Craving small-town charm with world-class art and river views? Head to Beacon, New York! Located in the Hudson Valley along the banks of the Hudson River, Beacon offers a creative, walkable downtown filled with art galleries, indie shops, hiking trails, and top-notch dining. It's a favorite weekend getaway for NYC locals and culture seekers alike.
Beacon, NY Highlights:
- For Art Lovers: Explore Dia Beacon – A sprawling contemporary art museum housed in a former factory, featuring works by Warhol, Serra, and more.
- For Hikers: Climb Mount Beacon – Take in sweeping views of the Hudson River after a moderately challenging hike to the fire tower.
- For Shoppers: Browse Main Street – Discover boutiques, record stores, bookstores, and vintage treasures along Beacon’s lively downtown strip.
- For Foodies: Enjoy farm-to-table dining – From trendy cafés to refined bistros, Beacon’s culinary scene emphasizes fresh Hudson Valley ingredients.
- For Riverfront Views: Relax at Long Dock Park – A scenic waterfront park perfect for kayaking, strolling, or watching sunsets over the Hudson.
When I like to visit Beacon, NY
The best time to visit Beacon is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). These seasons offer mild weather, vibrant foliage, and ideal hiking conditions. Fall is especially stunning as the Hudson Valley turns into a canvas of autumn colors. Summers are lively and warm, while winters are quiet and cozy with snow-dusted charm.
Tips for getting to Beacon, NY
- By Train: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon Station (about 90 minutes). The station is walkable to downtown and Dia Beacon.
- By Car: About 1.5 hours north of NYC via I-87 and I-84; there is ample parking downtown and at trailheads.
- By Air: Stewart International Airport (SWF) is about 25 minutes away by car and offers regional service.
Where I like to stay in Beacon, NY
- Recommended for Couples: The Roundhouse – Boutique hotel with stylish rooms, waterfall views, and a top-tier restaurant.
- For a Unique Stay: Beacon Hermitage – A cozy B&B nestled in the woods just minutes from Main Street.
- For Budget-Friendly Comfort: Quality Inn & Suites Fishkill South – Located nearby with easy access to Beacon and I-84.
Best Things to Do in Beacon, NY
1. Wander Through Vast Spaces and Visionary Works at Dia:Beacon
Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries is the museum that opened in 2003 in Beacon, New York, on the banks of the Hudson River. Dia: Beacon was established for the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art created from the 1960s to the present. The museum occupies a 160,000-square foot former Nabisco box-printing facility renovated by the artist Robert Irwin and architects Alan Koch, Lyn Rice, Galia Solomonoff, and Linda Taalman. Besides Dia's permanent collection, Dia:Beacon also shows temporary exhibitions and presents public programs that complement the collection and exhibitions. They include Merce Cunningham Dance Company Events, monthly Gallery Talks, Community Free Days for neighboring counties, and an education program for area students.It is one of the country’s biggest exhibition spaces showing modern and contemporary art.
3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-440-0100
2. Toast to Local Craft at Denning’s Point Distillery
Located in Beacon, New York, in a historic downtown 19th century building, Denning's Point Distillery crafts the finest artisanal spirits using only the highest quality grains from local farms. Following the rich tradition of the Hudson Valley, the award-winning distillery strives to create classic spirits with unique depth and character. They offer a tour every Saturday at 2:30pm. Tours are informal and last about 25 minutes. Their rustic industrial tasting room is connected to their production space, which is known for great cocktails made with their own craft spirits and live music every second and fourth Saturday. The Beacon Bourbon is the winner of the "Best Spirit", 2016 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition.
10 N Chestnut St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-476-8413
3. Step Into Colonial Life at the Madam Brett Homestead
The Madam Brett Homestead is a historic 1709 home located in Beacon, New York. It is the oldest standing building in Dutchess County and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is on the NYS Independence Trail. The Dutch-style home was built for Roger and Catheryne Brett and their children and stayed in the family until 1954. It is today managed by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The house has original scalloped shingles, a number of Dutch doors and sloping dormers. The interior is decorated with the family’s original Georgian, Empire, and Victorian furniture. The home has a collection of 18th-century Chinese porcelain, several silver tea sets, an early doll collection, rich textiles, various tools and much more. The house is surrounded by five acres of perennial gardens.-***
50 Van Nydeck Ave, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-831-6533
4. Uncover Local Legends at the Beacon Historical Society
The Beacon Historical Society was established in 1976 to discover, preserve and showcase the heritage and history of Beacon, New York. The Society’s collections include more than 2000 books, prints, photographs, documents, postcards, paintings, artifacts and maps . Its headquarters is located in the former rectory of St Andrew’s Church. The Society has an active calendar of events and programs, holds monthly presentations on local history and and publishes an informative newsletter. Their office, exhibition galleries and research library are open to the public, with volunteers available to assist with research about Beacon’s history.
