Located on the Cow Neck Peninsula, just under an hour away from NYC, sits Port Washington—the ideal destination for a little R&R. This North Shore village is known for its zesty restaurant scene, stellar small businesses, Gold Coast mansions, wellness retreats, and in the warmer months, its watersports. So, if you’re looking for an easy, breezy, beautiful getaway, Long Island welcomes you to Port Washington.
As an added incentive, many of the small businesses located within the village are offering exclusive savings, discounts, and freebies through Discover Long Island’s free Downtown Deals Travel Pass. You can download the pass and learn more about the participating downtowns and businesses here.
How to Get There:
Long Island Rail Road
LIRRLeave the traffic jams behind and utilize one of the most trusted public transportation systems in the United States—the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Grab a train on the Port Washington Branch from Penn Station and before you even finish the latest episode of your favorite podcast, you’ll arrive in the downtown village of Port Washington.
Many hotels in the region offer complimentary shuttle services to its guests which make navigating the area and getting to and from the train station simple and stress-free. Lodgings that offer this service include The Hilton Garden Inn Roslyn and The Holiday Inn Express Roslyn.
Uber, Lyft, and local cab services have a strong presence on Long Island. As does the intra-county bus system, Nassau Inter-County Express (N.I.C.E.). The ability to access all these transportation options directly from your phone makes traveling to your next adventure incredibly simple.
Where to Stay:
This one-of-a-kind waterfront retreat is less than 30 miles from Midtown, Manhattan and sits on the eastern shore of Manhasset Bay in Port Washington. Fathoms is a tiny boutique hotel that provides its guests with an incredibly private and serene stay in one of its six rooms. The village’s LIRR station is one mile from the hotel and gets you to Penn Station in 35 minutes. You can take a short cab ride to the station or walk through Port Washington’s Main Street—a quintessential slice of Long Island.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 15% off select rooms when you present your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
The Roslyn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Nestled in the tree-lined hills of Roslyn, just a few minutes from Port Washington, The Roslyn Tapestry Collection by Hilton provides 76 newly renovated rooms and luxurious comfort to all who stay. Amenities include an on-site fine dining establishment, 1221 at MFP, a cozy library lounge complete with a fireplace, as well as the historic supper club, My Father’s Place which has hosted artists like Madonna, Tom Petty, Billy Crystal, Aerosmith, and more.
Located on the border of Roslyn and Port Washington, the Hilton Garden Inn Roslyn offers tranquil views of the harbor waterfront and easy access to the Nassau County Museum of Art, Harbor Links, the area’s country clubs and golf courses, as well as the charming downtowns of both Port Washington and Roslyn. The Garden Inn also offers all guests a free shuttle service to and from destinations within five miles of the hotel.
The Holiday Inn Express Roslyn
This modern hotel is conveniently situated near Hempstead Harbor and the historic villages of Port Washington and Roslyn. The hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast every morning as well as a shuttle guests can take advantage of when it comes time to get around. Nearby local attractions include the historic home and garden of Cedarmere, the Americana Manhasset, and nearly a dozen golf courses.
Where to Eat + Drink:
For delicious and traditional Japanese cooking, head to IKEDO Ramen in Port Washington. The chefs here are serving authentic Japanese noodles in a rich miso and pork bone broth with more than 15 different toppings. Guests can customize their ramen to their liking or choose from the many other customary Japanese menu items like Donburi rice bowls, tofu buns, gyoza, chashu, and more.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: Free beer or sake with the purchase of an entrée when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
Serving only fresh, seasonal produce, 1221 at MFP is an unlikely option for those looking for a farm-to-table dining experience. The restaurant is located on the same property as The Roslyn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and it sources all the seafood, meats, and produce locally—which translates beautifully into a flavorful and ever-changing menu.
If you prefer dinner and a show, head to Roslyn’s Cellar at My Father’s Place. This gastropub hosts live entertainment regularly, with performances ranging from live bands to DJ sets and even dueling pianists!
This casual seafood restaurant with waterfront seating serves up heavenly lobster rolls, only the freshest seafood, as well as local beer and wine. Since its located on a dock in Manhasset Bay and prefers to source its produce locally, the eatery is only open seasonally from May to October.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 10% off soft drinks when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
LaMotta’s Dockside Restaurant and Bar dishes up some of the tastiest seafood and craft beverages around while entertaining guests with live performances across almost all genres. The restaurant is open seasonally, so before you get your heart set on that delicious Lobster Grilled Cheese, be sure to compare your travel plans with the hours posted on the their website.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 10% off your bill for guests who Dock & Dine when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
What to Do:
Port Washington’s Jeanne Rimsky Theater, Landmark on Main, plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. Here, visitors can enjoy performances by the Long Island Ballet Theatre, a variety of musicians, holiday celebrations, free community and children’s programs, as well as insightful talks hosted by authors like Jodi Picoult.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: Score $5 off your ticket purchase when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
Flee to the waters off Nassau County’s North Shore coastline with Long Island Boat Rentals in Port Washington. Offering captained and bare boating rentals, guests will have the option to rent a full staffed charter or be the captain of their own ship! From romantic sunset cruises to tours around Manhattan Island, LIBR will make your dreams a reality. Long Island Boat Rentals also offers private training classes and adventure tours complete with floats, wakeboards, and other water-sporting accessories. It’s your one-stop-shop for nonstop fun on the water!
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 10% off 21’ to 27’ bareboat rentals when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
If you’re looking to reset and relax, there’s no better place to be than Port Salt Cave. Utilizing Halotherapy (also known as Salt Therapy), a session at Port Salt Cave can benefit both mind and body. The experts here say that after your appointment, guests can expect to receive relief from respiratory conditions, improved sleep, more energy, and reduced stress.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 2-for-1 Salt Therapy sessions when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
Get a bit of educational history in during your trip at the Sands Point Preserve. Known as the famed “East Egg” of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Sands Point Preserve is home to three spectacular mansions: Falaise, Castle Gould, and most famously The Hempstead House. Visitors are welcome to tour the mansions and their surrounding grounds which offer picturesque views of Hempstead Bay and when the weather cooperates, the NYC skyline. The Gardens and trails are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: Complimentary Self-Guided History Tour when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
If it rains on your parade, there’s nothing stopping you from hitting the green at Wharf Sports—an indoor golf and sports simulator. Guests can choose from over 100 immaculately simulated golf course experiences including Long Island’s famous Bethpage Black course and Pebble Beach. Golfers can also take advantage of the virtual driving range coach, the same used by Tiger Woods among other PGA Professionals. Not into golf? Not a problem! Wharf Sports also provides simulated games of hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, and even dodgeball. Avid video gamers and kids will be pleased to know that the location is also home to an arcade and game room complete with over 70 classic arcade games and a PS4. Reservations are needed to experience the simulator rooms; however, The Game Room is open to anyone during regular operating hours.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 20% off Sports Simulator sessions when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
Should you decide you’d like to test your luck with the fish in the waters surrounding Port Washington, head to Atlantic Outfitters for proper gear, rentals, and other watersport accessories. Guests will be pleased to know that this full-service fishing shop can get you set up with kayak, rowboat, paddleboard, and fishing rod rentals and lessons in addition to finding gear that fits you like a glove.
Downtown Deals Exclusive Savings: 20% off kayak and SUP rentals when presenting your Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
