Nestled on the eastern banks of the majestic Hudson River, a mere 60 miles north of the bustling metropolis of New York City, lies Beacon, New York. This small riverfront town has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once a struggling old mill town, Beacon, New York has blossomed into a sought-after address in the Hudson Valley, attracting a vibrant community of artists and those with an appreciation for the finer things in life.
Connected to the energy of Manhattan via the convenient Metro-North train line, Beacon, New York pulses with activity, largely concentrated along its eclectic Main Street. This thoroughfare is a delightful mix of inviting eateries, trendy bars, and unique boutiques. Beyond the commercial appeal, Beacon boasts a thriving cultural scene, anchored by world-class institutions like Dia: Beacon, a contemporary art museum often credited with sparking the town’s renaissance when it opened its doors in 2003. The popular live music venue, Towne Crier Cafe, further enhances the town’s artistic charm. Fortunately, Beacon’s distinctive aesthetic – a blend of artsy flair, industrial chic, and urban grit – harmonizes seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surrounding Hudson Highlands, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, including a popular hiking trail leading to the iconic Mount Beacon, accessible directly from the town center.
Here’s a curated list of the top 12 things to do in Beacon, ensuring you maximize your time in this captivating Hudson Valley destination.
1. Stroll Main Street
A leisurely stroll along Beacon’s Main Street, stretching for roughly a mile, is an experience in itself. This vibrant artery teems with opportunities to eat, drink, shop, and even find a cozy place to stay.
Culinary Delights: Refuel at one of Beacon’s popular eateries. Homespun Foods offers hearty comfort food, including a renowned vegetarian "meatloaf," and a charming backyard garden. Kitchen Sink Food & Drink serves innovative New American farm-to-table cuisine. Max’s on Main provides classic pub fare and a lively bar atmosphere. For a unique dining experience, The Pandorica presents a whimsical "Doctor Who"-themed establishment. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Beacon Bagel is a local favorite for breakfast, Ella’s Bellas is a delightful gluten-free bakery, and Beacon Creamery offers a tempting array of ice cream flavors.
Retail Therapy: Indulge in some retail therapy at Beacon’s unique shops. Dream in Plastic is a quirky gift and toy store. Beacon Bath & Bubble offers handcrafted body care products. Vintage enthusiasts will appreciate Blackbird Attic and Vintage: Beacon, both offering carefully curated selections of vintage clothing.
Accommodation: Extend your stay by booking a room at The Roundhouse hotel. This industrial-chic hotel, housed in a reimagined textile factory, overlooks the picturesque Fishkill Creek at the foot of Beacon Falls. The hotel features an on-site restaurant with patio seating overlooking the falls and a cozy fireplace-anchored lounge.
2. Take in Art at Dia:Beacon
Dia:Beacon, a sprawling 300,000-square-foot contemporary art museum, serves as Beacon’s cultural anchor. Situated on the banks of the Hudson River within a repurposed 1920s-era Nabisco box printing factory, the museum’s cavernous galleries retain original industrial architectural elements such as steel, concrete, brick, and skylights that flood the space with natural light. These galleries house an impressive collection of art spanning from the 1960s to the present day. Visitors can explore large-scale installations by renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois, and Sol LeWitt. Dia:Beacon also offers a range of public programming, including guided tours, special exhibitions, art lectures, and educational art programs, enhancing the visitor experience.
Address: 3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-440-0100
3. Hike Mount Beacon
Mount Beacon, looming over the town, presents a rewarding challenge for visitors with a bit of stamina. Ascending to its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Hudson River, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Along the trail, hikers can discover the ruins of an old incline railroad (currently under consideration for restoration) and a historic casino. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, the steep, uphill, winding trailhead in Mount Beacon Park stretches for just over a mile one-way, providing a challenging workout for both lungs and legs.
4. Attend Second Saturday
Beacon’s vibrant arts scene comes alive every second Saturday of the month with the Second Saturday event, organized by the nonprofit community arts organization BeaconArts. This monthly happening transforms the town into a hub of artistic expression, with gallery show openings, artist receptions, live music, and food tastings. Galleries and many shops stay open late until 9 p.m., with much of the activity concentrated on the walkable stretch of Main Street. Second Saturday is a family-friendly event, offering opportunities for children to develop an appreciation for the arts.
