Forget Florida, Visit This East Coast Escape On Long Island With Beaches, Wine, And Local Eateries

Mattituck, New York, is one of the quieter corners of Long Island's North Fork, where farm stands, vineyards, and small-town eateries sit between the Long Island Sound and Great Peconic Bay. Although Florida's beaches may pull tourists looking for a coastal vacation, Mattituck lacks the year-round humidity of the Sunshine State and bundles in an impressive wine scene – making it a fun alternative for folks seeking a charming beach getaway in the Northeast. 

Mattituck's agricultural roots stretch back centuries, and this colonial character can still be seen across town today, from the original Love Lane (that was once just a simple footpath) to the 1850s Octagon House – one of the first commercial buildings in Mattituck. Farms and seasonal produce stands offer ties to the past, while the town's multiple vineyards provide a similar viticulture to its famous neighbors across the bay — the award-winning Hamptons wine country that deserves Napa-level hype. 

The easiest way to reach Mattituck is by car, particularly for visitors planning to explore several beaches and wineries in one trip. Long Island's MacArthur Airport in Islip is a convenient regional option roughly 38 miles from town, while John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are both about 80 miles away in the city. From New York City, the Long Island Rail Road's North Fork service offers a train line, with Mattituck Station on the Greenport branch. Rail schedules can be limited, so check departure times before traveling and consider arranging local transportation to reach all that the hamlet has to offer. 

Breakwater Beach is a popular spot to enjoy the Long Island Sound on Mattituck's western jetty with a pavilion, seasonal lifeguards, a bathhouse, and volleyball courts. Nearby Bailie Beach is located by the eastern jetty, which is famous for its bluffs and the Bailie Beach Scout Lodge perched above. However, unless you're a resident, these spots are off-limits certain times of year — even if you purchase the Non-Resident Daily Guest Pass. Instead, on the Peconic Bay side of the North Fork, Veterans Memorial Park & Beach offers parking for everyone (with a permit) and calmer bay waters along 400 feet of white sand. Before your trip, be sure to check out the latest restrictions from the Mattituck Park District to ensure you have all the right permits.

Wine tasting is another reason to visit Mattituck, which sits within the North Fork Long Island AVA. Macari Vineyards is a 500-acre rolling vineyard whose Merlot 2022 was ranked among the 20 Best Merlots of 2026 by Vinepair. Meanwhile, Rose Hill Vineyards is known for its award-winning wines, like the 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon, which was named the 2025 Best Wine in New York State by the New York Wine Classic, according to the vineyard's website. Other nearby stops include EV&EM Vineyards, Borghese Vineyard and Winery, and Sannino Vineyard.

For a break between beach visits and tastings, head to Love Lane, one of Mattituck's best-known shopping and dining streets. Love Lane Kitchen serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and weekly dinners, with reviewers particularly praising the lobster rolls. Another local eatery near Love Lane is Pookaberry Cafe, which has varied menu options in an eclectic setting and a 4.8-star rating on Google. For a uniquely Long Island dinner, head to the locally loved A Mano for classic red sauce ambiance; one reviewer said she had a "perfect" night at this establishment. 

Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn is a highly-rated, 4-star hotel that works well as a home base for exploring Mattituck — its four guest bedrooms come equipped with a complimentary breakfast, wine tasting, and stunning vineyard views. Cedar House on Sound is another contemporary bed and breakfast in a refurbished barn house with five guest rooms, a European-style courtyard, and a common great room for guests to mingle over a glass of wine and billiards. On Google, it has earned an impressive 5-star rating with over 70 reviews. Greenport — one of the most beautiful, overlooked small towns in New York – is also worth the short trip with a selection of quaint accommodations.

The Mattituck Inlet — a roughly 2-mile waterway connecting the hamlet's interior to Long Island Sound — is an essential point of boating access for the community. Boaters coming from the bay can even reach nearby Shelter Island, which is a great fishing destination. On land, Browder's Birds is the perfect adventure. This working farm is open daily and known for its pasture-raised poultry and sustainable farming practices.

Summer is the most popular season to visit Mattituck, when beach days, vineyard tastings, and outdoor dining are all available. June is especially lively thanks to the annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival – a community event celebrating the area's agricultural heritage with strawberry-themed treats, entertainment, and family activities. Late spring and early fall can also be appealing, with opportunities to explore the vineyards and countryside outside the height of the summer rush.