September is one of the best times to experience Nassau County. Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, waterfront communities, historic estates, museums, shopping and restaurants that make this corner of Long Island worth exploring.
For visitors coming to Nassau County this September for the Northwell IRONMAN 70.3 New York, consider the weekend an opportunity to experience even more. Whether you’re competing, cheering someone on or traveling with family and friends, build a little extra time into your stay to see what’s waiting beyond the course.
From South Shore beaches and family-friendly Mid-Island attractions to Gold Coast estates and picturesque North Shore villages, here are a few ways to make a weekend of it.
Explore the South Shore: Beaches, Boardwalks & Local Favorites
Start at Jones Beach
No visit to Nassau County is complete without experiencing Jones Beach State Park. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic park is known for 6.5 miles of white-sand beaches, its sprawling boardwalk and unmistakable architecture. Beyond the beach, visitors can find everything from mini golf and pickleball to casual dining and other activities throughout the park.
While IRONMAN athletes will become very familiar with Jones Beach, everyone else can experience it at a decidedly slower pace. Walk the boardwalk, take in the Atlantic views or simply spend some time enjoying the ocean air.
Before heading to the beach, grab a classic Long Island breakfast nearby. Gateway Bagels & Deli in Wantagh is an early-morning option for hand-rolled bagels and breakfast sandwiches. For something sweeter, The French Workshop in Wantagh serves croissants, pastries, breads and specialty coffees alongside breakfast and lunch options.
Want to make breakfast itself an outing? Head to nearby Bellmore for Morning Rose Cafe, a cozy breakfast and brunch spot known for creative takes on pancakes, French toast and other morning favorites.
Stay for lunch or dinner: Wantagh has plenty of options for extending your South Shore day. New Wave Seafood is a casual choice for fresh seafood, while Wantagh Inn offers an approachable, family-friendly menu with American and Irish-inspired favorites. For pizza and Italian dishes, Bel Posto is another local option.
Spend an Afternoon in Long Beach
For a different take on Nassau County’s South Shore, head west to Long Beach. The “City by the Sea” combines miles of sandy beach with its 2.1-mile oceanfront boardwalk and a fun downtown, making it easy to spend a few hours or an entire afternoon exploring.
Start with a walk along the boardwalk before heading into town for coffee, food and a little local flavor.
For breakfast or brunch, Toast Coffee + Kitchen on West Park Avenue serves an extensive menu of breakfast favorites, specialty coffees and creative brunch dishes. For a classic Long Beach experience, Laurel Diner has been part of the community since 1932 and serves traditional diner breakfasts, pancakes, sandwiches and more.
In the West End, Blacksmith’s Breads is a small-batch bakery-café specializing in naturally leavened breads, croissants, pastries and breakfast fare.
After breakfast, browse the shops and businesses along Park Avenue and throughout the West End.
Stay for lunch or dinner: Stop at Gino’s Long Beach for pizza and classic Italian favorites Gino’s Long Beach, or make the most of the seaside setting with a meal at Five Ocean, located right on the beach. For dinner, Grotta di Fuoco serves wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and Italian dishes.
Perfect for: Beach lovers, families and anyone looking for an easygoing afternoon by the Atlantic.
Discover Mid-Island: Museums, Gardens & Serious Shopping
Mid-Island is an ideal destination for families because so many experiences can easily be combined into one day.
Make It a Museum Morning
Start in Garden City at Cradle of Aviation Museum, where Long Island’s remarkable role in American aviation and space exploration comes to life through historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits.
Traveling with younger children? The Long Island Children’s Museum is right nearby, with hands-on exhibits designed to encourage kids to play, build and explore.
Families can also take a spin on historic Nunley’s Carousel. Originally installed in Brooklyn in 1912, the carousel moved to Baldwin around 1940, and became a beloved Long Island attraction before eventually being restored and relocated to Museum Row in Garden City.
Before exploring the museums, fuel up like a local. My Three Sons Bagel Cafe on Franklin Avenue offers hand-rolled bagels, breakfast sandwiches and plenty of grab-and-go options.
Shop Garden City
From Museum Row, you’re only a short drive from Roosevelt Field, one of Long Island’s premier shopping destinations. Browse its extensive collection of stores, pick up anything you forgot for the weekend or use the occasion as an excuse for a little pre- or post-race shopping.
But don’t overlook downtown Garden City. Take a stroll along Seventh Street and Franklin Avenue, where you’ll find boutiques, specialty food stores, restaurants and cafés in a more intimate village setting.
Make time for lunch or dinner: Waterzooi Belgian Bistro & Oyster Bar is a longtime Garden City favorite known for Belgian specialties, oysters and signature mussel pots. For barbecue and a more casual atmosphere, Smok-Haus serves smoked meats and street-food-inspired dishes. Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas rounds out the mix with Italian small plates and a relaxed atmosphere.
If your shopping takes you to Roosevelt Field, Seasons 52 offers a seasonally driven menu with plenty of lighter choices.
