Port Washington is a waterfront town located in western Nassau County, twenty miles from midtown Manhattan. While it is possible to access New York City in a mere thirty-five minutes on a Long Island Railroad express train, the wonders of this town will have you feeling a million miles away.
Port Washington is home to a wonderful working waterfront. Many places can get you close to the water, but a stay in Port Washington can get you ON THE WATER with ease. The convenience of our location, combined with our extraordinary natural beauty, abundant attractions, and vibrant restaurant scene make Port Washington the perfect destination for an easy weekend away.
Begin your visit at Fathoms Hotel and Marina, a boutique hotel situated directly on Manhasset Bay. The Bay’s breathtaking scenery has been a muse for literary giants such as Sinclair Lewis and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald famously chose this very setting as the backdrop for his renowned novel, “The Great Gatsby.” You won’t see a mysterious green light in the distance, but each night on the Bay reveals a new, magnificent sunset above the New York City skyline, which hotel guests enjoy from the privacy of an adjoining 300-foot pier.
WEEKEND ITINERARY
DAY 1 FRIDAY Afternoon/Evening
Arrive by Long Island Railroad, car, or boat if you have one! To get your bearings, enjoy a walk along Manhasset Bay, through the Town Dock Park, past the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell at Sunset Park that features Friday night and other free performances throughout the season, and continue along the Bay Walk Park—a 1.7-acre waterfront landscaped walk filled with sculptures, public art, and two piers, including a kayak launch. History buffs can download a free historical walking tour entitled “Along Manhasset Bay,” produced by the Port Washington Public Library History Center. All of these locations provide the perfect vista to take in a legendary sunset over the Bay.
There are many options to stop for dinner along your walk. Some favorites include:
Louies of Port Washington
One of Long Island’s oldest restaurants, since 1905, the iconic Louies has remained the ultimate waterfront dining experience: prime dry-aged steaks and a curated raw bar, featuring the freshest seafood from the East and West coasts. Relax and enjoy the exquisite views and the boats arriving at the popular marina.
La P’tite Framboise
A classic French bistro with a warm and welcoming vibe. Well deserving winners of the 2024 Best of Long Island awards in three categories: Best French Restaurant, Best French Toast, and Best Martini.
Jia Dim Sum
If you want to savor some seriously good, authentic Chinese cuisine in a sleek and beautiful space, this is the place for you. Check their reviews. The hype is real!
La Piccola Liguria
47 Shore Rd. • (516) 767-6490
Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in the New York metropolitan area. Extensive menu with an incredible number of specials. So old school that it doesn’t even have a website. Always an exceptional experience.
End your evening with a stop at Douglas and James Homemade Ice Cream – Sweet Treats on the Wharf. This Port Washington staple has been in business for thirty years and is currently celebrating its sixth straight Best Ice Cream on Long Island and fifth consecutive Best Milkshake on Long Island wins in the Bethpage Best of LI Awards. It’s also only170 feet from Fathoms Hotel! Enjoy your treats at Port Washington Town Dock, or one of the Fathoms’s decks or pier.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY Morning — PLAY ON MANHASSET BAY!
You’ll have many options to easily get on the water, as your time in Port Washington is all about ease. Some options (adjacent to Fathoms Hotel) include:
Captain Steve Sailing Full and partial day charters on a private Beneteau thirty-four-foot sailboat. Captain Steve is not only a superb sailor but also a knowledgeable tour guide of the sights and history of Manhasset Bay and Long Island Sound. Captain Steve uses the Fathoms Hotel Marina as his base.
The Angler Fleet A variety of group fishing trips and private charters. Other activities aboard their fleet include sunset and fireworks cruises.
Port Tiki Tiki-themed cruises on beautiful Manhasset Bay aboard a 2022 custom-built twenty-six-foot quad-toon. Fitted with a tiki hut bar, Bluetooth sound system, restroom, and cool mood lighting. Bring your own food and drink, and let the good times roll!
Long Island Boat Rentals Captained and bare-boat rentals, yacht charters, water sports, and all manner of on-the-water fun. Featuring the Elixir party yacht for up to 24 guests.
Atlantic Outfitters This full-service fishing shop offers kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and rowboat rentals. It’s a super quick and easy way to get out on the water.
Afternoon — READY TO DINE?
Continue enjoying life on the water by taking the Port Washington Water Taxi from the Fathoms Marina, if you’re a guest or from the Town Dock. The water taxi can take you to the following fabulous waterfront restaurants:
Butler’s Flat Clam Shack A New England-style clam shack overlooking Manhasset Bay and the Safe Harbor Capri Marina West, offering pure vacation vibes.
Nino’s Beach Upscale Mediterranean restaurant on the waterfront at Safe Harbour Marina. Chic and elegant New York City experience on the Bay.
Dirty Taco and TequilaPart LA taco truck and part Asian street food, this amazing waterfront restaurant offers live music on weekends and captivating views of Manhasset Bay and the yachts at Manhasset Bay Marina.
The water taxi can also take you on a tour of Manhasset Bay, where you will have unparalleled views not just of the Bay but of the eye-popping waterside of the Kings Point and Sands Point mansions—the West and East Egg of Gatsby fame!
Evening — AFTER-DINNER ACTIVITIES
Plan your visit around the calendar of The Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street. An intimate four-hundred-seat theater with wonderful national, global, and local musicians, shows, and other events. Great atmosphere with a warm and committed staff. A true local treasure where there is literally not a bad seat in the house!
DAY 3 – SUNDAY Morning
Start your day by picking up a picnic at one of these nearby favorites:
Harbor Deli Quintessential New York deli with an extensive menu. Think hundreds of specialty sandwich creations, or make your own. Seemingly countless selections of salads, soups, wraps, and more. Truly must be experienced. An authentic local institution.
Ayhan’s Mediterranean Marketplace and Cafe Ayhan introduced Mediterranean cuisine to Long Island over forty years ago. Authentic sandwiches and salads from many eastern Mediterranean regions. Wonderful to-go selections.
Serra Provisions Italian gourmet market with artisan pizzas and killer sandwiches!
And, head to the Sands Point Preserve on the original Guggenheim Estate, which embodies the grandeur and elegance that define the Gold Coast period of the early 20th century. This two-hundred-and-sixteen-acre park includes the incredible mansions Hempstead House and Castle Gould. The park features a great lawn and six hiking trails passing through woodland and ponds that lead down to Long Island Sound, where you can walk the beach. Stroll through formal gardens and let the kids romp around a woodland playground featuring state-of-the-art equipment.
Check their calendar for extensive special events and programs. A crowd favorite is their Four Seasons in Music series. Between the rich history, grand buildings, beautiful gardens, and raw beauty of its beach, the Sands Point Preserve may be the crown jewel in a town filled with treasure!
Afternoon
Since you won’t have to battle all the traffic from the Hamptons, Montauk, or other eastern points, you won’t have to stress about getting on the road early. That’s what destination Port Washington is all about—EASE.
This itinerary only scratches the surface of everything to see and do. The best way to learn about all the town’s offerings is to download the TRY PORT FIRST app, which has a comprehensive directory of restaurants (for example, we have eight sushi restaurants! Each different, each fabulous), one-of-a-kind shops, and wonderful services (have you ever had a massage in a salt cave?).
Discover the wonder of it all. Destination: Port Washington … stay once, and you will understand!
As you discover the wonder of Port Washington, share your pics with @VisitNassauCountyLI and be entered to win some Nassau County faves!
