Need a quick city escape with great dining, shopping, and culture just outside NYC? Head to White Plains! Located in Westchester County, White Plains offers a perfect mix of urban energy and suburban ease. Whether you're catching a show, strolling through parks, or enjoying high-end retail therapy, this vibrant hub makes for an easy day trip or relaxing weekend base near New York City.
White Plains, NY Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike or bike the Bronx River Parkway Reservation – Follow scenic trails along the river, passing woodlands and local parks in the heart of Westchester.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Jacob Purdy House – Explore this 1720s home once used by George Washington as a Revolutionary War headquarters.
- For Shoppers: Browse The Westchester Mall – Shop luxury brands like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Gucci in a stylish indoor setting.
- For Couples: Enjoy cocktails and live jazz at vintage-style lounges – Try Lily’s or Ron Blacks for great drinks and a romantic vibe.
- For Families: Play at Saxon Woods Park or visit the White Plains Performing Arts Center – From playgrounds and mini-golf to family-friendly shows, there’s something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit White Plains, NY
The best time to visit White Plains is spring through fall (April–October), when the parks are in full bloom, outdoor festivals are in swing, and day trips are easy and scenic. Fall foliage in Westchester is especially beautiful, and winter brings cozy charm and nearby holiday attractions.
How to Get to White Plains, NY
- If you are traveling by car: White Plains is located just off I-287 and the Bronx River Parkway, about 30 miles north of Manhattan.
- By Train: Metro-North Railroad (Harlem Line) offers frequent service from Grand Central Terminal to White Plains in about 35–40 minutes.
- By Air: Westchester County Airport (HPN) is just 15 minutes from downtown and offers regional flights. LaGuardia and JFK are about 45–60 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay in White Plains, NY
- Renaissance Westchester Hotel – Set on wooded grounds with upscale amenities and close proximity to hiking trails and downtown.
- Cambria Hotel White Plains – Downtown – Modern, centrally located hotel within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
- Residence Inn by Marriott White Plains – Great for extended stays with full kitchens, breakfast, and easy access to transit.
Best Things to Do in White Plains, NY
⮕ The Westchester
Shop designer brands and enjoy upscale dining on a quick, easy trip.
© Pixel-Shot/stock.adobe.com
An upscale shopping mall operated by the Simon Property Group, The Westchester is situated within the downtown district of White Plains and offers both locals and visitors alike with an opportunity to shop for an array of upscale, luxury brands without having to deal with all the people in New York City. The mall is anchored by the first Nordstrom in New York State, Crate and Barrel, and Neiman Marcus. Other stores found in The Westchester include Louis Vuitton, David Yurman, Tiffany and Co., and Burberry. The Savor Food Hall boasts several eateries from Manhattan and a play area for children.
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY 10601, Phone: 914-421-1333
⮕ White Plains Performing Arts Center
See live shows and admire local talent on a fun weekend outing.
© White Plains Performing Arts Center
The White Plains Performing Arts Center has been an important resource for Westchester County’s dynamic educational and cultural programming for many years. The center produces and presents critically acclaimed dance, music, family programming, and theatre for White Plains and the surrounding communities, as well as hosts several special community events throughout the year. As for education and arts programs, the White Plains Performing Arts Center also operates a premiere theatre training organization, offering its Stage 2 theater programs and the Summer Theatre Academy for students, along with vacation day workshops, private coaching, after-school acting classes, and other performing arts classes.
11 City Pl, White Plains, NY 10601, Phone: 914-328-1600
⮕ Battle of White Plains Park
Walk historic grounds and explore leafy trails on a quiet fall trip.
© Paul Vinten/stock.adobe.com
The Battle of White Plains Park is about an acre and a half in size, located at the site of the historic Battle of White Plains. The park, situated at the corner of Battle Avenue and Whitney Street was established in 1976 as a part of the country’s National Bicentennial Projects, built on the site that overlooks the White Plains. Interpretive historical signage can be seen throughout the Battle of White Plains Park, as well as a few amenities, such as a plaza-type seating area featuring several game tables, a trellised seating area with an overlook, and a playground for children.
76 Battle Ave, White Plains, NY 10606, Phone: 914-422-1336
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Grapes The Wine Company
Browse rare wines and enjoy tastings on a couples-friendly shopping trip.
© Grapes The Wine Company
Grapes The Wine Company is a shop in White Plains, New York that features cubby-holed walls showcasing over 1,500 bottles of wine, bringing an extensive wine selection from vineyards throughout the world to hands of the area’s local wine connoisseurs. Awarded the title of “Best Wine Shop in Westchester,” Grapes The Wine Company boasts a wine list that includes everything from offbeat blends from Australia to cabernet sauvignons from South Africa to red Burgundys from France. Free wine tastings are offered at the shop on Fridays and Saturdays, with a goal of making the best wines throughout the world more accessible.
731 N Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603, Phone: 914-397-9463
⮕ Miller House
Visit a Revolutionary War site and discover local history on an educational trip.
© Inga/stock.adobe.com
The Miller House is a Rhode Island-style farmhouse in White Plains, built during the eighteenth century. The house was used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War as a headquarters, as well as a command post during the Battle of White Plains. The historic Elijah Miller House is now noted on several historic places lists, including the Westchester County Inventory of Historic Places, the New York State Register of Historic Places, and the National Register of Historic Places. This Town of North Castle landmark now houses a history museum containing numerous artifacts exhibited for public viewing.