61 Leonard Street Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-831-0514
5. Admire History and Faith in the Heart of Town at Church of St. Joachim
The Church of St. Joachim and St. John the Evangelist is a Roman Catholic parish church in Beacon, New York, under the authority of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The church was established after a merger of the Church of St. Joachim and St. John the Evangelist. The merged parishes now share a pastor, clergy and administrative staff. The two church buildings both continued to be used for worship. The history of St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Parish started in the Village of Matteawan in 1853. The church opened in 1861. The parish included the Village of Fishkill Landing. The two villages merged into the City of Beacon in 1913.
31 Willow St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-838-0915
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
6. Hike to Sky-High Views and Revolutionary Echoes on Mount Beacon
Mount Beacon, locally known as Mount Beacon, located behind the City of Beacon, New York, is the highest peak of Hudson Highlands,. Its two summits tower above the Hudson River and can be seen from across the river and other places in the region. The northern peak, at 1,531 feet, has a number of radio antennas on its summit. The less accessible 1,610-foot southern summit has a fire lookout tower. Both summits offer breathtaking views and on clear days New York City is visible from the fire tower. The easiest way up the mountain is a dirt road used by reservoir maintenance workers, but it is closed to public vehicular use. There is a number of popular hiking trails going up the mountain, starting at different points in the city.
Beacon, New York
7. Get Inspired by the Soulful Brushstrokes at Maria Lago Studio 502
Maria Lago Studio 502 is a beautiful 1000-square foot gallery space in Beacon, New York, overlooking magnificent views of Mt. Beacon Falls. The studio is owned by the artist Maria Lago. María uses the space as a work studio and a permanent exhibition space for her artworks. The studio is open at regular hours and can also be visited by appointment for private exhibitions. The gallery offers a great selection of Maria’s paintings, sculptures, engravings and drawings made during the last seven years. Maria Lago is a renowned artist whose artwork is part of many private collections, museums and galleries in Europe and the United States. Originally from Asturias, Northern Spain, Maria is long-time New York resident. .
502 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 914-844-8739
8. Refuel Retro-Style at the Classic Yankee Clipper Diner
Yankee Clipper Diner is a family-owned Beacon, New York fixture serving neighborhood families since 1946. Nor much has changed since – formica tables and red leatherette chairs and cozy private booths give it a retro nostalgic flair. The waiters have been serving regular customers for decades and everyone feels like a part of the family. The diner is named by a famous American airplane and looks like it from outside, with glossy aluminum siding. The menu is huge and has something for everyone, including Greek traditional dishes, healthy food, burgers, salads, sandwiches and much more. They have a small selection of local and imported beers and wines.
397 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-440-0021
More Places to Eat in Beacon, NY
- Recommended for Brunch: Kitchen Sink Food & Drink – Seasonal menus, local produce, and an intimate atmosphere.
- For River Views: The Roundhouse Restaurant – Upscale dining with creative dishes and waterfall views.
- For Casual Bites: Tito Santana Taqueria – Inventive tacos and laid-back vibes right on Main Street.
My favorite local events:
- For Art & Music: Beacon Second Saturday (monthly) – Galleries and shops stay open late with exhibits and performances.
- For Summer Fun: Beacon Riverfest (June) – Live music, food, and family fun at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park.
- For the Holidays: Beacon Holiday Tree Lighting (December) – Seasonal celebration with caroling, treats, and Main Street festivities.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Beacon, NY:
- For History: West Point (30 min) – Tour the U.S. Military Academy and visit its impressive museum and campus grounds.
- For Nature: Storm King Art Center (25 min) – Stroll through rolling hills filled with large-scale outdoor sculptures.
- For Hudson River Charm: Cold Spring (15 min) – Antique shops, riverside dining, and hiking trails in a postcard-perfect village.
- For Culture: Hudson, NY (90 min) – Known for its arts scene, vintage shops, and great restaurants along Warren Street.
- For Wine & Views: Brotherhood Winery (45 min) – Tour America’s oldest winery and sample local vintages in Washingtonville.
Plan Your Trip