Hotel Rooms & Suites
Each room at Danfords Hotel, Marina & Spa is uniquely appointed, with its own elegant furnishings and amenities, creating a luxurious and private retreat.
Winter on the North Shore is far from sleepy. From seasonal festivals to outdoor adventures and easy day trips, a stay at Danfords Hotel & Marina puts you in the center of it all. Want a refreshing change of scenery without leaving Long Island? Here are seven specific reasons to plan a Port Jefferson staycation in the next few months.
1. Celebrate the Season at Port Jefferson’s Village Events
Port Jefferson keeps its calendar active in the first quarter. For example, the 2026 WinterTide Concert Series in Port Jefferson features free weekly performances on Friday evenings throughout February and March, hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council at the Village Center (101-A East Broadway). Concerts start at 7:00 PM and feature diverse musical styles, including folk-pop, jazz, and blues.
If you’re looking for a unique St. Patrick’s Day event, Jigs on the Sound is not to be missed. This rain-or-shine event takes place on the main deck of a regularly-scheduled ferry trip on the P.T. Barnum on March 19th. A high-energy John Fogerty tribute band will play tunes while guests dance the night away with featured cocktails and beer.
Staying overnight means you can fully enjoy evening festivities and stroll back to your room along the waterfront when the lights reflect off the harbor.
2. Take a Winter Wine Tour on the North Fork
Winter’s one of the best times to explore Long Island Wine Country. With fewer crowds and tasting rooms, you can spend a relaxed afternoon visiting North Fork wineries such as Pindar Vineyards, Raphael Winery, and Bedell Cellars.
Many wineries host seasonal events, including barrel tastings and live music weekends. After a day of sampling local vintages, return to Danfords for dinner at Black Pearl Seafood Chophouse and a harbor-view nightcap.
3. Experience Long Island’s Winter Festivals and Indoor Attractions
School breaks and long winter weekends are packed with options. Families can head to the Long Island Aquarium for indoor marine exhibits and interactive programs, or explore aviation history at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
Seasonal events across the island often include winter craft fairs, live theater performances, and themed family programming. Planning a staycation allows you to turn a day trip into a full weekend.
4. Get Outside at Local Parks and Coastal Trails
Hiking offers clear views and quiet trails. A short drive from Port Jefferson, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve features miles of scenic paths overlooking the Long Island Sound. Sunken Meadow State Park is another favorite for winter walks along the bluffs and shoreline.
Closer to the hotel, Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson provides a simple waterfront loop that feels especially peaceful in colder months. Fresh air during the day pairs well with a warm meal and a waterfront room in the evening.
5. Plan a Day Trip to Greenport
A winter stay in Port Jefferson also makes it easy to explore the East End. Greenport’s village shops and waterfront scenery feel relaxed this time of year, and spots like Greenport Village offer seasonal dining and boutique shopping without summer traffic.
You can even take inspiration from winter explorer itineraries that include beach walks, lighthouse visits, and local seafood stops before heading back to Port Jefferson for the night. There are also lots of walkable dining and shops near the hotel, too.
6. Enjoy Theater, Live Music, and Local Culture
Winter is the prime season for indoor entertainment. Catch a performance at Theatre Three, known for its plays, musicals, and children’s productions. Throughout Suffolk County, live music venues and community theaters host concerts and special events that make for an easy evening outing. There’s a great variety of things to do in Port Jefferson.
7. Turn a Break into a Waterfront Getaway
For families looking for early-in-the-year getaway ideas, Long Island offers everything from trampoline parks and indoor adventure centers to seasonal workshops and science programming. Pair daytime activities with a waterfront hotel stay to create a mini vacation without flights or long drives.
At Danfords Hotel & Marina, you’re steps from the marina and a short drive from some of the island’s best experiences. It’s an easy way to break up the season and make winter feel intentional rather than something to simply get through.
Make Winter on the North Shore Count
A staycation in Port Jefferson offers more than a change of scenery. It gives you access to festivals, wine country, theater, coastal trails, and family-friendly attractions, all within reach of the harbor. Book your winter stay at Danfords and experience a different side of Long Island this season.