140 Virginia Rd, White Plains, NY 10603, Phone: 914-231-4500
⮕ Percy Grainger Home
Tour the composer's home and learn musical history on a unique retirement outing.
© macondos/stock.adobe.com
The Percy Grainger Home and Studio in White Plains, New York is a historic Westchester County home built back in 1893. The three-bay-wide, two-story house features a pyramidal-hipped roof, constructed using the American Foursquare style. The home Percy Grainger, a notable musician, from the year 1921 until he passed away in 1961, the Percy Grainger Home was added in 1993 to the United States National Register of Historic Places. Not much has changed with the rooms inside the house since Percy lived there with his wife, Ella. The dwelling features a Dutch door for the main entrance and a basement.
7 Cromwell Pl, White Plains, NY 10601, Phone: 914-281-1610
Where to Eat:
⮕ City Limits Diner
Savor comfort food and grab dessert classics on an affordable family meal.
© City Limits Diner
The City Limits Diner in White Plains aims to redefine the experience of the traditional American diner, creating a wide variety of sophisticated, yet comforting dishes with only the highest quality ingredients available. The eatery offers made-from-scratch dishes, along with gourmet pastries and bread made in-house every day. The meats and fish are also smoked on-site in the City Limits Diner’s traditional smokehouse. Like a “true diner,” breakfast is available all day, and burgers are100-percent Black Angus beef.
200 Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606, Phone: 914-686-9000
⮕ Alex's Bar & Grille
Enjoy steaks and sip cocktails on a romantic night out.
© Alex's Bar & Grille
Alex's Bar & Grille offers Italian cuisine and an amazing steakhouse to the community of White Plains. Alex, the owner, has more than thirty years of experience in four-star restaurants in the United States and Europe. The sophisticated Italian restaurant and steakhouse serves homestyle dishes made with only the freshest ingredients possible, with several ingredients sourced locally. Alex's Bar & Grille also provides an extensive wine list, as well as a well-stocked bar with high quality spirits and liquors.
577 N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603, Phone: 914-358-1444
⮕ Sam's of Gedney Way
Savor seasonal dishes and relax in cozy surroundings on an easy weekend visit.
© Sam's of Gedney Way
Sam's of Gedney Way in the town of White Plains is a pub-style and spacious eatery that has been serving delicious burgers, along with other simple American fare, since the year 1932. When the restaurant opened in 1932, the United States was struggling with the Great Depression, however, optimism prevailed with Sam’. Sam's of Gedney Way now boasts a modern look as an American bistro, offering contemporary, refined cuisine, dependable service, and warm hospitality. The comfortable and friendly atmosphere and exceptional quality of service and food have made the dining establishment a local favorite for more than seventy years.
50 Gedney Way, White Plains, NY 10605, Phone: 914-949-0978
If you are interested in local events:
- White Plains Jazz Fest (September) – Annual weeklong celebration featuring live performances downtown and at the ArtsWestchester stage.
- New Year’s Eve Ball Drop – White Plains hosts a lively, family-friendly countdown with music, fireworks, and food trucks.
- Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Outdoor performances and food vendors in Renaissance Plaza or Turnure Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of White Plains, New York:
- Sleepy Hollow (25–30 min) – Explore spooky legends, historic cemeteries, and the Old Dutch Church made famous by Washington Irving.
- Nyack (30–35 min) – Quaint riverside town with antique shops, dining, and views of the Hudson River and Mario Cuomo Bridge.
- Bronx Zoo & New York Botanical Garden (30–40 min) – Major NYC attractions just south of Westchester in the Bronx.
- Rye Playland (20 min) – Historic amusement park and boardwalk for family fun on Long Island Sound.
- Hudson Valley Wineries (45–60 min) – Tour vineyards and enjoy wine tastings throughout Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: How far is White Plains from New York City?
Answer: The town of White Plains is just a little more than thirty miles outside of the hustle and bustle of New York City, but it can hardly be described as a “sleepy suburb.”
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Question: What types of activities are available in White Plains?
Answer: From retail therapy to nature therapy, and from culinary arts to fine arts, White Plains offers a little bit of everything.
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Question: Where is White Plains located, and what is the area known for?
Answer: White Plains is located within Westchester County, often noted as the “Intellectual Capital” of New York. The area in and around White Plains is home to a wide variety of things to do throughout the entire year.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming parks, perfect for outdoor activities. |
Renaissance Westchester Hotel – A stylish and comfortable stay with scenic surroundings. |
Visit the Bronx River Parkway Reservation – Enjoy walking and biking along this historic greenway. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and vibrant, ideal for festivals, shopping, and nearby city trips. |
The Opus Westchester, Autograph Collection – A luxury stay in downtown White Plains. |
Explore Kensico Dam Plaza – A great spot for picnics, concerts, and views of the dam. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage, perfect for scenic drives and local events. |
Cambria Hotel White Plains – A modern and centrally located stay. |
Take a fall foliage drive through Westchester County – Experience the beautiful autumn scenery. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool and festive, great for holiday shopping and indoor attractions. |
Sonesta White Plains Downtown – A convenient and comfortable hotel near shopping and dining. |
Shop at The Westchester – A premier shopping destination with high-end brands. |
Plan Your Trip