5. Find Local Fare at Beacon Farmers Market
The Beacon Farmers Market, a community gathering place held every Sunday, showcases a diverse array of vendors from the surrounding Hudson Valley. Visitors can find an abundance of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, along with bread and baked goods, meats and seafood, coffee, spices, honey, kombucha, and pickles. Select weekends also feature vendors offering locally produced housewares and body products, such as accessories made from alpaca fiber, ceramic serving plates, vases, and soaps infused with essential oils. The outdoor market is located at Veterans Place, next to the Beacon Post Office, off Main Street (from May through November). During the off-season, a winter market moves indoors to the VFW building on Main Street.
Address: 223 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-231-4424
6. Sip Spirits at Denning’s Point Distillery
Denning’s Point Distillery, a popular artisanal distillery, utilizes grains sourced entirely from local farms. The distillery is open for tastings Fridays through Sundays, with public tours scheduled on Saturdays. Visitors can sample Denning’s Point Distillery’s Beacon Bourbon, Viskill Vodka, Great 9 Gin, and other spirits. The distillery also hosts "Bourbon n’ Blues" open jam sessions during the city’s Second Saturday art event, and live music on Saturday evenings.
Address: 10 N Chestnut St, Beacon, NY 12508-1906, USA
Phone: +1 845-476-8413
7. Get Down to the River at Long Dock Park
Long Dock Park, situated along the Hudson River, offers a tranquil escape and a chance to appreciate Beacon’s deep-rooted connection to the river. The artificial peninsula features rehabilitated wetlands and meadows on the site of a former 19th-century ferry terminal, which later served as an industrial center. Today, the park has been transformed into a recreational space with walking paths, picnic facilities, and Scenic Hudson’s River Center, a center for education and programming focused on art, the environment, and folk music. Visitors can sunbathe, fish, or simply soak up the river views at the waterfront George Trakas installation at Beacon Point. Kayak rentals and guided outings are available through Mountain Tops Outfitters.
Address: 23 Long Dock Rd, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-473-4440
8. Turn Up Treasure at the Beacon Flea Market
The seasonal, open-air Beacon Flea Market, held on Sundays (weather permitting) from April through November, features over 50 vendors selling antiques, vintage items, collectibles, and handcrafted artisanal products. Early birds can snag the best finds. The market is located in the Henry Street parking lot, adjacent to the post office on Main Street, and is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: 6 Henry St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-202-0094
9. Get a Photo Op at Bannerman Castle
Pollepel Island, also known as Bannerman Island, is located in the Hudson River just south of Beacon, New York. The island is steeped in history and legend, featuring ancient Indian lore, Revolutionary War tales, and the decaying architecture of the iconic Bannerman Castle. This unique fortress was built by Scotsman Frank Bannerman in the early 20th century to store his stock of ammunition and military surplus items. Public guided tours of the island are available from May through October, accessible by passenger tour boat or kayak excursion. Beacon, New York offers the most options as a launch point for both kayak (with Mountain Tops Outfitters) and passenger boat (via the Estuary Steward) excursions. The island also hosts special events such as alfresco theater productions, movie screenings, and live musical performances.
Address: Pollepel Island, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-237-2636
10. Catch Live Music at the Towne Crier Cafe
The Towne Crier Cafe, a live music mecca with a long history in the Hudson Valley, has been located on Beacon’s Main Street since 2013. The intimate venue hosts a diverse roster of performers showcasing rock, jazz, blues, and world music most nights of the week (except Mondays and Tuesdays). Past acts have included Suzanne Vega, David Byrne, Richie Havens, and Pete Seeger. The cafe also offers a dining menu known for its desserts and pastries, and features a free live music show during Sunday brunch.
Address: 379 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-855-1300
11. Pour a Pint at Hudson Valley Brewery
Hudson Valley Brewery, one of the Hudson Valley’s most popular craft breweries, is located just off Main Street. The brewery’s public taproom is open Thursdays through Sundays, offering a rotating selection of beers on tap, with a focus on IPAs. The brewery also sells take-home 32-ounce "crowlers" and features a pop-up kitchen from Barb’s Butchery on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 7 E Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Phone: +1 845-218-9156
12. Shop at Hudson Beach Glass
Hudson Beach Glass, a glassworks gallery and glassblowing studio, occupies a restored former firehouse on Main Street. Visitors can browse a vast collection of functional and decorative glass objects, including housewares and sculptural works. The adjacent studio hosts glassblowing demonstrations and public workshops where participants can create their own handblown ornaments, beads, or paperweights.
Address: 162 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508-2706, USA
Phone: +1 845-440-0068
From its thriving arts scene and eclectic Main Street to its stunning natural surroundings, Beacon, New York offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, an outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a charming getaway, Beacon has something to offer everyone.
