The North Fork of Long Island is a nautical paradise. It’s home to Greenport, a vibrant maritime village, and Southold Town with its 163 linear miles of coastline along bays and Long Island Sound. Tall ships have often visited Greenport; the next is the Amistad, which will be open for tours June 16 and Sunday June 17. (The cover photo is the last tall ship to visit Greenport, El Galeón.)
While in Greenport, you can visit the East End Seaport Museum, and take a cruise to Long Beach Bar Lighthouse, affectionately known as “Bug” Light. Unlike most lighthouse cruises, which just offer a view from the boat’s deck, you get to debark and explore the lighthouse. The cruises are offered every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon of the summer.
If you want to explore the fruits of the sea, head to Little Creek Oysters, which sells local oysters they and other bay men have raised. Or stop in to Orient by the Sea, which often serves local catch for dinner, or pick up Peconic Bay Scallops to cook for yourself at the Southold Fish Market.
Your stay at Shorecrest includes access to our private beaches and kayaks, but you can also rent paddle boards, jet skis, and motorboats, or take a harbor tour on the Glory, Greenport’s solar boat. If you want to go to one of the Town’s beaches, our guests are also welcome to use our beach parking pass.
For a different, nautically oriented experience, visit the Horton Point Lighthouse managed by the Southold Historical Society. Unlike “Bug Light”, this lighthouse is on land, with a sweeping view of the sound. It is a nautical museum, and you can climb the lighthouse tower.
When you want escape the concrete jungle for the joys of salt water and sandy beaches, look no further than the North Fork.