Memorial Day weekend is the time to kick off summer on Long Island — and if you’re a boater, there’s no better way to do it than tying up at a marina and enjoying food, drinks, and good vibes right on the water.
Strong’s Water Club & Marina – Mattituck, North Fork
Your premier destination for luxurious boating on the North Fork. Strong’s Water Club offers a resort-style marina featuring poolside refreshments, a junior Olympic-sized pool, an on-site restaurant, and picnic areas equipped with grills.
🍽 Dine at: Windamere – coastal cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music on the lawn
🚤 Why Go: Perfect destination for a long weekend with family or friends; transient slips available
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Atlantique by Strong’s & Grover’s – Fire Island
A Fire Island classic, Atlantique is beloved for its casual, barefoot beach-town energy. With over 150 slips, the marina is the ultimate stop for transient boaters looking to enjoy salt air and sunshine.
🍽 Nearby Eats: "The Shack" or make the short walk to Ocean Beach for a range of bars and restaurants
🚤 Why Go: Memorial Day weekend events, iconic beach access, and friendly boat-to-boat community vibes
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The Old Mill Inn – Mattituck Creek, North Fork
A historical treasure has recently reopened in Mattituck. Navigate through Mattituck Inlet or drive towards Strong's Yacht Center to discover the Old Mill Inn, offering a stunning waterfront view. Originally an 1800s grist mill, it has been transformed into a waterfront dining establishment.
🍽 Dine at: The Old Mill Inn – raw bar, craft cocktails, and adults-only atmosphere
🚤 Why Go: Peaceful vibe, beautiful sunsets, and one of the best-kept secrets on the North Fork
Claudio’s – Greenport, North Fork
Claudio's is one of Long Island's most historic and renowned dock-and-dine locations. The complex features several waterfront restaurants, each offering its own distinctive charm. This summer, new additions like Charlie Boy's at Claudio's and Common Country East have further enhanced the grounds, promising even more excitement.
🍽 Dine at: Claudio’s Waterfront, Charlie Boy at Claudio's, Common Country East
🚤 Why Go: High-energy live music, Seafood, Italian Food, Country bar and a party atmosphere all weekend long
📍 claudios.com, Charlie Boy at Claudio's, Common Country East
Salt Waterfront Bar & Grill – Shelter Island
Accessed by boat from Greenport or Sag Harbor, Salt is a go-to for fresh seafood and craft cocktails, located at the Island Boatyard marina.
🍽 Dine at: Salt – fresh, elevated local dishes with a chill, upscale vibe
🚤 Why Go: Quiet anchorage, Shelter Island charm, and dinner with a view of the harbor
Windamere – Mattituck, North Fork
(Also featured in Strong’s Water Club above — but it’s worth its own spotlight.)
🍽 Why You’ll Love It:
Live music, signature cocktails, outdoor dining, and the friendliest boat-loving crowd on the North Fork. Whether you’re stopping in for a sunset drink or staying the weekend at Strong’s, Windamere is the social heartbeat of Mattituck summer weekends.
Danfords Hotel & Marina – Port Jefferson, North Shore
A boutique hotel and full-service marina in the heart of Port Jeff, this is a great spot for a more polished, walkable harbor town experience.
🍽 Dine at: Wave Seafood & Steak at Danfords, or stroll into town for dozens of options
🚤 Why Go: Great for couples or families, with access to shopping and nightlife
The Snapper Inn – Oakdale, South Shore
Located on the Connetquot River, this South Shore institution has been serving boaters and seafood lovers since 1929.
🍽 Dine at: The Snapper Inn – classic seafood with river views and lawn seating
🚤 Why Go: Tie up, unwind, and soak in a timeless Long Island summer tradition
Cowfish – Hampton Bays, South Shore
A lively dock-and-dine restaurant right on the Shinnecock Canal, Cowfish is perfect for those boating from the Peconic or the ocean side.
🍽 Dine at: Cowfish – great brunch, fresh seafood, and fun tiki-inspired cocktails
🚤 Why Go: Dock space available, and perfect location for jumping into the Hamptons scene
View Restaurant – Oakdale, South Shore
Modern, elegant, and right on the Great South Bay, View is a Lessing’s restaurant that balances coastal cuisine with stylish decor.
🍽 Dine at: View – upscale seafood menu and beautiful dining spaces overlooking the bay
🚤 Why Go: Easily accessible by boat and a great option for date night or a group dinner
Tips for Memorial Day Boating on Long Island
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Reserve early. Transient slips book up fast, especially at Fire Island, Long Island Sound, The Hamptons and Greenport.
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Check marina policies. Some destinations have noise rules, generator restrictions, or quiet hours.
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Fuel up ahead. Don’t rely on fuel docks being open late on holiday weekends.
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Stay safe. Expect increased patrols and be sure your safety gear is up to date.
Whether you're cruising Fire Island, savoring oysters in Mattituck, or dancing at Claudio’s, Long Island’s boating and restaurant scene truly shines over Memorial Day weekend. From dockside cocktails to quiet coves, the water is calling — and summer is officially here.
⛵ Cheers to a safe, sunny, and flavor-packed kickoff to the season!
