Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in North Hempstead, NY

  • Published 2023/04/22

North Hempstead in New York is a suburban paradise with thriving recreational areas, historical attractions, and unique businesses.

It is part of Nassau County on Long Island.

The town was created in 1784 through the efforts of the New York State Legislature.

It was initially a part of the town of Hempstead, a tract of land stretching from the sea to the sound, purchased by a group of settlers in 1643.

In the 1770s, however, the majority of the northern part of British-occupied Hempstead supported the forces of American independence, eventually leading to the town’s division.

North Hempstead was named the seat of Queens County in the 19th century.

When it was incorporated by 1899 alongside the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay, it became Nassau County.

Today, the town is home to over 200,000 people as of the 2020 census.

You won’t run out of things to do in North Hempstead.

Before you visit, don’t forget to check out this list of the best things to do in North Hempstead, New York.

Appreciate Local Art at Nassau County Museum of Art

Exterior of Nassau County Museum of Art

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Artists and art enthusiasts cannot pass up the opportunity to visit the Nassau County Museum of Art.

It is located at One Museum Drive in the village of Roslyn Harbor.

The museum features various types of art exhibits by local and international artists.

Events are also held at the museum, including programs offered to the public and talks and tours, to name a few.

Exhibit in Nassau County Museum of Art

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Check the website to anticipate the scheduled event if you’re visiting soon.

Outside the museum, you may also explore a sculpture garden, a formal garden, an arboretum, and a walking trail.

Nassau County Museum of Art provides a one-of-a-kind experience to visitors.

Framed art in Nassau County Museum of Art

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Go Skating at Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink

Go ice skating or play winter sports at Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink.

It is located within the Parkwood Sports Complex at 65 Arrandale Avenue in the village of Great Neck.

The place features a family-friendly and full-sized indoor ice rink!

It also hosts public sessions that are open to both residents and non-residents.

Aside from the previous sessions, Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink also offers programs such as Intramural Hockey, Skate School, Freestyle sessions, and Competitive Figure Skating.

If you want to learn to skate, this is your chance to try it finally!

Hang Out at Michael J. Tully Park

Another of North Hempstead’s open recreational spaces is Michael J. Tully Park.

You may find it at 1801 Evergreen Avenue in the village of New Hyde Park.

The park features baseball fields, an indoor pool, tennis, handball, and basketball courts.

An exercise room is also open for those who want to get into fitness, while party rooms may be reserved for events.

Michael J. Tully Park has plenty of amenities, so you will not run out of things to do while you’re here.

Have a Relaxing Time at Ridder’s Pond Park

The waters of Ridder's Pond Park

AITFFan1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Ridder’s Pond Park to relax outdoors while surrounded by nature.

It is located at 61-87 Meadowfarm Road in Manhasset Hills, a hamlet and census-designated place in North Hempstead.

Here you will have the perfect view for resting your eyes or clearing your mind.

You may also go fishing as it is permitted without securing a permit.

Benches are available throughout the park, giving visitors a place to sit back and relax.

You may even bring a book and read from one of the benches.

If you’re bringing along kids, you will be glad to know that a playground is also available.

Ridder’s Pond Park is the perfect spot in North Hempstead to enjoy quiet time and a relaxing ambiance.

Take a Swim at Manorhaven Beach Park

Go for a swim or play around at Manorhaven Beach Park.

It is located at 158 Manorhaven Boulevard in the village of Manorhaven.

The beach park features a 5,000-square-foot pool, a lap swim and competition area, zero-depth entry for children, and a section for the general public.

It also has two water slides to entertain those hanging out by the pool.

A separate kiddie pool is also available, perfect for bringing a kid.

In addition, the beach park has a 12,000-square-foot bathhouse complex.

Manorhaven Beach Park is filled with fun amenities waiting for you to try!

Spend a Day at the Beach at North Hempstead Beach Park

Welcome sign of North Hempstead Beach Park

DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit North Hempstead Beach Park, also known as Bar Beach and Hempstead Harbor Parks, if you want to spend a day in the sun.

You may locate it at 175 West Shore Road in the hamlet of Port Washington.

The park has a sandy beach that stretches up to 34 acres.

You may try plenty of recreational activities here, including fishing, boating, and playing sports.

It features a promenade for those who want to stroll by the beach, a boat ramp, a bathhouse, and a concession area.

Additionally, the beach park has horseshoe pits, basketball, shuffleboard courts, a playground, and picnic areas.

North Hempstead Beach Park already has everything you will need to have a good time for an entire day!

Book Tee Time at Harbor Links Golf Course

Harbor Links Golf Course is one of the renowned public golf courses in North Hempstead.

The daily-fee golf course is at 1 W. Fairway Drive in Port Washington.

Harbor Links boasts the best amenities and extraordinary service.

It features an award-winning 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole executive course, and a miniature golf facility.

You may use Harbor Links’ instructional program if you’re still learning golf.

Whatever your skill level, Harbor Links Golf Course promises an unforgettable experience.

Tour the Historic Hempstead House

Exterior of the Historic Hempstead House

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com

The Hempstead House is a mansion from the 1900s that embodies Gold Coast luxury.

