Total Days: 2 Days | Accommodations: B&B in Town | Transportation: Train into town and walking for the most part | Traveled: Solo | Type of Trip: Getaway from the city | Highlights: Fresh air and mountain views, mom & pop stores
Hop on the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal, and in about 90 minutes you’ll arrive in Beacon. From the station, a free public bus loops through town. Stops include Dia:Beacon and along Main Street, which is perfect if you don’t feel like walking the full stretch.
Beacon got its name from the Revolutionary War signal fires once lit on the surrounding mountains. Today it sparks a different kind of energy: world-class contemporary art, indie shops, mountain trails and plenty of cozy cafés all packed into one small riverfront city.
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Stroll Beacon’s Main Street, visit Dia:Beacon and settle in with river views
Travel agenda: Begin the day just a short walk away from the train at Dia:Beacon, the modern art museum that put this town on the map. Set inside a former Nabisco factory, the massive industrial space is filled with large-scale installations by Richard Serra, Dan Flavin and other contemporary heavyweights. Even if you’re not a contemporary art fan, the sheer size of the building and the way the natural light plays with the exhibits is worth the trip.
From here, walk (or drive) five minutes to Main Street (Beacon’s heart). It’s one long stretch with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops and cafés. Take your time popping into shops like Local Assortment, Binnacle Books for a well-curated indie bookstore experience and Hudson Beach Glass, located inside a restored firehouse, where you can watch glassblowing demos and shop one-of-a-kind pieces.
When you’re ready for lunch, head to The Wild, a local favorite known for fresh bowls. If you’re craving something heartier, Kitchen Sink serves loaded sandwiches made with Hudson Valley ingredients.
After more Main Street strolling, make your way toward the Hudson River for dinner at The Roundhouse. This restaurant and hotel complex were built from the ruins of a 19th-century hat factory. At one point, it was called the Hat Making Capital of the US. Overlooking a powerful waterfall and rushing creek, it’s a dramatic spot, especially at sunset.
Tip: Ask for a table by the windows at The Roundhouse. You’ll have waterfall views that feel worlds away from the city.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: A morning hike, local coffee and brewery-hopping
Travel agenda: Wake up early and grab a coffee at Bank Square Coffeehouse, the kind of laid-back café where everyone seems to know each other. Pair it with a pastry before heading out for a morning in nature.
Beacon is famous for Mount Beacon, and the trailhead is just a short drive (or 20-minute walk) from Main Street. The hike is steep but rewarding: at the top you’ll find sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, the river. On clear days even the NYC skyline. At the top of Mount Beacon are ruins of an old incline railway. Once known as the World’s Steepest Passenger Railway, it opened in 1902 and carried visitors to mountaintop hotels and casinos until the 1970s.
If you’d rather keep it light, opt for a riverside walk at Long Dock Park, a peaceful alternative with scenic Hudson views.
Back in town, reward yourself with lunch at Ziatün, a beloved Palestinian café serving fresh falafel, hummus and shawarma. It’s casual, affordable and incredibly good.
In the afternoon, sample Beacon’s local brews. Hudson Valley Brewery is known for its sour IPAs, while Two Way Brewing Company has a friendly, low-key vibe. Draught Industries, a cozy bar with a rotating tap list of craft beer from the region and beyond. If beer isn’t your thing, stop by Denning’s Point Distillery for small-batch whiskey and gin.
For a final dinner before heading out, Melzingah Tap House is a lively spot with great craft beer, cocktails and a menu ranging from burgers to short ribs. If you’re looking for something quieter, Café Amarcord is a cozy Italian option. The Towne Crier Cafe, a long-standing Hudson Valley institution known for live folk, jazz, and world music in a cozy setting. It’s a great evening activity, especially for music lovers.
To-Do Alternatives:
Bannerman Castle: This is a unique and memorable spot. Visitors can take a guided boat tour to this crumbling, eerie-yet-beautiful castle on an island in the Hudson River. It’s a fantastic historical and photographic opportunity. Plan ahead since tickets book up fast.
The Beacon Flea Market: If your trip includes a Sunday, stop by this outdoor market with vintage and antique vendors.
For Families/Kids: Here are some additions
- Riverfront Park: Besides Long Dock Park, there is Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park near the train station, which is a lovely spot with a playground and excellent views of the Hudson and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
- Hudson Valley Food Hall: This is a great, casual, and family-friendly dining option with a variety of food vendors to please everyone.
- Madam Brett Park: A smaller, more secluded park with boardwalks through a marsh, perfect for a peaceful walk and birdwatching.
