A Guide to Exploring Bethpage State Park: Hiking, Golfing, and More

Photo by Maksim Shutov on Unsplash

Bethpage State Park is one of those places locals can come back to again and again without getting the same day twice. Yes, the golf is famous, but the park is also a great pick for a bike ride, a long walk, a family picnic, or a quiet afternoon outside. If you live in Bethpage, Levittown, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Massapequa, or nearby, it is an easy Long Island outing that does not require a full day of planning.

Here is why Bethpage State Park keeps earning a spot on weekend plans:

• Five public golf courses, including the nationally known Black Course
• Walking trails, bridle paths, and a paved shared-use bike route
• Picnic areas, pavilions, playground space, and open lawns
• Tennis, horseback riding access, seasonal polo, and winter recreation

Golf gets most of the attention

There is a reason golfers across the region know Bethpage by name. The park is home to five 18-hole public courses, and the Black Course has hosted the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and most recently the 2025 Ryder Cup. If you want the bragging rights, that is the one people talk about. If you want a round that feels a little more approachable, the Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow courses give you more ways to enjoy the day without needing a tournament-level mindset.

Walking, hiking, and biking are easy wins here

You do not need clubs in the trunk to have a good time here. Bethpage State Park also has hiking trails, walking routes, and bridle paths that cut through woods and open parkland, so it is easy to get outside for an hour or stay longer. For cyclists, the Bethpage State Parkway Shared Use Path connects the park to the Massapequa Preserve on a paved route that works well for casual riders, families, and anyone who wants a scenic ride without spending the day in traffic.

Tennis, horses, and picnic space round out the day

One of the best things about Bethpage State Park is that it does not lean on one activity. Tennis players can use the park’s courts, and riders can explore the bridle paths, with the Old Bethpage Equestrian Center located adjacent to park property. If your plan is less about exercise and more about relaxing, the park also has picnic areas, shelters, and plenty of room to spread out. That makes it a strong option for birthday gatherings, casual meetups, or family afternoons when not everyone wants to do the same thing.

It is not just a warm-weather park

Bethpage State Park stays useful beyond golf season. When there is snow cover, the park lists cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding among its winter activities, which gives local families another reason to head back when temperatures drop. In the warmer months, Bethpage Polo at the Park adds something a little different to the calendar and is a fun choice if you want a summer outing that feels more memorable than the usual routine.

Helpful tips before you go

It is worth checking current park hours, golf tee times, and seasonal vehicle fee details before heading over, especially on busy weekends. If you are planning a group outing, larger picnic reservations can be handled through the park’s pavilion and picnic information. A little planning goes a long way here, particularly in spring and summer when golf traffic and events can make the park busier.

If a day at Bethpage has you thinking about a vehicle with more room for clubs, bikes, coolers, or weekend gear, you can browse new Honda inventory, compare used vehicles, or contact Honda City right here in Bethpage. And if your current vehicle could use an oil change, tire check, or brake inspection before your next park day, it is easy to schedule service online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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