Summary
Sea Cliff is a charming village on the North Shore of Nassau County and part of the town of Oyster Bay. Unlike much of Long Island’s flat expanses, the village is situated on a cliff, with meandering streets overlooking Hempstead Harbor and Long Island Sound.
Featuring traditional Victorian houses, antique shops, and stunning beach views, Sea Cliff offers the ambiance of a residential beach village while remaining within commuting distance of New York City.
Transportation
- Train: The Long Island Railroad’s Sea Cliff Station is located at Sea Cliff Avenue, east of Glen Cove Avenue. Commuting to New York City’s Penn Station takes approximately one hour.
- Bus: The MTA’s N21 bus services the village.
- Driving: The Long Island Expressway, the Northern State Parkway, and Route 25A are conveniently located near the village.
History
The Native Americans originally called this area Muskeeta Cove, meaning “cove of grassy flats.” In the 1600s, the land was purchased by Englishman Joseph Carpenter from the Native Americans.
In the 1870s, the land began to be used as a religious retreat, accessible via a cable car to the cliff’s top. German Methodists from New York City visited during the summer, leading some to construct Victorian mansions that remain today.
In 1993, Sea Cliff was established as an incorporated village, making it the fourth oldest on Long Island.
Famous Residents
- William Cullen Bryant – poet and journalist
- Natalie Portman – actor
- Robert Olen Butler – Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
Dining
- Il Villaggio Pizzeria Restaurant (227 Sea Cliff Avenue) – Offers delicious pizza and various Italian favorites.
- Arata’s Deli (303 Sea Cliff Avenue) – Serves fresh salads and sandwiches to go, perfect for a beach outing.
Shopping
- Dreams East (359 Sea Cliff Avenue) – A unique shop offering everything from futons to crystals and jewelry, with a friendly calico cat to greet you.
Activities and Attractions
- Sea Cliff features two small, sandy beaches. The Sea Cliff Municipal Beach on the Boulevard boasts its own boardwalk, while Harry Tappen Beach on Shore Road includes a picnic area and playground.
- Visit the Sea Cliff Village Museum (95 10th Avenue) to explore the village’s history through early photographs and Victorian house models.
- Memorial Park (also called “Hippie Park”) provides a grassy area with breathtaking views of Long Island Sound.
- The exclusive Sea Cliff Yacht Club (42 The Boulevard) features a clubhouse, dining, bars, and swimming pools, along with boat racks for members.
Annual Events
- Every year, on the first Sunday of October, the village hosts its Sea Cliff Mini Mart along Sea Cliff Avenue between Carpenter and Prospect Streets, featuring around 200 vendors offering food, crafts, and art for sale.
- The Annual Holiday House Tour occurs on the first Saturday of December, allowing visitors to admire some of Sea Cliff’s stunning Victorian homes.
