Nassau brings together historic sites, expansive parks, and coastal attractions. In Nassau County, the county manages more than 70 parks, nature preserves, museums, historic estates, and sports facilities; together, they cover 6,000 acres throughout the county. This gives you a wide range of options when planning your trip: you might be interested in U.S. history, want to focus on trails and various outdoor activities, or visit exhibits on regional geology and archaeology. Which destinations you combine depends on what you want to experience.
History: A Guided Tour or a 19th-Century Village
Sagamore Hill was home to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. Access to the Theodore Roosevelt Home at Sagamore Hill is by guided tour only; tickets must be purchased in advance. Factor the tour and advance ticket purchase into your plans, and check the tour information before your visit.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration offers a different perspective on the past. Set on 209 acres, the site recreates a mid-19th-century American village, with homes, farms, and shops. The Long Island Fair is held there each fall. The two historic experiences also differ in how you plan for them: at Sagamore Hill, a guided tour and tickets purchased in advance are essential, while the fair takes place in the fall. Check current tour information and event dates for your travel period.
Parks, Trails, and Non-Motorized Boats
Eisenhower Park is a 930-acre public recreation area with sports and family activities. If a particular activity is important to your visit, check the current information on facilities, as park amenities may change over time. Hempstead Lake State Park has bridle paths, as well as biking and hiking trails. Wantagh Park, in turn, is a launch and docking site on the South Shore Blueway Trail for non-motorized boats. These differences can help you choose what to focus on: Hempstead Lake State Park has trails for different ways of getting around, while Wantagh Park provides access for non-motorized boats.
The coast also shapes the character of Nassau County, with beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and a shoreline along Long Island Sound. For a different way to explore culture and landscapes, the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve has permanent exhibits on regional geology and Native American archaeology. Fishing is allowed at the Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge; a permit from the Town of Oyster Bay is required to collect shellfish. Since permits and regulations may change, check the current rules, especially if you plan to collect shellfish.
Getting There and Finding the Right Accommodation
Nassau County is about 20 miles from Manhattan and can be reached by plane, train, bus, and other forms of transportation. Nassau Inter County Express operates fixed-route bus service throughout the county. Routes and schedules may change, so check current connections before traveling. The attractions described range from historic sites and hiking, biking, and bridle paths to exhibits and boat access.
Explore more destinations: Roslyn, Great Neck, Woodbury, Plainview, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Long Beach, Inwood, Westbury, Floral Park, Uniondale, Farmingdale, Garden City, Hicksville, Port Washington, Lynbrook, Syosset, Carle Place, Hempstead, Island Park, Seaford, Massapequa, Bethpage, Baldwin, Locust Valley, Jericho, Levittown, Glen Cove, Mineola, Oyster Bay, Searingtown, Valley Stream, East Norwich, Lido Beach, Manhasset, Massapequa Park.
For the broader travel overview: New York.
