Beacon has become one of the most popular destinations in upstate New York. It’s located in the Hudson Highlands, giving it a remarkable combination of Hudson River views and Mountain Terrain. This beautiful city in New York State has attracted artists, boutique shops, and a thriving culinary scene.

How To Get To Beacon From NYC

Beacon, NY, is a small city 60 miles north of Manhattan, comfortably situated along the Hudson River. How far is Beacon from NYC? The two most popular ways to get to Beacon are by train and car, which will take about 90 minutes.

There are a few ways to get to Beacon from New York City, but taking the train is easily our favorite option because the track Hudson Line hugs the river the entire way. Sometimes, it feels like the train is skating across the water.

1. Train: The Metro-North Hudson Line provides frequent service between Grand Central Terminal and Beacon Station. The Beacon New York train trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here is a link to the Beacon New York train schedule.
2. Car: You can drive to Beacon from Manhattan, which also typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes but can depend on traffic conditions. It is nice to have a car if you plan on driving to Dia Beacon and hiking trails.
3. Bus: Several bus companies offer service between Manhattan and Beacon, including Coach USA and Shortline Bus. The trip takes approximately 2 hours. Once you get to Beacon, there is the Beacon Loop. The Beacon Loop is a free shuttle between the train, DIA, main street, and Mount Beacon.
4. Ferry: You can take a ferry from Manhattan to Beacon via the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, which departs from the West 39th Street Ferry Terminal. The trip takes approximately 70 minutes. Ferry is another very excellent way to make the trip!
5. Flight: If you are flying to Beacon, the closest airport is Stewart Internation Airport, across the bride in Newburgh. The next closest airport is Westchester County Airport. Both airports have limited flights, so if there isn’t one from your city, plan to use the greater NYC airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR). 

*There are a few Beacon New York taxi services that we have yet to try. Once you’re in Beacon, Ubers can take a while, so don’t plan on that.

History of Beacon

The city of Beacon, New York has a rich history that began far before the European colonization of the Americas. At that time, the area that is now the City of Beacon was inhabited by the Wappinger people, part of the Algonquin nation. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 18th century, and the town of Fishkill was established in 1741. Beacon was originally a hamlet within the village of Fishkill.

This area played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many skirmishes and battles nearby. British troops occupied Beacon for most of the war.

The mid-19th century saw industry rise in Beacon, with factories producing products like hats, textiles, and paper. The arrival of the railroad in 1851 helped spur growth. In 1888, the world’s first electric-powered railway ran through Beacon, which was then known as “The Electric City.” A year later, Beacon became the first city in the world to be illuminated by electric lights.

Like many industrial towns, Beacon faced an economic decline in the mid-20th century. However, in recent decades, the city has undergone a revitalization, with the establishment of many small businesses, art galleries, and restaurants. Today, Beacon is a popular tourist destination and a thriving community.

What Is Beacon Known for? – DIA Beacon

The opening of DIA Beacon, a contemporary art museum, in 2003 played a pivotal role in Beacon’s resurgence. The museum is housed in Nabisco’s former box printing factory, which was converted into exhibition spaces by artist Robert Irwin and the Dia Art Foundation.

Since it’s opening in May of 2003, DIA Beacon has become a significant destination for contemporary art lovers from around the world. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century, including Richard Serra, On Kawara, Blinky Palermo, Michael Heizer, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, and Andy Warhol, among others.

The museum’s layout is unique, with huge, unusually spacious galleries that allow visitors to experience the artworks in a contemplative and immersive environment. DIA Beacon’s collection focuses on art from the 1960s to the present day, emphasizing scale and sculpture. There’s also a great café!

In addition to its permanent collection, DIA Beacon presents temporary exhibitions, artist talks, and other events throughout the year. The museum is open year-round. It’s also a short walk from the train station, which makes the trip particularly easy.

 

Beacon Hiking Trails

Hikers flock from NYC every weekend for Beacons hikes. You might have to be patient to get a spot if you’re driving.

