6 Best Day Trips to Take in Westchester County, NY

If you’re looking for a fun activity in Westchester County, New York, consider learning more about what the surrounding area has to offer and plan a day trip with your friends and family. The Hudson Valley has a variety of great attractions for you to explore. Here’s a look at six of the best day trips to take in Westchester County.

Visit Cortlandt Waterfront Park

When you want to have a fun adventure in Westchester County, get in your car and head to Cortland Waterfront Park. The Town of Cortlandt has invested millions of dollars in grants from the town budget and New York State to transform this park from a 1.0-acre steamboat dock to almost 30 acres. You’ll find this waterfront park on Riverview Avenue in Verplanck. Restoration of this beautiful outdoor space began in the 1990s, when local citizens joined together to create the Verplanck Waterfront Preservation Committee (VWPC).

They collaborated with the Town of Cortlandt and Scenic Hudson to protect this dock and keep it a local gathering place. Here, you can enjoy various exciting outdoor features, including a public boat launch, horseshoe pits, a fishing pier for both crabbing and fishing, and opportunities for bird-watching. You might spot species like Red Tailed Hawks, Blue Heron, and Eagles. You can also enjoy outdoor movie nights and live music events on the beautiful lawn, and your kids can play on the aviation-themed playground named in honor of Jim Martin.

Explore Beacon, New York

When you’re in Westchester County looking for a day trip to a nearby city, visit Beacon, New York. This Hudson Valley city offers a variety of fun places and excursions for you to check out, including plenty of hiking opportunities and exciting dining and nightlife venues. If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, you’ll find Mt. Beacon, Hudson Valley’s highest summit, making it a great location for the spring and summer.

With a burgeoning art scene, this city is full of creative locals and a contemporary art museum. The Dia Art Foundation manages this warehouse gallery space where you can browse works from the 1960s to the present day. You can go for a stroll along Main Street, and check out art galleries, restaurants, and local cafes.

Step Back in Time and Visit the Crailo State Historic Site

If you’re a history buff looking for a day trip from Westchester County, check out Crailo State Historic Site. This historic home is a tribute to the Colonial Dutch in the area. It once belonged to Kiliaen van Rensselaer, who built it in 1707.

Some call it the “Yankee Doodle House” as it’s rumored to be the location where Richard Shuckburgh wrote the well-known song during the 1755 French and Indian Wars. The home has since been remodeled in the Federal style, and in the 19th century, it was a boy’s school. In 1924, owners donated it to the state of New York, and it has since been a museum and historic site.

Take a Walk Along the River in Hudson, New York

When you’re looking for a day trip to a small, serene destination, hit the road and head to Hudson, New York. This quiet, walkable city is located along the scenic Hudson River, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your friends or loved ones. Known as a great city to shop for collectibles and antiques, it’s also home to home to Design Hudson, a showcase home tour that takes place every May.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll appreciate the various examples of American architectural design from Federal-style facades to the well-known Nantucket townhomes of the 18th century. If you’re more interested in contemporary styles, you’ll also enjoy the city’s 20th-century Arts and Crafts bungalows. For the foodie in your group, you’ll be happy to learn that Hudson is part of the farm-to-table restaurant movement, full of eateries that source delicious, local ingredients.

Visit Historic Hyde Park, New York

Learn more about Hudson Valley history and visit Hyde Park, New York, home to the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site, and Springwood, the home of President Theodore Roosevelt. Here, you can check out the 300-acre site, which includes Roosevelt’s presidential library and museum. You can also stop by the 1938 Top Cottage retreat, built by Roosevelt to hide away from crowds at Springwood. Nearby you’ll find Val-Kill, the only National Historic site dedicated to a First Lady, a cottage where Mrs. Roosevelt lived. In the surrounding town, you can dine in world-class restaurants and explore local boutiques for unique souvenirs.

Take In Beautiful Scenery at Lake Minnewaska

Lake Minnewaska is located in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and is one of three bodies of water in the area. Here, you can explore the rugged terrain of the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, visit breathtaking waterfalls, and explore hardwood forests. If you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, you’ll enjoy the technical rock climbing and bouldering this area has to offer. You can also take in the scenery on a relaxing hike or go for a bike ride if you’re an avid cyclist. If you want to stay overnight, there is a minimal occupancy tent-only campground where you and your loved ones can spend an evening under the stars.

Well, there you have six of the best day trips you can take in and around Westchester County, New York. The next time you’re in the area and looking for an exciting adventure, make sure to venture to one of these great locations.

With everything from contemporary art museums to historic sites, and plenty of places to enjoy a great meal along the way, there’s something for everyone in the area. When you visit one of the places on our list, feel free to contact us and tell us what you think, or keep us updated if you discover another area we should add to our suggestions.

Photo Credit: Image by Will Truettner is licensed with Unsplash License

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