Long Island is a place of intriguing opposites. From the rolling green hills and white sand beaches to the colonial charm and modern sensibilities, Nassau County is the perfect serene escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Long Island isn’t just a retreat for the rich and famous (although it is home to the mansions that collectively inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”), but it has become a destination for those seeking an elegant seaside getaway, cultural events, historic places, and so much more.
If you’re planning an excursion to Nassau County on Long Island, get tips on five fun senior-friendly day trip destinations to explore.
How to Get Around Long Island
Nassau County, New York, includes much of the western part of the island and borders Queens to the west and Suffolk County to the east.
If you’re driving, several bridges and tunnels connect New York City to the rest of Long Island. And once you’re there, rail service, taxis, and buses are available to help you navigate. Learn more and find maps on the official Long Island tourism website.
Top Attractions for Seniors to Visit in Nassau County
Seniors will appreciate all that Nassau County has to offer. From mansions and other historic sites to gardens and museums, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes and interests. Each destination on our top five list can be modified based on your loved one’s mobility and accessibility needs.
For example, if staying on your feet for long periods is challenging, try adding short breaks by dining at your favorite sit-down restaurant or taking a drive to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery.
Older adults can set their own pace while visiting a variety of attractions. Explore the senior-friendly options below, then start planning your day trip to Nassau County!
1. Old Westbury Gardens
Experience one of Long Island’s opulent mansions at Old Westbury Gardens. John S. Phipps built this home for his fiancée in 1906, modeled on architecture from the English Caroline era. This sprawling 200-acre estate is now open to the public and features manicured grounds, forests, ponds, and a home full of fascinating antiques.
Seniors receive discounted admission to the gardens and Westbury House. Self-guided and docent-led tours are included with admission. The guided tours take approximately 45 minutes.
It’s important to note that parts of the house may pose a challenge for individuals with limited mobility, and there are also unpaved and gravel walkways through some areas of the gardens. You may want to consider opting for the self-guided tour to set your own pace if you are concerned about navigating these spaces.
2. Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Discover what life was like on Long Island in the 1800s at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. You’ll find a collection of over 50 historic homes, structures, and buildings, as well as thousands of artifacts originally from around the island.
Visit and learn about the school, blacksmith shop, doctor’s office, church, and more. Old Bethpage Village Restoration hosts numerous special events like an old-fashioned baseball game, Halloween celebrations, and candlelight evenings.
Due to the large number of sites to visit, feel free to explore at your leisure. However, make sure to watch your step as the village roads and floors within the buildings are similar to what you’d expect from the 19th century.
3. Americana Manhasset
For a swanky shopping experience, venture to Americana Manhasset for boutiques and designer wares of all kinds. You’ll find Prada, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, and more, as well as plenty of restaurants. Window shopping or splurging are both great ways to pass the time here.
The streamlined layout of Americana Manhasset allows for close, accessible parking spaces to several stores. If walking from one end of the shopping center to the other is too difficult, consider driving and parking closer so you can visit all of your favorite stores with ease.
Additionally, concierge services are available Tuesday through Saturday during daytime shopping hours. The concierge can facilitate personal shopping, dining reservations, or even a professional makeup application at Bluemercury. Visit their website for more details.
Related: 5 Fun Day Trip Destinations for Seniors in Suffolk County >>
An educational experience awaits when you visit one of these three museums, located next to each other in Nassau County: the Long Island Children’s Museum, the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
- Long Island Children’s Museum - Great for children or the young at heart, this museum offers 14 interactive exhibits, live theater, art spaces, and daily activities.
- Nassau County Firefighters Museum - The museum shows the historical evolution of fire service equipment, gear, and apparatus. View horse-drawn fire engines, a Slisby steamer, and a 1934 Mack fire engine.
- Cradle of Aviation Museum - View 75 air and spacecraft throughout eight galleries in this aviation museum. You’ll find a hot air balloon, an actual Apollo Lunar Module, Boeing 314 flying boats, and more. The museum also features a full-dome planetarium with several show options.
Before you leave the area, stop by the nearby restored Nunley’s Carousel, originally constructed in 1912. It’s a must-see for fans of old amusement rides. Accessible seating is available on the carousel.
5. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, the former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, is now a part of the National Park Service. Explore its 83 acres, which include forests, a beach, and an Audubon Center. Access to the grounds is by guided tour only, and tickets must be purchased in advance on this website.
The guided tour takes place both indoors and outdoors, lasting approximately 45 minutes. The Roosevelt Home is about 300 walking steps up a slight incline from the parking lot. There is a more gradual path available that leads to a ramp on the backside of the porch. Please note that the second and third floors of the home are only accessible by stairs.
Read More of Our Travel Blogs
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This article was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2023.
