Hempstead Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Hempstead, New York with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Hempstead

Located in Nassau County, Long Island, Hempstead is a small town that offers a mix of history, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions. Founded in 1644, Hempstead played a significant role in the development of Long Island and the United States of America. Today, the town is home to several interesting museums, natural wonders, and a lively food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Hempstead

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Hempstead has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top places to visit in Hempstead:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Long Island Children’s Museum: This museum features interactive exhibits focused on science, art, and culture, designed for children aged 12 and under.

  • Hofstra University Museum of Art: This museum has a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.

  • Nassau County Museum of Art: Located in a magnificent mansion, this museum has a vast collection of American and European art, as well as sculptures and decorative arts.

  • Cradle of Aviation Museum: This museum features interactive exhibits and displays focused on the history of aviation, including a restored WWII fighter plane and space shuttles.

  • Old Westbury Gardens: This mansion and gardens are a National Historic Landmark and feature elegant rooms and gardens from the Gilded Age.

Natural Attractions of Hempstead: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jones Beach State Park: This park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing, with miles of white sandy beaches and a boardwalk.

  • Bethpage State Park: This park is known for its four golf courses, including the famous Black Course, which hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009.

  • Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center: This nature reserve is home to many species of birds and wildlife, as well as eight hiking trails.

  • Merrick Road Park: This park has a paved hiking and biking trail that runs for 7.6 miles, as well as basketball and tennis courts and picnic areas.

  • Eisenhower Park: This park has 930 acres of trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and a golf course.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hempstead

Hempstead has some excellent biking and hiking routes that allow visitors to explore the town’s natural scenery. Some of the popular trails are:

  • Merrick Road Park Trail: This 7.6-mile trail runs from Freeport to Merrick, passing through several parks and scenic spots.

  • Jones Beach State Park Bike Path: This 5.5-mile path runs along the beach and connects several areas of the park.

  • Massapequa Preserve Trail: This 8-mile trail runs through the Massapequa Preserve, a 423-acre park with several ponds and streams, and a diverse ecosystem.

  • Hempstead Harbor Trail: This 3.1-mile trail runs along the shoreline of the Hempstead Harbor, with several scenic views and birdwatching spots.

  • Tackapausha Preserve Trail: This 3.5-mile trail runs through the Tackapausha Preserve, a nature preserve with several hiking trails and wildlife areas.

Best Things to Do in Hempstead: Activities and Tours

Hempstead has many activities and tours designed for visitors looking for a unique experience. Here are some of the best:

  • Boat tour of the Long Island Sound: This boat tour takes visitors along the Long Island Sound and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

  • Wine tasting at the Raphael Vineyard and Winery: This winery offers tastings of their award-winning wines, as well as tours of the vineyards and cellar.

  • The Hempstead House Murder Mystery: This interactive murder mystery dinner theater takes place in the Hempstead House, where guests can participate in solving the crime.

  • Helicopter Tour of Long Island: This tour takes visitors on a scenic helicopter ride over the Long Island region, offering a unique perspective on the area.

  • Escape Room Adventure: This escape room challenge features several themed rooms with puzzles and riddles to solve.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hempstead

If you have a week to explore Hempstead, here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your visit:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum, followed by lunch at the JetBlue Sky Deck. Spend the afternoon at Eisenhower Park, hiking or relaxing in one of the picnic areas.
Day 2 Explore the Hofstra University Museum of Art, followed by a visit to the Old Westbury Gardens. Have dinner at the Red Salt Room by David Burke at the Garden City Hotel.
Day 3 Take a guided tour of the Long Island Children’s Museum, followed by a visit to the Roosevelt Field Mall. Have dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.
Day 4 Spend the day at Jones Beach State Park, swimming, sunbathing, and having lunch at one of the beachside restaurants.
Day 5 Explore the Nassau County Museum of Art, followed by a wine tasting at the Raphael Vineyard and Winery. Have dinner at the Mill River Inn.
Day 6 Take a bike ride along the Merrick Road Park Trail, stopping for lunch at the Jericho Cider Mill. Spend the afternoon at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center.
Day 7 Take a helicopter tour of the Long Island region, followed by a murder mystery dinner at the Hempstead House.

Food and Drink Scene of Hempstead

Hempstead has a vibrant food and drink scene, featuring many restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and wineries. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: This classic New England dish is a favorite at many seafood restaurants in Hempstead.

  • Pastrami sandwich: This Jewish delicacy is available at many delis and restaurants in Hempstead.

  • Bagels and Lox: This traditional Jewish breakfast dish is a favorite at many bagel shops in Hempstead.

  • Pork Ribs: This classic American BBQ dish is available at many restaurants in Hempstead.

