East Marion: Coast, Nature and Local History

East Marion combines local history with coastal and nature-related attractions that take on a different focus with each season. The town lies between Long Island Sound to the north and Orient Harbor to the south. Main Road, the history of a lifesaving station, Truman’s Beach and the Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond offer different points of interest for a trip; in summer, Lavender by the Bay is another option. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, you can start by considering whether history, the coast or seasonal nature will shape your stay.

Local History and Maritime Heritage

Main Road in East Marion is designated as both a National Historic District and a State Historic District. A lifesaving station also played a role in the town for a long time: East Marion was home to one for more than 50 years. After the Life-Saving Service became part of the United States Coast Guard, the station remained open until World War II. This timeline links the local history of lifesaving with a change in the responsible institution.

Another place of remembrance is the East Marion Government Post Office. The East Marion Government Post Office was dedicated on May 30, 1949, and also served as a memorial to World War II. The designated Main Road, the lifesaving station and the post office represent different aspects of local history: historic designation, maritime rescue and commemoration.

Pebble Beach, Picnic Area and Wetland

Truman’s Beach in East Marion has nearly 1,100 feet of pebble beach. Alongside the beach, the Orient-East Marion Park District provides a picnic area. The wetland at Truman’s Beach provides habitat and nesting grounds for Piping Plovers, Least and Common Terns, Ospreys, Clapper Rails, herons, Teal and Black Ducks. The beach, picnic area and wetland each highlight a different aspect of the local coastal landscape.

East Marion’s parkland also includes the Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond. On the East End, it is an important wintering area for waterfowl such as Buffleheads, Horned Grebes and Red-breasted Mergansers. The seasonal presence of the birds varies; the preserve therefore adds a winter nature theme to trip planning.

Summer Blooms and Getting There

Lavender by the Bay offers a different seasonal scene. The original East Marion property covers 17 acres, where more than 80,000 plants bloom every summer. The farm’s summer blooms and the waterfowl wintering at the Ruth Oliva Preserve represent different seasonal highlights.

The farm estimates that cycling from Greenport train station to Lavender by the Bay takes about 20 minutes. Hampton Jitney also serves East Marion. Check current routes and schedules before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Calverton, Farmingville, Hampton Bays, Shirley, Water Mill, Greenport, Brentwood, Shelter Island

For the main travel overview: Suffolk.