It is situated at 127 Middle Neck Road in the village of Sands Point.

The Tudor-style mansion is part of the Guggenheim Estate, including Falaise, Mille Fleur, and Castle Gould.

It used to be the family’s summer residence, where they hosted grand parties and gatherings involving the elites of the time.

The grounds of the Historic Hempstead House

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com

The 50,000-square-foot building has a granite and Indiana limestone exterior, a 60-foot tall entry foyer, and 40 rooms.

Today, the Hempstead House is a venue for concerts, lectures, and film and television productions.

If you want to see the grand architecture of the building and the magnificent overlooking views from the house, you may schedule a tour.

Castle Gould at the Historic Hempstead House

Ttatty / Shutterstock.com

Play Golf at Lake Success Golf Club

Lake Success Golf Club is another golf facility in the North Hempstead area.

You may find it at 318 Lakeville Road in the village of Lake Success.

This place isn’t just a beautiful venue for playing golf but also a historic course.

You can’t miss out on playing here if you’re a golf enthusiast.

It boasts championship-level courses and a warm ambiance for the players’ overall enjoyment.

Aside from the golf facilities, Lake Success Golf Club has a fitness center, a grill room, and a catering facility for your dining needs.

Grab a Bite at Waterzooi Brasserie & Oyster Bar

While in the area, you should try eating at one of the local restaurants favored by the locals.

Waterzooi Brasserie & Oyster Bar boasts a sophisticated service and a unique menu.

You can find this place at 1029 Port Washington Boulevard.

This is the spot for trying something new and exploring local fare.

Waterzooi serves Belgian food and a vast selection of seafood.

There’s so much to choose from at Waterzooi Brasserie & Oyster Bar, so feel free to ask about their bestselling meals!

Learn about Plants at Clark Botanic Garden

A trail lined with flora at Clark Botanic Garden

Paul Pecora / Shutterstock.com

Explore the beauty of nature and learn about plants at Clark Botanic Garden.

It is located at 193 I.U. Willets Road in the hamlet of Albertson.

Since it was founded in 1969, the museum and garden have served the community as an educational facility focusing on plant life and horticulture.

Some plant collections at Clark Botanic Garden include conifers, roses, native spring wildflowers, perennials, daylilies, rock garden plants, and medicinal plants, to name a few.

You won’t just see beautiful plants here but also know more about them and their significance to the ecosystem.

Before you leave, you should also check out Clark Botanic Garden’s gift shop, where you can look for beautiful items and souvenirs.

Hike along Christopher Morley Park

Christopher Morley Park provides access to scenic hiking trails and different recreational activities.

It is located at 500 Searingtown Road in Roslyn.

The 98-acre park has been a part of Nassau County’s park system since 1961.

It has several tennis, handball, volleyball, and basketball courts.

A baseball field is also available here.

Bringing kids is also a good idea as the park has a playground.

Aside from these, the park has a fitness trail for those who want to stay active by jogging.

See the Historic Saddle Rock Grist Mill

Exterior of the Historic Saddle Rock Grist Mill

Deirdrelmt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Saddle Rock Grist Mill is among the few remaining tidal mills in the country.

It is located at Grist Mill Lane in Great Neck.

It was constructed in the 1700s and restored to its present 19th-century appearance.

The building is now a piece of history and serves as a reminder of Long Island’s economic life from way back.

The mill was once used to grind corn and grain and was enormously significant to the economy.

Overlooking Little Neck Bay, Saddle Rock Grist Mill is now under the conservation of Nassau County.

Have a Picnic at Kings Point Park

King Points Park is another public space in North Hempstead where you can spend some time outdoors.

It is located along Redbrook Road in Great Neck.

Pack your food and bring your friends or family so you can have a picnic at the park.

It has several picnic areas and tables, so be sure to be early and secure a spot.

In addition, the park also has sports-related amenities like baseball and softball diamonds, a basketball court, and a tennis court.

Within the 175-acre Kings Point Park are a five-mile hiking trail and another dedicated trail for cross-country skiing.

Explore the Old Westbury Gardens

Mansion at Old Westbury Gardens

Joe Trentacosti / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Old Westbury Gardens to learn about its beauty and history.

It is located at 71 Old Westbury Road in the village of Old Westbury.

The place, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of John Phipps and his family.

The construction of the Charles II-style mansion was completed in 1906.

A pond at Old Westbury Gardens

Joe Trentacosti / Shutterstock.com

It is in the middle of the 200-acre landscaped grounds, gardens, woodlands, lakes, and ponds.

Inside the house are fine antiques, furnishings, and art displayed in the household for over 50 years.

Today, Old Westbury Gardens is open to visitors.

You may book a tour to learn more about its history or attend some of the events held at the mansion.

Trail at Old Westbury Gardens

Joe Trentacosti / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

North Hempstead in New York is bursting with beauty and recreational opportunities.

It has plenty of dining gems, historical attractions, and natural sites.

Check out this list of the best things to do in North Hempstead, New York.

© All rights reserved.