Attractions and Places To See around Brentwood - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Brentwood include a variety of natural landscapes and recreational areas. This region, located on Long Island, New York, offers diverse outdoor experiences from state parks with extensive trail systems to scenic waterfronts. Visitors can explore forests, lakes, and historical sites, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. The area is characterized by its preserved natural spaces and accessible outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Brentwood
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Heckscher State Park Beach
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Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
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View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet
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Southards Pond
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Arthur Kunz County Park
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From this spot you get a nice view of a small waterfall flowing out of Belmont Lake into Carl's River. This is a pleasant spot to pause as you ride around Belmont Lake State Park and the surrounding area.
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Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a 3,473-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands. Visitors can find over 200 bird species and 300 plant species, along with other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and moths that once lived all over Long Island. This area was created as New York's first "State Park Preserve," and remains a protected area open to the public today.
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Southards Pond is the main attraction with Southards Pond Park. The main trail basically walks up to the shore of the water on the west side of the reservoir and offers an immersion into nature without having to leave the city. This spot, on the south side of the pond, crosses the Carlls River on a bridge and looks out over the water.
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Southards Pond offers beautiful views of the pond, streams, and wildlife. You can enjoy the tranquility of nature while getting some exercise. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or climbing steep hills. The best times to visit this trail are April through September, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is lush. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, you will find this trail to be a rewarding and relaxing way to explore the park.
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The area where Belmont Lake funnels back into the Carlls River at the southern end of the reservoir is a popular viewing spot of the water. There is a bridge crossing the creek with a head-on view of the small cascade formed by the lake flowing into the tight waterway.
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This nearly 3,500-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds and woodlands is nestled in central Long Island along the pristine, spring-fed Connetquot River. A wilderness surrounded by suburbs, the preserve provides excellent opportunities to see more than 200 bird and 300 plant species, as well as several mammal, reptile, amphibian, butterfly and moth species that once flourished throughout Long Island.
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Situated on the western bank of the Nissequogue River, near its estuarine mouth, this 93 acre forested property is utilized primarily for hiking. Arthur Kunz County Park features tidal creeks, a lush, mixed deciduous forest, rolling hills and valleys, and quaint hidden ponds all of which provide important habitat for wildlife. The trail system in the park provides a scenic link in a section of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail which heads north from Arthur Kunz Park to its terminus at Sunken Meadow State Park.
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Heckscher offers a beach, picnic tables with pavilions, a playground, playing fields and a disc golf course, recreation programs, hiking and biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, a boat launch, and a food concession. It includes the Heckscher Forest, a dedicated disc golf course established in the summer of 2014. The park formerly offered a campground with tent and trailer sites, as well as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which were closed due to budget cuts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Brentwood, Long Island?
The Brentwood area on Long Island offers diverse natural landscapes. You can visit the View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet for a small cascade, or explore the extensive sandy pine barrens, wetlands, and woodlands at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Southards Pond provides tranquil views of the pond, streams, and wildlife, while Arthur Kunz County Park features a lush, mixed deciduous forest with tidal creeks and rolling hills.
Are there any beaches or waterfront attractions near Brentwood?
Yes, Heckscher State Park Beach is a prominent waterfront attraction. It offers a beach, picnic areas, a playground, and trails for various activities. You can also find scenic water views at Southards Pond and along the Connetquot River within the Connetquot River State Park Preserve.
What historical sites can I visit in the Brentwood area?
The Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a notable historical site nestled within a nearly 3,500-acre natural refuge. This preserve itself was created as New York's first "State Park Preserve," preserving a significant part of Long Island's natural and historical heritage.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Brentwood area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, running, and biking. For running, explore routes like the Edgewood Preserve Hiking Loop or sections of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. Mountain biking enthusiasts can enjoy trails around Deer Park or Southards Pond. Road cyclists have options like the South Country Road Loop or routes to Heckscher State Park Beach. You can find more details on specific routes in the Running Trails around Brentwood, MTB Trails around Brentwood, and Road Cycling Routes around Brentwood guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Brentwood?
Many attractions in the Brentwood area are family-friendly. Heckscher State Park Beach offers a playground, picnic areas, and open spaces for families. Connetquot River State Park Preserve is ideal for families to explore nature and spot wildlife, while Southards Pond provides easy, flat trails suitable for all ages.
Where can I go for hiking or walking trails near Brentwood?
You'll find several excellent spots for hiking and walking. Arthur Kunz County Park offers a trail system that links to the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. Southards Pond has mostly flat, well-marked trails perfect for a relaxing walk. Connetquot River State Park Preserve also features extensive trails through its diverse ecosystems. For more options, check the Running Trails around Brentwood guide.
What is the best time to visit the trails and natural areas around Brentwood?
For places like Southards Pond, the best times to visit are generally April through September, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is lush. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking and wildlife viewing across most natural preserves in the area, with vibrant seasonal colors.
Can I bring my dog to the walking trails near Brentwood?
Yes, dogs are welcome on many trails, but they must typically be on a leash. For example, dogs are permitted on leash at Southards Pond. Always check specific park regulations before visiting, as rules can vary.
Where can I observe wildlife in the Brentwood area?
The Connetquot River State Park Preserve is an excellent spot for wildlife observation, home to over 200 bird species and 300 plant species, as well as various mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and moths. Southards Pond and Arthur Kunz County Park also provide important habitats for local wildlife.
Are there facilities available at the attractions, such as picnic areas or restrooms?
Yes, some attractions offer facilities. Heckscher State Park Beach provides picnic tables with pavilions, a playground, and food concessions. Connetquot River State Park Preserve also has facilities available for visitors.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Brentwood?
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquility and immersion in nature offered by spots like Southards Pond, which provides beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. The scenic views of the small cascade at the View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet are also a popular highlight for those exploring the area.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots to capture photos?
Absolutely. The View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet is a popular viewing spot, offering a head-on perspective of the small cascade. Southards Pond provides beautiful views of the pond and surrounding nature, ideal for photography. Additionally, the diverse landscapes within Connetquot River State Park Preserve offer numerous scenic opportunities.
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