Walt Whitman Shops
Walt Whitman Shops is a major shopping center in Huntington Station, in the Town of Huntington. The enclosed shopping destination features department stores, fashion retailers, specialty shops, restaurants and cafés, making it one of the best-known retail centers in western Suffolk County.
Originally opened in 1962 as the Walt Whitman Shopping Center, the property was New York’s first fully enclosed shopping mall. It is named for poet Walt Whitman, whose birthplace and childhood home are located nearby in Huntington.
A Major Shopping Destination
Walt Whitman Shops combines traditional department stores with clothing, accessories, beauty, technology, home furnishings and specialty retailers. The center’s tenant lineup includes nationally recognized brands, while the exact store directory changes as leases, renovations and new openings occur.
The shopping center is generally considered one of Long Island’s more upscale malls. Its stores appeal to shoppers looking for designer fashion, luxury goods, cosmetics, jewelry, athletic apparel, home products and everyday retail services.
Department Stores and Major Retailers
Walt Whitman Shops has traditionally been anchored by major department stores, including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. The property has also included Saks Fifth Avenue, although the future of that location may change as Saks Global restructures its store portfolio.
Other retailers at the shopping center have included Apple, Coach, Lululemon, Sephora, Williams Sonoma, Urban Outfitters, Brooks Brothers, Neiman Marcus Last Call and other national and specialty brands. Visitors should consult the current Walt Whitman Shops store directory before planning a trip around a particular retailer.
Restaurants and Dining
The shopping center includes several full-service restaurants, cafés and casual dining options. Current or recent choices have included The Cheesecake Factory, Fogo de Chão, P.F. Chang’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Panera Bread, Starbucks and sweetgreen.
Some restaurants are located along the exterior of the shopping center, allowing guests to dine without walking through the interior mall. Restaurant hours, menus and availability may differ from the center’s regular shopping hours.
History and Connection to Walt Whitman
The shopping center opened in 1962 during a period of rapid suburban growth on Long Island. Its early anchor stores included Abraham & Straus and Macy’s, and the original center contained approximately 75 stores in a fully enclosed setting.
After several ownership changes and expansions, the property underwent a major renovation in the late 1990s and another substantial redevelopment completed in 2013. The later renovation added new retail space, updated the interior and exterior design, and introduced a prominent statue of Walt Whitman near the main entrance.
The mall’s name reflects its location near Walt Whitman’s Birthplace, the historic Huntington property where the poet was born in 1819. Shoppers interested in the literary history of the area can combine a visit to the mall with a trip to the nearby historic site.
Location and Transportation
Walt Whitman Shops is located on Walt Whitman Road near Jericho Turnpike and New York State Route 110. Its location provides convenient access from Huntington, Melville, South Huntington, Commack, Dix Hills, Cold Spring Harbor and other communities in western Suffolk County.
The shopping center is served by local bus routes, including Suffolk County Transit and Huntington Area Rapid Transit. Free parking is available in the surrounding surface lots and parking areas, although traffic and parking conditions can become busier during weekends, holidays and seasonal shopping periods.
What to Know Before Visiting
Walt Whitman Shops is a private shopping center rather than a museum or historic site, and individual stores maintain their own hours, return policies and services. The center’s hours may also change during holidays, severe weather, special events and major seasonal sales.
Visitors should check the official website for the current store directory, center hours, restaurant listings, parking information, accessibility services and special events before visiting.
Walt Whitman Shops
Key Facts & Details
| Official name | Walt Whitman Shops |
| Former name | Walt Whitman Mall and Walt Whitman Shopping Center |
| Type | Enclosed shopping mall and dining destination |
| Address | 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746 |
| Community | Huntington Station |
| Municipality | Town of Huntington |
| County | Suffolk County |
| Opened | 1962 |
| Owner and operator | Simon Property Group |
| Primary attractions | Department stores, fashion retailers, specialty shops, restaurants and cafés |
| Notable nearby site | Walt Whitman’s Birthplace |
| Dining options | The Cheesecake Factory, Fogo de Chão, P.F. Chang’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Rocco’s Tacos, Panera Bread, Starbucks and other restaurants |
| Parking | Free parking in surrounding shopping-center parking areas |
| Public transportation | Suffolk County Transit and Huntington Area Rapid Transit |
| Center hours | Hours vary by day, holiday and individual retailer; visitors should confirm current hours before traveling |
| Management office | 631-271-1746 |
| Related guide | Long Island Shopping Malls and Major Shopping Centers |
| Official website | simon.com/mall/walt-whitman-shops |
Walt Whitman Shops remains one of Long Island’s most prominent shopping destinations, combining department stores, specialty retailers, restaurants and a long history as a major suburban shopping center. Its location near Walt Whitman’s Birthplace also gives the property a distinctive connection to the history and identity of Huntington.
Visitors should check the official Walt Whitman Shops website for current stores, restaurant hours, special events, parking information and holiday schedules before making plans to visit.
