"Port Jefferson" Port Jefferson by BeverlyTyler

Port Jefferson, today, is an attractive tourist location and an incorporated village undergoing both revitalization and historic preservation - two activities that are often in conflict, providing contrasting priorities. Port Jefferson, became a bustling seaport and shipbuilding area in the 19th century, which led to the building of many attractive Victorian homes.

In 1874, Richard M. Bayles described Port Jefferson as: "Nestling cosily in the bottom of a deep valley, Port Jefferson appears to the vision of a traveler as a little world of busy life all hid away by itself among the rugged hills that surround it. Since the commencement of the present century it has grown from a little hamlet of less than half a dozen houses to a village of about two thousand inhabitants, and is to-day one of the most important centres of trade in Suffolk County. . . It lies at the head of a beautiful harbor, two miles east of Setauket, and at the present eastern terminus of the Smithtown and Port Jefferson Railroad (now the Long Island Railroad). The Indian name of the locality was Souwassett, which was at an early period set aside for the characteristic title of Drowned Meadow. The natural condition of the site was unfavorable for building upon, being composed minly of salt marshes overflowed by the tide, and steep hill-sides."

The Port Jefferson Bridgeport Ferry provides a direct connection with New England while contributing to the economic vitality of the main harbor on the north shore of Long Island.

East side of Port Jefferson Harbor, looking north

Port Jefferson is a wonderful destination for both sail and power boats. These is sufficient dock space for transients and a harbor with many locations to drop anchor for the day.

The sandpit on the east side of the north end of the harbor is a fairly good size sheltered location. On the west side of the harbor is a sheltered area that includes the entrance to Setauket Harbor and the narrows leading to Conscience Bay.

Port Jeff Ferry & excursion boat Martha Jefferson

In addition to the Port Jefferson Bridgeport Ferry there are, during the spring, summer and fall seasons, charter fishing and recreational boats that will take you into Long Island Sound for a day's outing. These are supplemented by a number of sailing vessels that make frequent visits to the harbor during festivals and other village events.

• Pros:A walkable village with a variety of restaurants, unique shops, historic homes and museums
• Cons:Parking can be a problem especially in the summer and during festivals
• In a nutshell:Small enough to be friendly and large enough to satisfy many different life styles