Summer doesn’t have to involve airline tickets, expensive hotels, or hours spent sitting in traffic. One of the best things about living in Nassau County is that remarkable destinations are never very far away. Whether you’re interested in presidential history, spectacular gardens, museums, beaches, aviation, or waterfront villages, you can enjoy a memorable getaway without leaving the county or spending a fortune.
To help you make the most of Summer 2026, we’ve organized some of our favorite Nassau County micro-vacations by interest. Pick one that matches your mood, pack a picnic (or enjoy a local restaurant), and rediscover some of the places that make Nassau County such a wonderful place to call home.
For History Lovers
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Spend a day walking in the footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt at his beloved “Summer White House.” Tour the beautifully preserved home, stroll wooded trails overlooking Oyster Bay, and finish your afternoon exploring Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and the waterfront shops and restaurants in Oyster Bay Village.
Gold Coast Mansions Tour
Nassau County’s Gold Coast remains one of America’s finest collections of historic estates. Spend the day exploring Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum, and Sands Point Preserve. Between formal gardens, woodland trails, greenhouses, and magnificent mansions, it’s easy to lose yourself in another era.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Travel back to the 19th century at this beautifully recreated Long Island village. Historic homes, blacksmith demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and seasonal programs offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into everyday life before electricity and automobiles.
For Nature Lovers
Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach is far more than a place to swim. Spend the day walking the iconic boardwalk, visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center, watching shorebirds, enjoying miniature golf, or simply relaxing beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Even if you’ve already toured the mansion, Planting Fields deserves a return visit. More than 400 acres of gardens, woodlands, walking paths, and historic greenhouses make every season different, and the Foundation hosts rotating exhibits, tours, and educational programs throughout the year.
Muttontown Preserve
Covering more than 500 acres of forests, ponds, and estate grounds, Muttontown Preserve is one of Nassau County’s best-kept secrets. Miles of hiking trails provide a peaceful escape that’s surprisingly close to home.
For Families
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Explore Long Island’s remarkable role in aviation and space exploration through dozens of interactive exhibits, historic aircraft, and spacecraft. It’s consistently one of the county’s best family attractions.
Long Island Children’s Museum
Hands-on exhibits, art activities, and educational programs make this Garden City favorite perfect for younger children looking to learn while they play.
Nassau County Firefighters Museum
Located next to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, this interactive museum lets children climb aboard antique fire engines while learning about fire safety and local history.
For Art & Culture Fans
Nassau County Museum of Art
Located on the former Frick Estate in Roslyn Harbor, the museum combines outstanding exhibitions with sculpture gardens and woodland walking trails, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
Old Westbury Gardens
Many visitors come for the mansion, but the gardens themselves are reason enough to visit. Seasonal blooms ensure that no two visits are exactly alike. This summer, Old Westbury Gardens is hosting acclaimed artist Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® exhibition, featuring 17 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the wonders of the natural world, each constructed from over 300,000 LEGO bricks.
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts
Even when performances aren’t scheduled, Hofstra University’s beautiful campus and nearby museums make for a relaxing afternoon. During the summer, keep an eye out for free outdoor performances and cultural programming.
Make Summer Count (and Don’t Forget Tax Grievance Season is Just Ahead)
One of the best things about these Nassau County micro-vacations is that they prove you don’t have to travel far, or spend a lot, to enjoy a memorable summer. Some of the area’s most rewarding destinations are right in your own backyard.
As summer winds down, remember that September 1 marks the beginning of Nassau County’s tax grievance season. If you’re a Nassau County homeowner, Maidenbaum can help you challenge your property’s assessment and potentially reduce your property taxes, leaving you with a little extra money to enjoy even more Long Island adventures next summer.