Best lakes around Garden City are situated in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. This suburban area is characterized by its planned community design and numerous green spaces. The region offers a mix of natural and man-made lakes, often integrated into larger park systems. These lakes provide opportunities for recreation and serve as focal points within the local landscape.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
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 • Lake
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Garden City.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
almost exactly a 5K distance around the lake. beautiful, peaceful, and most importantly shaded
0
0
Hempstead Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by scenic parkland. Covering over 100 acres, it’s a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. A nice trail encircles the lake, making it perfect for a run.
0
0
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi-use facility that has children's playgrounds, basketball courts, and paths for horseback riding, biking and hiking. There are also picnic areas and an observation deck overlooking Hempstead Lake.
0
0
Hempstead Lake is a tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by scenic parkland. Spanning over 100 acres, the lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by a nice walking trail, that serves as the perfect location for a stroll.
1
0
A 930-acre oasis of open space and recreation in the heart of Nassau County, Eisenhower Park is one of the largest public spaces in the New York metropolitan area – larger, in fact, than Central Park. This park includes many ball fields, a lake, amphitheater, golf course, indoor pool, ice rink, etc.
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
Nice loop through a quiet, residential area at the very Northeast end of Queens. Great views of the water.
0
0
Many lakes in the Garden City area are integrated into large recreational parks offering a variety of family-friendly amenities. For instance, Eisenhower Park is a vast 930-acre oasis with ball fields, a lake, an amphitheater, a golf course, and an indoor pool. Similarly, Hempstead Lake State Park features children's playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, and paths suitable for horseback riding, biking, and hiking.
Yes, there are several excellent hiking opportunities. Hempstead Lake is surrounded by a scenic walking trail that is almost exactly a 5K distance, perfect for a stroll or run. Additionally, Hempstead Lake State Park offers various hiking paths. You can find more detailed hiking routes, including the 'Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop' and 'Hempstead Lake loop from Lakeview', in the Easy hikes around Garden City guide.
The area provides great cycling options. A notable spot is the Joe Michaels Mile, a beautiful stretch of bike path named after a health activist. This cycleway is popular among the komoot community. For more routes, check out the MTB Trails around Garden City guide, which includes routes like the 'Bethpage Bikeway – Stillwell Entrance Sign loop'.
Yes, Hempstead Lake, a tranquil freshwater lake spanning over 100 acres, offers opportunities for boating and picnicking. It's a great spot to enjoy the water, whether you're fishing, boating, or looking to paddleboard.
Yes, the Observation deck at Hempstead Lake is a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint overlooking Hempstead Lake. It's part of Hempstead Lake State Park, which also provides various facilities for visitors.
Lakes like Hempstead Lake are known for their wildlife. The scenic parkland surrounding the lake provides a habitat for various species, making it a good spot for bird watching and observing local fauna in a natural setting.
Eisenhower Park is a significant attraction, encompassing a 930-acre oasis of open space and recreation. It's larger than Central Park and offers a wide array of facilities including ball fields, a lake, an amphitheater, a golf course, an indoor pool, and an ice rink, catering to diverse interests.
Absolutely. Both Hempstead Lake and Hempstead Lake State Park offer designated picnic areas. The tranquil settings of these parks, with their scenic parkland and lake views, provide ideal spots for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The lakes are often integrated into extensive park systems, offering serene natural settings alongside facilities for various activities. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 40 upvotes and more than 10 photos shared, highlighting the area's appeal for cycling, hiking, and family outings.
Yes, the area is great for running. The trail around Hempstead Lake is approximately a 5K loop, offering a beautiful and shaded route. For more running options, you can explore the Running Trails around Garden City guide, which includes routes like 'Hempstead Lake to Bay Park' and 'Hempstead Lake State Park – Hempstead Lake viewpoint loop'.
Yes, Hempstead Lake features a well-maintained walking trail that forms an almost exact 5K loop around the lake, offering a beautiful and peaceful experience. This makes it ideal for those looking for a defined loop for walking, jogging, or running.


Still not found your perfect lake around Garden City? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.