Picture this: a charming town where the Long Island Expressway meets the North Fork, where farm stands sit next to craft breweries, and where families can feed sharks before wine tasting at sunset. Welcome to Riverhead, New York.
Nestled at the eastern tip of Long Island, Riverhead offers an unexpected treasure trove of experiences that most travelers overlook on their rush to the Hamptons. But those who pause here discover something special: authentic Long Island charm without the pretension, affordable family fun, and a genuine connection to the region’s agricultural roots.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, looking for things to do in Riverhead this weekend, or mapping out day trip ideas from New York City, this comprehensive guide reveals everything this East End destination has to offer.
Why Visit Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead sits at a crossroads, literally and figuratively. As the gateway to Long Island’s wine country and the jumping-off point for both the North and South Forks, this town has evolved from a quiet farming community into a vibrant destination in its own right.
The town’s Main Street, also known as Route 25, pulses with life during the summer months. Historic buildings house modern restaurants, vintage ice cream parlors welcome multiple generations, and public art installations transform ordinary street corners into photo opportunities.
But what truly sets things to do in Riverhead apart is its accessibility. Unlike the exclusive beach towns further east, Riverhead welcomes visitors with open arms and reasonable prices. Families can enjoy world-class attractions without breaking the bank, wine enthusiasts can tour vineyards that actually encourage children to tag along, and outdoor lovers find beaches, parks, and nature preserves that rival any in the region.
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Best Things to Do in Riverhead for Families
Long Island Aquarium: The Crown Jewel
When locals talk about things to do in Riverhead, the Long Island Aquarium tops nearly every list. This isn’t your typical aquarium where you shuffle past glass tanks. This is an interactive marine adventure where boundaries between visitor and sea life blur in the best possible way.
The Lost City of Atlantis exhibit immerses you in a 120,000-gallon shark tank, the largest all-living coral reef display in the Western Hemisphere. Watch sand tiger sharks glide past ancient columns while colorful fish dart through underwater ruins.
But here’s where it gets really exciting: you can actually feed these creatures. The aquarium’s shark feeding experience lets brave visitors hand-feed sharks from inside a protective cage. For those preferring to keep their fingers dry, touch tanks throughout the facility allow hands-on encounters with stingrays, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research operates a sea turtle rescue center on site, providing an educational glimpse into marine conservation efforts. Kids press their faces against the glass watching rescued sea turtles recover before their eventual release back into the ocean.
Don’t miss the sea lion shows, which blend entertainment with education. These charismatic marine mammals perform behaviors that mirror their natural hunting and social activities, all while trainers explain the science behind what you’re seeing.
In summer months, the Snorkeling with Sharks program offers an unforgettable adventure. Participants don snorkeling gear and enter a massive tank for a supervised swim alongside nurse sharks, tropical fish, and stingrays.
Tanger Outlets: Shop Till You Drop
Shopping might not sound like a thrilling adventure, but Riverhead’s Tanger Outlets transforms retail therapy into an experience worth your time. With over 165 stores spread across two massive sections, this outdoor mall offers something for everyone.
Designer brands like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Coach sit alongside family favorites like The Disney Store, Nike, and Old Navy. The savings are genuine, with most stores offering 25-65% off regular retail prices year-round.
What makes this one of the best things to do in Riverhead for families is its thoughtful design. Wide walkways accommodate strollers easily, multiple playgrounds give kids breaks between stores, and the food court rivals many standalone restaurants in variety and quality.
The outdoor setting means you’re never trapped inside on a beautiful day, and the layout allows you to shop in one section, break for lunch or other activities, and return to the other section later.
Pro tip: Visit during off-peak hours on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds. Major holiday weekends transform the outlets into a parking nightmare, but patience rewards you with incredible deals.
Railroad Museum of Long Island
All aboard for a journey through transportation history at the Railroad Museum of Long Island. This hidden gem brings the golden age of rail travel back to life through authentic, lovingly restored train cars and locomotives.
Kids climb aboard genuine Long Island Rail Road cars, exploring conductor cabins, passenger compartments, and even a vintage caboose. The museum’s interactive exhibits let young visitors pull levers, ring bells, and imagine themselves as engineers navigating the island’s historic rail lines.
The outdoor miniature train ride delights children and adults alike. This scaled-down locomotive chugs around a track through the museum grounds, offering a taste of old-fashioned train travel.
