Bay Shore has a colorful history, hosting the British armed forces during the Revolutionary War and President George Washington when he toured Long Island in 1790. It's also had several different names, notably Penataquit, Sodom, and Mechanicsville, before it was finally christened Bay Shore in 1868.
Bay Shore developed a reputation as a tourist hotspot in the late 19th century. The Long Island Railroad made it easy for affluent New Yorkers to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy its white, sandy beaches, shopping districts, and relaxed pace.
Today, Bay Shore is home to more than 26,000 residents. Tourism continues to play an important role in the hamlet's economy; locals welcome visitors with open arms. Discover their hospitality on your next getaway.
When are the best times to visit Bay Shore, NY?
Bay Shore shines in the spring months of April and May and the fall months of September and October. Visiting during these months will help you enjoy the favorable weather while escaping the holiday crowds, and the high accommodation prices they bring with them. Daytime temperatures during these months typically sit in the mid-60s to low 70s, perfect for sightseeing around the local area.
Summer is Bay Shore's peak tourist season, especially among beach lovers. Average daily temperatures in the mid-80s are ideal for swimming. The local area also comes alive with summer festivals and live music at local wineries. High humidity levels can make time at these events uncomfortable, but the water of local beaches and your hotel pool is never too far away when you need to cool down.
Only the bravest travelers would consider visiting Bay Shore during winter. While accommodation prices drop significantly after the New Year, temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 degrees typically keep tourists away.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bay Shore, NY:
Bay Shore, NY: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Bay Shore, NY. Browse these illustrations to calculate the least expensive dates to book in Bay Shore throughout the year.
Where are the luxury hotels near Bay Shore, NY?
4 Star Average Prices: $137.67
The Bay Shore area also has several hotels that really treat guests. You'll appreciate the luxurious rooms and facilities at the following hotels, just outside Bay Shore.
Residence Inn Plainview Long Island is made for extended stays, with a full kitchen in all rooms. All rooms are sophisticated, but the two-bedroom presidential and penthouse suites are the most luxurious. Don't expect to spend too much time in your room, though. There's so much to do here, with a fitness center, basketball court, indoor and outdoor pools, putting green, games room, and VIP lounge and card room all on site. With a free breakfast buffet daily and complimentary dinner buffet served Monday to Thursday, you'll never feel hungry. For a more high-end dining experience, try Baldino's Restaurant.
Danfords Hotel & Marina is an elegant boutique hotel in nearby Port Jefferson. The rooms are charming with nautical décor and quality amenities including flat screen TVs with premium channels, Keurig coffee makers, and spa-inspired glass-enclosed showers. The Fireplace Suite, with its private balcony for admiring views of the Long Island Sound, is arguably the most opulent. It's easy to unwind in the Butterfly Spa and Salon or enjoy a meal at Wave Seafood and Steak, one of the most popular restaurants in the local area.
What affordable hotel options are around Bay Shore, NY?
3 Star Average Prices: $162.68
Two-star hotels in the Bay Shore area have some of the region's lowest hotel rates. When you're sticking to a budget, try these affordable hotels.
Bay Shore Inn is a charming boutique hotel perfectly located for shopaholics, less than three miles from Tanger Outlets Deer Park and Westfield South Shore. The inn's low rates will also keep more in your pocket for those impulse buys. Its rooms, including spacious family rooms, have a retro appeal. While they're not flashy, they have private bathrooms with showers or tubs, TV sets, and free Wi-Fi. The Bay Shore Inn front desk never closes, so you can always receive assistance when you need it. Call the inn to reserve your free parking space on arrival.
Rodeway Inn MacArthur Airport is a few miles out of Bay Shore, but its facilities make it worth the drive. While Bay Shore Inn has little more than rooms and a parking lot, Rodeway Inn MacArthur Airport has an exercise room, business center, and dining room where you'll enjoy free breakfast each morning. The bagels, cereals, and pastries will fill you up until lunchtime. Its guestrooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with microwave ovens, fridges, and TVs showing premium cable channels.
2 Star Average Prices: $97.25
What are the best hotels in the Bay Shore, NY for group discounts?
Selected travelers enjoy significant savings at the following local hotels. Present your identification at the check in counter to lock in your discount.
Travelodge by Wyndham Bay Shore Long Island discounts its regular room rates for AAA members, large traveling groups, government employees, seniors and AARP members, and current and former military personnel. That makes this already affordable Bay Shore hotel an even better value. Enjoy a great rate on a regular room or take the opportunity to upgrade to a suite! These spacious rooms feature separate sleeping and living areas, a sofa bed, and a private hot tub. Travelodge by Wyndham doesn't charge extra for the services you really need like Wi-Fi, parking, and daily breakfasts.
Residence Inn Long Island Islip/Courthouse Complex treats AAA and CAA auto club members, government and military personnel, and seniors aged 62 and older to preferential rates. Its chic rooms are well appointed, but it's the more unusual touches that will really win you over. While you can work out onsite in the fitness room or indoor pool, Residence Inn also has running maps so you can exercise outdoors. The American classics served on the free buffet breakfast start your day right, but the free drinks and snacks served at the social mixers ensure Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays end well too.
What hotels in Bay Shore, NY have the best value?
The following hotels in the Bay Shore are always offering a great value. They are not overly expensive, and their great facilities and complimentary services ensure your dollars go further.
Holiday Inn Express Hauppauge-Long Island's newly renovated guest rooms make this always popular hotel an ever better value. They've got all the features you need to unwind, like flat screen TVs showing premium cable channels, radios, and DVDs for hire. When you're ready for bed you'll appreciate the black-out shades and pillow menu. Start your day right with the free hot buffet breakfast. With New York bagels, sausages or bacon, cinnamon buns, and plenty of fresh fruit, it'll give you the energy you need for sightseeing or swimming laps in the indoor pool.
Hampton Inn Long Island/Islandia makes getting around easy, with a free shuttle to MacArthur/Islip Airport, Central Islip LIRR station, and nearby restaurants and stores. Of course, if you want to stay in, there's plenty to do here too. Enjoy the indoor heated saltwater pool all year round or increase your workout's intensity in the onsite gym. Hampton Inn Long Island/Islandia has 120 elegant guestrooms, including spacious accessible rooms. After a good night's sleep, linger over the breakfast buffet or grab an On the Run bag as you're racing out the door. Both breakfast options are included in your room rate.
What are the best seafood restaurants in Bay Shore, New York?
Bay Shore has a strong commercial fishing industry, so you know you can trust local seafood restaurants for the freshest fish and other underwater delicacies. The region's waterways are famous for cod, pollock, and herring. Visit the following restaurants for some of the best seafood in Bay Shore.
Salt & Barrel has a hip, youthful vibe visitors love, with a casual speakeasy bar and sophisticated dining room. It's famous for oysters, but its seafood-inspired menu offers plenty of other choices if these local delicacies aren't for you. Wash them down with one of the eatery's legendary craft cocktails. The Oyster Happy Hour, held between 4 and 7 p.m. every Monday to Thursday, is a great value.
FatFish takes its inspiration from the coastal towns of the Mediterranean. Dishes like clams oreganata, seared scallop meuniere, and shrimp and scallop fettuccine make the most of local catches. Or try several dishes, tapas style, with the group of friends. Water views and live music during the evenings enhance the Fat Fish Restaurant's laidback atmosphere.
Captain Bill's offers a more upscale dining experience, perfect for romantic nights out and celebration dinners. Its picturesque waterfront location and elegant décor is matched with a sophisticated, seafood-driven menu. Enjoy shrimp, oysters, and clams from the raw bar and superior hot entrees like Long Island flounder stuffed with crabmeat, horseradish-crusted grouper, and the broiled seafood platter. Sunday brunch, with unlimited Bloody Marys, mimosas, and champagne, is the perfect weekend pick-me-up.
One of Long Island's most picturesque communities, Bay Shore is the perfect place to unwind. Explore its historic streets and meet the friendly locals on your next vacation.
FAQs about hotels in Bay Shore
How much does a cheap hotel in Bay Shore cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Bay Shore can be as cheap as $97.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Bay Shore cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Bay Shore has been $162.68 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Bay Shore cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Bay Shore has been $137.67 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)