, live music, and family activities at Grangebel Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Riverhead, New York:
- North Fork Wine Country (10–20 min) – Visit top vineyards like Bedell Cellars, Pindar Vineyards, and Sparkling Pointe for tastings and tours.
- Orient Beach State Park (30 min) – Explore serene beaches, kayaking, and birdwatching at this peaceful tip of the North Fork.
- Horton Point Lighthouse (25–30 min) – Tour this 19th-century lighthouse and maritime museum overlooking Long Island Sound.
- Southold (20–25 min) – Enjoy charming coastal town vibes, local farms, and small art galleries.
- Hampton Bays (25–30 min) – Relax on ocean beaches, visit Ponquogue Beach, or dine at casual seafood shacks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Riverhead located?
- Located on the north shore of Long Island, just 78 miles from New York City, Riverhead is a historic small town with a lot to offer visitors.
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What are the top family-friendly attractions in Riverhead?
- If you are visiting with the family, the primary attractions include the Long Island Aquarium and the Riverhead Raceway.
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What seasonal activities are popular in Riverhead?
- Apple picking at one of two orchards tops the list of things to do in September and October.
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What are some activities for adults in Riverhead?
- Adults can visit a number of local craft breweries, a winery, and a distillery or brush up on their history knowledge at the Hallockville Museum Farm.
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Where can visitors experience culture and entertainment in Riverhead?
- The Suffolk Theater and the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall add a dose of culture to the mix.
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Where can visitors enjoy great food in Riverhead?
- Tweeds Restaurant serves great food in a brilliant historic setting.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming vineyards, perfect for wine tasting and nature walks.
Hotel Indigo Long Island – East End – A stylish boutique hotel close to wineries and shopping.
Explore Long Island Aquarium – See marine life exhibits and interactive experiences.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for beach outings, water parks, and festivals.
Hyatt Place Long Island East End – A waterfront hotel with great amenities.
Visit Splish Splash Water Park – One of the best water parks in New York.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage, great for wine tours and apple picking.
The Preston House & Hotel – A charming boutique hotel with historic elegance.
Tour the North Fork Wine Trail – Enjoy tastings at local wineries with beautiful autumn views.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and cozy, perfect for holiday shopping and indoor attractions.
Jedediah Hawkins Inn – A historic inn offering a warm winter retreat.
Visit Tanger Outlets – Find great deals at this popular shopping destination.
The drive from NYC takes about 1.5 hours.
Plan Your Trip