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
1. Long Island Aquarium
Explore marine life exhibits and enjoy exciting interactive attractions.
The Long Island Aquarium is a brilliant attraction which promises hours of educational fun for the whole family.
- The aquarium skillfully sets out to convince visitors that they are in the heart of the Lost City of Atlantis.
- Besides the normal viewing tanks, Long Island Aquarium offers a host of exciting adventure activities such as the Shark Dive and the Penguin Encounter.
- The facility boasts one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world where you can see thousands of colorful reef fish going about their business.
- Younger visitors will love the numerous touch tanks and the energetic and fascinating Sea Lion Show.
Where to Find it: Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 631-208-9200
2. Visit the Jamesport Farm Brewery
Savor craft beers and relax in a scenic farm setting.
These days it seems as though every village and town has their own craft brewery. What sets the Jamesport Farm Brewery apart is the fact that they brew their excellent beers using only the freshest ingredients, most of which are grown right there on the farm.
- The Jamesport Farm is a modern working farm which produces just about all the fresh hops, barley and wheat used in the brewery process, making this the only “Farm to Pint” brewery on Long Island.
- You are invited to come and experience the difference at their tasting room in the old potato barn. You can also stock up on a variety of farm grown products after your tasting.
Where to Find it: Jamesport Farm Brewery, 5873 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 844-532-2337
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Spend a romantic evening at the Suffolk Theater
Enjoy live performances and admire vintage Art Deco charm.
The Suffolk Theater first opened its doors in 1933 and is still welcoming a regular following of theater-goers almost 90 years later.
- Although the theater has undergone numerous renovations and restorations, much of its original art-deco interior remains intact, offering visitors a nostalgic backdrop to an-otherwise thoroughly modern performing arts venue.
- Today the venue can be set up to host intimate dinner-theater or can be transformed into a traditional theater to accommodate larger audiences for concerts, music performances and much more.
- The on-site restaurant is ideal for pre-show supper or cocktails and provides the catering for regular dinner-theater events.
Where to Find it: Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 631-727-4343
4. Riverhead Raceway
Experience thrilling races and enjoy an exciting family-friendly evening.
Riverhead Raceway staged its first race on a gravel figure-8 track back in 1944, making it one of the oldest racetracks in the US. Currently, Riverhead is the only NASCAR track in the New York area and attracts a steady following of petrol heads. Here you can watch anything from NASCAR races to demolition derbies, school-bus racing, monster trucks and even go-karts. The season lasts from April till October and offers fun-filled family entertainment. If you visit on July 4th you will also get to see the Kids Big Wheel Race and some brilliant fireworks. There are races every week during the summer – check their website for more information.
Riverhead Raceway, 1797 Old Country Rd, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 631-842-7223
5. Hallockville Museum Farm
Explore historic farm buildings and discover Long Island’s agricultural heritage.
Farming has been a way of life on the North Fork of Long Island since the 18th century. In order to preserve and showcase the history of the early pioneer farmers, Hallockville Museum Farm was established. The early Hallockville homestead was built in 1765 and was continually occupied until as recently as 1985. The farm is open to the public during the summer months from the end of May to the end of October, however group tours can be arranged all year round. Entry to the homestead is restricted to guided tours but you are welcome to explore the farm grounds at your own pace. The museum offers regular lectures and craft demonstrations.
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 631-298-5292
6. Harbes Orchard
Pick fresh apples and enjoy a fun fall family outing.
Harbes Orchard is a popular seasonal (open in September and October only) attraction for the whole family. Children will love having the chance to pick their own juicy apples – there are no fewer than 27 varieties to choose from and the orchard uses a brilliant trellis system to train their apple trees, ensuring that even younger children can reach much of the fruit. Fun fall activities include apple and pumpkin picking, hay rides and exploring the corn mazes. There are also pony rides for the children. On Saturday nights in October the corn mazes turns creepy – bring the family along to enjoy the Harbes Orchard Spooky Night Maze experience.
Harbes Orchard, 5698 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901, Phone: 631-369-1111
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