Hamptons Without The Hassle! 4 Towns Worth Visiting On The North Shore of Long Island

Long Island is to the Hamptons as New Jersey is to the Jersey Shore. It's also synonymous with traffic. With recent articles about the trials of making the journey east, we compiled towns that have that Hamptons vibe without the hassle.

Locust Valley Area

1 hr 39 mins - Penn Station to Locust Valley via car or 1 hr by LIRR

• Gold Coast living with Hamptons feel with great boutiques, antiques and design showrooms. Grab a bite to eat or something sweet at Loaffers Bakery and Curds & Whey right in town, or grab a cup of Williamsburg's Devocion coffee at Karmic Grind!
• What to do: Visit the Bailey Arboretum or John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden, a short distance to Planting Field Arboretum in Oyster Bay, visit Bayville beaches and Adventure Park. Play a round of golf with water views at Glen Cove Golf Course and grab lunch at The View Grill right on the course!
• Where to eat: Beachfront dining is just a 10min drive/taxi to Bayville - Crescent Beach Club for waterfront and Wall's Wharf (photo'd) for dining on the beach.
• Where to stay: Mansion at Glen Cove or Airbnb it!
• Nightlife: For an adventure head to Bayville Adventure Park for rides and amusement or Oyster Bay for restaurants and bars.

Cold Spring Harbor Area

1 hr 30 mins - Penn Station to CSH via car or 1 hr by LIRR

• Quaint Hamptons vibe just over the Nassau county border. Grab yourself a coffee at Sweetie Pies (the iced coffee is no joke - the ice cubes are actually frozen coffee) and take a stroll down main.
• What to do: Visit the local museums and shops, take a hike into the Cold Spring Harbor trails, book a kayak or SUP tour.
• Where to eat: Sandbar in the heart of town is great or head a short distance to Huntington and enjoy a waterfront dinner at Prime
• Where to stay: Book a stay at The Harbor Rose B&B with views of the harbor or for a suite experience check out Oheka Castle minutes from Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington.
• Nightlife: Head to Huntington for a show at the Paramount or enjoy the lively bar scene

Northport Area

1 hr 47 mins - Penn Station to Northport via car or 1 hr 30 mins by LIRR

• Coastal town at its finest with a bustling main street and a popular waterfront park.
• What to do: Art galleries are plentiful on main street, visit nearby Vanderbilt estate and museum, try some beers at Sand City Brewery, or get a table at Del Vino Vineyard (reservations required).
• Where to eat: Pretty much everything is great! Salted on the Harbor and Skippers Pub both have great water views.
• Where to stay: Chalet Inn & Suites in Centerport - in the heart of Huntington Village is also a Hampton Inn. Northport Village will soon have the Northport Hotel - check back for updates.
• Nightlife: Catch a broadway-style performance at the Engeman Theater or Huntington is a short distance away for a show at the Paramount or enjoy the lively bar scene.

Stony Brook Area

1 hr 53 mins - Penn Station to Stony Brook via car or 1 hr 45 mins by LIRR

• Picture perfect harbor town with convenient local shops and bed and breakfasts.
• What to do: Visit the shops at the Stony Brook Village Center including Robinson's Tea Room for a cuppa, tour historic sites like the Stony Brook Grist Mill, explore the Avalon Nature Preserve trails complete with labyrinth, rent a kayak or SUP.
• Where to eat: Restaurant Mirabelle, Country House Restaurant or a plethora of options with water views in nearby Port Jefferson.
• Where to stay: Three Village Inn just steps from the harbor, The Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn with helpful suggestions for local cycle experience or head to Port Jefferson for a stay at Danfords.
• Nightlife: Visit the Jazz Loft or take a short trip to Port Jefferson Village with a lively restaurant scene