Exploring Clayton, New York: The Ultimate Guide
Hey, Thrill Seekers and Leisure Lovers!
Pack your bags and set your compasses to Clayton, New York, just a stone’s throw from Swan Bay Resort—where the adventures are as rich as the history and the views are as spicy as the local cuisine.
First Stop: The Heartbeat of History and Culture
Kick off your visit with a cultural plunge at the Antique Boat Museum, where you'll marvel at old-fashioned boats that tell tales of bygone days. But don't stop there; the Thousand Islands Cruet and River Rat Cheese offer a taste of the region that's as authentic as it gets. Want more? Dive into local history at the Thousand Islands Museum or get your art fix at the Thousand Islands Art Center.
Action-Packed Attractions
Get your adrenaline fix with a Clayton Island Tour on a glass-bottom boat—peek into the watery depths and maybe spot some river mysteries! Feeling the heat? Afterwards, you can cool down with a choice of ourpontoon boats, fishing boats, or paddle away on stand-up boards courtesy of Swan Bay Resort. And hey, for a dash of grandeur, cruise through Millionaire’s Row and live the life of the early 1900s elite, if only for a day.
Live a Little!
Experience the vibrancy of Clayton after dusk—catch a live show at the Clayton Opera House or unwind at the Why Knot Tiki Bar at Swan Bay Resort, with live music to keep your spirits high every weekend.
Shop, Drop, and Roll
Don’t just pass by; stop at The Rift Boutique right here at Swan Bay for some RV camping supplies or snag some unique jewelry at The Golden Cleat. Each store in Clayton offers something special—from river-themed home décor at The Mason Jar to whimsical garden art at River Magic.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Whether it’s breakfast at The Lyric Coffee House or dinner at The Channelside, Clayton’s eateries serve up dishes with views as compelling as their menus. Fancy a craft beer? Wood Boat Brewery’s got you covered. Or maybe end your day with a sweet treat from Clay’s Fudge Factory.
Stay a While
This isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s a community teeming with life and events all year round. From the Punkin’ Chunkin’ to the Christmas Parade, there’s always something happening.
Swan Bay Resort isn’t just a place to stay—it’s your gateway to experiencing the best of the Thousand Islands. Clayton, NY, is calling. Are you ready to answer?
The Detailed List
- Visit the Popular Antique Boat Museum to view old fashioned boats
- Get a taste of the region when you visit 1000 Islands River Rat Cheese or The 1000 Islands Cruet
- Learn some history when you visit the Thousand Islands Museum or the Thousand Islands Art Center
- View a live show at the Clayton Opera House
- Enjoy the sunset or a live performance right on the river at Frink Park
- Enjoy Mini Golf or the Driving Range at River Golf Adventures
- Enjoy something different when you ride horses at Maple Ridge Staples in Lafargeville, NY
- Relax at River Yoga by taking a Yoga class or enjoying their relaxing store front
- Visit the Weekly Farmer’s Market every Thursday from June-Sept. on Mary St.
- Attend Coyote Moon Vineyard’s Sunday Flea Market each week from June-Sept.
Things To Do On The River
- Take a Clayton Island Tour on a Glass Bottom Boat through the islands, you never know what you’ll find lurking beneath the water!
- Rent a Pontoon Boat, Fishing Boat, Paddle Boat, SUP, Kayak, Lily Pad or Bike to enjoy on a hot summer day from Swan Bay Resort
- Cruise through Millionaire’s Row an array of Islands and Islands homes which was once the playground of the rich and famous at the turn of the 20th Century.
- View Cargo Ships passing through the Main Channel coming from all over the world! You can find out their locations and schedules, here. For Daily cargo ship schedules come visit the Main Office and then head on down to our Marina to watch the ships go by.
- Self-tour or take a guided tour to Rock Island Lighthouse and learn about its history!
- Hop aboard a Fishing Charter with the fam!
- Do something extra adventurous with Scuba Diving in the St. Lawrence River
Shopping Downtown
The Rift Boutique at Swan Bay Resort
RV Camping & Marine Supplies, River Souvenirs, Apparel, Pet Supplies, Jewelry & More!
43615 NY-12 Alexandria Bay, NY – Swan Bay Resort’s Main Office
(315) 482-7926
The Mason Jar
Home Decor & River Themed Items
521 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY
(315) 285-5588
Karla’s Christmas Shoppe
The name says it all!
500 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-1906
Porch & Paddle
Goods for everyday life
236 James St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-3148
The Golden Cleat
River jewelry for everyone!
534 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY
(917) 544-9455
River Magic
Handmade Whimsies & Garden Art
313 James St. Clayton, NY
(315) 285-5059
Where To Eat
Breakfast
The Lyric Coffee House
A quaint coffee shop
246 James St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-4700
Shipwreck Eatery
Quick eatery with Bagels and Lunch
602 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY530 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY
(315) 285-5058
Lunch/Dinner
Bella’s
Bistro w/ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
602 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-2341
Wood Boat Brewery
Craft Beers & Pizza
625 Mary St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-3233
The Channelside
Waterfront Dining
506 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-2940
The Clipper Inn
Motel Restaurant and Lounge 126 State St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-3842
Di Prinzio’s Kitchen
Italian with a side of the St. Lawrence River
428 Riverside Dr. Clayton, NY
(315) 285-5136
Foxy’s Restaurant & Bar
Arrive by boat or car!
18187 Reed Point Rd. Fishers Landing, NY
(315) 686-3781
Saint Lawrence Spirits Distillery & Chateau
Proud to work with local farmers
38289 NY-12E Clayton, NY
(315) 285-5224
Dessert
Clay’s Fudge Factory
905 James St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-4528
Castle Ice Cream
750 James St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-2753
Check out these Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in the 1000 Islands Region!
Nightlife
Why Knot Tiki Bar at Swan Bay Resort
Relax at the outdoor Tiki Bar & Pool. Live music every weekend!
43615 NY-12 Alexandria Bay, NY
(315) 482-7926
O’Brien’s Restaurant
226 Webb St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-1110
Lost Navigator
215 James St. Clayton, NY
(315) 686-7098
Island Bay Pier House
110 State St. Clayton, NY
(315) 285- 5197
Annual Events
From weekly farmer’s markets to Punkin’ Chunkin’ to the Christmas Parade, check out Clayton’s Annual Events!
Find out more about Clayton through the Chamber of Commerce!
Call the Chamber: (315) 686-3771
Email the Chamber: info@1000islands-clayton.com
Website: https://www.1000islands-clayton.com
All Restaurants, Activities & Locations have differing hours depending on the Season. Please call ahead for additional details!