Merrick is a collection of distinct, attractive neighborhoods, from Merrick Woods, a wooded area with spacious Colonials and expanded ranches, to Merrick Gables, which started as a summer retreat for the motion picture industry and has many 1920s stucco homes, to South Merrick, with lavish manses along bays and canals. Several major roads cut through or near the hamlet, which has stores and restaurants, some on the water, as well as marinas and a recently renovated library. The Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve contains walking trails, a kayak launch, and a 500-foot fishing pier that juts out into Merrick Bay; the preserve employs goats to help keep the grass in check.