Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Massapequa, NY

  • Published 2023/03/14

Massapequa is a hamlet on the South Shore of Long Island in Nassau County, New York.

It forms the Greater Massapequa area along with North Massapequa, East Massapequa, and the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park.

Since it is less than an hour away from big cities like Brooklyn, Queens, and New York City, Massapequa makes for a good weekend destination for those seeking a change of scenery.

Are you tired of the fast-paced city life?

Here are the best things to do in Massapequa, New York.

Enjoy the Best Burgers at All American Hamburger Drive-In

Exterior of All American Hamburger Drive-In

DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re hunting for the best burgers, look no further than All American Hamburger Drive-In!

The burger joint has been in business since 1963, serving delectable burgers, fries, grilled cheese, and other American classics.

As a testament to its top-notch quality, the restaurant bagged the Best Burger in Long Island award in 2016.

Try the best burgers in Long Island at All American Hamburger Drive-In, such as their cheeseburger or a quarter pounder with cheese.

You can also try other meals and drinks like grilled cheese, tune on a bun, butterfly shrimp, onion rings, and milkshakes.

Roll a Strike at Ultra Lanes Massapequa

Enjoy all-around entertainment and games at Ultra Lanes Massapequa, conveniently located along Merrick Road.

The establishment offers multiple bowling lanes, a full arcade, and a bar and grill for your family bonding activity, team building, reunion, and other events.

Enjoy a two-hour open bowling session, and bring out your competitive side as you challenge your friends and family.

While waiting for your turn on the lanes, drop by the arcade and play a few games or visit the in-house bar and grill.

Enjoy classic American fare like grilled cheese, burgers, quesadillas, nachos, and more at Lane Side Grill.

If you’re looking for refreshments, sip handcrafted cocktails, specialty drinks, and beers on tap at the bar.

Bring your family and friends to Ultra Lanes Massapequa!

Follow the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail

The Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail provides a moderately challenging trail for those who want to break a sweat.

It was completed in 1986 and became a National Recreational Trail in 1992, stretching 22 miles from Massapequa to Cold Spring Harbor.

Although the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail isn’t the most isolated in the area, it offers pleasant views of the wetlands, woodlands, and diverse flora and fauna.

Those expecting an easy challenge may be in for a surprise, especially on the northern end of the trail.

The trail is also popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and runners, so expect light to heavy traffic during the high season.

If you’re traveling with your dogs, you can bring them to the trail if kept on a leash.

Take the Challenge at Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour

Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour is a Massapequa staple, serving homemade ice cream and classic diner dishes since 1955.

The restaurant has maintained its nostalgic 1950s setting, with old soda fountains and a 10-stool counter.

However, what makes Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour a hot attraction in Massapequa is the famous Kitchen Sink Challenge.

In the challenge, customers must finish a ten-scoop ice cream with three toppings, two bananas, waffles, whipped cream, and cherries in an hour or less.

Besides bragging rights, successful challengers can have the ice cream dish on the house, receive a shirt, and have their photo framed on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame.

Admire the Waterfront Views from Alhambra Park

Alhambra Park is a relatively small yet charming park where you can enjoy views of Massapequa Cove.

Initially devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the park went under renovation and was reopened in 2022.

The renovated Alhambra Park offers a kayak and canoe launch area, ample parking spaces, and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Other park improvements include a better drainage system and the installation of green infrastructure to reduce flooding in the area.

You can launch kayaks and canoes and explore the water, picnic under the sun, or dip in the calm waters.

Otherwise, take a leisurely stroll across the paved trail near the parking lot, along the boardwalk, or feel the sand between your toes as you walk on the shore.

Enjoy Korean and Japanese Food at Spoonsticks

Satisfy your Asian cuisine cravings at Spoonsticks, a local Asian restaurant serving Korean dishes and Japanese ramen.

The restaurant sits conveniently along Merrick Road and is a short walk from Massapequa Lake and the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt trailhead.

At Spoonsticks, enjoy savory Korean beef bulgogi, kimchi fried rice, potato cheese dog, and fried chicken wings with a delicious sauce.

If you’re in the mood for Japanese food, try their tonkatsu ramen, spicy miso ramen, tantanmen, yuzu salad, and agedashi tofu.

They also serve traditional Korean and Japanese alcohol like sake and soju to complement your dining experience.

Aside from their food, customers, in particular, applaud the restaurant’s cleanliness, good service, and value for money.

Test Your Skills at Just Escape

In the heart of Massapequa, Just Escape is Long Island’s number one spot for team building and family bonding.

At the establishment, players are given an hour to escape the fully themed rooms using their wits, creativity, focus, and teamwork.

There are six rooms to choose from at Just Escape, and each room has various levels of difficulty.

There’s a room set in a candy factory, while another room is set within the Massapequa woodlands.

You can start with an easy challenge or go straight to the most difficult room for a more rewarding feeling when you win.

If you’re looking for an activity that challenges everyone’s team and individual skills, check out Just Escape!

Ride a Bike along Bethpage Bikeway

The Bethpage Bikeway is a 14.9-mile-long bike trail with trailheads at Massapequa and Woodbury.

It is Long Island’s longest paved multi-use trail and passes through several state parks, namely Massapequa Preserve, Bethpage State Park, and Trail View State Park.

From Merrick Road in Massapequa, follow the trail north and pass through picturesque lakes, ponds, and marshlands.

There are additional paths and trails if you don’t want to complete the whole loop; they’re still worth the trip.