1. Breakneck Ridge: there’s a reason this hike has its train station on Metro North’s Hudson Line. Depending on what you’re after, there are a couple of different routes, but the views are all epic regardless of the path you choose. Starting with the Scramble is the most popular way we like to go. If you’re scrambling, be prepared to use your hands to climb a bit. It is a challenging hike.
2. Mount Beacon Park: good hikes with a few different options depending on the length you’re looking for. The views are great, and it’s always less crowded than Breakneck. Mt. Beacon Park is where the Beacon Incline Railway used to exist. The Firetower is a popular (but further) hike.
3. Dennings Point: this is a flat hike along the Hudson that cuts back to where Fishkill Creek meets the river. You’ll walk past an impressive old industrial building built just along this section of the creek that now lies in ruins. Pretty cool and easy. You’ll end in Madam Brett Park.

Beacon, NY Activities

Our Favorite Activities

Besides hiking, these are some of our favorite activities.

DIA (of course) We mentioned the history of DIA, but if you skipped over it. It is the reason Beacon became so popular.

1. Hudson Valley Brewery

HVB makes world-class beer for real. They’re pioneers in sour IPAs but make equally good pilsners and lagers. Don’t miss the pizza from Groundlings guys are firing up in their truck outside.

2. Beacon Farmers Market 

The Beacon Farmers Market is always packed with fantastic local artisans and farmers, especially in the warmer months. It’s a fun way to spend an hour, try new foods, and bring home healthy sustainable produce. If you’re looking for great meat. Head over to Barb’s Butchery, a few minutes drive from the farmer’s market.

3. Beacon New York Movie Theatre 

The Beacon movie theatre is a unique experience if you have time to hit Wonder Bar before or after you catch a movie. They have great cocktails and dishes on the lighter side, so you have room for popcorn and raisinets. And if you don’t leave time to sit down at the restaurant, you can order a drink to join you for the movie. They showcase various films, from indies to blockbusters to classic cinema.

4. Bannerman Castle Beacon, New York

On your way up to Beacon from Manhattan, you’ll see ruins on Pollepel Island. That’s Bannerman’s Castle. The Bannerman Castle Trust offers a few ways to get there, including kayaking and motorboat. They often have events like movie nights and farm-to-table dinners.

5. Beacon Glass Blowing

Hudson beach glass has some knowledgeable and skilled glassblowers who kindly show you the ropes. Over the last few years, we’ve blown some fun and surprisingly handsome ornaments and paperweights. Make an appointment before you come up, or shop around their amazing collection.

 

Other Activity Ideas in Beacon

1. Art Classes

Take a pottery class at Beacon Pottery Studio. They usually have room for walk-ins. There are often artisan classes like Witch Hazel has had flower-making classes.

1. Beacon, New York Brewery

Try some other brews. Industrial Arts Brewing and Two Way Brewing Company are also in Beacon if you want to do a Brewery crawl. Eat Church has an awesome food truck outside of Industrial Arts Brewing.

2. Beacon Distillery 

If breweries aren’t your thing, Denning’s Point Distillery makes artisanal spirits

3. Enjoy Scenic Hudson

Long Dock Park is a great view of the riverfront. There are tables for a picnic, and people are usually kayaking.

4. Spas in Beacon, NY

Have a spa day in Beacon. You’ll have to book months in advance, but Beacon Aesthetics rivals the top spas in the city for a facial. We have not tried any services at The Blushery, but they usually have appointments. Plus, if you’re going to a wedding at Roundhouse – it’s right across the street, and they do makeup.

5. Beacon Flea Market

Walking distance from the Farmer’sfarmer’s market is the Beacon Flea Market. Depending on the weekend, you can find some hidden gems. If you like vintage shopping, it’s worth stopping by.

6. Howland Cultural Center

It is on our list to check out the Howland Cultural Center. Before you go to Beacon, be sure to check out the events that are going on. They host art exhibits, comedy shows, musical events, and more.

7, Beacon New York Art

Dia Beacon led to a movement of artists moving to Beacon. There are tons of other galleries to see in Beacon. If you’re strolling main street, you will pass a few. On the second Saturday of every month, the city highlights artists.

