10 Best Things To Do Near Hicksville, New York (Nassau County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Hicksville, New York (Nassau County)

If you’re looking for things to do in and around Hicksville, NY, you’re in a great spot. This central Nassau County town is right in the middle of Long Island, which makes it super easy to explore beaches, parks, malls, and cute downtowns—all within a short drive. Whether you live in Hicksville or you’re just visiting friends or family, here are 10 fun things to do near Hicksville, New York that are perfect for a day out, a weekend visit, or even a quick after-work escape.

1. Shop, Eat, and People-Watch at Broadway Commons

You don’t even have to leave Hicksville for this one. Broadway Commons is the main mall in town, right off Route 106 and Route 107. Inside the mall and around it, you’ll find:
  • Big-name stores and smaller specialty shops
  • A mix of casual restaurants and quick bites
  • Seasonal events, pop-ups, and sometimes live entertainment
If you enjoy simple pleasures like grabbing a pretzel, walking around, and window-shopping, this spot works for a rainy afternoon or a low-key evening. It’s also a handy base if you’re meeting friends and then heading out to explore other parts of Nassau County.

2. Eat Your Way Around “Little India” on South Broadway

One of the most unique things about Hicksville is its incredible Indian and South Asian food scene. Along South Broadway, just a short stretch from the train station area, you’ll find a cluster of:
  • Indian restaurants
  • Pakistani and Bangladeshi spots
  • Sweet shops and bakeries
  • Grocery stores full of spices, snacks, and fresh produce
If you’ve never tried dishes like chaat, dosas, or fresh jalebi, this is the place. You can do a DIY food tour:
  • Start with some savory street-style snacks.
  • Move on to a sit-down dinner with biryani or curry.
  • Finish with traditional sweets and a cup of chai.
This stretch alone makes Hicksville a surprisingly cool food destination on Long Island.

3. Catch a Train to NYC from Hicksville Station

Okay, this one sounds obvious—but it’s actually part of Hicksville’s charm. The Hicksville LIRR station is one of the main hubs on the Long Island Rail Road. That means:
  • Frequent trains to New York City (Penn Station or Grand Central, depending on the line)
  • Easy rides to other Long Island towns and beaches
  • Less driving, less traffic, more time to relax
If you’re staying in Hicksville, you can use the train as your gateway to:
  • A Broadway show in Manhattan
  • A walk through Central Park
  • A food crawl in Queens or Brooklyn
Think of Hicksville as your home base: quieter at night, but connected to just about everything.

4. Visit Eisenhower Park – Nassau County’s “Central Park”

About a 10–15 minute drive from Hicksville, in East Meadow, you’ll find Eisenhower Park, one of the best parks in Nassau County. This huge park offers:
  • Walking and jogging paths
  • Playgrounds for kids
  • Golf courses
  • Picnic areas and open lawns
  • Seasonal concerts and events
On a warm day, it’s easy to spend hours here—walking, tossing a frisbee, or just lying on the grass. If you’re used to city life, the open space can feel like a breath of fresh air without driving all the way out to the Hamptons.

5. Spend a Beach Day at Jones Beach State Park

One of the best things to do near Hicksville is head south to the ocean. In about 20–25 minutes by car, you can reach Jones Beach State Park, one of the most famous beaches on Long Island. Here’s what you can do:
  • Swim in the Atlantic Ocean (lifeguards on duty in season)
  • Walk the boardwalk and take in the sea breeze
  • Enjoy snack bars, mini-golf, and playgrounds
  • Catch a concert at the outdoor amphitheater in summer
If you’re planning a summer trip to Hicksville, building in a full beach day at Jones Beach is almost a must.

6. Explore Museums and Gardens at Old Westbury Gardens

About 20 minutes northwest of Hicksville, Old Westbury Gardens feels like you stepped into a movie set. This Gold Coast estate offers:
  • A historic mansion you can tour
  • Beautiful formal gardens and walking paths
  • Seasonal blooms, from tulips in spring to bright colors in fall
If you like photography, history, or just peaceful places, this is an easy half-day trip from Hicksville. It’s also a great stop for couples’ photos, family pictures, or just a quiet walk away from the traffic and strip malls.

7. Go Shopping and Dining at Roosevelt Field Mall

Just a short drive west, in Garden City, you’ll find Roosevelt Field, one of the largest malls in New York. Why go there from Hicksville?
  • Huge variety of stores, from budget to upscale
  • Plenty of dining options: sit-down restaurants, food court, coffee shops
  • Indoor setup—perfect for cold or rainy days
If you’re visiting friends or family in Hicksville and need a place where everyone can find something—shopping, food, or just a place to walk around—Roosevelt Field is an easy pick.

8. Discover Local History at the Cradle of Aviation Museum

Near Roosevelt Field, in East Garden City, you’ll find the Cradle of Aviation Museum, one of Nassau County’s most interesting museums. This is a great option if you:
  • Enjoy airplanes, space, and technology
  • Are traveling with kids or teens
  • Want something educational but still fun
Inside, you’ll see historic airplanes, space exhibits, and interactive displays. Long Island played a big role in early aviation, and this museum brings that story to life in a way that’s easy to understand—even if you’re not a science buff.

9. Stroll the Streets of Nearby Farmingdale Village

Just a few minutes east by car (or a quick ride on the train), Farmingdale Village offers a lively little downtown with:
  • Bars and restaurants
  • Cafés and ice cream shops
  • Occasional live music and events
If Hicksville feels more like a crossroads, Farmingdale has more of that small-town main street vibe. It’s a nice place for:
  • Date night dinner and drinks
  • Weekend brunch
  • Evening walks, especially when the weather is nice
You can easily spend a few hours here and then head back to Hicksville without a long drive.

10. Enjoy a Relaxing Day at Bethpage State Park

South of Hicksville, you’ll find Bethpage State Park, known mostly for its golf courses—including the famous Black Course, which has hosted major tournaments. But even if you’re not a golfer, Bethpage State Park offers:
  • Walking and biking paths
  • Open fields and picnic spots
  • Wide, peaceful spaces to unwind
If you do golf, this is a huge plus of staying near Hicksville—you have easy access to one of the most respected public golf courses in the country, plus other courses that are more beginner-friendly.

Tips for Planning Your Hicksville, NY Visit

Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your time in and around Hicksville:
  • Use the LIRR: The Hicksville train station is a major asset. You can avoid NYC traffic and parking headaches.
  • Rent a car if you can: Many of the best things to do in Nassau County—like Jones Beach and Old Westbury Gardens—are easiest to reach by car.
  • Plan around the seasons: Beaches and outdoor parks shine in warm months; malls and museums are great for winter or rainy days.
  • Come hungry: Hicksville’s Indian restaurants and nearby food options are a big part of the local experience.

Final Thoughts: Why Hicksville Makes a Great Home Base

Hicksville, New York may not be the first place you think of when you picture a Long Island getaway, but that’s part of its charm. It’s:
  • Central and convenient
  • Full of great food (especially Indian cuisine)
  • Close to beaches, parks, museums, and shopping
If you’re searching for things to do near Hicksville, NY in Nassau County, you’ll find a surprising mix of city access, suburban comfort, and classic Long Island experiences—all within roughly a 30-minute drive.

Share Your Hicksville Experience

Have you spent time in Hicksville or around Nassau County?
  • Which restaurant or café did you love?
  • What’s your favorite beach or park nearby?
  • Did you discover anything unexpected?
Drop your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below—your experience might help someone plan their own trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to Hicksville, New York. It might just inspire their next Long Island adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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