Amityville, NY is a historic Long Island village known for its rich maritime heritage, charming 19th-century architecture, and enduring coastal character. Once a bustling baymen’s community and resort destination, after all, its streets still echo with stories of shipbuilders, merchants, and seaside families who shaped its legacy. Explore these layers of history on this self-guided Walking Tour of Amityville, where every stop reveals a glimpse into the village’s timeless spirit and folklore.
This post is all about
Walking Tour of Amityville
New York
The content on Toya’s Truths is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only.
📖Step Into the History of Amityville
I love to explore, and exploring towns like Amityville offers a chance to slow down and uncover the stories hidden behind quiet streets and historic facades. If you’re like me, this is for travelers seeking authenticity and depth. Places like Amityville invite curiosity, reflection, and a renewed appreciation for community history. Pick and choose stops as you like and enjoy at your own pace. Please enjoy this tour guide I created. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Notes:
~Wear comfortable shoes
~There are free two-hour street parking around the library. Just about enough time to visit Stops 1 – 7
~For Stop 8, I recommend driving, but you can walk there too (like I did)
📖Step Into the History of Amityville
“First settled in the 1600s, it was not until March 3rd, 1894, that Amityville became incorporated as a Village, becoming known as “The Friendly Bay Village.” Located on the South Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, Amityville is an hour away from New York City by train. The Village has retained its charm and rich history while also undergoing a revitalization of its downtown, which makes it appealing to visitors and residents alike.” -Amityville.com
📖Step Into the History of Amityville
STOP 1
19 John Street, Amityville, NY 11701
~A community hub since 1907. Early women-led literacy groups helped shape the town’s culture (and pushed for better schools).
~Why stop here: Look for the dedication plaques honoring local educators and veterans.
STOP 2
The “Triangle” Memorial Park / Triangle Building / Village Triangle
Corner of Broadway & Park Avenue (& Ireland Place)
~Central fork intersection
~Look up – the roof angle was designed so every shop could face foot traffic.
~Why stop here: This triangular plot is one of the symbolic centers of Amityville – aka “The Triangle” or “Memorial Triangle.”
~Historical note: The monument tower here commemorates citizens who served in the World Wars; originally erected in 1920 and re-erected/rededicated in 1984/1988.
~What to look for: The gazebo, the memorial tower, and the convergence of three roads (Broadway, Park Avenue, Ireland Place) help you appreciate the historic center of the village.
📖Step Into the History of Amityville
STOP 3
Former Hedges Tavern Site now Park Avenue Grill
178 Park Ave, Amityville, New York 11701
~Currently operates as a contemporary American-style restaurant with a patio for outdoor dining.
~Also, it is recognized as a beloved part of the local business scene, providing a welcoming atmosphere and a place for community members to gather.
STOP 4
Amityville Historical Society / Lauder Museum / Ireland House Museum
170 Broadway, Amityville, New York 11701
~The museum holds rare photographs showing the bay frozen solid in the 1930s – people skated from dock to dock!
~Why stop here: The museum preserves and presents the local history of Amityville, built originally as the Bank of Amityville in 1909.
~Historical note: The museum is operated by the Historical Society (founded 1969) and offers insight into how this village evolved, from indigenous land, to salt-hay farming, to summer resort, to the modern community.
~What to look for: The architecture of the building (early 20th century bank style), any exhibit signage, and consider popping inside if hours permit.
📖Step Into the History of Amityville
STOP 5
Village Hall / Downtown District
21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY 11701
~Former High School: Commemorates the community’s first high school. Its opening in 1895 led to district racial integration.
~Why stop here: This building houses the government for the village (incorporated 1894/5) and is a good place to orient yourself.
~Historical note: The village originally grew from farming and salt-hay harvesters in the 1650s, and later became a summer destination by the 1800s.
~What to look for: Facing Ireland Place, you’ll see Victorian/early 20th-century downtown buildings; you can imagine the transition from rural settlement to a built village.
STOP 6
201 Merrick Rd, Amityville, NY 11701, USA
~“Women on the Waterfront” Local women often handled oyster business finances and ran shore operations while men were at sea.
~Why stop here: Their impact is rarely told.
📖Step Into the History of Amityville
STOP 7
Amityville Horror House (street view only)
– 112 Ocean Ave, Amityville, New York 11701 (now 108 Ocean Ave)
~The infamous site from the 1970s “Amityville Horror” story
~Why stop here: This house is famously associated with the 1974 murders by Ronald DeFeo Jr. and the subsequent 1975 purchase by the George Lutz family, whose reported paranormal experiences inspired the book and film series The Amityville Horror.
Historical note: Although the local historical society does not emphasize this legend (preferring to focus on broader local history), it remains a point of widespread interest.
~What to look for: From the street, appreciate the architecture, note that the owners changed the windows and address to discourage visitors. Viewing only from the public sidewalk is respectful.
STOP 8
55 Harrison Ave, Amityville, New York 11701
~Early settlers; maritime tragedy headstones
~The cemetery’s sprawling grounds are home to weathered headstones dating back centuries, each one telling a unique story of lives lived.
📖Honorable Mentions
45 John St, Amityville, New York 11701
~The station stood at a perfect crossroads — close enough for day-trippers, far enough to feel like escape.
Amityville Beach & the Bayfront
(General area) Beach access near Merrick Road / Ocean Avenue along the Great South Bay, Amityville, NY
~A perfect backdrop to compare “Then vs. Now” – the shoreline was once lined with boat sheds.
~Why stop here: The village’s bayfront location on the Great South Bay was central to its early economy (farming salt hay for fodder) and later its resort/boating identity.
~Historical note: Settlers first arrived around 1653 for salt hay; the village was once a “bustling South Shore Seaport.”
~What to look for: The water view, docks, older homes or cottages near the bay, and imagine the transformation from hay fields and boats to a modern community.
📖Honorable Mentions
259 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701
~This park was developed to commemorate the lost lives of Village residents due to the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Walking Tour of Amityville
New York
Have you ever visited Amityville? What part are you looking most forward to?
Happy Lifestyle Living from a Wandering Sunflower 🌻🖤
This post is all about
Walking Tour of Amityville
New York
The content on Toya’s Truths is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only.
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Toya is a model, actress, and lawyer who enjoys sharing her life experiences. She shares her experiences on travel things, adventures, products/services and reviews everyday lifestyle moments. She inspires her readers to get out and live their lives to the fullest!