8. Pass by the Beacon Post Office

While strolling main street, you’ll pass the Beacon Post office. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

9. Madam Brett Homestead

If you want to learn some history, stop by Madam Brett Homestead. This historic site is the oldest home in Dutchess County.

Our Favorite Spots for Breakfast and Lunch

Beacon has a vibrant food scene for such a little city. Some of our favorites are:

1. Mud Club: is the relatively new kid on the block, and they’re just what Beacon was missing… a killer bagel. They perfected their Montreal-style bagel at their first location in Catskill and thankfully came down to Beacon for their second act. We usually go for the Tinker Tuesday, their take on the bacon egg and cheese, or A Fool on Mill Hill. It’s worth stopping by to check out the wall-length mosaic the owner’s father laid by hand during the pandemic. Great pizza as well.
2. Kitchen & Coffee: is a vegan and gluten-free restaurant and cafe, but you wouldn’t know it if you weren’t told. In our opinion, they have the best salads in Beacon by far. They’re also our top grab n go option. Our favorites are the warm curry rice bowl, wintergold salad, and sweet potato burger. The owners of K&C are opening a new restaurant later this year, which we can’t wait to try.
3. Homespun Foods: is a cozy cafe that serves homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads, made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but they have staples like tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and kale salads. Our favorite time to go to Homespun is when the weather is nice, and you can sit in their garden in the back.
4. Beacon Bread Company: is a bakery and cafe known for its artisanal bread and pastries, as well as its sandwiches and salads. The menu changes daily but often includes sourdough bread, croissants, and quiches.
5. Beacon Daily: is a bakery and cafe known for its artisanal breads and pastries, as well as its sandwiches and salads. The menu changes daily but often includes sourdough bread, croissants, and quiches.

 

Shopping in Beacon, New York on Main Street – Our Favorite Spots to Shop

1. Little King: Ken and Jeremy of Little King have curated this elegant space with timeless homeware and accessories and delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. It is near impossible to walk out of Little King empty-handed.
2. VintageBeacon: In our opinion, this is the best vintage shop in Beacon. They have incredibly high-end items for great prices in excellent condition. I recently came across a never worn pink Prada dress that I’m still thinking about.
3. Stella’s Fine Market: This is a curated pantry. It’s a great place to discover boutique snacks, kitchenware, and vintage books.
4. Raven Rose: This is the type of store you expect to find in Beacon. Everything in the store, from the plants to the wellness products, is hand-selected.
5. Flora Good Times: This tiny store crams in a lot of plants. They also have the coolest pots. We recommend stopping here if you’re in the market for reasonably priced plants.

Our Favorite Spots for Coffeehouses and Tea Spots

1. Matcha Thomas: This is another fantastic family-run minority and veteran-owned business specializing in matcha lattes and boba teas. You can tell they built their business with thoughtfulness and intention the second you enter their tranquil, minimal space through the door. They also make great soups on Sundays!
2. Little King: there’s a reason Erik has some form of gravitational pull to this place
3. Kitchen & Coffee: good atmosphere and good Coffee (along with a bunch of great food)
4. Big Mouth Coffee Roasters: they roast good Coffee. Simple as that.
5. Miss Tea: has a wide variety of loose-leaf herbal tea. You can also sign up for a tea tasting class

 

Our Favorite Spots for a Snack

1. Groundlings (food truck): pizza is often a snack for us. You’ll find the Groundlings truck parked outside Hudson Valley Brewery making outrageously good wood-fired pizza pies. We usually go with their Pepperoni As Fuck! and their Surprise Me. Truly can’t miss.
2. Peaceful Provisions: this family-run M/WBE has a line outside the door every single weekend no matter how cold it is. They make small-batch vegan doughnuts with high-quality ingredients from scratch on weekend mornings. We recommend getting there on the earlier side because once they’re gone, they’re gone. If Peaceful Provisions sells out by the time you get there, Glazed Over Donut is down the street.
3. Little King: Jeremy is a trained pastry chef who started at Marlow & Sons and opened Rose Bakery in LA. We love his scones, quiches, and chocolate chip cookie. It’s also a great spot to pre-order a pie or cake.
4. Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company: This shop is so Beacon. They have every flavor of marshmallow, from mint chocolate chip to caramel. Choose the flavor you want and toppings; they’ll make you an individual s’more. Plus, they have super sweet hot chocolate. 

