Best attractions and places to see around East Meadow, New York, include a variety of parks, natural areas, and local landmarks. This hamlet in Nassau County offers expansive green spaces and significant community sites. Its location on Long Island provides access to diverse points of interest, featuring lakes, trails, and recreational facilities. The area is characterized by its blend of natural preserves and developed recreational amenities.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Highlight • Lake
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almost exactly a 5K distance around the lake. beautiful, peaceful, and most importantly shaded
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Hempstead Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by scenic parkland. Covering over 100 acres, it’s a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. A nice trail encircles the lake, making it perfect for a run.
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Bethpage Bikeway is a 13.4-mile paved bike path that runs through the suburbs as well as three parks; Trail View State Park, Bethpage State Park, and Massapequa Preserve.
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Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi-use facility that has children's playgrounds, basketball courts, and paths for horseback riding, biking and hiking. There are also picnic areas and an observation deck overlooking Hempstead Lake.
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Hempstead Lake is a tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by scenic parkland. Spanning over 100 acres, the lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by a nice walking trail, that serves as the perfect location for a stroll.
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This place is a highly popular fishing spot, regularly stocked with trout, drawing a considerable crowd on weekends. The area is rich in wildlife, with various species such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, raccoons, and rabbits. It also serves as a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
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Great protected North-South bikeway. There is a parking lot on Old Country Road and East Bethpage way for the trailway and there might be others.
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A 930-acre oasis of open space and recreation in the heart of Nassau County, Eisenhower Park is one of the largest public spaces in the New York metropolitan area – larger, in fact, than Central Park. This park includes many ball fields, a lake, amphitheater, golf course, indoor pool, ice rink, etc.
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East Meadow and its surroundings offer several natural attractions. You can visit Massapequa Reservoir, a popular spot for fishing and wildlife viewing. Hempstead Lake provides tranquil waters for fishing, boating, and picnicking, with a scenic walking trail. Additionally, the East Meadow Bird Sanctuary features a 20-acre pond, serving as a habitat for various wildlife.
There are several excellent options for walking and hiking. Hempstead Lake is encircled by a pleasant walking trail, perfect for a stroll or run. Eisenhower Park, a vast 930-acre oasis, also offers numerous paths and open spaces for walking. For more structured routes, you can explore easy hikes like the Eisenhower Course or Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop, which are part of the easy hikes around East Meadow guide.
Absolutely! The Bethpage Bikeway is a highlight, offering a 13.4-mile paved path that runs through suburbs and three parks, including Bethpage State Park. This protected north-south bikeway is ideal for a leisurely ride. You can find more cycling options, including the Bethpage Bikeway loop from Bethpage, in the cycling guide for East Meadow.
East Meadow boasts many family-friendly attractions. Eisenhower Park is a fantastic choice, featuring ball fields, a lake, an amphitheater, a golf course, an indoor pool, and an ice rink, along with various events. Senator Speno Memorial Park offers vast lawns, a playground, and sports courts. The Bethpage Bikeway is also great for family bike rides, and Hempstead Lake is perfect for picnicking and gentle walks.
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Massapequa Reservoir, which is regularly stocked with trout and is a highly popular fishing spot. Hempstead Lake is another excellent freshwater lake offering opportunities for fishing amidst scenic parkland.
While East Meadow is primarily known for its natural spaces, it does have local landmarks. The East Meadow Water Tower is a recognized local landmark. The East Meadow Public Library is also a significant local institution, housing the Steve Buczak History Collection which preserves local history. Veterans Memorial Park is located on the site of the old Hoeffner homestead, offering a nod to the area's past.
The natural areas around East Meadow are rich in wildlife. At Massapequa Reservoir, you might spot various bird species, squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, raccoons, and rabbits. The East Meadow Bird Sanctuary is specifically designed to protect wildlife, including fish, reptiles, and small animals. Hempstead Lake is also known for its diverse wildlife.
Yes, Senator Speno Memorial Park is well-equipped with a playground and sports courts for activities like handball, shuffleboard, basketball, and tennis. Eisenhower Park is also a massive recreational hub with numerous ball fields, an indoor pool, and an ice rink, catering to a wide range of sports and activities.
For a relaxing day, consider Eisenhower Park, a 930-acre oasis perfect for unwinding. Hempstead Lake offers a tranquil setting for picnicking and gentle walks around its 100-acre freshwater lake. Twin Lakes Preserve is described as an urban oasis with peaceful scenery, and Forest City Community Park features landscaped gardens and winding paths for a serene experience.
Yes, Bethpage State Park is renowned for its five world-class golf courses, some of which have hosted major championships like the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open Championship. Eisenhower Park also includes a golf course among its many recreational facilities.
Runners have several options, including the LI Motor Parkway Trail and the running loop from Nassau County. For longer distances, Eisenhower Park offers extensive loops. You can find detailed running routes, such as the Hempstead Lake State Park – Hempstead Lake viewpoint loop, in the running trails guide for East Meadow.
Many parks in the area offer dedicated parking. For instance, the Bethpage Bikeway has a parking lot on Old Country Road and East Bethpage Way. Larger parks like Eisenhower Park and Bethpage State Park also provide ample parking facilities for visitors.


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