Attractions and Places To See around Stony Brook University - Top 11

You can explore several natural areas, including the 26-acre Ashley Schiff Memorial Park Preserve on campus, known for its local flora and fauna. Nearby, Glacier Ridge Preserve offers 240 acres with over 12 miles of biking trails, and Arthur Kunz County Park provides 93 acres of forested property with tidal creeks and rolling hills, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. Additionally, Avalon Park, located nearby, features a re-creation of natural environments with five distinct habitats and hiking trails.

Yes, the area is rich in history. On campus, you can find the 9/11 Memorial Arch and various Ice Age boulders. Just minutes away, the Old Field Point Light, first built in 1823, stands as a significant man-made monument. The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages, located close to the university, showcases rotating art and history exhibitions, including a world-class collection of American horse-drawn transportation.

Stony Brook University offers several cultural sites. The Staller Center for the Arts hosts the annual Stony Brook Film Festival and various performances. The Charles B. Wang Center is dedicated to understanding Asian and American cultures, featuring unique East Asian architecture, outdoor gardens, and galleries. You can also visit the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences on campus, which showcases Long Island's natural history, and the Stony Brook Crafts Center for arts and crafts classes.

The region offers diverse options for outdoor enthusiasts. The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a 3-mile paved path connecting forests, farmland, and business districts, suitable for cycling and walking. For hiking, Arthur Kunz County Park offers a scenic link in the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking around the university.

Many attractions are suitable for families. The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail and Glacier Ridge Preserve offer accessible outdoor spaces for walking and biking. The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages provides engaging exhibits for all ages. On campus, the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences is free and showcases local natural history, which can be educational for children.

The campus itself features several unique landmarks. You can find the SBU Landmark Letters, the Wolfie Statue (the university's mascot), and the Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path, a six-mile paved path encircling the campus. The Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library and the recently renovated Stony Brook Union are central hubs. Don't miss the eye-catching Zebra Path, a public art installation connecting parts of the campus.

For coastal views and water activities, visit Old Field Point Light, which sits on the northern tip of Old Field. Mount Sinai Harbor is a beautiful marine sanctuary and nature preserve popular for clamming and fishing. The Stony Brook Village Center is also situated by the water, offering dining and shopping with scenic views.

The historic Stony Brook Village Center offers dining, shopping, and local historical information by the water. A short distance away, Port Jefferson Village is a vibrant seaport town with numerous restaurants, shops, and seasonal events. From Port Jefferson, you can also take the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry to Connecticut.

Yes, the Ashley Schiff Memorial Park Preserve on campus is an educational resource for studying local flora and fauna, including garter snakes, opossums, rabbits, and chipmunks. Arthur Kunz County Park, with its tidal creeks and lush forest, also provides important habitat for various wildlife.

The Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path is a six-mile paved path that encircles the Stony Brook University campus. It offers excellent opportunities for biking, running, and rollerblading, honoring a former Stony Brook student and avid cyclist. It's a great way to explore the campus's green spaces and landmarks.

Yes, the Stony Brook Union on campus is a central hub for student life and likely offers dining options. Additionally, the Stony Brook Village Center and Port Jefferson Village, both a short distance from campus, provide numerous restaurants and shops. The surrounding area also features local wineries and breweries for those looking for adult beverages.