Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
According to local legend, Richard Smythe won his land by riding a bull around it in a single day, and a bronze bull named Whisper still stands at the fork of Routes 25 and 25A to tell the tale. Smithtown is a large town on Long Island's North Shore, about 50 miles east of Manhattan, made up of hamlets such as Smithtown, Kings Park, St. James, Commack and Hauppauge.
The Nissequogue River winds through the town to Long Island Sound, and much of its valley is protected. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve and Blydenburgh County Park offer wooded trails, ponds and historic mill buildings, while Sweetbriar Nature Center cares for injured wildlife beside the river. In St. James, a general store has sold candy, crafts and dry goods since 1857.
The coast is close. Sunken Meadow State Park has a long boardwalk and a beach on the Sound, and Nissequogue River State Park in Kings Park offers kayaking and a marina. Downtown Smithtown's Main Street centers on a restored theater that stages musicals year-round, and the Long Island Rail Road links the town to New York City.
A large bronze bull statue at the fork of Routes 25 and 25A, honoring the legend that founder Richard Smythe claimed his land by riding a bull around it in one day. It is the town's best-known symbol and a popular photo stop. Traffic is heavy at the junction, so park nearby and walk over.
A 543-acre preserve along the Nissequogue River with wooded trails, ponds, a small nature museum in a historic house and fly fishing by permit. It is a quiet, protected place, so dogs and bikes are not allowed and visitors stick to the trails. Spring migration brings good birding, and fall colors are lovely.
A large county park around Stump Pond with a six-mile trail circling the water, rowboat rentals and fishing. A historic district at the north end preserves a grist mill, the miller's house and the Weld farmhouse. Allow two to three hours for the full loop, and expect roots and hills on parts of the trail.
A state park in Kings Park on the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital at the mouth of the Nissequogue River. It has a marina, kayak launches, trails and views over the river and Long Island Sound. Paddle the river with the tide for an easy trip, and ask about the park's rentals and guided paddles.
A popular state park on Long Island Sound with a three-quarter-mile boardwalk, a calm swimming beach, golf courses and trails along the bluffs and salt marsh. It is also the start of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. Summer weekends fill up quickly, so arrive in the morning and expect a vehicle fee in season.
A restored historic theater on Main Street in downtown Smithtown, staging Broadway musicals, plays and children's shows throughout the year. The intimate auditorium gives every seat a good view. Book ahead for popular productions, and arrive early for dinner at one of the nearby Main Street restaurants.
An old-fashioned general store in St. James, operating since 1857 and now owned by Suffolk County. Shelves are stocked with penny candy, handmade crafts, toys, jams and old-time goods, and the creaky wooden floors add to the charm. It is especially festive in December; parking is limited on the small lot.
A nonprofit nature center on the Nissequogue River that rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife. Visitors can meet resident animals that cannot be released, walk short trails and visit a seasonal butterfly house. Programs for children run year-round, and donations help support the center's animal care.
No reviews yet. Been to Smithtown? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Smithtown? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: M173627, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Stridersword, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Traitor, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AJW1188, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AJW1188, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AJW1188, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AJW1188, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: dans362, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: John Feinberg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AJW1188, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