Model railroad enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the intricate layouts showcasing Long Island’s rail history in miniature form. These detailed dioramas capture everything from bustling 1950s stations to rural stops that served farming communities.
On weekends during peak season, the museum operates full-sized excursion trains between its things to do in Riverhead and Greenport locations. This 90-minute journey traces historic rail routes through the North Fork countryside, providing stunning views of vineyards, farms, and the Long Island Sound.
Free Things to Do in Riverhead
Explore Downtown Riverhead’s Public Art
One of the best free things to do in Riverhead involves simply strolling Main Street with your eyes open. The town has invested heavily in public art, transforming ordinary buildings and sidewalks into an outdoor gallery.
Large-scale murals celebrate Riverhead’s history, agricultural heritage, and natural beauty. Local and visiting artists have contributed pieces ranging from photorealistic portraits to abstract expressions of East End life.
Several interactive installations invite participation rather than just observation. The community chalkboard invites visitors to leave messages, while mosaic benches scattered throughout downtown provide both art and practical seating.
The Art in the Park program brings temporary installations to Grangebel Park throughout the year. Past exhibits have included illuminated sculptures, sound installations, and pieces that respond to weather conditions.
Visit Goodale Farms
Animal lovers find free entertainment at Goodale Farms, a working farm that welcomes visitors to interact with its resident goats, chickens, and other barnyard animals.
The farm operates on the honor system, with a donation box for those who’d like to purchase grain for feeding the curious goats that gather at the fence line. These friendly animals eagerly greet visitors, especially children who approach with treats.
While not a petting zoo in the traditional sense, Goodale Farms offers authentic farm experiences. Watch dairy operations, see chickens roaming freely, and learn about sustainable farming practices.
The farm stand sells fresh eggs, dairy products, and seasonal produce. Even if you don’t make a purchase, browsing the selection and chatting with farmers provides insight into Long Island’s agricultural tradition.
Reeves Beach Park (With Parking Fee)
While Reeves Beach requires a parking fee for non-residents, it remains one of the most affordable beach experiences in the region. The Long Island Sound beach offers gentler waves than ocean beaches, making it perfect for families with young children.
Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer months, providing peace of mind for parents. Clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities make day trips convenient.
The beach’s western location means spectacular sunsets paint the sky in oranges and pinks as evening approaches. Arrive late in the afternoon to enjoy swimming followed by nature’s evening show.
Picnic tables and grills scatter throughout the park, inviting families to turn a beach day into an all-day affair with meals cooked on site.
Things to Do in Riverhead at Night
Alive on 25
Summer Friday nights in things to do in Riverhead transform Main Street into a festival celebrating local culture, food, and music. Alive on 25 closes several blocks to vehicles, creating a pedestrian paradise filled with entertainment.
Live bands perform on multiple stages, spanning genres from rock to jazz to local folk artists. Food vendors serve everything from lobster rolls to wood-fired pizza, showcasing Long Island’s culinary diversity.
Local craft breweries and wineries pour samples, while farm stands sell fresh produce. Artisan vendors display handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts.
Kids particularly enjoy the activity zones featuring face painting, balloon artists, and interactive games. Costumed characters roam the street, posing for photos and entertaining young festival-goers.
The Reflextions art exhibition often coincides with Alive on 25, transforming Grangebel Park into an illuminated art installation. This art-after-dark experience features light sculptures, projections, and interactive pieces that respond to visitor movement.
Suffolk Theater
Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s theater, Suffolk Theater brings professional entertainment to downtown things to do in Riverhead. The venue hosts a diverse lineup including concerts, comedy shows, theatrical productions, and film screenings.
The theater’s intimate size means no bad seats. Acoustics throughout the space ensure clear sound whether you’re in the front row or balcony.
Programming ranges from tribute bands to up-and-coming indie artists to established performers making tour stops. Check the schedule before your visit as shows span all genres and appeal to different age groups.
The theater’s restoration preserved its art deco charm while adding modern amenities. The original marquee, ornate details, and vintage aesthetic transport visitors to entertainment’s golden age.
Breweries and Distilleries
Things to do in Riverhead at night increasingly involve craft beverage experiences. The town’s brewery scene has exploded, with several operations offering evening tasting rooms and events.