The Massapequa side of the trail ends at Clarke Avenue, but you can ride until Linden Street if you want to stay within the Greater Massapequa Area.

Although it’s mainly a bike trail, Bethpage Bikeway is also a popular trail for walking, jogging, and running.

Beat the Heat at Philip B. Healey Beach

Soak up the summer sun and visit Philip B. Healey Beach for a fun day out.

The beach is located along Florence Avenue and is mostly surrounded by residential areas, giving it a secluded and tranquil atmosphere.

Facilities at Philip B. Healey Beach include a splash pad, a children’s playground, benches, and a covered picnic area.

If you’re not up for swimming or enjoying water activities, you can lie down and perfect your suntan or walk along the shore.

Those traveling with dogs may want to skip this beach as it doesn’t allow pets.

Grab a Meal at Massapequa Diner

Your trip to Massapequa is incomplete without a meal at Massapequa Diner, located along Sunrise Highway.

The restaurant offers comforting home-style meals with generous portions in a relaxed setting, making one immediately feel at home.

The diner is open 24/7, so you can visit in the morning before starting your day or as a nightcap after exploring for the day.

Start or end your day at Massapequa Diner and try their pancakes, home-style fries, specialty burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.

They also serve Greek and Italian specialties like chicken parmigiana, spanakopita, chicken souvlaki, and gyro.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Unwind at Massapequa Preserve

The waters of Massapequa Preserve

Danielle Sforza / Shutterstock.com

Located in Oyster Bay, New York, Massapequa Preserve is a tranquil getaway for those seeking a change of scenery.

The preserve in North Massapequa offers 432 acres of pristine natural surroundings, with multipurpose trails, fishing areas, and scenic overlooks.

You wouldn’t feel like you’re in the middle of the city because of the thickets of trees and lush greenery surrounding it.

Take a ten-minute drive from Massapequa to Massapequa Preserve and enjoy many outdoor recreational activities.

Take a walk along the Bethpage Bikeway section of the preserve and take in the calm surroundings.

Then, catch fish at Kiwanis Fishing Bridge, and enjoy a relaxing walk around the lake.

Admire the Greenery at Clark Botanic Gardens

Trail lined with flora at Clark Botanic Gardens

Paul Pecora / Shutterstock.com

See the beauty of nature at the well-manicured areas of Clark Botanic Gardens in Albertson, New York, 19 minutes from Massapequa.

This 12-acre park features 5,000 plant species, 1,000 labeled trees, shrubs, and other plants in 12 gardens.

In addition, its collections include conifers, native spring wildflowers, daylilies, rock garden plants, and medicinal plants.

Check out the collections of plants and flowers at Clark Botanic Gardens and marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature’s creations.

Don’t forget to bring out your cameras and take postcard-perfect snapshots of the blooming gardens and tranquil ponds.

This botanic garden is also open all year round, so you’ll be treated to a different sight no matter what time you visit.

Spend the Afternoon at Wantagh Park

With its waterfront location and various recreational amenities, Wantagh Park is a perfect hangout whether you want to chill or be active.

This is also a sports lover’s paradise, with its basketball court, tennis courts, softball fields, baseball field, roller rink, and an 18-hole mini golf course.

There are also walking paths used for jogging, running, and cycling.

Wantagh Park is also a favorite hangout spot for dog lovers.

It is one of the few parks in the area with a dedicated dog park, so your pets can run free and play with other dogs.

Other amenities in the park include a large swimming complex with four pools, a boat launch ramp, children’s playgrounds, checkers and chess tables, and multiple picnic areas.

You can find the park in Wantagh, New York, seven minutes from Massapequa.

Explore the Old Westbury Gardens

Mansion at Old Westbury Gardens

AnastasiaKopa / Shutterstock.com

Step back in time on a tour around Old Westbury Gardens, a 200-acre property and former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps.

Its timeless beauty and elegant surroundings appeared in popular films and TV shows, including C_ruel Intentions_, Pushing Daisies, and Gossip Girl.

Along with the landscaped gardens, woodlands, and ponds, one of the highlights of the estate is the 23-room Westbury House, a Charles II-style mansion.

Flora at Old Westbury Gardens

Joe Trentacosti / Shutterstock.com

Take a self-guided tour of Old Westbury Gardens and see how the mansion and gardens reflect the Phipps family’s love for art and design.

Old Westbury Gardens is in Old Westbury, New York, 16 minutes from Massapequa.

A pond at Old Westbury Gardens

Joe Trentacosti / Shutterstock.com

Take a Day Trip to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

The house at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com

If you’re up for a road trip, visit the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, about 26 minutes from Massapequa.

The property and National Historic Site is the home of former US President Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until he died in 1919.

Hailed as the Summer White House, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site has hosted several visits from foreign dignitaries and peace talks.

Welcome sign of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

For example, this historic site also saw the negotiations that ended the Russo-Japanese War.

Join a guided tour of the estate and explore the rooms and halls while your guide shares anecdotes and stories about the Roosevelt family.

Outside the 23-room mansion, follow the trail that leads to Eel Creek, a scenic area where you can catch sweeping views of Cold Spring Harbor.

History board at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

One might think Massapequa is just a sleepy hamlet in Nassau County, but it offers more things than meets the eye.

It is a haven for foodies, with several homegrown diners and award-winning burger joints that you shouldn’t miss.

Despite being in a bustling area on Long Island, it offers tranquil parks and trails that provide fresh air for residents and tourists.

If you’re planning a weekend vacation, consider this list of the best things to do in Massapequa, New York!

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