Oceanside, New York

oceanside new york
Nassau County Police Department car in Oceanside on November 11, 2014. The Nassau County Police Department is the law enforcement agency of Nassau County, New York. File photo: Leonard Zhukovsky, licensed.

Oceanside is a welcoming South Shore community in Nassau County, offering a suburban lifestyle with close proximity to the beach, top-rated schools, and convenient access to New York City. While it doesn’t have the tourist buzz of nearby Long Beach or the historic landmarks of Rockville Centre, Oceanside shines as a family-friendly residential area with hidden gems, local pride, and a strong sense of community.

Overview

Located just north of the barrier islands and Atlantic beaches, Oceanside is part of the Town of Hempstead and home to about 32,000 residents. It features a mix of quiet residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks, and marinas along Middle Bay, part of the greater South Shore lagoon system.

The name “Oceanside” was adopted in 1890 (previously known as Oceanville), and the area has since grown into a vibrant, year-round community that balances suburban life with coastal flair.

Things to Do in Oceanside

  • Middle Bay Marina & Waterfront Activities – Oceanside is laced with canals and inlets, making it a haven for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Several private and public docks line the bay.
  • Oceanside Park – A well-maintained, multi-purpose community park offering tennis courts, ball fields, a roller hockey rink, playgrounds, and a seasonal splash pad. It also hosts summer concerts and family events.
  • Marine Nature Study Area – This 52-acre nature preserve along the salt marsh offers walking trails, birdwatching platforms, and educational programs about Long Island’s unique coastal ecosystems.
  • Regal UA Oceanside – Catch the latest films at this convenient, full-service movie theater with stadium seating.
  • Swing at Five Towns Mini Golf & Batting Cages – Located just south of Oceanside in Hewlett, this family-friendly spot is a popular outing for kids and teens in the area.

Dining & Local Eats

Oceanside’s restaurant scene is casual and local-focused, with everything from classic diners to Italian trattorias:

  • E.B. Elliot’s – Bayside seafood and steak with a marina view
  • Baldino’s – Cozy Italian restaurant with beloved pasta dishes
  • The Cabana (Oceanside) – Tied to the Long Beach favorite, serving tacos, cocktails, and Latin fusion
  • Xaga Sushi & Asian Fusion – Trendy spot for sushi and creative pan-Asian plates
  • Patrizia’s of Oceanside – Family-style Italian with large portions and lively weekend energy
  • Mary’s Marvelous – Breakfast, smoothies, and baked goods with a healthy twist

Shopping & Essentials

  • Oceanside Plaza and Atlantic Avenue Corridor – Home to grocery stores, cafes, fitness studios, and national chains
  • Nearby Green Acres Mall and Roosevelt Field Mall offer expanded retail options within a 15–20 minute drive

Getting There

  • By Train: The Oceanside LIRR Station (on the Long Beach Branch) provides easy access to Jamaica and Penn Station
  • By Car: Reachable via Long Beach Road, Merrick Road, and nearby Southern State Parkway exits
  • Parking: Mostly residential; parking is plentiful near shopping centers and parks

Local Highlights

  • Population: ~32,000
  • ZIP Code: 11572
  • School District: Oceanside Union Free School District (highly regarded for academics and athletics)
  • Government: Unincorporated hamlet within the Town of Hempstead
  • Nearby Communities: Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Island Park, East Rockaway

Community Events

  • Summer Concert Series at Oceanside Park – Free outdoor shows with local bands
  • Oceanside Sanitation’s Paper Shredding & Recycling Days – Popular community clean-up events
  • Local Street Fairs – Hosted on Long Beach Road or in conjunction with nearby town events

Did You Know?

  • Oceanside has some of the most desirable canal-front homes in Nassau County, popular with boaters and waterfront buyers.
  • The Marine Nature Study Area is one of the few protected salt marshes left on the South Shore.
  • Oceanside was heavily impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 but has since undergone major recovery and resilience improvements.