Jamesport Farm Brewery pioneered the farm brewery movement on Long Island. Their rustic outdoor space features long picnic tables under tented areas, creating a beer garden atmosphere. Live music fills weekend evenings while patrons sample house-brewed beers made with locally sourced ingredients.
Twin Stills Moonshine crafts small-batch spirits in their Riverhead facility. Tastings introduce visitors to moonshine varieties ranging from traditional corn whiskey to flavored versions like apple pie and sweet tea. The knowledgeable staff explains the distilling process and the resurgence of craft spirits.
Long Ireland Beer Company offers tours and tastings in their production facility. Watch the brewing process while sampling flagship beers and seasonal releases. Food trucks often park outside, pairing dinner with your beer flight.
Things to Do in Riverhead for Adults
Wine Tasting in Long Island Wine Country
Riverhead serves as the gateway to Long Island’s North Fork wine country, and several exceptional wineries sit within the town limits or just outside.
Palmer Vineyards stands as one of the region’s pioneering wineries. Their tasting room overlooks sprawling vineyards, providing classic wine country ambiance. The winery produces a diverse range including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
RGNY Vineyards (formerly Martha Clara) welcomes families alongside wine enthusiasts. Kids can play on the lawn while adults sip vintages on the patio. The property includes a working farm, making it one of the most kid-friendly options for parents wanting to enjoy wine tasting.
Paumanok Vineyards earns consistent praise from wine critics for its exceptional quality. Their Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux-style reds showcase what Long Island terroir can achieve. The intimate tasting room encourages conversation with knowledgeable staff who share insights into winemaking.
Roanoke Vineyards focuses exclusively on sustainably farmed, handcrafted wines. Their tasting room occupies a historic barn, and outdoor seating overlooks the vineyards. The winery encourages visitors to bring picnics to enjoy with wine purchases.
Most North Fork wineries operate year-round, though summer weekends bring crowds. Visit during shoulder season for a more relaxed experience, or schedule tastings on weekday afternoons.
Riverhead Raceway
Adrenaline junkies find their fix at things to do in Riverhead Raceway, one of the oldest stock car tracks in America. Saturday nights from April through September feature NASCAR racing, demolition derbies, and other motorsport events.
The 1¼-mile high-banked oval provides excellent viewing from any seat. The smell of burning rubber, roar of engines, and excitement of close finishes create an authentic racing experience far removed from watching on television.
Bring ear protection as engines produce considerable noise, but that’s part of the appeal. Concessions sell classic stadium fare, and the atmosphere feels decidedly local and unpretentious.
Special events throughout the season include monster truck shows, figure-eight racing, and endurance challenges. Check the schedule as different race types appeal to different interests.
Golf at Sandy Pond
Sandy Pond Golf Course offers a relaxed alternative to championship courses. This par-3 course totals about 1,100 yards, providing enough challenge for experienced golfers while remaining accessible to beginners.
The course underwent reconstruction in 2012, improving conditions while maintaining its old-school charm. Some tee times still operate on the honor system, a refreshing throwback in modern golf.
Fees remain remarkably affordable compared to other Long Island courses. You can play a round without dedicating an entire day or your entire budget.
The setting provides peaceful respite from Riverhead’s busier attractions. Mature trees line fairways, and the layout winds through natural terrain rather than manufactured landscapes.
Things to Do in Riverhead This Weekend
Farmers Markets and Farm Stands
Long Island’s agricultural heritage thrives in Riverhead’s numerous farm stands and seasonal farmers markets. These aren’t grocery stores that happen to be shaped like barns. These are genuine working farms selling produce they’ve grown on surrounding land.
1760 Homestead Farm combines a working farm with a retail shop. Feed rescued goats, ducks, and chickens before shopping for raw honey, free-range eggs, and heirloom produce. The farm’s grape and shoofly pies have achieved near-legendary status among locals.
The historic barn houses home decor items that blend rustic and modern aesthetics. It’s the rare farm stand where you might leave with both fresh tomatoes and a vintage-inspired candlestick.
Helen’s Flower Farm transforms into a photographer’s paradise during peak bloom. Pick your own flowers from vast fields of zinnias, sunflowers, and seasonal blooms. The farm also sells vegetables, baked goods, and preserves.
Downtown things to do in Riverhead hosts weekend farmers markets where local producers sell everything from organic vegetables to artisanal cheeses to fresh-baked bread. Arrive early for the best selection as popular items sell out quickly.
