Sunday Drive & Dine – 5 Scenic Routes with the Best Local Eats in Nassau County

A Sunday drive is about the journey itself, the off-the-tourist-trail gems, and of course, the dining. If you're within the bounds of Nassau County, you're not going to have to travel very far to discover gorgeous oceanfront views, quaint villages, and the cream of the crop of Long Island’s local dining scene. And are we being realistic? Is a drive a drive if you're not going to stop to plan the next meal while you're driving? Here are five scenic drives that combine the beauty of Nassau with must-stop restaurants along the route.


1. Ocean Parkway to Point Lookout


For those with a sense of the salty ocean air and the calming beat of waves, this is a dream road trip. Start at Jones Beach and roll down the oceanfront on Ocean Parkway with the vast Atlantic oceanfront stretching out ahead of you while pretending you're the star of a car commercial. Your destination? Point Lookout—the quiet oceanfront village with a relaxing atmosphere and delicious seafood. Break at The Buoy Bar to eat a lobster roll with a beachfront sunset that can't be beat. Bonus if you can shoo away the seagulls salivating at the prospect of getting their beaks on your fries.


2. Northern Boulevard to Oyster Bay


If history and small-town charm are of interest to you, jump a ride down Northern Boulevard (Route 25A) and wander toward Oyster Bay. Along the way you will have a glimpse of Gold Coast mansions and greenery abound, muttering to yourself, “Why I should have made a real estate acquisition a while ago.” Once you are there, have a quiet evening dinner at Wild Honey on Main with ingredients that are locally sourced, or go to The Oyster Bay Brewing Company to quaff a nice craft beer. Nothing is "Sunday successful" like a frosty drink in a town that was a regular stopover of Teddy Roosevelt’s.


3. Wantagh Parkway to Freeport’s Nautical Mile


A drive down Wantagh Parkway to Freeport’s fabled Nautical Mile is a must if you are a seafood connoisseur. The oceanfront is crowded with casual restaurants, taverns, and seafood markets with the freshest of the day’s catch. Treat yourself to the fabled seafood paella at Rachel’s Waterside Grill or stop by Otto’s Sea Grill to relax dockside with a dining experience featuring clams on the half shell. Caution: a whiff of sea air, and you will find yourself considering a sea change–until you think about the decks that need to be scrubbed.


4. Hempstead Turnpike to Restaurant Row of Garden City


For a scenic urban route with a touch of elegance, travel down Hempstead Turnpike into the heart of Garden City. Known for its expansive tree-lined boulevards and turn-of-the-century architecture, this route is the lead-in to a gourmet dining extravaganza. Enjoy a meal at Waterzooi, a Belgian eatery that is highly regarded for its craft beers and mussels, or a steak at Revel to fill a decadent Sunday evening appetite. It is the route that is best suited to a person that will enjoy a nice meal with a touch of "I am a Hamptons kind of person."


5. The Huntington Village to Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway


For those who like a little scenic back roads with lots of urban action, this is the ticket. The drive down the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135) drops you into the midst of Huntington Village’s bustling streets, a gourmand’s dream town. Forget the car and stroll the streets—grub down on prime rib at Prime, have a wood-fired pizza at The Shed, or indulge in house-made ice cream at Herrell’s. Bonus: Huntington’s cosmopolitan atmosphere will treat you to fabulous people-watching with at least a street performer with grand hopes.


Drive, Dine & Discover Your Dream Home

Imagine living just minutes from breathtaking views and incredible dining—sounds like the ultimate win. If you're ready to find your perfect Nassau County home, let's talk!

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