Stony Brook Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Stony Brook, located on the picturesque Long Island in New York, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historical significance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and serene landscapes, this charming hamlet is a haven for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful getaway.

One of the highlights of a visit to Stony Brook is the stunning Avalon Park and Preserve. Spanning over 140 acres, this nature reserve boasts miles of scenic trails, tranquil ponds, and vibrant meadows. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Avalon Park offers something for everyone. Take in the breathtaking views, spot diverse wildlife, or simply relax in the serenity of this natural oasis.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Stony Brook Grist Mill is a must. Built in 1751, this historic landmark is one of the few remaining working mills in the United States. Explore the mill and learn about its fascinating past, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you listen to the soothing sound of the water wheel.

Stony Brook Village Center is another gem that visitors should not miss. This charming shopping district, with its cobblestone streets and quaint boutiques, offers a delightful blend of modern shopping and old-world charm. Browse through unique shops, indulge in delicious local cuisine, or simply soak in the village atmosphere.

Art enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the Long Island Museum, located in Stony Brook. This renowned museum showcases a remarkable collection of American art, as well as exhibits that delve into the region's rich history. From paintings and sculptures to historic artifacts, the Long Island Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of the area.

Stony Brook's proximity to the stunning Long Island Sound also provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Spend a day at the nearby West Meadow Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores, go for a swim, or even try your hand at fishing. The beach's scenic beauty, with its rolling dunes and sparkling waters, is sure to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Alternative names: Population: 13.7 thous.Area: 5.94 mi²Elevation: 125 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°54'56"N, 73°7'37"W

Location

New YorkUnited States

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Stony Brook Top Attractions

Stony Brook Attractions - What to See and Explore

Stony Brook offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Long Island Museum of American Art, Stony Brook Grist Mill, Staller Center for the Arts, Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art gallery • History museum
Long Island Museum of American Art
The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages, known as the Long Island Museum, is a nine-acre museum located in Stony Brook, New York.
Museum • Historical place • Lake
Stony Brook Grist Mill
The Stony Brook Grist Mill is a Registered Historic Place property in Stony Brook, Suffolk County, New York. Its construction in 1699 created the Mill Pond astride the Brookhaven-Smithtown boundary.
Museum • Stony Brook
Staller Center for the Arts
The Staller Center for the Arts is the main arts building at Stony Brook University. It opened in 1978 as the Stony Brook University Fine Arts Center before being renamed in October 1988 after a $1.8 million donation from the Staller family.

Library • Stony Brook
Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library
The Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library is the main library at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York. It is named for the father of philanthropist Ward Melville, who donated 400 acres of land and money to establish Stony Brook University in 1957.
Neighbourhood
West Meadow Beach Historic District
West Meadow Beach Historic District is a peninsula of public parkland approximately 1.5 miles long and a national historic district located in northwestern Stony Brook in Suffolk County, New York.
40°54'47"N • 73°7'19"W
Jacob K. Javits Lecture Center
The Jacob K. Javits Lecture Center also known as Javits Center or Javits for short is the main lecture center at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York. It is located in west campus south of the main Academic Mall.
Observatories and planetariums • Stony Brook
Mount Stony Brook Observatory
The Mount Stony Brook Observatory is an astronomical observatory operated by Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York. It is located on the roof of the Earth and Space Sciences Building.
Student center • Auditorium
Charles B. Wang Center
The Charles B. Wang Center, located at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York, is a building dedicated to understanding Asian and American cultures, and the interactions of these cultures with other world cultures.
40°55'14"N • 73°9'1"W
Stony Brook Yacht Club
Boat or ferry • Sailing • Marina
40°55'2"N • 73°8'45"W
Stony Brook Village Center
Stony Brook, New York, is located just 60 miles from Manhattan, and is home to the Stony Brook Village Center. The colonial-style village center was the creation of philanthropist and businessman Ward Melville.
40°54'27"N • 73°8'18"W
William Sidney Mount House
The William Sidney Mount House is a historic house at 1556 Stony Brook Road in Stony Brook, New York. Built in 1725 and enlarged in 1810, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965 as the lifelong home of artist William Sidney Mount.
40°54'27"N • 73°8'5"W
Nathaniel Longbotham House
Nathaniel Longbotham House is a historic home located at 1541 Stony Brook Road, in Stony Brook in Brookhaven Town, Suffolk County, New York.
Universities and schools • Hospital • Health
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook University Hospital, previously known as Stony Brook University Medical Center, is a nationally ranked, 695-bed non-profit, research, and academic medical center located in Stony Brook, New York, providing tertiary care for the entire Long Island region.
Universities and schools • Stony Brook
Simons Center
The Simons Center for Geometry and Physics is a center for theoretical physics and mathematics at Stony Brook University in New York. The focus of the center is mathematical physics and the interface of geometry and physics. It was founded in 2007 by a gift from the James and Marilyn Simons Foundation.

Things to See and Do in Stony Brook by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Stony Brook.

Active

Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium
Stony Brook
Arenas and stadiumsFootballSport venueStony Brook
Island Federal Credit Union Arena
Stony Brook
BasketballArenas and stadiumsSport venueStony Brook
Pritchard Gymnasium
Stony Brook
BasketballArenas and stadiumsSport venueStony Brook

Day trips

Stony Brook – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Stony Brook, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead), Parrish Art Museum (Long Island), Discovery Museum and Planetarium (Bridgeport).

25 milesE
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...
40 milesE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Parrish Art Museum, Long Island
Nestled in the scenic town of Water Mill in Long Island, the Parrish Art Museum stands as an essential cultural landmark that celebrates the artistic spirit of the region. With its sleek, barn-inspired architecture designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the museum is not only...
21 milesN
Museum, Children's museum, Observatories and planetariums
Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Discovery Museum and Planetarium stands as a beacon of learning and exploration for individuals of all ages. This educational landmark offers a wealth of interactive exhibits and displays that ignite curiosity...
28 milesW
Museum, Art museum, Event space
Nassau County Museum of Art, North Hempstead
Nestled in the picturesque town of Roslyn Harbor in New York, the Nassau County Museum of Art is a cultural gem that beckons art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Housed in a stunning Georgian mansion, set upon a sprawling 145-acre estate, this museum offers a...
26 milesSW
Golf, Park
Eisenhower Park, North Hempstead
Eisenhower Park, a verdant oasis nestled in East Meadow, New York, within the town of North Hempstead, is a sprawling 930-acre park that offers an array of recreational activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. This park, named in honor of President Dwight D.