We all agree that New York City offers endless possibilities when it comes to things to do – and, sometimes, the best thing to do is to escape the city and take advantage of the endless possibilities nearby. The Hudson Valley is usually my favorite area to explore, but Long Island also features many great places (besides the Hamptons). Today, I will share more about Greenport, a cute village on Long Island’s North Fork. Just a few hours from the city, Greenport offers stunning waterfront views, lovely shops, and great restaurants. Our day trip took place in August 2024 – and we took our dog with us, so this is a pet-friendly itinerary!
- The ultimate guide to The Hamptons – where to stay, where to eat and things to do
- The Ultimate guide to Montauk NY: best things to do
How to get to Greenport
If you are spending the day, renting a car is the best way to get to Greenport – the journey takes around 2h15, which is not bad for a day trip. Also, a car gives you much more freedom and flexibility to explore the area.
Another way to rent a car is using Getaround or Turo. These apps let you rent and unlock cool cars nearby directly from your phone: no membership fees, no paperwork, no hassles.
- Check cars on Turo.
- I have a special link for you to sign-up for Gearound that offers $20 free credit.
You can also get to Greenport by public transportation through LIRR – Long Island Rail Road. I would only recommend this if you are open to a long trip, because the journey takes around 4h. I personally think it’s a pretty long ride for a day trip – but that could be a good option if you are spending the night.
Our day trip to Greenport – things to do
We left the city around 9h15 am, and the journey was so smooth, with almost no traffic until Greenport. We only stopped for coffee and also because our dog was car-sickened (it happens, lol). When we got to Greenport, it was already time for lunch, and our first stop was Claudio’s. Since Greenport has beach vibes and it was a beautiful summer day, I was in the mood for seafood. Claudio’s Waterfront is a restaurant with a beautiful outdoor area and waterfront views. It can’t get better than that!
We shared some oysters, and I got a dish with scallops and rice, and Thiago got a fish sandwich with fries – we also ordered a beer and a wine. I wouldn’t go back. The food was not bad – but it was forgettable. And I don’t appreciate paying $16 for a glass of wine being served in… a plastic cup. I think it can be an excellent spot for a beer so you can enjoy the vibes, but I would look for another place to eat in Greenport. Anker and Bruce and Son were on my radar.
After lunch, we walked around the waterfront area, where the Antique Carousel is located. There are some benches and green areas—such a nice spot to relax. In the same area, you will find Aldo’s Coffee Company, which has a lovely outdoor area. We had some cappuccinos and some pastries – and they also had ice cream.
There are a lot of cute stores in Greenport – but one in special caught our attention: Greenport Fire. This store is a paradise for whoever loves hot sauces! And you can even taste any of the sauces. They also have candles and hand-rolled cigars.
Since it was a beautiful summer day, we had to visit one of the most famous spots in Greenport: 67 Steps Beach. Named after the 67 steps you must descend to reach the shoreline, this beach offers visitors a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Long Island Sound. It’s a beautiful beach, with calm waters perfect for a relaxing swim or a leisurely walk. Please note that a beach towel will not be the most comfortable accessory for relaxing at this beach because of the pebbles. Also, please don’t make the same mistake we made: don’t park the car in the parking area if you don’t have a permit – you need a beach permit from 10am to 6pm. I guess you can park on the road – Sound Road – it’s a short walk to the beach. We ended up getting a ticket – $75.
Our last stop was at Greenport Harbor Brewery and Restaurant – they do have a location in Greenport, but we stopped at their address in Peconic – it is a 25 min drive from Greenport, and we decided to stop there on our way home. This place was such a lovely surprise! It’s their larger location, surrounded by expansive fields and working farms, sun-dappled vineyards, and inspired by farm-to-table culture. It features a beer garden and a spacious field. They have a lot of chairs outside, so you can just relax while having a beer and some food. When we were there, there was also live music. They are pet-friendly, and we saw a lot of families with kids! Besides the variety of beers, their food menu is also great. We had a sandwich and a pita plate with veggies, falafel, and feta cheese. HUGE PORTIONS! According to their website, in the cooler months, guests can enjoy time inside near the roaring fireplace, outdoors by one of the cozy fire pits, or in their heated tent.
Other things to do in Greenport
- Kontokosta Winery – Long Island has a lot of wineries – and I was very excited to visit this one. It looks gorgeous, with a lovely outdoor area. But, unfortunately, they are not dog-friendly. It kinda shocked me, to be honest, since they have an outdoor area. But I’m glad I called them before to confirm, so we didn’t even waste our time going there. But if you don’t have a dog, it sounds like a nice spot to check!
- Lavender by the Bay – it is New York’s premier lavender farm and one of the largest in the USA, located in East Marion, a short drive from Greenport. The plants come into full, gorgeous bloom at three different times – these are approximations, and bloom times are ultimately decided by Mother Nature. You can’t predict the exact time. The first English Bloom typically takes place mid to late June and sometimes into early July. The main French Bloom usually begins in early July and lasts about two weeks. This is the best time to visit because this bloom is the most impressive. The second English Bloom typically starts in late Summer or early Fall. You can check the Fan Page for blooming status.
- Truman’s beach – located just a short drive from Greenport, this beach has beautiful views of the Long Island Sound and it is a favorite among locals and visitors for its clear, gentle waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging by the shore. But remember: you need a permit to park here.
- This blog post from Sunny in the City has more tips on things to do in Greenport as well as this one from Tracy A Davis.
And that’s a wrap! It was a long day and we had such a good time exploring Greenport and the surroundings!
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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