Huntington (New York) Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Huntington (New York) with our comprehensive guide featuring the best places to visit, hikes to take, food to try, and local customs to be aware of.


Introduction to Huntington (New York)

Huntington is located in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. This charming town offers a mix of outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a relaxing vacation close to the city. In this guide, we will take you through the best places to visit, hikes to take, food to try, and local customs to be aware of in Huntington (New York).

List of Places to Visit in Huntington (New York)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

One of the must-visit museums in Huntington is the Heckscher Museum of Art. It has a vast collection of American art, including works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Another cultural landmark is the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center. Here, visitors can learn about the life and works of the famous poet, Walt Whitman.

Natural Attractions of Huntington (New York): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Huntington offers a range of exciting outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking trails, beaches, and parks. One of the most popular attractions is the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, covering over 1,500 acres of grounds and featuring lush gardens, open pastures, and woodlands. Visitors can also enjoy biking, fishing, and hiking trails. For beach lovers, Crab Meadow Beach and West Neck Beach are the perfect spots to relax and soak up some sun.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huntington (New York)

Huntington has some of the most stunning hiking trails on Long Island. One of the top hiking routes is the Cold Spring Harbor State Park trail. This trail is 3.5 miles long and features steep hills and scenic views of the harbor. The Walt Whitman trail is another famous hiking route that loops around the poet’s birthplace and offers an opportunity to learn about his life and works.

Best Things to Do in Huntington (New York): Activities and Tours

For the adventurous tourist, Huntington offers a range of activities and tours to explore the town and its surroundings. Some of the popular tours include the Winery Tours of Long Island and the Huntington Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Tours. The town also has a rich history in boating which can be explored through boat tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huntington (New York)

Here is a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Huntington, New York:

  • Day 1: Visit the Heckscher Museum of Art and wander around the town center.
  • Day 2: Hike the Cold Spring Harbor State Park trail.
  • Day 3: Spend the day at one of the town’s beaches and enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
  • Day 4: Visit the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center.
  • Day 5: Explore the local wineries on Long Island.
  • Day 6: Take a tour of Huntington Harbor.
  • Day 7: Spend the day at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve and enjoy hiking trails and other outdoor activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Huntington (New York)

Must-Try Dishes

Huntington offers a range of food options from casual to fine dining. One of the must-try dishes in Huntington is pizza at Little Vincent’s Pizza. They serve the famous cold cheese slice that locals and tourists rave about. Another local favorite is Black and Blue Seafood Chophouse, known for its seafood spread and steak.

Local Beverages

Huntington is home to some fantastic local breweries and wineries. Some of the popular breweries include Sand City Brewing Company and Oyster Bay Brewing Company. Long Island wineries, such as the Bedell Cellars and Channing Daughters Winery, offer a great selection of local wines that should be tried during your trip.

Where to Stay in Huntington (New York): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Huntington offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the top-rated hotels include Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate, which features luxurious rooms and stunning surroundings. Another great option is The Harborfront Inn, which provides stunning harbor views and is within walking distance from the town center.

What to Buy in Huntington (New York): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Huntington offers a range of unique and locally made products that make for great souvenirs. Some of the popular products to bring back include locally made wine, artisanal cheeses, and locally made artwork. The local farmers market offers a range of locally made artisanal products that should not be missed.

Local Culture and Customs of Huntington (New York)

The town has a rich history in the arts, which can be seen through its many museums and galleries. It is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Long Island Fall Festival and Summer Arts Festival. The town has a wealthy population and is known for its upscale lifestyle.

Best Time to Visit Huntington (New York)

The best time to visit Huntington is during the summer months. With sunny skies, warm temperatures, and a range of outdoor activities, it is the perfect time to visit the beaches and explore the town’s surroundings. However, visitors should keep in mind that summer months can be crowded and accommodation prices can be higher.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huntington (New York)

Do:

  • Do respect the locals and their way of life.
  • Do visit the cultural landmarks and museums in the town.
  • Do try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the streets or beaches.
  • Don’t be loud and disruptive in the town center or at the beaches.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Huntington (New York)

Huntington is a relatively safe town with low crime rates, but visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions. It is also important to keep an eye out for wildlife while hiking or exploring the outdoors.

Health in Huntington (New York)

Huntington has a range of healthcare options, including hospitals and medical clinics. Visitors should ensure that they have undertaken all necessary vaccinations before traveling and maintain a good hygiene routine while exploring the town.

Getting to Huntington (New York): Transportation Options and Logistics

Huntington is located approximately one hour from New York City by car or train. The town is served by the Long Island Rail Road, which offers regular services to and from New York City. There are also bus services available from New York City, which take approximately 2 hours to reach Huntington.

Airports Near Huntington (New York)

The nearest airport to Huntington is John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is approximately 43 miles away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Huntington (New York)

The bus stations that operate services to Huntington include the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City and the Suffolk County Transit Bus Terminal in Bay Shore.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Huntington. There is ample parking available in the town center and at the beaches.

How to Get Around in Huntington (New York)

Huntington is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Visitors can also hire a car or use the local bus services to explore the town and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Huntington (New York): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular destinations to visit near Huntington include:

  • New York City: Only an hour away by car or train.
  • Montauk: Located at the eastern tip of Long Island and featuring stunning beaches and hiking trails.
  • Fire Island: A barrier island located off the south coast of Long Island, known for its long sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

Huntington (New York) is a charming town with a mix of beautiful landscapes, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and discover the best things to see and do in Huntington. Start planning your trip today and explore this beautiful town for yourself!

Old First Church Old First Church Heckscher Park Heckscher Park The Ezra C. Prime House at 35 Prime Avenue, built in 1855 The Ezra C. Prime House at 35 Prime Avenue, built in 1855 Oheka Castle Oheka Castle