Roslyn, NY Road Trips

Roslyn was first settled by the European colonists in the 1600s, and was named Hempstead Harbor. Locals changed the name to Roslyn in the 19th century. Flower Hill, East Hills, Roslyn Harbor, and Roslyn Estates all incorporated as villages in 1931, while downtown Roslyn itself – the heart and soul of the community – did so the following year, in 1932, becoming the Village of Roslyn. The village is famous for its historic downtown, which has 2 national historic districts (Main Street and Roslyn Village), dozens of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, great shops and restaurants, the legendary My Father's Place, the iconic Ellen Ward Memorial Clock Tower, and for so much more.

Stroll through the historic downtown area and see all the gorgeous and meticulously-preserved buildings. Eat and dine at the amazing restaurants downtown. Catch a show at My Father's Place – a legendary venue which has hosted many celebrity entertainers over the years. Research local history at the Bryant Room at the Bryant Library – the largest public library local history archive in Nassau County. 1 The Bryant Library, 2 Papermill Road, Roslyn Village. Home to the Bryant Room, which contains the Bryant Library Local History Center – the largest public library local history archive in Nassau County. (updated Apr 2025) 2 Cedarmere, 225 Bryant Avenue, Roslyn Harbor. A county park containing the estate and home of poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant, located right on Hempstead Harbor. One of the most distinctly "Roslyn" places one can visit. (updated Apr 2025) 3 William Cullen Bryant Viaduct, Northern Boulevard, Flower Hill & Roslyn Village. One of the most impressive bridges on Long Island (there's even a book about it!); offers spectacular views of the area, the L.I. Sound, and Westchester County – and it has a pedestrian & bike path. (updated Apr 2025) 4 Elderfields Preserve, 200 Port Washington Boulevard, Flower Hill, ☏ +1 516-571-8130. A historic county park, preserve, museum, and art gallery. The Elderfields Preserve consists of the historic Hewlett-Munson-Williams House – one of the oldest extant structures on Long Island (with the earliest sections dating back to the 1670s).

1 Holiday Inn Express Roslyn – Long Island, 1053 Northern Boulevard, Flower Hill, ☏ +1 516-627-2460. Despite the name, this is the popular hotel chain's Flower Hill location and is located within the village. Features include a fitness center and free breakfast. Wifi is available to guests. (updated Apr 2023) 2 The Roslyn – Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 1221 Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn Village, ☏ +1 516 625-2700. This luxurious Hilton hotel is in the heart of the Village of Roslyn's downtown and houses a legendary music and entertainment venue called "My Father's Place". (updated Apr 2023)

The Long Island Rail Road's Oyster Bay Branch stops at the Roslyn station (which is actually in Roslyn Heights, just over south of its border with the Village of Roslyn), and it is a very short walk or bus ride from the station to the north end of Main Street. Two other stations on that line serve the community: the Albertson station (in Albertson & Roslyn Heights; it still counts!) and Greenvale (in Roslyn Harbor). Roslyn is very accessible by car. Northern Boulevard (NY 25A) passes through the village, and the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and the Northern State Parkway are both just south of the village limits and provide very easy access to the heart of Roslyn's downtown. One can get to Roslyn easily by bus, with the n20, n20X, n21, n23, n27, n40X, and Port Washington Shuttle bus routes – all operated by Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) – passing through and serving the downtown area of the village.

Roslyn is a very walkable community – especially the downtown area in the Village of Roslyn. It is also easy to get around the village by car or on a bicycle.

Roslyn is a very safe community – both during the day and at night; it is a community which takes pride in preservation. You do not need to worry about being the victim of any crime in any of the Roslyn area villages or hamlets, and the Nassau County Police Department is never far away. Just like you would do anywhere else in the United States, in case of an emergency, dial 911.