Nassau: Coast, History and Parks

Planning a Trip to Nassau

When planning a trip to Nassau, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: historic sites, larger recreational areas, trails, coastal scenery or water activities. Nassau County is about 20 miles from Manhattan and can be reached by plane, train, bus and other forms of transport. The Nassau Inter County Express provides bus service on fixed routes in Nassau County. Routes and schedules can change, so check the latest information for your specific connection. If you’re looking for hotels in Nassau, the places you want to visit are a good starting point: first decide whether history, nature, trails, the coast or water activities will shape your trip.

History and Exhibits

Sagamore Hill was home to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. The Theodore Roosevelt Home can only be visited as part of a guided tour; tickets must be purchased in advance. Check the latest tour and ticket information before your visit.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration features a recreated mid-19th-century American village across 209 acres, with homes, farms and shops. The Long Island Fair is held there every fall; check the current events calendar against your travel dates.

The Garvies Point Museum and Preserve features permanent exhibits on regional geology and Native American archaeology. These cultural attractions offer distinct experiences, ranging from a president’s home to a recreated village and exhibits on geology and archaeology.

Parks, Trails and Activities

Nassau County manages more than 70 parks, preserves, museums, historic estates and sports facilities across 6,000 acres throughout the county. Eisenhower Park is a 930-acre public recreation area with sports and family activities; these may change over time.

For trails, Hempstead Lake State Park offers bridle paths as well as biking and hiking trails. Wantagh Park, by contrast, is the launch and landing site for the South Shore Blueway Trail for non-motorized boats. This lets you distinguish between the various land- and water-based activities when planning your trip.

Coast and Water Activities

Nassau County includes beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and a coastline along Long Island Sound. Fishing is permitted 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 can change, check the current requirements in advance if you plan to collect shellfish.

Discover 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.