8 Best Things To Do In Merrick, New York

1. Norman J Levy Park & Preserve

What do you get when you take what was previously a landfill, transform it, and reshape it into a public park and preserve? Well, the Norman J Levy Park and Preserve, of course. This public park is a great space for all in Merrick to enjoy, as it provides ample room for many an activity. Whether you choose to take part in some kayaking, hiking, or fishing - there is plenty fun to be had in the sun, when in Norman J Levy Park and Preserve.

Having opened its doors to the public and donned an entirely new persona in 2002, this public park, (once a landfill), is a great example of the transformative power of time and effort, when the intent is true and steadfast.

Norman J Levy Park and Preserve

Address: Meadowbrook State Pkwy, Merrick, NY 11566

Website: Norman J Levy Park and Preserve

2. The Vine-Wine Bar

When in Merrick, it is advised to do yourself a favour and stop by the Vine-Wine Bar, for a quirky, down-to-earth experience, that’ll have you forgetting the hours, as they slip away. This Long Island South Shore bar is a great getaway for locals and visitors alike, as it caters to the discerning palette, especially in terms of its wine fare (hence the name).

At The Vine-Wine Bar, patrons can expect delicious tidbits of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with, of course, a distinct hint of a New York flavour - making it all the more unique. It is also a great place to opt for wine-pairing options, as many items on the menu have suggested wines, to guarantee a perfect match.

The Vine-Wine Bar

Address: 2259 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566

Website: The Vine-Wine Bar

3. The Nassau Coliseum

Otherwise known as the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the NYCB Live is a great place to add to your ‘must-visit’ list, when in Merrick. Not only is Nassau Coliseum considered the home to the New York Nets (Baseball league) and the New York Islanders (Ice Hockey league), but here is where many a great live performance is held - giving way to countless memorable nights for thousands of New Yorkers.

With a capacity of between 13000 and 15000, this multi-purpose indoor arena is a Long Island icon. Be sure to take in a game or two, or a show of epic proportions, and add your name to the droves of fans that come here to hob-knob with the greats.

Nassau Coliseum

Address: 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553

Website: Nassau Coliseum

4. Life's a beach at Long Beach

Take a walk on the infamous boardwalk, along the even more famous Long Beach, and find your serenity as you meander an afternoon away, wistfully enchanted by the seaside glamour that catches every onlooker’s eye. At Long Beach, you’d be forgiven if you decided to forgo typical beach activities for a nap in the sunshine, or a couple of hours tucked into a meaty book.

Either way, you’ll want to while your day away when on Long Beach, and you can do so, with a guaranteed peaceful night’s sleep ahead, that comes from a day of some fun in the sun. The fact that Merrick is a mere 20-minute drive from Long Beach makes it a great place to go for sunsets, too - just imagine it - idyllic, to say the least.

Long Beach, New York

Address: 1 West Chester Street, Long Beach, New York

Facebook: Long Beach, New York

5. Enjoy the whole nine yards at Cedar Creek Park

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Cedar Creek Park is not to be taken lightly. No, mark my words - you will want to take some time out when in and around Merrick, NY, to discover and explore this oasis of a park and recreational place. Consisting of 259 acres (104.8 hectares) of land and nine fields, you can enjoy a host of activities here, including running, biking, hiking, roller-skating, ice-skating in the winter, sledding, archery, basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis.

It is on Field 5 and 6 where parents of younger children will find some much-appreciated space, dedicated exclusively to the little ones in our lives. Here, kids can run around and play on the equipment, to their heart’s content. Another unique offering - Cedar Creek Park has an archery range, which, should you have the necessary equipment, is open to exploring.

Another great addition is the aerodrome area, specifically designed for those who enjoy flying radio-controlled model airplanes.

Cedar Creek Park

Address: 3340 Merrick Rd. Seaford, NY

Website: Cedar Creek Park

6. Cow Meadow Park is all that and more

If you’re up for some great outdoor activities, why not stop by Cow Meadow Park, and get your adventurous, sport mode on. Hiking, fishing, handball, and basketball, are all on offer here, as well as a rather nifty playground area - specifically designed to keep the kids amused, all day long.

Cow Meadow Park is also synonymous with tennis, as there are six immaculate tennis courts here, available to the public for a nominal fee, further cementing the notion that this great park is a sportsman’s dream facility. Stop by for an afternoon of great sporting fun.

Cow Meadow Park

Address: Cow Meadow Park, South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520

Website: Cow Meadow Park

7. Relaxation is par for the course at this golf club

Get in a game or two, while in Merrick, NY - and be sure to visit the Merrick Golf Course. Not only is there a 9 hole, par 36, immaculate greens, but there is also a driving range, for those golfing enthusiasts that just want to hit a few balls around. The 22 stall driving range makes use of irons only and is a good 160-yard driving range, at that.

Boasting a USGA rating of 69.6, this golf course also has a club with an open guest policy, so no reason not to break out the clubs and aim for that albatross, otherwise known as a double eagle.

Merrick Golf Course

Address: Merrick Road Park, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick

Website: Merrick Golf Course

8. Extra extra - read all about it at Merrick Library

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Slow it down a tad by spending a few hours cozying it up, in the Merrick Library. Open to the public from 9 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Saturdays (closed on Sundays), it makes for a good 12 hours a day, to get some solid reading in. Start a journey into worlds only brought alive when the pages are turned one by one, each line read line by line - this is where dreams are born and vividly cascade…Oh, the world that books bring to your lap!

This is precisely why the Merrick Library made our top pick list - who wouldn’t want to visit the one place in Merrick that can transcend time and space, all within a few hours? Let your imagination run free and come and read while enjoying the quaint ambience and general set up at the Merrick Library.

Merrick Library

Address: 2279 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566

Website: Merrick Library

Make your Merrick memory count

All in all, there’s something to be said for a little hamlet haven, that sports a slightly nautical feel - and being a mere hour and forty minutes away from ‘The Big Apple’ - I would say: Well done, Merrick. You’ve got double thumbs up from us! But, don’t take our word for it - go check out Merrick for yourself, and see why it’s a great destination, in our books.