Where better to take a great vacation than Nassau County: “The Island Next Door”? Close to New York City, but miles away in terms of relaxed atmosphere, Nassau County, NY offers something for everyone.

One of the two counties that make up Long Island, Nassau County is the westernmost county and is closer to New York City than its more rural counterpart: Suffolk County.

Visit Nassau County’s spectacular beaches, from the gorgeous white sand stretches along the south shore, to the rugged beauty of the scenic north shore bluffs. In addition to the cool breezes and sparkling waters, many Nassau County Parks and beaches offer other recreational opportunities ranging from kayaking and canoeing to camping and hiking. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the natural beauty here and several spots offer bird watching, fishing and other activities.

Visit the largest of the Nassau County Park, Eisenhower Park for a range of experiences including bicycling, shuffleboard, croquet, lawn bowling in addition to a great series of free summer concerts. Eisenhower Park also includes a major Aquatic Center, site of many major swimming and diving events. It is open to the public as well. Explore all of the parks on Long Island.

Or if golf is your game, visit Nassau County for some of the best golf around. Boasting many major public courses, Nassau County is also home to Bethpage Black, site of the 2009 U.S. Open Championship. Challenge yourself on the course that golf’s best have battled. Or, Bethpage offers several other courses of varying difficulty.

And while you’re here, make it a vacation. Book a room at one of the area hotels and enjoy a “vacation on Long Island” experience in Nassau County.

Museums and other cultural attractions are also a major part of the landscape here.
Visit a world class aviation museum that traces the history of flight, from man’s first attempts to conquer theair, to his triumphant walk on the moon.

Visit a children’s museum that will fascinate visitors of all ages. Other museums range from an African American history museum to  Revolutionary War sites and the home of one America’s best-loved presidents, Theodore Roosevelt .

Nassau County is also home to the historic Belmont Park, where horse racing’s best, including the likes of Secretariat, are forever immortalized right here on the Belmont race track.

Home of the prestigious third leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Belmont race track is where the best of the best come to race, and a few of those will make horse racing history.

Visitors to Nassau County can experience some amazing cultural and arts attractions as well, ranging from the outdoor amphitheater  at Jones Beach, to the “theater in the round” at Old Westbury; and major art exhibits at the Nassau County Museum of Art to the riveting musical performances at the Tilles Center.

Shopping in Nassau County is another main draw and the county includes some of the best. Visit the Americana Manhasset, known as the Rodeo Drive of the east or pick up some great deals at the huge Roosevelt Field indoor shopping mall. Take a pleasant stroll down one of Nassau County’s charming Main Streets, where you’ll find not only great one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, but an experience rich in history, fine dining and scenic beauty. Visit the Nautical Mile in Freeport, where you can venture out on a fishing excursion, or sit along the piers enjoying the catch of the day at one of the many great seafood restaurants.