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If you traded in Manhattan's never-ending honking horns for the leafy streets and quiet nights of Nassau County, you might wonder if you just moved to the world’s most beautifully boring place.
The truth is, Nassau County can feel like a total snoozefest if you are used to the constant buzz of big city life. It’s quieter, calmer, and less in-your-face.
But before you write it off as just a commuter’s paradise with great schools and quiet neighborhoods, flip the script for a moment.
…it’s only because you haven’t uncovered its hidden gems yet!
Nassau County delivers experiences that are rich, varied, and, most importantly, surprisingly delightful. So brace up; you are about to get a crash course on the fun, fabulous, and sometimes wonderfully weird things to do in Nassau County, NY.
Let's get into it.
Wantagh, NY, boasts a legendary spot where Long Islanders go to sunbathe, jog, swim, or just enjoy the salty air.
Jones Beach State Park is more than just a beach. Come summer, it turns into a concert mecca. Thanks to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, which hosts A-list performers with a beachside backdrop.
What makes it special is that being here feels like getting your beach fix and concert high all in one place. Plus, the boardwalk snacks? 10/10.
You can pack a cooler when you want to visit. Try to get there early for a prime spot, or snag concert tickets in advance for a full day-to-night adventure.
Cost: Beach access is FREE, but vehicle entrance is $8 per car, depending on season and time. Concert ticket costs vary, but expect to pay $40 to $150 per ticket.
Not left out of the picture of places with things to do in Nassau County is the Old Westbury Gardens. A gilded-age estate that looks straight out of Downton Abbey. Yes, it's just as dreamy in person.
What can you do here?
Stroll through perfectly manicured gardens or marvel at the grandeur of the mansion. You can even bring a blanket and enjoy a chill picnic among blooms.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down and just breathe, a total contrast to the fast-paced city life many new residents have left behind.
In fact, many people who have recently moved with the help of Nassau County movers find this spot the perfect antidote to moving stress. The garden is equal parts romantic, photogenic, and peacefully luxurious—you feel fancy just walking around.
Spring and fall are prime times to visit. But you can look out for special events like dog days or classic car shows.
Cost: $18 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students, $8 for children (7-17 years), FREE for children 6 and under.
Caring for high-energy kids or restless toddlers can be quite a handful sometimes. You may need a place like the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City to get the children to let off energy.
The museum is a sensory wonderland with hands-on exhibits that make learning outrageously fun for children. From bubble zones to climbing structures and science corners, playtime and school are disguised as fun.
Plan a half-day visit and let your kids lead the way. It’s especially great on rainy days or winter weekends.
Cost: $18 per person and FREE for children under 1.
East Meadow does not joke about its Central Park’s chill cousin, Eisenhower Park.
You will find golf courses, tennis courts, ballfields, playgrounds, a skate park, walking trails, and even a small lake for paddle boating.
Plus, there’s often live music, movie nights, and fireworks in summer. The park is massive, diverse in activities, and laid-back. You will be hard-pressed not to find an activity you enjoy.
Just bring a bike if you like, a frisbee, or just your walking shoes. It’s great for group picnics too.
No more searching for things to do in Nassau County with this park here in East Meadow.
Cost: FREE. Some facilities, like golf, have separate fees.
Garden City lands yet again with another destination for science nerds, plane geeks, and history lovers.
Did you know Long Island played a huge role in aviation history?
Well, you will after a visit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The Museum tells the story with epic displays of vintage planes, interactive exhibits, and even space exploration exhibits—including a lunar module replica!
It’s hands-on, awe-inspiring, and perfect for curious minds of all ages. Weekends are great for family visits.
Cost: $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and children aged 2 to 12 years.
Locking it in on the 400-acre estate is Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, NY.
…it's part botanical garden, part fantasyland.
You can meander through greenhouses, flower-lined paths, wooded trails, and wide-open meadows. The Coe Hall mansion also adds a slice of local history.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is where nature lovers and photographers find each corner prettier than the last.
Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Nassau County, New York. Whether you are a photographer or not, bring your camera or a sketchpad.
Cost: $8 car entrance fee, $10 for guided and self-guided tours, $9 for seniors, $5 for youth (7 to 17 years), and FREE for children 6 and under.
If you want a boardwalk experience without the crowd crush, the Freeport Nautical Mile is a great place for that.
No questions here, there's plenty of things to do in Nassau County on this side of Freeport. It's lined with seafood shacks, tiki bars, live music, and boats bobbing in the marina.
Come for the lobster rolls, stay for the people-watching and sunset cocktails. A summer night here feels like vacation. You can even plan a fun date night here.
Go at golden hour for the best experience. Rachel’s Waterside Grill is one of the local favorites you should add to your must-visit list.
Cost: FREE to walk around. Dining and boat tours vary, from about $20 to $40 per person.
Hikers and castle daydreamers, your search is over!
Here in Sands Point Preserve you get a literal castle on the North Shore. Featuring trails, gardens, and the grand Hempstead House, which offers sweeping views of Long Island Sound.
Truly, Sands Point Preserve is a marvel of nature and architecture. Exploring here is a great idea for a romantic stroll.
For the best experience, only bring your walking shoes. There are short trails and scenic picnic spots.
Cost: $15 per car.
Nassau County may not have rooftop bars stacked 30 floors high or subway musicians on every corner, but that’s kind of the point.
What it does have is a mix of slow-living treasures and easy-access fun that make life more enjoyable without the urban chaos.
You just need to know where to look. From beach days to castle strolls, from plane museums to botanical daydreams, your days of looking for things to do in Nassau County are over.
Go on and explore your backyard, you will be glad you did!
