Port Washington

Day Trips

Begin with a scenic stroll along Manhasset Bay, breathing in the crisp salt air as fishing boats glide past. Stop at a waterfront café for a freshly brewed latte and a flaky pastry while watching the harbor wake. Later, check into your cozy inn and unpack against a backdrop of sailboats gently rocking in the marina.

Board a narrated harbor tour to learn about Port Washington’s maritime history, from oyster farming to yacht racing. Glide past hidden coves and historic boatyards, spotting herons perched on pilings. After disembarking, roam the marina’s boutiques for nautical-themed souvenirs.

Dine at a waterfront seafood restaurant where the clam chowder is served piping hot and the deck overlooks the glowing harbor lights. Savor locally sourced fish while a live acoustic guitarist fills the night air with soft melodies. End the evening with a moonlit walk along the pier, listening to waves lapping against the pilings.

Set out on a guided walking tour of Port Washington’s historic downtown, where Colonial-era buildings stand shoulder-to-shoulder with early 20th-century storefronts. Peek into quaint antique shops and charming bookshops tucked into restored facades. Pause for coffee at a brick–walled café that was once a 19th-century apothecary.

Visit the Port Washington Museum to delve into local lore—from the Revolutionary War skirmishes to the golden age of steam ferries. Explore interactive exhibits on boatbuilding and maritime trade. Cap the visit with lunch at a rustic tavern that retains its original wooden beams and creaking floorboards.

Join a torchlit ghost tour through narrow lanes and hear tales of smugglers, shipwrecks, and haunted inns. Feel the thrill as your guide recounts long-forgotten legends under flickering street lights. Wind down at a historic pub, sampling craft brews while the bartender shares neighborhood anecdotes.

Arrange for a kayak rental at Hempstead Harbor and launch into calm, glassy water under a pastel sunrise. Paddle past salt marshes alive with herons, egrets, and the occasional seal bobbing its head. Feel the gentle lapping of waves against your hull and the sun’s warmth on your back.

Beach-hop to secluded coves for a picnic lunch of crusty bread, local cheeses, and seasonal fruits. Spend time photographing wildflowers framing the shoreline and listening to lapping waves. Try a bit of beach yoga or toss a frisbee with new friends in the sand.

Paddle back on a ribbon of gold as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. Return your kayak and gather around a beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows and trading stories under the stars. The hush of the night and crackle of embers make for magical seaside relaxation.

Begin at Port Art Studios where you can meet local painters, potters, and sculptors in their working lofts. Try your hand at wheel-throwing clay or mixing oils on a palette under expert guidance. The studio’s large windows fill the space with natural light, bringing every color to life.

Catch a matinee performance at the historic Landmark on Main Street, whether it’s a community theatre show or a chamber music concert. Enjoy a post-show discussion with performers over coffee at the venue’s intimate foyer café. Then browse nearby galleries showcasing rotating exhibits by emerging regional artists.

Reserve a table at a chic wine bistro offering olive–oil tastings and small-batch charcuterie boards. Attend an evening gallery opening reception with light hors d’oeuvres and live jazz in the background. Watch the artifacts and paintings glow under gallery spotlights as you mingle with art enthusiasts.

Head out early to Sunset Park Beach for a barefoot walk along the shoreline collecting shells. Unroll your towel for a sunrise yoga session led by an instructor perched on a driftwood log. The gentle ocean breeze and rhythmic waves are the perfect backdrop.

Visit the Port Washington Lighthouse and climb the spiral staircase to the lantern room for panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Explore the interpretive displays that tell the story of shipwrecks and lighthouse keepers. Photograph the classic red-and-white tower contrasted against the blue sky.

Spread a blanket on the lighthouse lawn and enjoy a seaside picnic as the beam begins its nightly sweep. Toast marshmallows over a portable grill and savor s’mores with homemade graham crackers. As dusk settles, listen to the lighthouse horn echoing across the water.

Join a hands-on cooking class at a local farmhouse kitchen, learning to bake hearty breads and craft seasonal jams. Harvest fresh herbs from the adjacent garden and grind them into fragrant pestos. Sample your creations at a communal table overlooking rolling fields.

Wander through the Port Washington Farmers’ Market, picking up heirloom tomatoes, artisanal cheeses, and freshly caught flounder. Build your own lunch with market-fresh ingredients or enjoy street-food stalls serving gourmet tacos and brioche sliders. Chat with growers about sustainable farming practices.

Attend a chef’s table demonstration at a waterfront brasserie, watching as local scallops are seared while chefs explain flavor pairings. Sip a flight of regionally brewed beers or crisp white wines as you sample each course. Finish with a decadent lavender crème brûlée while fairy lights twinkle overhead.

Drive to the nearby North Hempstead Park Preserve and set off on winding woodland trails framed by towering oaks and maples. Listen for the call of red-tailed hawks overhead and the rustle of deer in the underbrush. A naturalist guide will point out edible fungi and wildflowers along the way.

Pause at a wooden boardwalk overlooking a freshwater marsh to enjoy a packed lunch of local smoked salmon and artisanal crackers. Observe frogs and turtles sunning on logs, while dragonflies dart above the reeds. Continue along a fern-lined path that leads to a serene pond fringed by cattails.

Return to Port Washington for a riverside barbecue at a casual outdoor eatery overlooking Manhasset Bay. Feast on grilled burgers, corn on the cob, and tangy coleslaw as a bluegrass band sets a lively mood. Dine under strings of Edison bulbs, savoring the warm glow and live music.

Take a scenic drive east to the North Fork vineyard region, winding past rolling hills covered in grapevines. Arrive at a family-owned winery for a behind-the-scenes tour of barrel rooms and fermentation tanks. Conclude with a tasting flight of crisp chardonnays and full-bodied reds.

Spread a gourmet picnic among the vines, complete with local cheese, cured meats, and a chilled bottle of rosé. Wander between rows of grapes, inhaling the sweet scent of ripening fruit. Chat with the winemaker about vintage variations and terroir influences.

Return to Port Washington for a sunset cruise aboard a classic schooner, complete with a wine-pairing menu. Toast to the horizon as the sky shifts through shades of pink and orange. Let the gentle rocking of the boat and the clinking of glasses create an unforgettable finale.

Embark on a private sailing charter out on Long Island Sound, learning the basics of hoisting sails and reading the wind. Feel the rush of salt-kissed air as you glide past distant lighthouses. The captain invites you to take the helm and steer through gentle swells.

Anchor in a secluded cove for a midday swim directly off the deck, then enjoy a chef-prepared lunch of grilled fish tacos and fresh mango salsa. Snorkel over underwater rock formations or laze on a floating mat. Capture candid photos of the coastline from sea level.

Set sail back toward the harbor under a sunset sky, enjoying a champagne cocktail hour on deck. Once docked, dine at an upscale bistro where the menu highlights local shellfish poached in white wine. Finish your night with a nightcap at a hidden speakeasy beneath Main Street.

Ease into your final day with a leisurely brunch at a waterfront café, sampling eggs Benedict topped with fresh crab meat. Journal your favorite moments while watchboats drift by in the morning light. Take one last stroll along the boardwalk, inhaling the briny breeze.

Spend the afternoon revisiting any hidden gems you missed—perhaps a boutique art gallery or a cozy bookstore. Savor one last gelato cone by the water’s edge, letting the flavors linger. Pack local treats and souvenirs as tokens of your trip.

Gather at the harbor observation deck for a sunset toast with fellow travelers, sipping locally crafted cider. Share highlights of your journey as lights begin to twinkle across the water. As dusk falls, feel a sense of fulfillment and promise to return to Port Washington’s welcoming shores.