Old Westbury New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Old Westbury, New York.
1. Old Westbury Gardens
HISTORIC MANSION AND GARDENS
Old Westbury Gardens is a magnificent Long Island attraction featuring a historic mansion, formal gardens, and various programs and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of both the Westbury House, a stunning red brick structure with limestone accents, and the extensive gardens including the popular Walled Garden, Rose Garden, and Lilac Walk. The estate, once owned by John Shaffer Phipps, heir to a U.S. Steel fortune, was converted into a museum in 1959 and is open for tours from April through October.
2. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
PREMIER CONCERT VENUE
Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair ranks as the #1 attraction in Westbury, earning stellar reviews from visitors who enjoy its diverse entertainment offerings. Located just 2.2 miles from Old Westbury Gardens, this popular venue hosts a variety of musical performances, comedy shows, and theatrical productions throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the intimate setting which provides excellent views of the stage from virtually any seat in the house.
3. The Space at Westbury
VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
The Space at Westbury offers a diverse range of concerts and shows in a renovated historic theater setting just 1.4 miles from Old Westbury Gardens. This entertainment venue combines modern amenities with classic architectural elements, creating a unique atmosphere for experiencing live performances. Visitors can enjoy everything from mainstream musical acts to independent artists in this intimate setting that has become an important cultural hub for the community.
4. Nassau County Museum of Art
CULTURAL ART DESTINATION
Nassau County Museum of Art stands as the top-rated attraction in Roslyn, situated just 3.2 miles from Old Westbury Gardens. The museum showcases an impressive collection of American and European art within a historic Gold Coast mansion surrounded by 145 acres of sculptural gardens and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, permanent collections, nature trails, and formal gardens that combine artistic appreciation with outdoor beauty.
5. Eisenhower Park
EXPANSIVE RECREATIONAL OASIS
Eisenhower Park reigns as the premier attraction in East Meadow, located approximately 3.1 miles from Old Westbury Gardens. This 930-acre recreational space offers visitors access to multiple athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths, and three 18-hole golf courses including the championship Red Course. Families particularly enjoy the park's aquatic center, fitness trails, and seasonal events that make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Clark Botanic Garden
SERENE BOTANICAL SANCTUARY
Clark Botanic Garden serves as the top attraction in Albertson, positioned just 2 miles from Old Westbury Gardens. This 12-acre living museum and educational facility features meticulously maintained collections of native and exotic plants arranged in themed gardens including a magnificent rose garden and serene water features. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls along winding paths while observing diverse plant species, seasonal blooms, and local wildlife throughout the year.
7. Cradle of Aviation Museum
AEROSPACE HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Cradle of Aviation Museum celebrates Long Island's rich aerospace heritage through interactive exhibits and an impressive collection of aircraft and space vehicles. Located in Garden City about 2.6 miles from Old Westbury Gardens, this educational attraction chronicles aviation history from the early 1900s through the space race and beyond. Visitors can explore full-sized aircraft displays, try flight simulators, and learn about Long Island's crucial role in aviation development at this family-friendly museum.
8. Let's Roam Scavenger Hunt
INTERACTIVE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Let's Roam Scavenger Hunt offers an exciting way to explore Old Westbury through interactive challenges and puzzles that highlight the area's attractions and hidden gems. Participants use a mobile app to navigate between landmarks, solve clues, and learn fascinating facts about the history and culture of this charming Long Island community. This activity provides an engaging alternative to traditional sightseeing, combining entertainment with education for visitors of all ages.
9. Can You Escape LI
THRILLING PUZZLE CHALLENGES
Can You Escape LI delivers heart-pounding escape room experiences that challenge visitors to solve puzzles, find clues, and work together to accomplish missions within a time limit. With over 300 positive reviews, this attraction offers multiple themed rooms featuring immersive scenarios that test problem-solving skills and teamwork. Groups of friends, families, and corporate teams enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing against the clock in these meticulously designed interactive adventures.
10. Spring Wildflower Walks
SEASONAL NATURE EXPLORATION
Spring Wildflower Walks provides guided tours through Old Westbury's natural areas where visitors can observe and learn about native flora during peak blooming season. Expert naturalists lead these educational excursions, pointing out rare and common wildflower species while explaining their ecological importance and historical uses. These seasonal events combine outdoor recreation with botanical education, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts prime opportunities to experience the region's biodiversity.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATIONS
Shopping in Old Westbury offers visitors access to unique boutiques and convenient retail options including the popular Bolla Gourmet Deli and 7-Eleven for quick purchases. The nearby area features several shopping centers where tourists and locals can browse fashion outlets, specialty stores, and home goods retailers. For more extensive shopping experiences, visitors can venture to nearby Roosevelt Field Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations on Long Island with over 250 stores.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS SELECTION
Dining in Old Westbury features several noteworthy establishments including the classic Old Westbury Diner serving American comfort food and Mala Madre Taqueria offering authentic Mexican cuisine. Food enthusiasts can also enjoy fresh ingredients and gourmet sandwiches at Bolla Gourmet Deli or relax in the natural surroundings at Café In The Woods. These dining options provide visitors with varied culinary experiences ranging from quick casual bites to more leisurely meals featuring local and international flavors.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking opportunities near Old Westbury allow nature enthusiasts to explore the beautiful landscapes of Long Island through well-maintained trails and natural preserves. The nearby Nassau County Museum of Art features walking paths through its 145-acre property where hikers can enjoy scenic views while discovering outdoor sculptures along the way. Additional hiking experiences can be found at the Muttontown Preserve and Tiffany Creek Preserve, offering varied terrain and opportunities to observe local wildlife and native plant species.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE SPOTS
Fishing enthusiasts visiting Old Westbury can enjoy casting their lines at several nearby water bodies including the West Pond at Old Westbury Gardens and the larger ponds within Eisenhower Park. These freshwater fishing spots offer opportunities to catch species such as bass, sunfish, and trout in peaceful settings surrounded by natural beauty. For those seeking more extensive fishing experiences, the nearby north shore of Long Island provides access to saltwater fishing locations within a short drive from Old Westbury.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT RETREATS
Camping options near Old Westbury provide outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to enjoy overnight nature experiences at facilities such as Battle Row Campground in nearby Old Bethpage and Cathedral Pines County Park further east on Long Island. These campgrounds offer various amenities including tent sites, RV hookups, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails for different comfort levels and camping preferences. While Old Westbury itself has limited camping facilities, the surrounding Long Island region features several well-maintained campgrounds within reasonable driving distance for those seeking an outdoor overnight adventure.