Hempstead New York Map

Introduction

Hempstead, New York is a town located in Nassau County on Long Island. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. This comprehensive travel guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting Hempstead, including top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, local markets, cultural immersion, and more.

Top Attractions

Jones Beach State Park

One of the top attractions in Hempstead is Jones Beach State Park. This beach stretches for six and a half miles and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. The park also features a boardwalk, playgrounds, and a theater that hosts concerts and shows.

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens is a historic estate that covers over 200 acres of land. The estate features beautiful gardens, a mansion, and several outbuildings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and explore the gardens on their own. The estate also hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

Hidden Gems

Clark Botanic Garden

Clark Botanic Garden is a small but beautiful garden located in Albertson. The garden features several different areas, including a butterfly garden, a rose garden, and a herb garden. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and learn about the different plants and flowers that are grown in the garden.

Hempstead Lake State Park

Hempstead Lake State Park is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors. The park covers over 700 acres and features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake that is perfect for fishing and boating. Visitors can also rent rowboats and paddleboats to explore the lake.

Food Scene

Smok-Haus

Smok-Haus is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Wantagh. The restaurant serves a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. They also offer several different sauces and sides to accompany the meat.

La Parilla

La Parilla is a Mexican restaurant located in West Hempstead. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. They also have a wide selection of margaritas and other cocktails.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Hempstead Farmers Market

The Hempstead Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce and other local products. The market is open on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm and is located at Kennedy Park. Visitors can also find food trucks and other vendors at the market.

Hempstead Public Library

The Hempstead Public Library is a great place to visit for free. The library offers a wide selection of books, movies, and other materials. They also host several events and programs throughout the year, including story times for children and author readings.

Outdoor Adventures

Bethpage State Park

Bethpage State Park is located in Farmingdale and covers over 1,400 acres of land. The park features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and five golf courses. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating on the park’s lakes.

Cathedral Pines County Park

Cathedral Pines County Park is located in Middle Island and covers over 320 acres of land. The park features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground. Visitors can also see the park’s namesake trees, which are over 100 feet tall.

Family-Friendly Activities

Adventureland

Adventureland is a family-friendly amusement park located in Farmingdale. The park features several rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and kiddie rides. Visitors can also enjoy games and food at the park.

Long Island Children’s Museum

The Long Island Children’s Museum is located in Garden City and offers several interactive exhibits for children. The museum also hosts several events and programs throughout the year, including story times and art workshops.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a hidden gem located in Oyster Bay. The park covers over 400 acres and features several gardens, a mansion, and several other buildings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and explore the gardens on their own.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park is located in Great River and covers over 690 acres of land. The park features several gardens, a mansion, and several other buildings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and explore the gardens on their own.

Natural Wonders

Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore is a protected area that covers over 26 miles of beaches, dunes, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and hiking in the park. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including deer and foxes.

Tackapausha Museum and Preserve

Tackapausha Museum and Preserve is located in Seaford and covers over 84 acres of land. The preserve features several hiking trails and a museum that showcases the area’s natural history. Visitors can also see several species of wildlife, including turtles and birds.

Vibrant Nightlife

Speakeasy

Speakeasy is a popular nightclub located in Wantagh. The club features several different rooms, each with its own music and atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy dancing and drinks at the club.

Blackbird Kitchen and Cocktails

Blackbird Kitchen and Cocktails is a trendy restaurant and bar located in Wantagh. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including seafood and steak. They also have a wide selection of cocktails and other drinks.

Local Markets

Long Beach Farmers Market

The Long Beach Farmers Market is a popular market that is open on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. The market features several vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. Visitors can also find food trucks and other vendors at the market.

Hempstead Village Farmers Market

The Hempstead Village Farmers Market is a small market that is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. The market features several vendors selling fresh produce and other local products.

Beaches and Mountains

Robert Moses State Park

Robert Moses State Park is located in Babylon and covers over 875 acres of land. The park features several beaches, including one that is popular for surfing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and fishing in the park.

Baldwin Harbor Park

Baldwin Harbor Park is a small park located in Baldwin. The park features a beach, a playground, and several picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating in the park’s harbor.

Cultural Immersion

Nassau County Museum of Art

The Nassau County Museum of Art is located in Roslyn Harbor and features several galleries showcasing works of art from around the world. The museum also hosts several events and programs throughout the year, including lectures and workshops.

The African American Museum of Nassau County

The African American Museum of Nassau County is located in Hempstead and features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of African Americans in the area. The museum also hosts several events and programs throughout the year.

Art and Music Scene

The Space at Westbury

The Space at Westbury is a popular music venue located in Westbury. The venue hosts several concerts and shows throughout the year, featuring both local and national acts.

The Heckscher Museum of Art

The Heckscher Museum of Art is located in Huntington and features several galleries showcasing works of art from around the world. The museum also hosts several events and programs throughout the year, including lectures and workshops.

Walking Tours

The Hempstead Village Walking Tour

The Hempstead Village Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the historic downtown area of Hempstead. The tour features several landmarks and buildings that are over 100 years old.

The Long Beach Boardwalk

The Long Beach Boardwalk is a popular walking and biking path that stretches for over two miles. The boardwalk offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is lined with several restaurants and shops.

Architectural Marvels

The Cathedral of the