Things To Do In Garden City NY
Get To Know Garden City
Located just 18 miles from Manhattan, Garden City was founded in 1869 by Alexander Turney Stewart, a millionaire Irishman who opened the original Garden City Hotel just five years later. In 1927, Garden City made headlines as the departure point for Charles Lindbergh’s historic solo transatlantic flight. Today, it is one of the East Coast’s most picturesque destinations – discover some of our favorite things to do in Garden City, NY.
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury NY
This magnificent Charles II-style mansion is tucked away in 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, forest, ponds and lakes. The home features fine English antiques and art from the decades the Phipps family were in residence.
- 5.6 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 18 Minutes Driving
Garden City Public Library
60 Seventh Street, Garden City NY
A relaxing way to spend a few hours. Enjoy a book or one of the many periodicals in a comfy chair and let the kids explore the colorful children’s room. The library offers occasional drop-in story times and events all can enjoy.
- 0.44 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 1 Minute Driving
Garden City Bird Sanctuary
181 Tanners Pond Road, Garden City, NY
Bring your binoculars! Located on seven acres, this nature preserve serves as a refuge and feeding ground for local and migrating birds. Open on weekends from April through the end of October, the bird sanctuary is FREE to enter, but visitors are encouraged to make a cash donation or contribute bird seed.
- 2.1 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 7 Minutes Driving
Lego Store
630 Old Country Rd, Garden City NY
If you have a Lego enthusiast, a visit to the Lego Store at Roosevelt Field Mall is a must. Kids can choose a building set or design their own from the Build Wall, or join in the monthly FREE Mini Model Build. There are specials and events offered for kids and adults, so check the calendar for registration information.
- 2.2 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 9 Minutes Driving
Muse Paintbar
837 Franklin Ave, Garden City NY
Snack, drink, and paint a portrait in a casual group setting. Well-organized and easy to follow along with your instructor. An evening spent at Muse is an excellent – and creative – alternative to dinner at a restaurant.
- 0.5 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 4 Minutes Driving
Nunley’s Carousel
Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Museum Row, Garden City NY
A spectacularly elaborate carousel dating from 1912, complete with brass rings for riders to grab for prizes. This is colorful, lively entertainment for young and old alike, and a popular birthday party venue!
- 2.7 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 11 Minutes Driving
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale NY
This recently renovated indoor arena hosts an incredible variety of concerts, exhibitions, sports events, and trade shows. Basketball fans take note: the Brooklyn Nets’ NBA G League team, the Long Island Nets, call this arena home.
- 3.7 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 12 Minutes Driving
Belmont Race Track
2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont NY
Legendary home of the third leg of the Triple Crown, Belmont’s history draws as many visitors as the horses. Many opportunities to enjoy food or drinks while socializing, sitting under the trees, or listening to a concert. You don’t need to be a handicapper to enjoy Belmont.
- 5.5 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 17 Minutes Driving
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh NY
With its boardwalk and six miles of beach, this quirky park is known as a world-class swimming destination. The park’s design is themed as an ocean liner. Shuffleboard, miniature golf, and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center make for a fantastic day.
- 14.6 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 23 Minutes Driving
Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Ave, Garden City NY
This hands-on museum offers 14 interactive exhibits and daily activities for children three and up. Live theater, art spaces, and an on-site cafeteria give families an opportunity to rest and regroup.
- 2.6 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 10 Minutes Driving
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City NY
Featuring more than 75 air and space craft in eight exhibit galleries, this aerospace museum commemorates Long Island's important role in the history of aviation, including Charles Lindbergh's historic solo flight from Roosevelt Field to Paris in 1927.
- 2.8 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 15 Minutes Driving
The Gallery at Westbury Plaza
900 Old Country Rd, Garden City NY
The Gallery manages to feel posh without pretentiousness. Excellent selection of stores in a multi-level outdoor-mall setting. Great place to window shop, or sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and people watch.
- 3.2 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 10 Minutes Driving
Roosevelt Field Mall
630 Old Country Rd, Garden City NY
Every high-end department store the sophisticated shopper expects, plus over 250 specialty stores. Fast casual dining offers vegetarian and kosher choices. Wide variety of sit-down dining options as well. An eight-screen movie theater to entertain non-shoppers.
- 2.2 Miles from Garden City Hotel
- 9 Minutes Driving