Things to do in Port Jefferson

The seaside village of Port Jefferson is a gem on the North Shore. There is ample to do in the scenic downtown from skating and dining to shopping and theater — and all the attractions are within walking distance from one another. Leave the car in park for a while to spend the perfect day in Port Jeff. 

Take in the Waterfront 

Harborfront Park was designed to make the most of the waterfront and offers a little something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for unobstructed views of the harbor, walk the promenade for relaxation. In search of a fun spot for the kids, Chandlery Waterfront Playground, complete with a picnic area and sprinklers, will keep them entertained. The park is also a hub of seasonal activities. During the summer there are outdoor concerts and family movie nights and in the winter there is an ice skating rink. 

Sample it All 

Going down port — as the kid’s say — is an excellent opportunity for sampling many top provisions in one town. Pindar and Duck Walk vineyards have a Main Street outpost that offers tastings and wines by the glass for days when you don’t feel like driving all the way out east. There is also Port Jeff Brewing Co. and Craft (located in artisanal cheese shop C’est Cheese), which has several rotating taps featuring many Long Island brews. At the Amazing Olive you can taste test some seriously delicious extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from award-winning producers around the world. 

Learn the History 

The history of Port Jefferson is filled with interesting tidbits — George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring, for one. Take some time to learn more about it at the Village Center near Harborfront Park. The Village Center is home to the archive room of Port Jefferson’s digital history, and is free to the public. There is also the Long Island Explorium Children’s Museum, which has fun and educational activities geared toward kids. 

Hit the Shops 

There is a lot in the way of food and drink in Port Jefferson that it’s almost easy to overlook the killer shopping. Fame + Rebel, a boutique for fashionistas, has styles from rocker chic to beachy boho while Lavender Fields is a home décor lover’s dream. 

Fit for Food 

Danford’s Hotel & Marina is worthy of adding to your Port Jeff itinerary. Its restaurant Wave Seafood & Steak is tops for waterfront dining with a refined and delectable menu.

If you’re interested in Italian, it doesn’t get better than Pasta Pasta for, you guessed it, pasta dishes as well as other traditional fare. Old Fields Restaurant, tucked away on Wynn Lane, will impress your date and Slurp Ramen has an almost cult-like following, if you’re in the mood for something quick and satisfying. For lunch, try some of the vegetarian options at Tiger Lily Café. Kilwins, which opened in Port Jeff last fall, has already become a go-to for desserts. The ice cream is worth every calorie.