5 Must-Do Things in Garden City, Long Island (Updated 2026)

There’s something charming about Garden City. It’s suburban but lively, polished but not pretentious. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or looking for fresh ideas close to home, this village on Long Island offers plenty of little joys. From one-of-a-kind wellness experiences to historic spots and cozy bites, here are five updated must-dos for 2026.

1. Try a Robot Massage at Aescape

This is not your average massage; it’s an entirely new way to reset your body. Aescape offers solo, self-guided massage sessions powered by intelligent robotic technology. Think: the ease of slipping into a session without small talk, while still enjoying deep, customizable pressure that helps your body release tension.

It’s private, judgment-free, and surprisingly calming for the mind as much as the muscles. If you often wonder why your body reacts in unexpected ways during a massage, like stomach gurgles or goosebumps (spoiler: it's all normal), you're not alone, and it's totally normal.

2. Wander the Garden City Hotel

Even if you’re not checking in, stop by the Garden City Hotel for a coffee, a cocktail, or just a peek at its historic lobby. It’s been a local icon since 1874 and still feels like the heartbeat of the village.

3. Explore the Cradle of Aviation Museum

For a change of pace, this museum celebrates Long Island’s pivotal role in aviation history. Families, couples, or solo visitors can easily spend hours here—it’s surprisingly immersive, and the exhibits get updated often.

4. Stroll Through the Cathedral of the Incarnation

This Gothic Revival cathedral is as stunning as it is peaceful. Whether you’re into architecture, photography, or just need a quiet pause, it’s a must-see. When the afternoon sun hits the stained glass, you’ll see why locals treasure it.

5. Grab Dessert at Reinwald’s Bakery

Every town has “the” bakery, and in Garden City, this is it. Reinwald’s has been family-run for decades, and their pastries sell out fast for good reason. Treat yourself, you’ll walk it off on Seventh Street anyway.

Final Thought

Garden City blends old-world charm with new experiences like Aescape’s robot massage. Whether you’re here to unwind, explore history, or simply enjoy a sweet escape, these five stops make the trip worth it.

Let us know you enjoyed this read by booking a massage and using code BLOG for $10 off your first session (30 minutes and up!). Wanna share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout at @LetsAescape on social!