Oyster Bay is a historic suburban town known for its pristine north and south shore beaches, well-trimmed lawns, and its most celebrated resident, President Roosevelt. If you happen to be in this beautiful town and you’re looking for the best things to do in the area, then these activities should be included on top of your list:
Visit the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
The Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is approximately 50 minutes away from Manhattan. It served as the “Summer White House” of President Theodore Roosevelt during his term from 1902 to 1908. The site features a 23-bedroom shingle-style home in a 95-acre property of farmland, forested land, marsh, and bay. Sagamore Hill played a significant part in history because it hosted one of the peace talks that helped conclude the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905. For seven glorious summers, the Summer White House has welcomed local and foreign dignitaries and up to this day remains as one of the important landmarks in the town of Oyster Bay. In October 1966, Sagamore Hill was included in the official list of the National Register of Historic Places and was then opened for public viewing. There are over 80,000 people who visit Sagamore Hill each year to learn and get inspired in the life and career of one of the country’s most beloved presidents.
Explore the Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is popular for its world-renowned white sand beach that faces the Atlantic Ocean. The beach and state park were named in honor of Thomas Jones, a British Army major who became one of the first white settlers in Oyster Bay. Aside from its 6.5-mile-long shoreline, the site also features a 2,400-acre marine environment that provides numerous recreational opportunities for its visitors. When it comes to places of interest, Jones Beach offers a lot of areas that will excite everyone’s curiosity. It has two enormous swimming pools that feature a water tower designed to replicate St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. Even if you will not catch the occasional concert in the park, you will still be able to enjoy the picturesque boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re planning to come to Jones Beach with children, you will be delighted to know that they have very vigilant and friendly lifeguards who are always quick to rescue in case of emergencies. If you’re in Oyster Bay or in the surrounding area, visiting this pristine beach is an opportunity that you should not miss. Come to Jones Beach and discover how this site lures over six million visitors every year.
Go Sightseeing at Planting Fields Arboretum
The Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay is undoubtedly a captivating attraction to see and explore. It features the Coe Hall Historic House Museum which was built in Tudor Revival style and a botanical garden where you can enjoy a lot of different varieties of flora in its 400-acre estate. From their Rose Garden to their thousands of azaleas, every corner of this arboretum will never fail to mesmerize every observing eye. The massive collection of flowers is a sight to behold but its historic house is also as beguiling. The estate was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and it is a perfect place to visit to appreciate the flowers as well as learn more about the colorful history of this beautiful town.