Kings Park, New York
Kings Park is located in the Town of Smithtown along Long Island’s scenic North Shore, a welcoming, community-oriented hamlet known for its waterfront parks, historic charm, and small-town atmosphere. Overlooking the Long Island Sound, Kings Park blends suburban living with natural beauty, offering residents and visitors access to beaches, hiking trails, local restaurants, and one of Long Island’s largest state parks.
Home to the famous Nissequogue River State Park and the historic Kings Park Psychiatric Center grounds, the community has a rich past and an active present, making it both a peaceful place to live and an interesting area to explore.
History of Kings Park
Kings Park began as a small agricultural settlement in the 1800s but grew rapidly after the opening of the Kings Park State Hospital (later known as Kings Park Psychiatric Center) in 1885. The hospital became one of Long Island’s largest employers for nearly a century, shaping the hamlet’s layout, population, and architecture.
Following the hospital’s closure in the 1990s, much of the land transitioned into the Nissequogue River State Park, preserving green space and historic buildings. Today, Kings Park embraces both its historic roots and its role as a modern coastal community.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Kings Park
Nissequogue River State Park
One of the area’s greatest natural attractions, this 520+ acre park offers:
- Walking and biking paths
- Fishing and kayaking along the river
- Historic hospital buildings (viewable from safe distances)
- Scenic waterfront views
- Birdwatching and photography spots
Sunken Meadow State Park
Just minutes away, this neighboring park features:
- Sunken Meadow Beach on the Long Island Sound
- Boardwalk and picnic areas
- Hiking on the Kings Park Bluff
- The Sunken Meadow Golf Course
Kings Park Bluff
A beloved local gem overlooking the Sound. Great for:
- Fishing
- Boat launching
- Sunset viewing
- Taking panoramic photos of the North Shore
Main Street (Downtown Kings Park)
The town’s central business district includes:
- Cafés and bakeries
- Restaurants and pubs
- Small boutiques
- Family-owned shops
- Local events and parades
Neighborhoods & Community Layout
Kings Park includes several distinct residential pockets:
- The Bluff Area – Coastal neighborhoods with scenic elevations
- Town Center – Walkable cluster around Main Street
- Hospital Property Vicinity – Homes near the historic hospital grounds and state park
- San Remo – A nearby community south of Kings Park closely associated with the hamlet
The area is known for well-maintained suburban streets, tree-lined blocks, and strong community engagement.
Schools Serving Kings Park
Kings Park is served by the Kings Park Central School District, which includes:
- Fort Salonga Elementary School
- R.J.O. Intermediate School
- William T. Rogers Middle School
- Kings Park High School
The district is known for strong academics, robust sports programs, and active parent involvement.
Transportation
Kings Park offers convenient access to both local and regional destinations.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) – Kings Park Station
- Direct service on the Port Jefferson Branch
- Approximately 75–90 minutes to Manhattan
Major Roads
- Route 25A
- Pulaski Road
- Indian Head Road
- Sunken Meadow Parkway (nearby)
Airports Nearby
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (approx. 20 minutes)
- JFK and LaGuardia (approx. 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic)
Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Areas
Kings Park is rich in open space and outdoor recreation, including:
- Kings Park Bluff
- Nissequogue River State Park
- Sunken Meadow State Park
- Veterans Plaza
- Cy Donnelly Park
- Ralph F. Rotella Memorial Park
Kayaking, hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, and wildlife observation are extremely popular here.
Local Dining & Shopping
Kings Park has a strong local dining scene. Visitors often enjoy:
- Pizzerias & Italian restaurants
- Irish pubs
- Casual American eateries
- Bagel shops & bakeries
- Asian restaurants
- Coffee shops
Shopping options include small boutiques, hardware stores, convenience shops, fitness studios, and family-run businesses.
Real Estate Overview
Kings Park offers a diverse mix of:
- Cape Cod-style homes
- Colonials
- Ranch homes
- Condos and townhouses
Many homes are within walking distance of schools, parks, or Main Street. Waterfront and bluff-adjacent properties tend to be the most sought-after.
Vicinity of Kings Park, NY
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County, Long Island |
| Population | ~17,000 (approximate) |
| ZIP Code | 11754 |
| School District | Kings Park Central School District |
| LIRR Station | Port Jefferson Line |
| Nearby Highways | Sunken Meadow Pkwy, Route 25A, Pulaski Rd |
| Major Parks | Nissequogue River State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park Bluff |
| Waterfront | Long Island Sound & Nissequogue River |
| Known For | Parks, waterfronts, history, small-town charm |
Kings Park stands out as one of Long Island’s most scenic and community-driven North Shore hamlets, blending waterfront beauty, expansive parkland, and a rich historic legacy with the convenience of modern suburban living. Whether you’re exploring the trails of Nissequogue River State Park, enjoying local dining along Main Street, or taking in the sweeping views from the Kings Park Bluff, the area offers something for everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere, strong schools, and abundant outdoor recreation, Kings Park continues to be a cherished place to live, visit, and experience on Long Island.
