Southold Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located on the picturesque North Fork of Long Island, Southold is a charming town in the New York region that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant community. With its idyllic beaches, verdant vineyards, and quaint villages, Southold is a haven for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

One of the main attractions in Southold is its stunning coastline. The town boasts several beautiful beaches, such as Southold Town Beach and Founders Landing Park, where visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the sparkling waters of the Long Island Sound, or enjoy a picnic while taking in the breathtaking views. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there are opportunities for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the tranquil Peconic Bay.

Southold is also renowned for its flourishing wine industry. The region is home to numerous vineyards and wineries, offering visitors the chance to taste award-winning wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the vine-covered hills. Wineries like Bedell Cellars, Pindar Vineyards, and Sparkling Pointe provide wine enthusiasts with a chance to savor the flavors of the North Fork and learn about the winemaking process through tours and tastings.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Southold as well. The town is rich in colonial heritage, with landmarks such as the Horton Point Lighthouse, built in 1857, and the Cutchogue Old House, which dates back to the 17th century. The Southold Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's past through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical significance, Southold is also home to a vibrant community of artists and artisans. The town boasts numerous art galleries, showcasing the works of local painters, sculptors, and photographers. Visitors can explore these galleries, attend art classes, or even purchase unique pieces to take home as a memento of their time in Southold.

Alternative names: Population: 5.7 thous.Area: 403.7 mi²Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°3'53"N, 72°25'47"W

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New YorkUnited States

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Southold Top Attractions

Southold Attractions - What to See and Explore

Southold offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Horton Point Light, Custer Observatory, Southold Free Library, Joseph Nelson Hallock House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Horton Point Light
Horton Point Light is a lighthouse on the north side of Eastern Long Island, New York in the hamlet of Southold. The lighthouse and the grounds surrounding it are under the supervision of the Town of Southold Park District.
Museum • Historical place • Observatories and planetariums
Custer Observatory
Custer Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Custer Institute. Located in Southold, New York, facing Peconic Bay and Shelter Island, Custer's location boasts some of the darkest skies on Long Island.
History museum • Museum • Library
Southold Free Library
The Southold Free Library is a public library located in Southold, New York, serving the towns of Southold and Peconic.

Museum • History museum • Shingle style architecture
Joseph Nelson Hallock House
Joseph Nelson Hallock House, also known as the Ann Currie-Bell House, is a historic home located at Southold in Suffolk County, New York. It is a two-story, five bay Shingle Style dwelling with a cross gabled, gambrel style cedar shingled roof. It is part of an outdoor museum complex operated by the Southold Historical Society.
41°4'49"N • 72°23'14"W
Brick Cove Marina
Sailing • Marina
Archaeological site • Southold
Town Doctors' House and Site
Town Doctors' House and Site is a historic home located at Southold in Suffolk County, New York. The house was built about 1720, and expanded in about 1880, 1930, and 2002–2003.
Museum • History museum
Samuel Landon House
Samuel Landon House, also known as the Thomas Moore House, is a historic home located in Southold in Suffolk County, New York. It is an L-shaped, 1+1⁄2-story, five-bay, New England Colonial–style residence with a central fireplace and a cross-gabled roof. It is part of a museum complex operated by the Southold Historical Society.
41°3'53"N • 72°25'40"W
Henry W. Prince Building
The Henry W. Prince Building, also known as Prince Store, is a historic commercial building located at Southold in Suffolk County, New York.
41°3'42"N • 72°26'39"W
Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery
Winery • Wine tours • Vineyard

Day trips

Southold – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Southold, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mystic Seaport (Mystic), Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton), Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead).

32 milesNE
Museum, Maritime museum
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Mystic Seaport, nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England attraction and a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts. This expansive museum, often referred to as The Museum of America and the Sea, offers a unique glimpse into...
29 milesNE
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Library and Museum, located in Groton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the rich history and technological advancements of the United States submarine force. This unique museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy...
16 milesSW
Shark and sea lion shows plus boat rides
Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York, is a premier aquatic adventure in the heart of Long Island. Established as an educational and interactive marine exhibit, the aquarium offers visitors an up-close view of a diverse range of sea life, making it an ideal...
30 milesE
Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse, Montauk
Perched at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the Montauk Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel over the tumultuous waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Constructed in 1796 under the direction of President George Washington and authorized by the...
26 milesNE
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford
Rev up your engines and prepare for an adrenaline rush at the Waterford Speedbowl, an iconic car racing track nestled in the city of Waterford, Connecticut. This asphalt oval track has been fueling the excitement of motorsports enthusiasts since 1951, offering a...

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Best Time To Visit Southold

Learn when is the best time to travel to Southold weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, June, July and September. Most of it rains in January, March, April, August, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Southold?

The top attractions to visit in Southold are:

What is the best time to visit Southold?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.