Hallockville Museum Farm
This living history museum preserves Long Island’s farming heritage through historic buildings and educational programming. The 28-acre site includes a main house, barns, schoolhouse, and various outbuildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Demonstrations of traditional farming techniques bring history to life. Watch blacksmithing, sheep shearing, butter churning, and other skills that sustained Long Island families for generations.
Children can interact with farm animals including sheep, chickens, and cows. These aren’t just for show – they’re part of demonstrating historical farm operations.
Special events throughout the year include the Fiber & Fleece Festival celebrating wool and textile arts, Music Behind the Barn concerts featuring local musicians, and the Hallockville Country Fair showcasing traditional crafts and skills.
The museum also functions as Ellis Island for the East End, chronicling immigration patterns and the lives of families who settled in the region. Exhibits explore how different ethnic groups contributed to Long Island’s agricultural development.
Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue
Animal lovers find meaningful experiences at Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue, a nonprofit sanctuary for rescued horses and other animals. This isn’t a traditional attraction but rather an opportunity to support animal welfare while learning about equine care.
Farm tours introduce visitors to resident horses, each with their own rescue story. Knowledgeable staff explain the rehabilitation process and the sanctuary’s mission.
The facility also houses mini horses, goats, chickens, and other rescued farm animals. Interaction opportunities vary based on the animals’ comfort levels and current rehabilitation needs.
Weekend and holiday programs offer hands-on experiences including grooming sessions and educational workshops about responsible animal care. These programs particularly appeal to horse-loving children dreaming of equine careers.
Seasonal Things to Do in Riverhead
Summer Activities
Summer transforms things to do in Riverhead into a festival hub. Beyond Alive on 25, the town hosts numerous events celebrating art, culture, and community.
The East End Arts Mosaic Street Painting Festival over Memorial Day weekend covers downtown sidewalks with elaborate chalk art. Professional and amateur artists create stunning pieces that last until the next rain.
The Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race in August combines engineering, art, and comedy as teams construct vessels entirely from cardboard, duct tape, and paint. Watch boats triumphantly complete the course or hilariously sink mid-race.
The Polish Festival celebrates the region’s Polish-American heritage with traditional music, dance performances, authentic cuisine, and craft vendors. It’s a genuine cultural celebration rather than a commercialized event.
Beach season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty at Reeves Beach. The Long Island Sound’s calmer waters provide safer swimming than Atlantic Ocean beaches.
Fall and Winter Experiences
Autumn brings harvest celebrations to Riverhead’s farms. Pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides provide classic fall experiences. Garden of Eve’s organic farm attracts families with its extensive pumpkin patch and kid-friendly activities.
Waterdrinker North Fork offers fall festivities including a haunted corn maze, barnyard animals, and seasonal produce. The transformation from summer farm stand to autumn attraction makes it worth return visits.
Winter events focus on holiday celebrations. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Main Street kicks off the season with caroling, hot chocolate, and visits from Santa.
Indoor attractions like the Long Island Aquarium, Railroad Museum, and Safari Adventure indoor play center provide options when weather turns cold. The aquarium particularly shines during winter months with fewer crowds and full access to all exhibits.
Where to Eat in Riverhead
Star Confectionery
Step back to the 1920s at Star Confectionery, a genuine period luncheonette complete with checkerboard floors, vintage soda fountain, and classic American comfort food. The throwback atmosphere isn’t manufactured nostalgia – this place has served the community for generations.
House-made ice cream competes with any modern artisanal shop. Classic flavors executed perfectly beat trendy combinations any day. Thick milkshakes arrive with the extra in metal mixing cups, just like grandma remembers.
The breakfast menu features hearty portions and simple preparations that let quality ingredients shine. Eggs, bacon, toast, and home fries prove that breakfast doesn’t need reinvention.
Jerry & the Mermaid
Waterfront dining reaches its apex at Jerry & the Mermaid, where tables overlook the Peconic River. Fresh seafood dominates the menu, with daily catches depending on what local boats bring in.
Kids’ menu options extend beyond standard chicken fingers, offering grilled fish and other healthier choices. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes families without feeling casual.
Patio seating puts diners practically on the water, perfect for watching boats navigate the river while you eat. Sunset reservations book quickly in summer as the western exposure creates spectacular evening light.
Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe
No visit to Riverhead concludes properly without stopping at Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe. This old-fashioned parlor serves soft and hard ice cream in flavors rotated seasonally.
The Peconic Swamp Thing flavor achieves legendary status among regulars. The combination changes with the whim of the owners, part of what makes it special.
Expect lines on summer evenings, but they move quickly. The outdoor seating area fills with families enjoying cones and sundaes. It’s things to do in Riverhead at its most quintessentially charming.
Roadhouse Brick Oven Pizza
Counter service and picnic tables under trees set the tone at Roadhouse Brick Oven Pizza. Despite the casual setup, the wood-fired pizzas rival any upscale pizzeria.
Specialty slices showcase creativity beyond pepperoni and cheese. Mac and cheese pizza, Greek salad pizza, and seasonal vegetable combinations push boundaries while respecting pizza fundamentals.
The Peconic River location means resident ducks wander nearby, hoping for handouts. Keep your food secured unless you want to share with the local wildlife.
Planning Your Riverhead Visit
Getting There
Riverhead sits at the eastern terminus of the Long Island Expressway (I-495), approximately 70 miles from Manhattan. The drive takes 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic.
Avoid Friday afternoons and evenings in summer when weekend traffic heads to the Hamptons. Similarly, Sunday late afternoons bring return traffic. Time your visit for off-peak hours to maintain sanity.
Long Island Rail Road serves things to do in Riverhead from New York City, though service is less frequent than western Long Island stations. The station sits within walking distance of downtown attractions.
Once in Riverhead, a car provides maximum flexibility for exploring wineries, farms, and beaches spread across the area.
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo East End offers the most upscale accommodations in downtown Riverhead. The boutique property features an outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, and allows one dog per room. Live music performances on select nights add entertainment.
Hyatt Place Long Island East End provides reliable comfort at moderate prices. Complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and Peconic River views make it popular with families.
Vacation rentals provide alternatives for longer stays or larger groups. Properties range from modest houses to waterfront estates with pools and private docks.
Best Time to Visit
Summer offers the fullest event calendar and warmest beach weather, but also brings the largest crowds and highest prices.
Shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall provide ideal conditions. Weather remains pleasant, attractions operate fully, yet crowds thin considerably. Autumn particularly shines as harvest season brings farms to life and fall foliage colors the landscape.
Winter visits work for those interested in indoor attractions like the aquarium and museums. Many wineries remain open year-round, and cozy tasting rooms feel romantic during colder months.
Final Thoughts
Riverhead defies easy categorization. It’s not quite the Hamptons scene of celebrity sightings and exclusive beach clubs. It’s not purely agricultural like interior Long Island communities. It exists in its own space, blending working farms with modern attractions, historical preservation with forward-thinking development.
This makes it perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences without artifice. Families find affordable entertainment without sacrificing quality. Wine enthusiasts discover excellent vintages without pretension. Beach lovers enjoy clean sand without fighting for parking.
The best things to do in Riverhead often combine these elements. You might feed sharks at the aquarium, then visit a winery where kids play on the lawn while adults taste wine, before ending the day with ice cream from a 1920s parlor.
Whether you’re searching for things to do in Riverhead this weekend, planning a week-long exploration of Long Island’s East End, or just breaking up the drive to Montauk, this town rewards those who pause to explore.
Don’t rush past Riverhead on your way to somewhere else. This is somewhere else, and it’s worth discovering.
FAQs
1. What are the top things to do in Riverhead, NY?
Top attractions include the Long Island Aquarium, North Fork wineries, Tanger Outlets, Reeves Beach, and downtown Riverhead’s art and dining scene.
2. Is Riverhead good for families with kids?
Yes, Riverhead is very family-friendly, offering hands-on attractions like the aquarium, farms, beaches, train museums, and seasonal festivals.
3. When is the best time to visit Riverhead?
Late spring through early fall is ideal for festivals, beaches, and wineries, while winter is quieter and perfect for indoor attractions.
4. Are there free things to do in Riverhead?
Absolutely—explore downtown murals, visit working farms like Goodale Farms, stroll Main Street, and enjoy public parks and art installations.
5. How far is Riverhead from New York City?
Riverhead is about 70 miles from NYC and takes roughly 1.5–2 hours by car, depending on traffic and travel time.