 

Our Favorite Spots for Dinner

 

1. The Kitchen Sink Supper Club: This is a cozy little spot that is only open on Fridays and Saturdays and has a set tasting menu that focuses on local produce and the time of year. There are vegetarian and pescatarian options as well. During the week, they sometimes have pop-ups. To us, the Kitchen Sink is a modern restaurant concept that should be celebrated. Its minimalism makes for a more sustainable business model and reduces waste along the way.
2. Wonder Bar: we touched on this earlier but we recommend catching a film after for the whole experience
3. The Roundhouse: is a hotel with an excellent restaurant housed in a beautifully restored industrial building that overlooks a thundering waterfall that used to power the mill. The menu changes seasonally and includes dishes like smoked trout, steak frites, and pasta.
4. Melzingah Tap House: is a gastropub with a huge selection of craft beers and tasty bar food like juicy burgers and buffalo wings. The menu also includes vegan and vegetarian options and gluten-free items.

 

Our Favorite Bars (all three often have really great live music)

1. Quinn’s; this former diner has been a local favorite for many years but has also become famous for its weekly jazz sessions. Their Japanese soul food and sake selection. It’s a must-stop destination on your Beacon journey. A favorite among locals and now serves Japanese soul food alongside
2. Dogwood has a great craft beer selection, a good burger, and usually have great live music. It’s a relaxed space and feels exactly as a neighborhood bar should. Right now, Eat Church is cooking the food!
3. Towne Crier Cafe: these guys also draw really impressive live performers and have been around for a long time.

 

Where to Stay in Beacon, New York

It is definitely doable to come just for the day. However, if you want to make a weekend getaway trip – we have you covered.

1. The Roundhouse in Beacon

Roundhouse is the most popular and best option in our opinion. Built at a former textile manufacturing complex, the buildings and property are special. Plus, it is situated on the Fishkill Creek – making for an awesome vibe. It’s no wonder this place is booked years out Thursday – Sunday for weddings. Roundhouse is in a great location, a few steps from the main street and across the street from Hudson Valley Brewery. It is a 4-star hotel and the nicest in Beacon.

2. Airbnbs in Beacon

There are plenty of options for Airbnbs in Beacon. One Airbnb we’ve seen is Lambs Hill Beacon. Lambs Hill Beacon is mainly known for its wedding venue. It’s located atop a mountain (it’s quite the trek to get up). They offer an Airbnb above their barn stables. It’s a magnificent view.

3. Boutique Hotel Beacon NY

While we haven’t stayed at The Dutchess Inn and Spa, we got a massage here. It is a boutique 3-star hotel in Beacon.

These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Beacon. Visitors can also explore other options, including Thai food, Italian cuisine, and more

4. Bed and Breakfast, Beacon NY

Another one we have yet to stay at, but if you like bed and breakfast stays, Beacon has Beacon Bed and Breakfast.

Day Trip to Beacon, New York

 

We covered A LOT. If you only have one day, here’s what we recommend you do. Make sure you get up to Beacon early so that you can pack everything in.

1. Start with a breakneck ridge hike. If you get there early enough, you’ll beat the crowds and quickly get parking
2. Stop at homestead for brunch
3. Walk around the shops on Main Street. Be sure to stop into Little King
4. Head over to DIA to see their modern art
5. Grab a beer at Hudson Valley brewing, and make sure to get some of Groundlings pizza while you’re there

          

Conclusion

There’s so much to do, see, and eat in Beacon, NY. It’s hard to cover everything in one trip. We’re always adding to our list. If there’s anything we missed that you enjoyed while in Beacon, we’d love to hear! If we can answer any questions about Beacon, please reach out.