15 Best Things to Do in Beacon, New York
The charming little town of Beacon surrounded by lush mountains.
It was Memorial Day weekend, and after spending an entire afternoon debating where to go for a getaway, we decided to abandon the idea and headed to the Queens Night Market while it was still bright outside. Later that day, during our Uber ride home, we planned our trip to Beacon. Here, we’ll share the best things to do in Beacon in Upstate New York, plus travel tips.
1: Visit Dia Beacon
John Chamberlain’s candy-colored objects at Dia Beacon.
Upstate New York’s Beacon is an art lover’s paradise, with Dia Beacon being the most popular attraction, a contemporary art museum often referred to as the “Upstate Brooklyn.” It is the home for Dia’s collection of art from the 1960s to the present, as well as special exhibitions, new commissions, and public and education programs. Popular works include Dan Flavin’s series of fluorescent light “monuments” for V. Tatlin, John Chamberlain’s dynamic, candy-colored sculptures, and Michael Heizer’s North, East, South, West.
Read More: Your Guide to Dia Beacon: Best Things to See, Tips and Photos
2: Go Shopping
The adorable toys and decors at hunca munca.
Main Street in Beacon is lined up with locally owned boutiques and stores. Stop at The Last Outpost Store for handcrafted items, pop into hunca munca’s for whimsical toys or home decor designed by Erika Barratt, and Play Toys & Gifts is one of the places where you walk out with something you didn’t know you wanted until you see it — we bought the world’s smallest helicopter that can fly as high as 30 foot! There are also a few bridal stores and clothing boutiques, and Dickinson’s Antiques is where you can find a few pieces of treasure.
There are rabbits everywhere on Main Street!
An array of home goods at Stella’s Fine Market.
3: Tour Hudson Beach Glass
In a restored firehouse just a short walk from Dia Beacon and the Beacon Metro-North train station, this glass studio has been casting functional and sculptural objects for over 30 years. John and Wendy Gilvey, Michael Benzer, and Jennifer Smith founded Hudson Beach Glass in 1987, and in 2003, they opened the gallery and glass-blowing demonstration studio on Main Street. You can browse the beautiful glass works by professionals or blow your own by signing up for the class ($120 per person) to work one-on-one with an instructor.
4: Catch an event at Howland Cultural Center
In a small town like Beacon, you might assume there isn’t much going on, but thanks to Howland Cultural Center, you will find events ranging from art exhibits to live performances. The Howland promotes and encourages local artists of the Hudson Valley and beyond and is currently home to the Howland Chamber Music Circle concert series and the Tioronda Garden Club. Some are free, such as the gallery (open free to the public during weekends and by appointment), while others cost a small fee. Check out their event calendar to see what is offered during your visit.
5: Visit Beacon Farmers Market
If you’re visiting Beacon on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Beacon Farmer’s Market, whose mission is to feed and engage the Beacon Community, support local farms and businesses, and create a more just food system. You will find fresh produce, herbs and spices, locally made liquor, baked goods, and cheese. The market operates year-round on Sundays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. And in the winter, it closes an hour earlier — visit their website for the exact hours and what vendors are at the market for the season.
6: Or Beacon Flea Market
In addition to the farmers market, there’s the Beacon Flea Market, which opens from April to December in a parking lot. You will find colorful glassware, vintage furniture and lighting, vintage designer clothing and accessories, vinyl, books, and more. It’s also a great place to chat with the locals and learn about this beautiful little town in the heart of the Hudson Valley. While there is no food here, Main Street, just a short walk away, has a wide variety of cafes and restaurants to explore.
7: Hike Mount Beacon
Mount Beacon is one of our favorite hikes in the Hudson Valley, just a 30-minute walk from the train station. There are various ways to enjoy the hike. If you’re tight on time, hike the two miles to the first overlook and back, or go all the way up to the fire tower, which now has stairs! It’s much easier to climb that way. Also, the hike is well maintained and labeled, with amazing views of the town, the Hudson River, and the surrounding region. It’s also perfectly located — you can hike in the morning and then eat and relax in town afterward. If you’d like a guided hike, consider this 2-day tour.
8: Admire the street art
Raindeer-shaped artwork on Beacon's Main Street.
There is art at every other corner of Beacon — from sleek, sophisticated, and well-designed homes to the many street murals. Highlights include “The Son of Man” on North Chestnut Street, “River Beacon” by Rick Price on the side of Riverwinds Gallery on Main Street, and “Electric Windows” on the exterior of a 19th-century factory building, which was created in 2008 and get updated now and then. Keep your eyes peeled for artistic gems as you’re out and about in this charming little town.
Ice cream shop on Beacon’s Main Street — isn’t it pretty?
