Westchester County, New York: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Spring (April-June)

Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds. It’s perfect for hiking, visiting botanical gardens, and enjoying outdoor festivals. Don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival in Peekskill or the opening of Rye Playland amusement park in May.

Fall (September-November)

Fall showcases spectacular foliage along the Hudson River Valley. The crisp weather is ideal for hiking, apple picking, and harvest festivals. Westchester County’s parks and preserves transform into a canvas of red, orange, and gold, creating breathtaking scenery for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Summer (June-August)

Summer offers warm weather perfect for beaches, outdoor concerts, and water activities along the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Families can enjoy Rye Playland, outdoor dining, and numerous festivals throughout the county. Be prepared for occasional humidity and book accommodations in advance as this is peak tourist season.

Winter (December-March)

Winter transforms Westchester into a charming destination with holiday light displays, ice skating, and cozy restaurants. While temperatures can drop below freezing, indoor attractions like museums and historic mansions provide warm retreats. The snow-covered landscapes offer beautiful scenery and opportunities for winter sports.

Lyndhurst Mansion

This Gothic Revival mansion overlooking the Hudson River was once home to railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Tour the meticulously preserved 19th-century interiors and stroll through 67 acres of landscaped grounds, including rose gardens and a fern garden.

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate

Explore the six-story stone mansion that was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. The estate features remarkable gardens, an extensive art collection, and underground galleries displaying Nelson Rockefeller’s collection of modern art and Picasso tapestries.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

This 1,400-acre nature preserve offers more than 45 miles of carriage roads for walking, jogging, and horseback riding. The scenic trails wind through meadows, woodlands, and alongside streams and lakes, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Croton Gorge Park

Home to the impressive New Croton Dam, this park offers spectacular views, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The 97-foot dam creates a dramatic waterfall that’s particularly stunning during spring runoff or after heavy rains.

Rye Playland

This historic amusement park on Long Island Sound features rides for all ages, including the famous Dragon Coaster, a wooden roller coaster built in 1929. The park also offers a beach, pool, and boardwalk for summer fun.

Westchester Children’s Museum

Located on the boardwalk at Rye Playland, this interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits focused on art, science, and play. It’s the perfect destination for families with young children looking for educational entertainment.

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Set on a stunning 90-acre estate in Katonah, Caramoor hosts exceptional musical performances year-round. During summer, enjoy outdoor concerts in the spectacular Spanish Courtyard or the Venetian Theater. The grounds also feature beautiful gardens and an impressive collection of Asian and Renaissance art.

Hudson River Museum

Located in Yonkers, this multifaceted museum offers art exhibitions, Glenview Historic Home tours, a planetarium, and Hudson River views. The diverse programming includes contemporary art, regional history, and astronomical shows suitable for all ages.

Philipsburg Manor

Step back in time at this 18th-century farming, milling, and trading complex. Costumed interpreters demonstrate colonial-era activities while sharing the stories of the diverse people who lived and worked here, including enslaved Africans who were crucial to the manor’s operations.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside

Visit the charming cottage where the author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” lived. The romantic riverside home reflects Irving’s whimsical personality with its Dutch-Colonial style and picturesque setting that inspired many of his stories.

Farm-to-Table Excellence

Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills offers an extraordinary farm-to-table experience on the grounds of the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. The restaurant sources ingredients directly from the surrounding fields and pastures, creating seasonal menus that showcase the Hudson Valley’s bounty.

Waterfront Dining

Several restaurants along the Hudson River and Long Island Sound offer spectacular water views along with fresh seafood and diverse menus. Popular options include Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, X20 Xaviars on the Hudson in Yonkers, and Sunset Cove in Tarrytown.

Untermyer Gardens

This 43-acre historic park in Yonkers features spectacular Persian-inspired gardens, including the Walled Garden with its stunning mosaic pools, Temple of Love perched above the Hudson River, and Vista Steps offering panoramic views. The gardens have been meticulously restored to reflect their early 20th-century grandeur.

Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden

Located in North Salem, this cultural center features a traditional Japanese stroll garden with winding paths, a pond with koi fish, bamboo groves, and a tea house. The peaceful setting invites contemplation and appreciation of Japanese garden design principles.

Kensico Dam Plaza

This impressive dam creates a 30.6-billion-gallon reservoir and features a plaza at its base that hosts cultural festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year. The 307-foot-tall dam offers spectacular views and picnic areas.

Teatown Lake Reservation

This 1,000-acre nature preserve and environmental education center offers 15 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats including woodlands, meadows, swamps, and a 42-acre lake. The preserve is home to various wildlife and hosts educational programs year-round.

Getting Around

• Renting a car is recommended for exploring multiple attractions across the county
• The Metro-North Railroad connects many towns and offers scenic views along the Hudson River
• The Bee-Line Bus System serves major commercial areas and attractions
• Rideshare services are readily available in most areas

Weather Considerations

• Spring (April-June): 50-75°F, occasional rain showers
• Summer (June-August): 70-85°F, can be humid with occasional thunderstorms
• Fall (September-November): 45-70°F, generally pleasant with colorful foliage
• Winter (December-March): 25-40°F, snowfall is common