Town of Southold

The Town of Southold is situated on the northeastern area of Long Island. Located on the north fork of the island, Southold is one of the first towns to be settled on Long Island. It encompasses one incorporated village and nine distinctive hamlets. According to 2017 statistics, the Town of Southold has a population of approximately 22,280 people. Southold is considered a beautiful place to live and a cherished destination. This township on Long Island has a rich agricultural presence boasting numerous farms, vineyards, apple and peach orchards. It also has several pristine beaches, parks, recreational areas and historic sites. Many of the hamlets feature quaint main streets with boutique and artisan shops and restaurants for casual and fine dining.

Southold History

The original Town of Southold was settled by English colonists in 1640. The land was purchased from New York Indian Tribes related to the Pequot tribe, who lived in an area that they called Corchaug (which is now known as Cutchogue). The land was cleared and used for farming and farm houses were built for families that had settled in the area. Many of the early settlers were also clergy men and several churches were built for the settlers to have a place to worship. Several of these homes and churches still stand today and are now town historical sites. Over time, population increase led to a demand for more land and the town was expanded. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the Long Island Rail Road extended its railroad line on the north shore of Long Island, east to Greenport.

This allowed people to travel to the destination by train and the Town of Southold quickly became popular for summer vacationers. With beaches on both sides of the fork, it was a prime summer destination and it also attracted many artists as well.

The Southold Historical Society

The Southold Historical Society was established in 1960. The organization is dedicated to preserving, cultivating and presenting the history of Southold. The society cares for and maintains several historic buildings and locations which exhibit some of the vast collections of historical items.

Hamlets and Villages

The Town of Southold is made up of one incorporated village and nine hamlets.

Incorporated Village

Greenport

Hamlets

• Cutchogue
• East Marion
• Fishers Island
• Laurel
• Mattituck
• New Suffolk
• Orient
• Peconic
• Southold

Beaches

Surrounded on both sides by the waters of the Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay, the Town of Southold has several picturesque beaches that are popular with both residents and tourists alike. Most town beaches require a town permit or parking sticker.

Gull Pond Beach, GreenportLocated in Greenport, Gull Pond Beach overlooks the Peconic Bay and has stunning views of Shelter Island. It has a playground and lifeguards and beach attendants on duty in the summer.

Goose Creek Beach, Southold Located on North Bayview Road in Southold, Goose Creek Beach overlooks Southold Bay and has lifeguards on duty, a playground and restrooms facilities.

Kenney's Beach Located in Southold, Kenney’s Beach overlooks the Long Island Sound and has lifeguards on duty and restroom facilities.

Town Beach Town Beach is located on the North Road (Route 48) in Southold. This beach overlooks the Long Island Sound and the facilities include restrooms, a playground and a picnic area.

McCabe's Beach McCabe's Beach is located on North Sea Drive in Southold. The beach is on the Long Island Sound and has lifeguards and restrooms.

New Suffolk Beach This beach is located on Jackson Street in New Suffolk and it has lifeguards and beach attendants available on the weekends.

Nassau Point Beach The Nassau Point Community Beach offers beach front access to the Peconic Bay. It has a beach with a playground, barbecue grills, picnic tables, park benches, handicap ramp, a basketball and bathroom facilities. Lifeguards are on duty over the summer months.

Pequash Avenue Beach Pequash Avenue Beach has a beach, playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills, basketball courts, bathroom facilities and lifeguards on duty.

Parks and Nature Preserves

Displaying the natural beauty of the east end of Long Island, Southold is also home to many parks and nature preserves that offer tranquil settings, scenic woodlands and rustic hiking trails. Some favorite spots are listed below.

• Arshamomaque Pond
• Breakwater Park
• Bailie's Beach Park
• Dam Pond
• The Downs Farm Preserve
• Emerson Park
• Mill Road Preserve
• Marratooka South Preserve
• Paul Stoutenburgh Preserve
• Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond
• Sound View Dunes Park
• Triangle Park
• Wolf Pit Lake

Museums and Historic Locations

Southold has a rich history and many historic sites are open to the public.

East End Seaport Museum

The East End Seaport Museum is located on the historic Greenport waterfront in Greenport. The museum offers displays and programs that explore the rich maritime heritage of the east end of Long Island.

Horton's Point Lighthouse Park

Located at the end of Lighthouse Road, this site was selected by George Washington in 1797 for construction of a lighthouse to guide ships that were sailing from Boston to New York. It is open to the public Memorial Day through Columbus Day and visitors can climb to the top of the light house.

Southold Historical Buildings

There are dozens of historic buildings in in Southold. Most are located on Main Street and the corner of Maple Lane, and are operated by the Southold Historical Society. The buildings were built in between 1750 and 1900 and include houses, barns and commercial structures. The historical society opens many of these buildings for public viewing at various times throughout the year.

Notable Locations

North Fork Wineries and Breweries

The Town of Southold is a major part of the North Fork Winery Trail. Southold Township is home to over 20 wineries, breweries and tasting rooms offering some of Long Island’s finest wines, beers and hard ciders. The wineries dot the path along Route 48 (Sound Avenue) and Route 25 or Main Road. Most venues are open for wine and beer tastings and even serve food. On the weekends these scenic venues often host many exciting and fun events that feature live music, shows and displays of local art work and crafts.

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