Best attractions and places to see around Herricks, a hamlet in Nassau County, New York, include a mix of natural features, historical sites, and community spaces. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling and exploring parks. Herricks provides diverse points of interest for visitors seeking both historical insights and natural landscapes.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Herricks.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
I highly recommend the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway bike path. This is a beautiful wide bike path that has a pretty long gradual downhill if you go in the correct direction. The pictures do not show how enjoyable of a ride it is.
1
0
With parking and plenty of room to picnic and have a swim, this beach area is a great spot to start and finish your ride on a hot summers day.
0
0
A beautiful stretch of bike path. It is named after Joseph Michaels (1941-1987), a health activist who used to live in Queens.
1
0
Visitors can swim in Hempstead Harbor and enjoy picnic area. This beach provides sunfish/sailfish/kayak racks, boat launching ramp, 272-slip marina, playground, swimming pool and half-court basketball. In 1977, the pool at Tappen Beach, which was roughly 50 years old, was shut down because it was deemed to be unsafe by inspectors. It was replaced at a cost of roughly $731,000 in 1983, or $2.24mm in todays dollars accounting for inflation.
0
0
Is still used for various authorities. But has partly beautiful old buildings and partly the charm of decay. In any case, you also have a nice view towards northern Manhattan
1
0
The old military camp ruins are only accessible on Saturdays during the summer. parts of the ruins are visible through fenced areas. The military personnel were very nice and had no problem with me exploring along the fence exterior. There were thick overgrown areas filled with wildlife.
1
0
A beautiful stretch of bike path. It is named after Joseph Michaels (1941-1987), a health activist who used to live in Queens.
0
0
A beautiful stretch of bike path. It is named after Joseph Michaels (1941-1987), a health activist who used to live in Queens.
0
0
Herricks offers several natural spaces. You can visit Herricks Pond Park for a quiet natural setting, or the larger Herricks Park in nearby Williston Park for walking and hiking. For a beach experience, Tappen Beach provides access to Hempstead Harbor with picnic areas and amenities.
Yes, the most notable historical site is Fort Totten Military Ruins, an old military camp. Parts of the ruins are visible through fenced areas, and the surrounding areas are rich with wildlife. The ruins are generally accessible on Saturdays during the summer. Additionally, the Herricks Community Center, formerly a junior high school, and Herricks High School, known for the historic "Herricks Prayer Case," are significant local landmarks.
Herricks is well-suited for cycling enthusiasts. You can enjoy the Alley Pond Park Greenway, a cycle way and forest trail that offers a refreshing experience. Another recommended route is the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Bike Path, a beautiful wide path on a former toll road. The Joe Michaels Mile also offers a beautiful stretch of bike path. For more routes, explore the Cycling around Herricks guide.
Absolutely. Tappen Beach is a family-friendly spot where visitors can swim, picnic, and use facilities like a playground and boat launching ramp. Many of the cycle ways, such as the Alley Pond Park Greenway and Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Bike Path, are also suitable for families.
You can find several easy hiking trails near Herricks. Options include the Eisenhower Course, Alley Pond Park Loop, Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop, Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Path, and Christopher Morley Park Trail. For detailed information and more routes, refer to the Hiking around Herricks guide.
The best time to visit outdoor attractions in Herricks, such as parks and cycle ways, is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. Historical sites like Fort Totten Military Ruins are typically accessible on Saturdays during the summer.
While specific dog-friendly designations for all parks are not detailed, many public parks in Nassau County generally allow leashed dogs. It's always recommended to check specific park regulations before visiting to ensure a pleasant experience for you and your pet.
Beyond the main highlights, exploring the overgrown areas around Fort Totten Military Ruins can offer unique wildlife spotting opportunities. Herricks Pond Park, though smaller, provides a tranquil natural escape that might be less frequented than larger parks.
Public transportation options to parks near Herricks typically involve Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE Bus) services. For specific routes and schedules to destinations like Hempstead Lake State Park or other regional parks, it's best to consult the NICE Bus official website or a public transit app for the most up-to-date information.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The historical insights offered by sites like Fort Totten Military Ruins, combined with the refreshing experience of cycle ways like the Alley Pond Park Greenway and the family-friendly amenities at Tappen Beach, are frequently highlighted.
Yes, the Herricks Community Center serves as a significant local hub, hosting various community programs and administrative offices. The Shelter Rock Public Library, located within the hamlet, also serves as an important community resource.
Yes, many of the trails listed in the Hiking around Herricks guide, such as the Eisenhower Course and Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop, are rated as easy, making them suitable for casual walkers and families.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: