The Hudson Valley is a gorgeous region filled with breathtaking state parks, top-rated wineries, and incredibly beautiful places to fill your itinerary. Located less than 50 miles from NYC, it’s also the perfect day trip destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. My family and I first visited during the summer and loved it so much that we decided to take another trip in the fall. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I haven’t stopped raving about it for the last few weeks!
If you’re someone who loves to explore a little bit of everything when you travel, from adventurous to relaxing – the Hudson Valley is the perfect place for you.
Are you wondering where to go during your trip to the Lower Hudson Valley? I’ve put together this list of 8 places that I think should totally be added to your list. Keep reading for my top recommendations.
Bear Mountain State Park
The strikingly beautiful Bear Mountain State Park sits along the west banks of the Hudson Valley and is about a 50-mile drive from NYC. The stunning landscape of this renowned state park makes the drive well worth it. Furthermore, the beautiful foliage in autumn provides the perfect backdrop for photos.
Features of Bear Mountain State Park include a merry-go-round, lake, playfield, overlook, Trail and Zoo, and so much more. While you’re there, be sure to hike up to Perkins Memorial tower, which is a popular overlook point. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with glorious panoramic views of the park. (Unfortunately, Perkins Memorial Drive is temporarily closed. Please consult the NY state parks website for updates).
For a full weekend getaway experience, book a stay at the top-rated Bear Mountain Inn. Bear Mountain State Park is open year-round from dusk till dawn. Unable to visit in person? No worries, the virtual tour is just as stunning.
New Croton Dam
Once I discovered the New Croton Dam on Instagram, I was completely captivated and immediately added it to my New York bucket list. Located in Croton-on-Hudson, The New Croton Dam was engineered between 1892 and 1906 to supply water to New York City. It was the first large masonry dam in the United States. At the time of its completion, this majestic structure was the tallest dam in the world.
The dam sits on the property of Croton Gorge Park, which is a popular place for hiking, fishing, picnicking, skiing, and sledding (during the winter months). To get to the top of the dam, head back to the main road to access the walkway from the parking lot. The view from above is even more spectacular.
Tip: plan to come early in the day, as the parking lot fills up quickly. Be sure to also bring your digital camera, to get really awesome photos, especially if you plan to visit later in the day when the lighting isn’t as good. The park is open 7 days a week, from 8 am to dusk, year-round.
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Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse
One of the best lighthouses in the Lower Hudson Valley is Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse. Located in the town of Sleepy Hollow, the lighthouse is situated off the shore of Kingsland Point Park. It was constructed in 1883 to warn ships away from dangerous shoals on the east side of the Hudson River. Fun fact: it is the only “sparkplug” style lighthouse to contain family quarters. The lighthouse contained five floors of living space and was occupied by 12 families over 78 years.
In 1955, the automated light was deactivated after the completion of the Tappan Zee bridge, which included navigation lights. Today, Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse is a popular tourist site. Click this link to read more about the history of Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse.
Additionally, adjacent Kingsland Point Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. The park includes picnic areas, hiking, and fishing. The riverfront area is where you’ll find the lighthouse as well as a colorful, 520-foot mural wall. Admission to the park is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
The Katonah Museum of Art
The Katonah Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum located in Katonah, New York. The 10,000 square foot museum typically features around three to four exhibitions during the year, as well as a variety of smaller attractions. The museum also contains a Sculpture Garden where you can take a moment to soak in the quiet and calming atmosphere. I really enjoyed the simplicity and uniqueness of this museum, and the Sculpture Garden is a wonderful addition.
Currently on view is Hands & Earth: Perspectives on Japanese Contemporary Ceramics. It features stunning artwork from some of Japan’s most notable artists. The exhibit runs from October 20, 2020, through January 24, 2021.
The Katonah Museum of Art is a fixture in the community and gives back by offering various educational workshops and events throughout the year. If you visit the Lower Hudson Valley, be sure to stop at this fascinating museum to see some beautiful artwork.
All visitors are required to purchase tickets online in advance and capacity is limited. Tip: through the Metro-North Getaways Program, you get a discounted round-trip rail ticket to Katonah Station and discounted admission to the museum. That’s a pretty great deal!
Rockland Lake State Park
Rockland Lake State Park is a massive park located on a ridge of Hook Mountain along the Hudson River. This Valley Cottage park features two swimming pools, picnic areas, hiking trails, golf courses, boat rentals, and tennis courts. If you’re looking for the perfect place for outdoorsy adventures, add this park to your list. Photography lovers will also appreciate the beautiful landscapes and scenery. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Rockland Center for the Arts
Rockland Center for the Arts is an art center that includes exhibits, workshops, and events to promote art in the community. Outside of the center is the Catherine Konner Sculpture Park which features colorful, unique sculptures. After perusing the Sculpture Park, be sure to head inside to check out the indoor exhibits as well.
Rockland Center for the Arts also offers workshops, classes, and events throughout the year. The Art Center and Sculpture Park are free to visit. For hours of operation, click here.
Scenic Hudson RiverWalk
The Lower Hudson Valley has tons of incredible scenic viewpoints. One of my favorites was Scenic Hudson RiverWalk. After a day of exploring Tarrytown, head to this riverfront for a relaxing afternoon or evening. Scenic Hudson RiverWalk is a 51-mile riverfront walkway in Tarrytown that is lined with grass terraces and an “eco corridor” with native plants.
It also offers phenomenal views that stretch from the Tappan Zee Bridge to the Manhattan skyline. At night the bridge lights up and it is absolutely stunning (don’t forget your camera). Activities here include biking, fishing, and picnicking. If you’re looking for a nearby place to grab dinner, RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen is located just a few steps from the riverfront.
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
If you’re a history lover, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Fort Montgomery. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a Revolutionary War site where a brutal battle took place for control of the Hudson River.
Fort Montgomery includes a museum, where you can see original artifacts and weapons, models of the fort, life-like mannequins of soldiers, and a movie of the October 1777 battle that took place here. Tours are self-guided and group tours are also available by appointment. The site is currently closed and will reopen in mid-April 2021.
Tip: there’s a trail to the right of the entrance that you can walk down to see the pedestrian footbridge tucked away in the woods. The trail is a bit steep and rocky, however, the views of Bear Mountain Bridge and the Hudson River make it all worth it. Be sure to have bug spray and comfortable walking shoes. Click here for more information about Fort Montgomery.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list provided you with ideas of interesting places to visit in the Lower Hudson Valley region. If you enjoyed this post, follow me on Instagram for more day trips and weekend getaway ideas around the tri-state area.
As always, if you have any questions about visiting, feel free to reach out to me!
Have you ever visited the Lower Hudson Valley region? If not, what is your favorite weekend getaway spot in New York?
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