3 of Our Favorite Things to do in Huntington

Situated on Long Island and part of New York City’s metro, Huntington proves there’s no need to leave the area and head to the Big Apple to have a great time. You can enjoy lesser crowds and still plenty to do and see, all in this mid-size town.

Founded in the mid-1600s, Huntington is rich with history and its picturesque scenery has served as a backdrop for several movies and television shows. There are also several outdoor attractions in the area, as well as plenty of spots to enjoy dining, shopping and entertainment (Huntington just so happens to be home to the largest downtown area in Long Island).

To get you started with your Huntington fun, here are our favorite ways to explore as a first-time visitor.

1. Step back in time, with a visit to a top historical attraction.

History abounds in Huntington. See it for yourself with a visit to one of the top historical sites in the area, Oheka Castle. The gorgeous estate hosts guests in its hotel, as well as events, but you can also stop by for just a mansion tour, which takes you through the public areas and gardens.

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/ohekacastle

So what makes Oheka Castle so special? Built in 1919, the 109,000-square-foot, 127-room estate hosted the richest of the rich at one time, and still hosts notable weddings and similar events today; you may recognize it as a backdrop to several movies and TV shows as well, such as, most recently, Succession.

2. Get out in nature.

For being so close to New York City, Huntington certainly offers quite the array of ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Top spots for soaking in some sunshine and fresh air include at Fleets Cove Beach, which overlooks Northport Bay and offers a great space for swimming, picnicking, sunbathing and fishing.

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is also popular and combines both history and nature. The peninsula-set park offers lots of hiking and walking paths, a rocky shoreline, gardens and even scuba diving. On the historic side, the lands were originally part of an estate and now encompass an equestrian center and 18th-century manor.

If you'd like to have an outdoor adventure with a kid-friendly educational slant, try the nearby Cold Spring Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, which boasts the largest collection of state freshwater animals. There are two aquariums and eight outdoor ponds in addition to the hatchery. While the hatchery is technically in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, it’s so close to Huntington that most don't make the distinction.

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/cshfishhatchery/about

3. Head to a museum or two.

If you'd prefer to spend your time in a museum rather than in the great outdoors, try one of Huntington's favorites, like the Heckscher Museum of Art. Situated within Heckscher Park, the Beaux Arts building and its museum was created by a wealthy art collector who founded the museum with just under 200 works of art in 1920. Rotating exhibits focus on a range of art mediums and styles.

Photo courtesy of https://www.heckscher.org/visit/reopening/

Need More?

Need more ideas for what to do during your trip to Huntington, New York? For more fun in this area of Long Island, check out the Discovery Map Huntington, New York, guide, for more recommendations for activities, hotels, restaurants and more.