It’s an easy combination: spend the morning at the museums, have lunch, browse Seventh Street and Roosevelt Field, then finish the day with dinner.
From Mid-Island to the Gold Coast
From Garden City, head north to Old Westbury Gardens, one of Nassau County’s most beautiful historic estates.
Explore Westbury House and stroll through formal gardens and landscaped grounds for a glimpse into Long Island’s famed Gold Coast era. It’s a particularly appealing option for visitors looking for something scenic and peaceful and a complete change of pace from the excitement surrounding race weekend.
Whether you choose museums, shopping, the gardens or a combination of all three, this part of Nassau County offers plenty of ways for the entire family to spend the day.
Perfect for: Families, museum lovers, history buffs and serious shoppers.
Experience the North Shore: Art, Estates, Boutiques & Waterfront Villages
Nassau County’s North Shore feels dramatically different from its oceanfront South Shore, replacing Atlantic beaches with harbors, historic villages, grand estates and remnants of Long Island’s Gold Coast.
Start With Breakfast & Art in Roslyn
Begin the morning in Roslyn, one of Nassau County’s most picturesque historic villages.
Make your first stop Diane’s Bakery/Cafe, a longtime Roslyn favorite serving scratch-made baked goods including muffins, cookies, pies and tarts. On weekends, breakfast options include favorites such as challah French toast and smoked salmon bagels.
Or grab a bagel from PopUp Bagels on Old Northern Boulevard before exploring the village.
From there, head to the Nassau County Museum of Art. Located on a historic Gold Coast estate, the museum combines indoor exhibitions with expansive grounds, an arboretum, walking trails and outdoor sculpture.
Take your time exploring the art and grounds before heading to your next North Shore stop.
Stop for lunch or dinner: Stay in Roslyn and enjoy New American fare at Gatsby’s Landing, overlooking the village pond. Ravagh Persian Grill offers Persian specialties and grilled meats, while LIMANI is an option for an elevated Mediterranean seafood lunch or dinner.
Shop Your Way Through Manhasset
Next up: Manhasset.
Americana Manhasset brings more than 60+ retailers together in a beautifully landscaped open-air setting. One of Long Island’s premier luxury shopping destinations, Americana Manhasset is home to an impressive collection of fashion, jewelry and lifestyle brands.
It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing and an equally good excuse for a little victory purchase after race weekend.
For visitors who prefer a more local shopping experience, nearby downtowns in Roslyn and Port Washington offer another opportunity to browse smaller shops, specialty businesses and boutiques.
Continue to Sands Point & Port Washington
Finish your North Shore adventure at Sands Point Preserve, the former Guggenheim Estate overlooking Long Island Sound.
Explore the estate’s historic mansions, lawns, gardens and wooded trails while taking in another side of Nassau County’s Gold Coast history.
From Sands Point, continue into Port Washington, a waterfront community overlooking Manhasset Bay. Spend some time exploring Main Street, browse local businesses and enjoy the slower pace of the North Shore.
Stop at Saint Honore Pastry Shop, a longtime neighborhood bakery known for French-inspired pastries, cakes, cookies and other sweets. For coffee, breakfast or a lighter meal, Fora Cafe offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu along with espresso drinks, matcha, smoothies and fresh juices.
For something uniquely local to bring home, stop at Serra Provisions, an Italian specialty shop offering house-made focaccia sandwiches, pizza and a curated selection of Italian pantry goods.
Stay for dinner: La P’tite Framboise brings the feel of a French bistro to Main Street. For a quintessential North Shore evening, Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood pairs steaks and seafood with views of Manhasset Bay.
Then slow down, take in the waterfront and enjoy the view before heading back.
Perfect for: Couples, art lovers, shoppers, foodies and anyone extending their Nassau County stay for an extra day.
Build Your Perfect Nassau County Weekend
The best part? There’s no need to do everything.
If you’re traveling with kids, spend a morning at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and the Long Island Children’s Museum, take a ride on Nunley’s Carousel and finish the day shopping and exploring Garden City.
If you’re craving the coast, pair Jones Beach with breakfast or pastries in Wantagh, or make an afternoon of the Long Beach boardwalk, local businesses and restaurants.
For a slower-paced day, head north for breakfast in Roslyn, art at the Nassau County Museum of Art, shopping at Americana Manhasset and an afternoon exploring Sands Point Preserve and Port Washington then stay for dinner overlooking Manhasset Bay.
History lovers can create their own Gold Coast itinerary by pairing Old Westbury Gardens with Sands Point Preserve, while dedicated shoppers can combine Garden City and Roosevelt Field with the designer boutiques of Americana Manhasset.
And for athletes? Once the competition is behind you, there’s something particularly satisfying about replacing swim, bike and run with eat, shop and explore.
The Northwell IRONMAN 70.3 New York may be the highlight of your September visit to Nassau County, but there’s plenty more to experience beyond race day.
Come for the competition. Stay for the beaches, museums, bakeries, boutiques, historic estates, waterfront villages and local flavors you discover along the way.
