Things To Do
in Southold
Southold is a charming town located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York. It is known for its historic buildings, scenic vineyards, and picturesque beaches along the Long Island Sound. Visitors can explore the town's quaint shops, dine at local seafood restaurants, and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and biking.
Southold's rich maritime history and beautiful landscapes make it a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Southold Town Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the shore. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning sunrise views.
Visit the Southold Historical Society to learn about the rich history of the area. Afterward, have lunch at a local café and try some fresh seafood dishes.
End your day with a scenic sunset at Moores Beach. Relax with a picnic dinner while taking in the breathtaking colors of the evening sky.
Visit a local vineyard for a morning tour and tasting, where you can learn about the wine-making process. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the vineyards at this time.
Take part in a wine and food pairing experience at the vineyard’s restaurant, enjoying delicious local cuisine. This is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate culinary pairings.
Attend a wine tasting event at another vineyard, where you can explore different flavors. Wrap up your day with a relaxing glass of wine in the serene vineyard setting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and access to beaches.
- Rich with history and charm, featuring historic buildings.
- A strong sense of community and small-town feel.
- Abundant outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Proximity to wine country with many local vineyards.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other areas in the region.
- Limited job opportunities, often requiring commutes to nearby towns.
- Seasonal fluctuations with a decrease in population during winter months.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Certain amenities and services may be less accessible due to the rural setting.
Best Activities in Southold
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches in Southold, including Kenney's Beach, McCabe's Beach, and Founders Landing Beach Park.
Southold is home to several renowned wineries where you can enjoy tours, tastings, and scenic vineyard views.
Discover the natural beauty of Southold by biking along local trails such as the North Fork Trail and the Greenport to Orient Point Trail.
Take to the waters surrounding Southold for boating, sailing, and fishing excursions.
Visit local farmers' markets and U-pick farms to experience the region's agricultural offerings and enjoy freshly harvested produce.
Places to Visit in Southold
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views of Peconic Bay and sailboats, as well as a fishing pier and picnic area for photo opportunities.
Provides stunning views of Long Island Sound and features a historic lighthouse, making it a great spot for scenic photos.
Known for its picturesque beach views, dunes, and sunsets, making it ideal for photography and capturing the natural beauty.
Food in Southold
Southold Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential local favorite, the lobster roll features succulent chunks of fresh lobster meat tucked into a buttered, toasted roll. It can be savored at places like Southold Fish Market or Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market.
Must-Try!
Southold's waters are renowned for producing some of the finest oysters. Visitors can indulge in an oyster tasting experience at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market or Widow's Hole Oyster Farm.
This dish showcases the region's seasonal berries paired with tender duck breast, often featured on the menu at North Fork Table & Inn.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located nearby, this market offers a delightful array of local produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats, making it an ideal spot to savor fresh flavors and pick up picnic supplies.
Visitors can explore an assortment of food trucks offering culinary delights ranging from gourmet grilled cheese to wood-fired pizza, creating a vibrant street food scene close to the heart of Southold.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Southold, it is important to maintain a reasonable distance from others and respect their personal space when interacting with them.
Punctuality is valued in Southold, so it is important to be on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Using please, thank you, and excuse me are important in Southold to show respect and consideration for others in daily interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Southold
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Southold, United States, is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for other service providers such as hairdressers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff.
Payment practices in Southold, United States, are similar to those in other parts of the country. Cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options are widely accepted for transactions. Contactless payment methods have also become increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Southold, United States. Pleasant weather and blooming nature. Ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Peak tourist season with warm weather, perfect for beach activities and water sports. Various events and festivals take place during this time.
Beautiful foliage and harvest season. Perfect time for wine tasting and exploring local farm stands. Mild weather and fewer crowds.
Quieter period with cold weather. Great for cozy getaways and exploring the local charm of Southold. Some wineries and attractions may have reduced hours.
Southold at Night
Hiking in Southold
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park with trails through diverse ecosystems, including woodlands and wetlands, perfect for hiking and nature observation.
Offers scenic trails along the Long Island Sound and woodland paths, ideal for a peaceful hike with beautiful views.
Features trails that meander through beaches and woodlands, providing a variety of landscapes for hiking enthusiasts.
A network of trails covering various terrains on Shelter Island, offering a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Famed for its stunning cliffs and ocean views, this park offers hiking trails that lead to the iconic lighthouse.
Aiports
How to reach Southold by plane.
Located in Queens, New York, approximately 70 miles southwest of Southold, JFK is one of the busiest international airports in the United States.
Also located in Queens, New York, LaGuardia is about 75 miles southwest of Southold and primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international routes.
Situated in Newark, New Jersey, approximately 85 miles southwest of Southold, Newark Liberty is one of the major international gateways in the U.S.
Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, about 125 miles northeast of Southold, T.F. Green serves both domestic and international flights.
Situated between Hartford and Springfield, approximately 130 miles northwest of Southold, Bradley servicing both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic White residents, making up a significant majority of the population.
Includes residents of Hispanic or Latino origin, representing a smaller demographic group.
A minority group in Southold, contributing to the cultural diversity of the community.
Includes residents from various Asian backgrounds, representing a small portion of the population.
Residents identifying with two or more racial backgrounds, reflecting the growing diversity.
A small demographic group that is part of the community's overall composition.
A very small demographic group within Southold, contributing to the community's diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport enjoyed by many local communities in Southold, often played in local leagues and parks.
Widely played among youth and adults in Southold, with numerous local clubs and recreational leagues.
A favorite sport in Southold, with local courts available for both competitive play and casual games.
Popular in Southold, with several golf courses attracting players of all skill levels.
A common recreational activity with public courts available for community use.
A favorite pastime in Southold, given its coastal location and access to various fishing spots.
A popular fitness activity among residents, with various trails and events throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Southold.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood and meat are prominent, many eateries in Southold provide vegetarian and vegan dishes, with creative use of local produce. Notable options include vegan tacos at Lucharitos and veggie-centric plates at The North Fork Roasting Co.
Visitors with gluten sensitivity can find accommodating options such as gluten-free pizzas at 1943 Pizza Bar and rice noodle bowls at Crazy Beans.