It is just not possible to skip New York when it comes to having a vacation in the USA. While there are thousands of attractions in New York alone, you would not want to miss visiting Westchester County, which is just a drive north of New York City. The county offers a lot of things to see and enjoy and they are all suitable for people of all ages. From having fun in amusement parks and visiting museums to strolling around beautiful villages and indulging in artsy time, all activities are best enjoyed with your loved ones. Read on to find out more about the best things to do in Westchester County, New York.
1. Make a stop at Tarrytown Lighthouse
The very first thing you should do as soon as you set foot in Westchester County is to find your way to the eastern side of Hudson River and make a stop at Tarrytown Lighthouse, which are also known by other names like Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse and Kingsland Point Light. You do not have to stay long to see the lighthouse. But, you have to spare more time to enjoy the surrounding view. Look around to marvel at the scenic vista of Hudson River from the bridge near the lighthouse.
Tarrytown Lighthouse
Address: Tarrytown Light-Kingsland Point Path, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Explore the rooms of Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
Who does not know who John D. Rockefeller was? The founder of Standard Oil was one of the richest and most powerful men in America during his time. Rockefeller left behind many estates and houses in the country, particularly in New York. If you come to Westchester County, you need to find your way to Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, one of the popular landmarks in New York. Admire the elegant architecture of the building before making an entrance to explore the estate. Tour the 40 rooms along with gardens and an impressive collection of arts of the estate.
Kykuit
Address: 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, United States
Website: Kykuit
Opening hours: Depending on tour (daily)
Price: From 15 USD
3. Enjoy a collection of sculptures at Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens
Set in the PepsiCo world heaquarters, Donald M Kendall Sculpture Gardens is another place to see in Westchester County. Come during the weekends to enjoy a collection of unique sculptures that are the creations of 20th-century artists. Along with the 45 sculptures, you can soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the lush gardens and enjoy the well-maintained landscape.
Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens
Address: 700 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY 10577, United States
Website: Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: Free
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4. Admire art pieces at Clay Art Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you fond of art pieces, especially those that are made of clay? Then it is a must to visit Clay Art Center, a place that is dedicated to preserving the practice of ceramic arts. Enjoy vases, glasses, and plates, among others. If you wish to learn how to make your own item, you can participate in one of the classes available.
Clay Art Center
Address: 40 Beech St, Port Chester, NY 10573, United States
Website: Clay Art Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
5. Be amazed by the beauty of Lyndhurst Castle
Posh mansions are always attractive to see, especially a mansion that is as elegant as Lyndhurst Mansion. The Gothic Revival mansion resembles a castle so much that many of the locals calls the attraction Lyndhurst Castle instead of Lyndhurst Mansion. Sitting next to Hudson River, the mansion can only be explored by participating in a tour. If you take the Classic Lyndhurst Mansion Tour, you will be guided to visit the Victorian dining room, the imposing library, the exquisite entrance hall, and a wide collection of European paintings adorning the walls, among others.
Lyndhurst Castle
Address: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
Website: Lyndhurst Castle
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: From 16 USD
6. Have a stroll around Port Chester
Westchester County features many villages but since you may not be able to visit them all, simply visit one of the most popular villages called Port Chester. Have a stroll around the village and you will come across its top-notch attractions like Byram Park, Columbus Park, and Hawthorne Beach.
7. Take your kids to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester to have fun
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is not only popular in the USA, but also around the world. The good news is, there is one LEGOLAND in Westchester County for you to have fun with your sweet pumpkins. The LEGOLAND in Westchester boasts more than 10 LEGO build along with play zones, two rides, and 4D cinema. You have to try them all. If you are looking for the ultimate fun that can be enjoyed indoors, LEGOLAND is the right place.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
Address: LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710, United States
Website: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm
Price: 28 USD
8. Stop by Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
What do you think of stopping by a cemetery during your vacation? You should do it if you are looking to get away from the bustling atmosphere of the city and want to escape to a more peaceful and relaxed setting. Welcome to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which is situated close to Old Dutch Church. Many renowned public figures are known to be buried here, such as prominent businesswoman Elizabeth Arden, author Washington Irving, and scientist and inventor Leo Hendrik Baekeland.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Address: 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, United States
Website: Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Price: Free
9. Check out the extensive Hudson River Museum
Visiting a museum, regardless of where you are, is highly recommended to learn a little bit about the destination you are visiting. In Westchester County, you do not need to visit all the museums. Just make sure that you do not skip Hudson River Museum, the largest museum in the county. From science exhibits and art galleries to a planetarium and an amphiteater, the museum has them all. The most interesting feature is the planetarium that lets you embark on a journey with the stars, the moon and beyond. The art exhibitions may change from time to time, but it does not matter when you are visiting as their current exhibitions always feature interesting artworks to see.
Hudson River Museum
Address: 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701, United States
Website: Hudson River Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 8 USD
10. Have some fun at Playland Park
Finally, leave Westchester County happily because you get to play, play, and play for the entire day when you visit Playland Park. What does the amusement park offer? Family rides, thrill rides, kiddyland rides, games and arcade, miniature golf, pool, and beaches. Sound incredibly fun, right?
Playland Park
Address: 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, United States
Website: Playland Park
Opening hours: Vary depending on month
Price: 30 USD
Do not think twice - your next vacation should be spent in Westchester County
So, after reading through the best things that you can do in Westchester County, what do you think of having a holiday here? It is a must to visit Westchester County during your next New York vacation. There is no need to think twice. Start with your itinerary planning now.
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