9: Visit Bannerman Castle
If you ride the Metro-North train to Beacon, you will notice a castle on a small island just a few minutes before you’re pulled into the Beacon station. That is Bannerman Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse constructed in the early 1900s by a private family and was later donated to New York State. Part of it was destroyed in 1920 by an explosion of 200 pounds of shells and powder. Today, you can visit it with a tour that covers ferry transportation, book a tour via kayak, or arrive on your own boat or kayak, but make sure to book a docking visit in advance.
10: Enjoy Fishkill Overlook Falls
Fishkill Overlook Falls.
This dazzling 10-foot waterfall flows from Fishkill Creek and runs parallel to the town’s Main Street — it is one of New York’s smaller waterfalls! The waterfall is easy to get to as it is right along the road. And for the best view, consider snagging a table at the fancy Roundhouse or lounging in the park adjacent to the waterfall. If you can, come at night to see the newly installed lights illuminating the falls in an array of colors. This spot is often overlooked by tourists but is truly a gem not to miss.
11: Drink from Beacon’s Breweries
The Hudson Valley is brimming with micro-breweries, but a lot of them aren’t easily accessible via public transportation. But in Beacon, there are a couple you can visit on foot or Uber, such as Hudson Valley Brewery, with new releases every week and wood-fired pizza, and Draught Industries, which specializes in craft beer and cocktails with a large section of whiskey and tequila — both on Main Street. If they are busy, check out Two Way Brewing Company, which offers 8 rotating taps and a wide selection of games, from pool, darts, and foosball to board games and shuffleboard.
12: Eat at Hudson Valley Food Hall
Stop at Hudson Valley Food Hall, which promises to rival Dekalb Market Hall or Manhattan’s Chelsea Market, and check out cuisines from all over the world, from authentic Mexican food with a “street” concept to homemade, Southern-style barbecue and handmade pasta with fried rice. Did we say ice cream? In the back of the space is The Roosevelt Bar, which uses Hudson Valley spirits to make cocktails and offers a rotation of tap beers, cocktails, and wines. There is also a large outdoor space. Artists can also submit their works to be featured in the food hall’s gallery!
13: Visit Madam Brett Homestead
If you are a history buff who enjoys touring old homes, check out the Madam Brett Homestead. It’s the oldest house in Dutchess County and is maintained by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The house was built in the early 1700s by a Long Island architect commissioned by the Brett family. Tours are offered on the second Saturday each month, during which you can see the original furniture of the house, a collection of 18th-century Chinese porcelain, and displays of early doll collections, textiles, and tools, as well as a perennial garden, brook, and one of New York’s largest trees!
14: Play with cats at Beans Cat Cafe
Sleepy kitten at cats at Beans Cat Cafe.
“Look! There are two cats sleeping at the windows!” That is how we found Beans Cat Cafe on Main Street. In the cat lounge, you can play with the cats, snuggle them, and capture cute moments. Then, get yourself a cup of coffee or tea with over 30 flavors to choose from and customize. There is also a wide selection of baked goods from Mad Batters Pastries. All the cats are up for adoption through Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. Owned by Jessica and Justin Strika, the cafe has adopted over 350 cats. Donations are appreciated.
15: Visit Beacon Post Office
History lovers will love Beacon Post Office Main Street! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has a beautifully painted map by Charles Rosen of the Hudson Valley and murals depicting historic events in the area. While its style was not uncommon for post offices of the era, its exterior is — a stone structure in the Dutch Colonial Revival architectural style constructed in the mid-1930s. It was also the only federal building in New York designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood.
Where to Eat and Drink in Beacon
The Roundhouse (modern American)
Beacon Bread Company (breakfast, lunch and baked goods)
Melzingah Tap House (modern American)
Bank Square Coffeehouse (coffee shop)
Glazed Over Donuts (donut shop)
Denning’s Point Distillery (bar)
Meyer’s Olde Dutch Food & Such (burger)
Kitchen Sink Supper Club (New American)
Burgers from Meyer's Olde Dutch Food & Such.
How to Get to Beacon
Beacon is one of our favorite weekend getaways from NYC, and there are two ways to get there. You can drive there, and depending on traffic, it can take as little as 90 minutes. Or take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal. Beacon is the second to last stop along the Hudson line. The Metro-North railroad system is a commuter railroad system with a train every hour. The train ride usually lasts around 80-90 minutes and always leaves Grand Central on time.
Where to Stay in Beacon
The Roundhouse (4.2/5; 1,200+ reviews)
Beacon Hermitage (4.9/5; 50+ reviews)
Malouf’s Mountain Campground (4.8/5; 100+ reviews)
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fishkill (4.7/5; 600+ reviews)
The Thayer Hotel (4.4/5; 1,200+ reviews)
Alright, these are some of our favorite things to do in Beacon, where to stay and what to eat. Got questions? Leave a comment below.
