Sag Harbor New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sag Harbor, New York.
1. Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Bay Street Theater has been a community gathering point for music, comedy, films, and stage performances for over 25 years. Visitors can enjoy innovative and educational entertainment in this year-round, not-for-profit professional theater. The venue offers a diverse range of cultural experiences in the heart of Sag Harbor.
2. Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum
MARITIME HISTORY PRESERVED
The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum provides excellent insights into the whaling industry that supported the town's development and growth. Visitors can watch a fascinating film about whaling, see artifacts, and appreciate the building itself, which is officially identified as a historic treasure. The museum features beautiful architectural elements including tall Corinthian columns and a spiraling oval staircase.
3. Foster Memorial Beach
SERENE WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Foster Memorial Beach, also known as Long Beach, offers a long and narrow strip of sand perfect for relaxation. The calm waters of the bay make it ideal for swimming, especially for families and visitors of all ages. Beachgoers will need to obtain a sticker to park at this peaceful shoreline destination.
4. Havens Beach
PEACEFUL LOCAL RETREAT
Havens Beach is a beautiful spot in the village of Sag Harbor where visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. The uncrowded shoreline provides an opportunity to stroll on the beach and witness spectacular sunsets over the water. This tranquil beach serves as a perfect escape from the busier Hamptons beaches during peak season.
5. Monika Olko Gallery
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
Monika Olko Gallery is considered by many to be one of the finest art galleries in the Hamptons area. The gallery features beautiful, unique, and current artistic works that appeal to art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in a carefully curated selection of contemporary art in this boutique gallery space.
6. Sag Harbor Marine Park
WATERFRONT BOATING PARADISE
Sag Harbor Marine Park offers visitors the chance to see sailboats and motor yachts in a picturesque harbor setting. Water enthusiasts can rent various watercraft including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, or stand-up paddleboards to explore the surrounding waters. The marina serves as a central hub for nautical activities and provides a glimpse into Sag Harbor's continued connection to its maritime heritage.
7. Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge provides a protected habitat for diverse wildlife just outside Sag Harbor. Nature enthusiasts can explore walking trails through varied ecosystems including forests, beaches, and salt marshes. Visitors might encounter friendly wild birds that sometimes eat directly from people's hands, creating a magical connection with nature.
8. Old Whaler's Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Old Whaler's Church, built in the 1840s during the height of the whaling industry, stands as a testament to Sag Harbor's rich maritime heritage. Although its steeple was lost to a hurricane in 1938, the Presbyterian church building remains an important religious gathering point for the community. Visitors can admire the historic architecture and imagine how the steeple once served as a welcoming sight for whalers returning from their dangerous work at sea.
9. Sag Harbor Old Burying Ground
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
The Sag Harbor Old Burying Ground offers visitors a glimpse into the village's past through its historic gravestones and memorials. Many prominent early residents and whaling captains found their final resting place in this centuries-old cemetery. History enthusiasts can wander among the weathered tombstones to discover stories of Sag Harbor's founding families and maritime heroes.
10. Custom House Museum
MARITIME HISTORY PRESERVED
The Custom House Museum showcases a meticulously restored home of an early customs master in Sag Harbor. Located just across the street from the Whaling Museum, this historic building provides additional context about the village's maritime commerce and regulatory history. Visitors can step back in time to understand the important role customs officials played during Sag Harbor's whaling heyday.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATION
Main Street in Sag Harbor offers charming boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores for an authentic Hamptons shopping experience. Shoppers can browse unique offerings at places like Sage Street Antiques, The American Hotel gift shop, and Ganeaux Home for distinctive home décor and gifts. Fashion enthusiasts will enjoy exploring local boutiques such as Flying Point Surf & Sport and Hammertown, which feature coastal-inspired clothing and accessories.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOUND
Sag Harbor's dining scene features renowned establishments like The American Hotel Restaurant, offering elegant meals in a historic setting, and LT Burger, serving gourmet burgers in a casual atmosphere. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh local catches at The Dock House or Dockside Bar & Grill, which showcase the village's maritime bounty. For a sweet treat, visitors can stop by Grindstone Coffee & Donuts or BuddhaBerry for artisanal frozen yogurt after exploring the waterfront.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NATURE TRAILS
The Long Pond Greenbelt offers hikers a network of trails through pristine wetlands and forests just outside Sag Harbor. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Mulvihill Preserve trails, which wind through diverse ecosystems including kettle ponds and coastal plain ponds unique to the region. For a shorter walk with wildlife viewing opportunities, the trails at the nearby Barcelona Neck preserve provide scenic woodland and waterfront paths with views of Sag Harbor and Noyack Bays.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines from the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, a popular spot for catching striped bass, fluke, and bluefish. Charter boats like On the Line and Breakaway Sportfishing offer guided fishing expeditions in the productive waters surrounding Sag Harbor. Anglers seeking a more secluded experience can try fishing at Northwest Harbor or Jessup's Neck, where the fertile waters of the Peconic Bay system provide excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Cedar Point County Park, located just a short drive from Sag Harbor, offers campsites with stunning views of Gardiner's Bay and access to a historic lighthouse. The nearby Montauk County Park provides camping opportunities with convenient access to beaches, fishing spots, and hiking trails for a complete outdoor experience. For a more rustic adventure, Sears Bellows County Park features wooded campsites around freshwater ponds where visitors can enjoy canoeing and wildlife viewing just a short journey from Sag Harbor.