Need an urban escape with rich history and local flavor? Head to Mount Vernon, NY! Located just north of New York City in Westchester County, Mount Vernon offers a mix of cultural landmarks, historic architecture, and easy access to the greater NYC region. Whether you’re exploring its historic neighborhoods, enjoying local parks, or venturing into nearby Bronx or Manhattan, Mount Vernon provides a lively urban-suburban blend.
Mount Vernon, NY Highlights:
- For Families: Visit Willson’s Woods Park – Swim at the popular wave pool, enjoy playgrounds, or picnic in this local green space.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Walk through Hunt’s Woods – Explore scenic forested trails and wildlife right in the heart of the city.
- For Kids: Play at Hartley Park – Let little ones enjoy open green spaces, playgrounds, and seasonal community events.
- For an Adventure: Take a quick trip to the Bronx Zoo – Just minutes away, one of the world’s largest zoos offers a day of fun and learning.
- For Shoppers: Explore the Cross County Shopping Center – Browse top-brand stores, catch a movie, or dine at popular restaurants nearby in Yonkers.
When I like to visit Mount Vernon, NY
The best time to visit Mount Vernon is in spring and fall (April–June, September–October), when the weather is pleasant, and nearby parks and gardens are in bloom. Summer offers great outdoor activities, while winter provides a quieter city vibe and holiday charm.
Tips for getting to Mount Vernon, NY
- If you are traveling by car: Mount Vernon is easily accessible via the Bronx River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and I-95, about 30 minutes north of Midtown Manhattan.
- By Train: Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem and New Haven Lines serve Mount Vernon with direct connections to Grand Central Terminal in NYC.
- By Air: Westchester County Airport (HPN) is about 30–40 minutes away, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is roughly 25–30 minutes south by car.
Where I like to stay in Mount Vernon, NY
- Residence Inn by Marriott New Rochelle – Spacious suites with kitchenettes just a short drive from Mount Vernon.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers – Comfortable stay with free breakfast, a pool, and easy access to shopping and highways.
- Hyatt Place New York/Yonkers – Modern hotel near Cross County Shopping Center with stylish rooms and dining options.
Best Things to Do in Mount Vernon, NY
1. St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site is located in Mount Vernon, New York, not far from the New York City borough of The Bronx. The site was developed in 1978 to protect Saint Paul's Church from increasing development of the surrounding area. Saint Paul's Church is one of the oldest parishes in New York and was used as a military hospital after the American Revolutionary War. Around the church is the five-acre cemetery, also part of the historic site. It contains about 9,000 burials, from 1704. The parish that founded Saint Paul's Church was established in 1665. The first parish church was a small, square, wooden structure built in 1695 known as the Church of Eastchester. The existing church was built in 1764, and its name was changed to Saint Paul's Church in 1795. The parish stated to decline in the 20th century and the last Sunday service held at Saint Paul's was in May 1977. The historic site includes the church, the carriage house, cemetery and grounds.
897 S Columbus Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, Phone: 914-667-4116
2. Pioneer Shooting Center
Established in 1935, the Pioneer Shooting Center in Mount Vernon is the oldest operating range in Westchester County, New York. The center has evolved into a full service shooting range that offers its services to a variety of shooters. Their 50-foot tactical range provides a wide variety of classes that educate shooters in all areas of firearms and firearm safety, from an Introduction to Handguns Class through advanced tactical pistol and shotgun courses. Pioneer is also one of the few ranges in the country that offer a reality-based force-on-force scenario-training. The center includes 9 Tactical Shooting Ports, 50-foot Climate-Controlled Range, State-Of-The-Art Filtration Ventilation System, eye and ear protection, shooters’ lounge, Live Action Tactical Shoothouse, and much more.
2 S 6th Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, Phone: 914-667-8236
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Ice Cream Factory
The Ice Cream Factory started as a Carvel® Franchise in 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. In 1978, in order to provide a greater selection of flavors to their customers, the name was changed to the Ice Cream Factory. They grew fast, offering 50 gourmet flavors, 20 of the exotic Caribbean flavors such as Grapenutt, Jamaican Rum Raisin, Rum Raisin Grapenutt, as well as Soy Milk based and Sugar Free flavors. Their ice cream is now available all over East Coast and it is sold in restaurants and bakeries, especially those serving Caribbean cuisine. Their Mount Vernon shop is a popular spot in Colonial Plaza where locals go to get the taste of the islands.
408 E Sandford Blvd, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, Phone: 914-699-1349
Where I Like to Eat in Mount Vernon, NY
- Ripe Kitchen & Bar – Caribbean flavors meet creative cocktails in this lively local favorite.
- Galitos Restaurant – Portuguese and Mozambican cuisine served with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Le Sirene – Elegant Italian dining with fresh seafood, pasta, and fine wines (located nearby in Bronxville).
My favorite local events:
- Mount Vernon Summer Breeze Concert Series (July–August) – Enjoy free outdoor concerts featuring jazz, R&B, and local bands.
- Mount Vernon Day (June) – Celebrate the city with parades, performances, and community festivities.
- Holiday Tree Lighting at Hartley Park (December) – Kick off the holiday season with lights, carols, and family fun.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Mount Vernon, New York:
- Bronx Zoo (15–20 min) – Visit world-renowned wildlife exhibits and interactive animal experiences.
- New York Botanical Garden (15–20 min) – Wander lush gardens and seasonal floral displays in the Bronx.
- Wave Hill (20–25 min) – Explore beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning Hudson River views in Riverdale.
- Yonkers Waterfront (15–20 min) – Stroll the scenic Hudson River waterfront, visit local restaurants, or enjoy live entertainment.
- Harlem, NYC (25–30 min) – Experience rich African American culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant jazz and dining scenes.
Plan Your Trip