What towns are on the water?

An aerial view of a quiet Long Island residential neighborhood showcases the tree-lined streets, well-kept homes, and suburban communities that define much of Nassau and Suffolk counties. From historic villages to modern hamlets, Long Island's towns offer a diverse mix of neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and family-friendly communities. File photo: Francesco Joesph, licensed. — An aerial view of a quiet Long Island residential neighborhood showcases the tree-lined streets, well-kept homes, and suburban communities that define much of Nassau and Suffolk counties. From historic villages to modern hamlets, Long Island’s towns offer a diverse mix of neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and family-friendly communities. File photo: Francesco Joesph, licensed.

Long Island is surrounded by water, making waterfront living one of the region’s defining characteristics. From the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound to bays, harbors, rivers, and canals, many towns and villages offer residents and visitors easy access to beaches, marinas, boating, fishing, and scenic waterfront parks.

In Short

Popular waterfront communities include Port Jefferson, Northport, Greenport, Sag Harbor, Montauk, Oyster Bay, Freeport, and Babylon. Each offers its own unique waterfront atmosphere, from working harbors and marinas to ocean beaches and bayside parks.

What Towns Are on the Water?

Waterfront communities can be found all across Long Island. Along the North Shore, many towns overlook the calm waters of Long Island Sound, offering picturesque harbors, waterfront restaurants, and boating facilities. The South Shore features communities bordering the Great South Bay, barrier islands, and the Atlantic Ocean, making them popular destinations for boating, fishing, and beach recreation.

On the East End, communities such as Greenport, Sag Harbor, Montauk, East Hampton, and Southampton provide access to bays, harbors, and the Atlantic coastline. These communities are known for their marinas, waterfront parks, beaches, seafood restaurants, and recreational boating.

Whether you’re looking for a harbor village, a canal-front neighborhood, a beach town, or a community overlooking the Sound, Long Island offers waterfront destinations that appeal to boaters, anglers, beachgoers, and anyone who enjoys coastal living.

Quick Facts

Looking For…	Recommended Communities
Harbor Villages	Port Jefferson, Northport, Sag Harbor, and Greenport.
Beach Communities	Montauk, East Hampton, and Southampton.
Boating & Marinas	Freeport, Oyster Bay, and Babylon.
Popular Waterways	Long Island Sound, Great South Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

From the quiet harbors of the North Shore to the beaches and bays of the South Shore and the coastal villages of the East End, Long Island offers an impressive variety of waterfront communities. Whether you’re planning a visit, searching for a place to live, or simply exploring the island, there’s a waterfront town to suit nearly every lifestyle.