  • Pizza: New York-style pizza is famous around the world and is available at many pizzerias in Hempstead.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Long Island has several craft breweries, many of which are located in Hempstead, such as Barrier Brewing Company and Oyster Bay Brewing Company.

  • Wine: Long Island has a thriving wine scene, with several vineyards and wineries located in Hempstead, such as Raphael Vineyard and Winery and Channing Daughters Winery.

  • Cider: Jericho Cider Mill is a popular spot for fresh cider and apple-based treats.

Where to Stay in Hempstead: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hempstead has several options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best:

  • Garden City Hotel: This luxurious hotel has elegant rooms, a spa, pool, and several restaurants.

  • The Roslyn Hotel: This elegant boutique hotel has spacious rooms and a chic on-site restaurant.

  • Hempstead House: This historic mansion has been converted into a bed and breakfast, with several luxurious suites and a beautiful garden.

  • Holiday Inn Express: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

  • Long Island Marriott: This hotel has modern rooms, several restaurants, and easy access to local attractions.

What to Buy in Hempstead: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hempstead offers many unique and interesting souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring home. Here are some of the best:

  • Hempstead town flag: This distinctive flag, featuring a white eagle and a red and blue background, is a unique souvenir from Hempstead.

  • Long Island wine: Long Island’s wine scene is growing in popularity, and a bottle of local wine from Hempstead vineyards is a great souvenir.

  • Jericho Cider Mill Apple Pie: This famous apple pie is made with fresh apples and is a favorite of many locals.

  • Hofstra University merchandise: Hofstra University has a thriving merchandise store, offering t-shirts, hats, and other Hofstra-themed souvenirs.

  • Local Art: Many galleries and artists in Hempstead offer unique and original artwork that make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Hempstead

Hempstead has a diverse population, with people from several ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including:

  • Religion: Many residents of Hempstead practice minority religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Visitors should be mindful of cultural and religious practices when interacting with locals.

  • Language: English is the most common language spoken in Hempstead, but many residents also speak Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.

  • Etiquette: Visitors should be respectful of local etiquette, including tipping at restaurants, being punctual for appointments, and being polite and courteous in public.

Best Time to Visit Hempstead

The best time to visit Hempstead is during the summer months, when the weather is warm, and the outdoor activities are at their peak. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter can be cold and snowy, but many indoor attractions and events can still be enjoyed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hempstead

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Hempstead:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Be open to trying new foods and experiences.

  • Take advantage of the natural beauty and outdoor activities in the area.

  • Be friendly and courteous to locals.

Don’t:

  • Engage in illegal activities. Hempstead has strict laws against drugs and other illegal activities.

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

  • Leave trash or litter in public areas.

  • Be loud or disruptive in public areas.

Safety and Health

Hempstead is a relatively safe town, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take precautions when exploring the town.

Safety in Hempstead

  • Be aware of your surroundings when walking or hiking.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in areas with little foot traffic.

  • Keep valuables out of sight, and lock your car and hotel room when leaving.

Health in Hempstead

  • Hempstead has several hospitals and medical facilities that offer urgent care and emergency services.

  • Visitors should always carry their health insurance cards and any necessary medication.

  • Wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors, particularly during the summer months.

Getting to Hempstead: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hempstead is located approximately 30 miles east of New York City and is easily accessible by several transportation options.

Airports Near Hempstead

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport: This airport is located approximately 20 miles west of Hempstead and offers domestic and international flights.

  • LaGuardia Airport: This airport is located approximately 25 miles west of Hempstead and offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Hempstead

  • Hempstead Bus Terminal: This terminal offers local and regional bus service to several destinations.

  • Garden City Bus Terminal: This terminal offers local and regional bus service to several destinations.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in the area, with pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Hempstead.

  • Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Taxis, as well as ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, are available in Hempstead.

How to Get Around in Hempstead

Hempstead is relatively small and easy to navigate by car or bike. Visitors can also use local buses, taxis, or ride-sharing services to get around the town. Walking is also a popular option, particularly in downtown areas and parks.

Where to Go Next from Hempstead: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can take from Hempstead:

  • New York City: One of the world’s most famous cities is just a short drive or train ride from Hempstead, offering endless opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

  • Fire Island National Seashore: This stunning natural area is just a short drive from Hempstead and offers miles of pristine beaches, hiking trails, and scenic views.

  • The Hamptons: This exclusive area, located on the east end of Long Island, is known for its beautiful beaches, designer shops, and luxurious homes.

  • Montauk: Located on the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk is a popular beach resort town, with several beaches, hiking trails, and scenic views.

Conclusion

Hempstead is a charming and interesting town that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Hempstead has a lot to offer. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their perfect trip to Hempstead, making the most of their time in this beautiful and historic town.

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