With the warmer weather and summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get out of the city and into nature. If you are looking for a quick, easy day trip, Beacon, New York, is a charming small-town escape with great hiking options.
Below is my itinerary including hiking tips and a guide to activities and eating options to build your perfect day trip in Beacon.
6 am, Getting to Beacon:
Beacon is located 60 miles north of NYC and can be accessed by car or train.
By car: Take either Sprain Brook Parkway North, I-87, or Palisades Interstate Parkway North, street parking is free along Main Street.
By train: Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line from Grand Central to the Beacon station, which is 67 miles takes 1.5 hours, and costs $35.50 off-peak round trip. Dogs are allowed during off-peak hours.
8 am, Breakfast:
If I am looking to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal before my hike, I like Beacon Bread Company, an American-style bakery and bistro.
For a quick grab-and-go option, the Bagel Shoppe. They serve a variety of bagels and deli sandwiches, I opted for the everything bagel with lox.
9 am, Hike:
I like to start the day with a hike. Mount Beacon Fire Tower is a popular hike due to its great panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. This is one of my favorites and is approximately a mile from Main Street. I like using Alltrails to plan my hike, the website provides everything you need to know. There are some great tips in other hiker’s reviews. Below is the highlights of the hike:
Length: 5.0 miles
Elevated gain: 1,738 ft
Route type: out and back
Difficulty: hard
Average time: 3:16
Reviews 4.6/5
Dogs allowed on leash
Hiking Mount Beacon Fire Tower Tips:
Arrive early, this is a popular place to hike in summer
Use a trail app, I like AllTrails
Bring plenty of water and snacks, you’ll need it!
Use sunscreen, this is a fully sun-exposed trail
12:30 pm, Rest Stop:
After my hike, I grabbed a refreshing beer at Hudson Valley Brewery. This is a quick stop to rest after the long hike located near the base of Mt Beacon.
Hours: Thursday – Monday, opens at 12 noon
2 pm, Lunch Time:
Kitchen Sink Supper Club offers a chef’s tasting menu on Friday and Saturdays with an optional beverage pairing
Roundhouse, upscale restaurant located in the hotel overlooking Beacon Falls. The food here is always amazing! Ask to sit in the patio
Hudson Valley Food Hall is a great option if I am visiting with others. There is something for everyone with various food vendors and the Roosevelt Bar in the back has a patio
3 pm, Next Stop, Main Street:
Explore the cute boutiques, cafes, and galleries that line Main Street. Note that most shops are open only during the weekends, Friday – Sunday.
4:30 pm, Snack Stop:
On a hot day, I like to grab ice cream from, Beacon Creamery. With their unique flavors, there’s surely something for everyone. On my way back, stop by Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co and pick up some marshmallows for a smore when you get back home
5:30 pm Heading Back Home:
If you are traveling by train, be sure to check the schedule, it only runs once an hour
There is something for everyone in Beacon. Below are my recommended other options to consider for your day trip:
Other popular hikes:
Fishkill Ridge Trail
Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail
Other breweries:
Two Way Brewing Company, conveniently located near the Metro North Train Station
Denning’s Point Distillery, they have $5 tasting flight
Pillow & Oats Brewing, located on Main Street
Other things to do:
Long Dock and Dennings Point Parks are a great spot if you want to take a walk and enjoy the scenery, also a perfect spot for a picnic.
Dia: Beacon, modern art museum. Open Friday through Monday, 11 am to 6 pm, and cost $15
Hudson Beach Glass
Farmer’s Market on Sundays
Other food options:
Glazed Over Doughnuts
Max’s on Main, Beacon’s oldest bar
Homespun Foods
Other “good to know” tips:
Beacon has a free loop bus, it runs throughout the day
No car is needed, the town is easily walkable
Tuesday and Wednesday are quieter, but not all shops and museums are open
I prefer to go on Thursday, most places are open and isn’t as crowded as the weekend
Enjoy your day!
Let me know in the comments below:
Have you been to Beacon? What’s your favorite hikes and spots in Beacon? What other day trips do you recommend from NYC?
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