North Hempstead Beach Park

North Hempstead Beach Park is a large waterfront park and public beach on Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington, New York. Located along West Shore Road on Long Island’s North Shore, the park combines a long stretch of shoreline with walking areas, picnic facilities, playgrounds, recreational amenities, and broad views across the harbor.

Historically known to many residents as Bar Beach, the property has long served as an important waterfront recreation area for the Town of North Hempstead. Unlike Long Island’s ocean beaches, the park faces the protected waters of Hempstead Harbor, creating a distinctly different setting characterized by harbor views and generally calmer water rather than Atlantic surf.

Beach & Waterfront

The waterfront is the defining feature of North Hempstead Beach Park. Its shoreline extends for thousands of feet along the eastern side of the Port Washington peninsula, providing expansive views of Hempstead Harbor and the surrounding North Shore landscape.

The beach varies in character along the shoreline, with areas of sand, pebbles, and stones typical of many North Shore beaches. Because the park sits inside Hempstead Harbor, visitors should expect a sheltered harbor environment rather than the larger waves and surf associated with beaches along Long Island’s Atlantic coast.

Swimming access and water conditions can be affected by seasonal operations and temporary health advisories. Visitors planning specifically to swim should check current Town and Nassau County beach information before making the trip, particularly following periods of heavy rainfall.

Walking & Recreation

North Hempstead Beach Park offers considerably more than access to the water. A waterfront promenade and walking areas make the park popular for strolling, jogging, exercising, and enjoying views across Hempstead Harbor. Large grassy areas provide additional space for casual outdoor recreation.

Recreational facilities throughout the park include playground areas, sports courts and other outdoor amenities, while picnic tables and designated gathering areas make the property a popular destination for family outings and group events. Fishing and boating-related activities are also part of the park’s waterfront character.

Picnics & Family Activities

The combination of waterfront scenery, open lawns, playgrounds, and picnic facilities makes North Hempstead Beach Park particularly well suited to families and larger groups. Visitors can spend part of the day along the shoreline and then use the park’s recreational and picnic areas without leaving the property.

The park is also spacious enough to accommodate organized gatherings and community programs. Some facilities or larger group uses may require reservations or permits, so visitors planning an organized outing should confirm current Town of North Hempstead requirements in advance.

Events at North Hempstead Beach Park

North Hempstead Beach Park is an important outdoor event venue for the Town of North Hempstead. Its large waterfront grounds have been used for concerts, cultural celebrations, festivals, athletic events, car shows, holiday programs, and other community gatherings.

Major events can temporarily affect parking, traffic, and access to portions of the property. Visitors making a recreational trip during the warmer months may want to check the Town’s current event calendar before arriving.

A Changing Shoreline

The shoreline at North Hempstead Beach Park has also been the focus of long-term planning and restoration efforts. Town studies have documented significant erosion and movement of sand along portions of the waterfront, including the loss of usable beach in some areas over previous decades.

Planning for the park has examined shoreline stabilization, habitat improvements, recreational facilities, pedestrian access, and ways to make the waterfront more resilient while preserving public access to Hempstead Harbor. As improvements continue over time, individual sections of the park may look different from those remembered by longtime visitors.

Visiting North Hempstead Beach Park

North Hempstead Beach Park is located at 175 West Shore Road, Port Washington, NY 11050. Parking is available within the park, providing convenient access to the waterfront and recreational areas.

Seasonal admission or parking requirements may apply, and policies can differ for Town of North Hempstead residents and nonresidents. Hours, swimming availability, concessions, recreational facilities, and access rules can also vary by season, so visitors should verify current Town information before making a special trip.

---

North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington

---

Key Facts & Details

Name	North Hempstead Beach Park
Historic Name	Commonly known as Bar Beach
Address	175 West Shore Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
Community	Port Washington
County	Nassau County
Municipality	Town of North Hempstead
Waterfront	Hempstead Harbor
Setting	North Shore harbor beach and waterfront park
Activities	Beachgoing, walking, picnicking, playground use, sports, fishing, waterfront recreation and community events
Facilities	Beach, waterfront promenade and walking areas, picnic areas, playgrounds, recreational facilities, restrooms and parking
Swimming	Seasonal; visitors should check current beach status and water-quality advisories
Parking	On-site parking; seasonal fees and residency requirements may apply
Admission	Seasonal policies and resident/nonresident requirements may apply
Events	Hosts concerts, festivals, community celebrations and other seasonal programs
Managed By	Town of North Hempstead

With its long Hempstead Harbor shoreline, waterfront walking areas, recreational facilities, picnic grounds, and community events, North Hempstead Beach Park is one of the Town of North Hempstead’s most substantial public waterfront destinations. Whether visiting for a summer beach day, a walk beside the harbor, a family picnic, or a special event, the park provides an accessible way to experience the quieter coastal character of Long Island’s North Shore.