Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Hempstead is a large village in central Nassau County on Long Island, about 25 miles east of Midtown Manhattan. Settled in 1644 by English colonists who bought land from local Native American groups, it is one of the oldest communities on Long Island and gave its name to the much larger Town of Hempstead around it. It is often described as the most populous village in New York State.
The village is a busy, diverse community with a historic core around Main Street and Fulton Avenue, a major Long Island Rail Road terminal and a bus hub. Its best-known landmark is St. George's Episcopal Church, whose congregation dates back to the early 1700s. On its edge sits Hofstra University, whose arboretum campus has hosted several presidential debates.
Visitors can see free art exhibits at the Hofstra University Museum of Art, catch a college game at the Mack Sports Complex, and head to nearby Museum Row for the Cradle of Aviation Museum and the Long Island Children's Museum. Nassau Coliseum hosts concerts and events, and Hempstead Lake State Park offers lakes, trails and a historic carousel.
Hofstra's campus is a registered arboretum with thousands of trees, gardens and outdoor sculptures spread across both sides of Hempstead Turnpike. It has hosted presidential debates in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Visitors can stroll the grounds freely; spring blooms and fall color are the best times to come.
An accredited university museum with galleries in the Emily Lowe Gallery and other buildings, plus dozens of outdoor sculptures across campus. Exhibitions range from ancient objects to contemporary art. Admission is free; pick up a sculpture map and combine a gallery visit with a walk around the grounds.
A large museum on Museum Row, on the former Mitchel Field, with more than 75 aircraft and spacecraft, including a lunar module built on Long Island by Grumman. It also has a planetarium and a giant-screen theater. Allow at least half a day, and families should check for hands-on programs.
One of the oldest Episcopal congregations on Long Island, founded in the early 1700s. The present white wooden church with its tall steeple dates from 1822 and stands beside a historic churchyard with old gravestones. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; be respectful during services.
Hofstra University's indoor arena, home to Pride men's and women's basketball and host to concerts, graduations and special events. Games are affordable and easy to reach compared with big city venues. Check the athletics schedule for conference matchups, and allow time for parking on campus.
The renovated arena next to Hempstead, long the home of the New York Islanders, now hosts concerts, family shows, comedy and sports events. Its modernized interior and exterior opened in 2017. Check the event calendar, buy tickets in advance and use the large on-site parking lots or local buses.
A museum on Museum Row next to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on science, art and play for young children, plus a theater with family performances. It is ideal for kids up to about age 10. Weekends get busy, so arrive early, and combine it with the aviation museum.
A state park just west of the village with several lakes, wooded trails, bridle paths, fishing spots, playgrounds and a historic carousel. Recent upgrades added new paths and an environmental education center. It is a peaceful place for a walk or a bike ride; check carousel operating days in advance.
No reviews yet. Been to Hempstead? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Hempstead? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: D. Benjamin Miller, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Infrastorian, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: XanderAi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: (CalBears99 (talk) Original uploader was CalBears99 at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AITFFan1, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jrcla2, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: LIWriter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: LIWriter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: LIWriter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: LIWriter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
