Kings Point

Kings Point is a residential village on the Great Neck Peninsula in Nassau County, surrounded by water on three sides with access to Little Neck Bay and Long Island Sound. The village is home to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, which operates educational and training facilities for maritime officers.

The village took its name from the King family, early landowners in the area, and was previously known as Hewlett's Point before incorporating as an independent village in 1924. The establishment of the Merchant Marine Academy later transformed the community into a center for maritime education.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy shapes the village with its educational mission and presence throughout the community. The American Merchant Marine Museum here tells the story of merchant shipping and maritime traditions.

The village maintains its own police department and school district to serve local needs, making it largely self-sufficient in terms of day-to-day services. Visitors should be aware that waterfront access is limited by private property, though public areas near the academy offer views of the bays.

The Kings Point Light, a beacon mounted atop the chapel of the Merchant Marine Academy, is an unusual landmark that serves both as a navigation aid and an architectural feature. This structure connects the maritime function of the location with its educational and spiritual mission.