North Hills New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near North Hills, New York.
1. Fort Totten Park
HISTORIC MILITARY RUINS
Fort Totten Park offers visitors a glimpse into military history with its fascinating old military camp ruins. The ruins are accessible on Saturdays during summer months, with parts visible through fenced areas throughout the year. Visitors will appreciate the friendly military personnel who provide information about this historical site near North Hills.
2. Tappen Beach
WATERFRONT RECREATION PARADISE
Tappen Beach allows visitors to swim in Hempstead Harbor and enjoy extensive picnic areas for a perfect day outdoors. The beach provides sunfish/sailfish/kayak racks, a boat launching ramp, and a 272-slip marina for water enthusiasts. Additional amenities include a playground, swimming pool, and half-court basketball for a complete recreational experience.
3. Joseph Michaels Mile
SCENIC CYCLING PATH
Joseph Michaels Mile is a beautiful stretch of bike path named after health activist Joseph Michaels who lived in Queens from 1941-1987. The path serves as both a sanctuary for nearby residents and an oasis for those passing through the area. Cyclists and pedestrians alike can enjoy this serene route that offers a peaceful escape from urban surroundings.
4. Ridgewood Reservoir
NATURAL BOTANICAL HAVEN
The Ridgewood Reservoir offers botanical plant walks for nature enthusiasts looking to explore local flora. This natural sanctuary provides a surprising wilderness experience within reach of North Hills residents. Visitors can learn about native plants and ecosystem restoration efforts while enjoying fresh air and scenic views.
5. Old Westbury Gardens
HISTORIC MANSION GROUNDS
Old Westbury Gardens features a historical mansion set amidst expansive, meticulously maintained gardens near North Hills. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and photography opportunities surrounded by impressive landscaping and cultural artifacts. The attraction offers a glimpse into Long Island's gilded past with its preserved architecture and stunning grounds that change with the seasons.
6. Long Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL GETAWAY
Long Beach boasts a wide, clean boardwalk paired with a spacious beach featuring soft sand and tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy numerous nearby activities and eateries that complement a day at this popular coastal destination. The beach is particularly known for its stunning sunsets that create perfect photo opportunities for travelers from North Hills and beyond.
7. Long Island Aquarium
MARINE LIFE ADVENTURE
Long Island Aquarium presents an interactive experience featuring entertaining sea lion shows and a magical butterfly area that delights visitors of all ages. The facility is especially ideal for family visits with children who can get up close with various marine creatures and fish exhibits. A day trip from North Hills to this aquatic wonderland provides both education and entertainment in a well-designed environment.
8. Robert Moses State Park
PRISTINE SHORELINE ESCAPE
Robert Moses State Park offers miles of pristine shoreline with clean beaches and excellent facilities for a perfect day trip from North Hills. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the less crowded beaches that characterize this state park. The attractive landscape includes a historic lighthouse, nature trails, and picnic areas that make it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Empire State Building
ICONIC MANHATTAN SKYLINE
The Empire State Building stands as one of the world's most recognizable skyscrapers and offers breathtaking panoramic views of New York City from its observation decks. Visitors from North Hills can experience both day and night viewing opportunities that showcase the city's magnificent skyline from different perspectives. The art deco masterpiece includes exhibits about its construction and cultural significance that enhance the viewing experience.
10. Rockefeller Center
URBAN CULTURAL COMPLEX
Rockefeller Center presents an impressive collection of art deco buildings, shops, and entertainment venues in the heart of Manhattan. Visitors from North Hills can explore the iconic ice skating rink in winter, the famous Christmas tree during the holidays, or the Top of the Rock observation deck year-round. The complex also houses NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and numerous dining options that make it a complete cultural destination.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATIONS
Shopping enthusiasts can explore the Americana Manhasset, an upscale outdoor shopping center featuring luxury boutiques and designer stores just minutes from North Hills. The Wheatley Plaza offers a more intimate shopping experience with specialty stores and gourmet markets in a convenient location. For a larger selection, Roosevelt Field Mall provides hundreds of retail options including department stores, fashion outlets, and specialty shops all within a short drive.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOUND
The dining scene near North Hills features exceptional restaurants like Bryant & Cooper Steakhouse, known for its premium cuts and elegant atmosphere. Peter Luger Steak House in Great Neck offers a legendary dining experience with its perfectly aged steaks and iconic atmosphere. For Italian cuisine, Il Mulino provides sophisticated dishes in an upscale setting that attracts food enthusiasts from across Long Island.
13. Hiking
NATURAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails at Muttontown Preserve, which offers over 550 acres of fields, woodlands, and estate grounds with well-marked paths. The nearby Sands Point Preserve provides beautiful coastal hiking with trails winding through forests and along cliffs overlooking Long Island Sound. For a more challenging experience, hikers from North Hills can visit Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, which combines educational exhibits with nature trails offering geological and archaeological points of interest.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE SPOTS
Fishing enthusiasts from North Hills can cast their lines at Hempstead Harbor, which offers shore fishing opportunities for species including striped bass and fluke. For freshwater fishing, nearby Massapequa Preserve features a stocked pond popular with families and casual anglers looking for trout and bass. More adventurous fishermen might prefer chartering a boat from Manhasset Bay Marina for deep sea fishing excursions targeting larger gamefish in Long Island Sound.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ESCAPES
Camping enthusiasts from North Hills can enjoy Battle Row Campground in nearby Old Bethpage, offering well-maintained sites with electrical hookups and modern facilities. For a more natural experience, Wildwood State Park provides wooded campsites along the Long Island Sound with beach access and hiking trails. Families particularly enjoy Nickerson Beach Campground, which combines camping with playground facilities, swimming, and recreational programs throughout the summer season.