Visit Beacon New York: Things To Do And Attractions

Things to do in Beacon is visiting one of the famous museums of the city. Dia Beacon boasts art collections from the 1960s to date.

Located on the banks of the Hudson River, the gallery marks a massive 300,000-square-foot contemporary art museum. 

Here, the gallery features original industry-style architectural accents like steel concrete, brick, and skylights. Walking into the slick, echoey halls awash in natural light gives you the vibes of being somewhere out of the world.

Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois, Dan Flavin, and Sol LeWitt are the notable names whose imposing sculptures are installed in the gallery.

The place is suitable for anyone looking for museums in New York. However, every buck you pay for the entrance is worth it. Hudson Valley residents get free admission on July 30, Hudson Valley Free Day.

Admission: $20 General

Location: 3 Beekman Steet

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

The peak can be seen easily from Newburgh across the Hudson River. It is open year-round, rain or shine. Begin the summit climb from Mount Beacon Park. 

On the way, you will witness stunning views of the town, then the Hudson River, and the surrounding region. Better to start the journey in the morning for fresh air and relaxation. 

It's up to you whether you want a hard, long hike or short and easy. If you are tight on time, hike two miles to the first overlook and return. Or else, hike forward all the way up to the Fire Tower.

If you plan a guided hike, climb up to Mount Beacon, visit local wineries, and cross the walkway over Hudson State Historic Park for mesmerizing views. You can rest your leg at one of the boarding houses.

Address: 788 Wolcott Avenue

Things to do in Beacon include a brewery tour around the city. Breweries here include Draught Industries and Hudson Valley Brewery.

One of the most popular Hudson Valley Brewery is open to the public from Thursdays through Sundays. Set just off Main Street it has a big patio and a huge indoor space serving unique flavors.

As this little city is a craft beer connoisseur's mecca, there are two more craft breweries in town and three within a 20-minute drive away. Two Way Brewing Company's taproom is open to the public for tasting.

What makes the company different than others is they offer hard apple cider on tap. So you can take your friends on Thursday-Sunday even if you don't like beer.

In case both breweries are crowded visit Draught Industries for local options. Here the bartenders are helpful with some best recommendations.

Things to do in Beacon NY include experiencing the vast collection of functional and decorative glass objects. Hudson Beach Glass is only in Beacon.

Located in a former firehouse on Main Street, this glassworks gallery and glassblowing studio boasts kind of sculptural works, jewelry, decorative objects in the shop, and many more. It has been famous in the city for more than three decades now.

Most importantly, the studio organizes public workshops where visitors can craft their handblown ornaments and beads. One of the distinctive things to do outside NYC is the experience you can have only in Hudson Beach Glass but not anywhere else in Beacon.

Upon the entrance, the first-floor gallery displays colorful glass works of art. Moving forward on your right is the place where the magic happens, the workshop with a hot oven.

Make a reservation before your visit if you want to blow your own ornament. Better to make one in the afternoon or evening.

Address: 162 Main Street

Serious Comedy Theatre is organizing The Josh and Tamra Show coming August 12. However, this isn't the first time the artists have performed there. For instance, they were there in May, making it the most recent.

The New York City-based artist duo Josh and Tamra have been creating feature-length montages of scenes since 1999. Their content combines human characters and puppets.

Before the puppet show, the comedy theater organizes "Double D Improv Presents: The Vole Sister" on Friday, August 4.

Address: Serious Comedy Theater Training Center, 22 Kent Street

General Admission: $12

Timing: 7 pm to 8 pm, August 12

Some popular events happening in Beacon coming days:

• Summer Series at Holistic Living
• Comedy at the "Cade!"
• Hudson Valley Speed Dating By The River
• Hudson River Craft Beer Festival 2023

NY things to do in Beacon include jumping on live music at Towne Crier Cafe. The cafe has been serving since 1972.

Towne Crier Cafe relocated to Main Street from Pawling in 2013. Since its inception year, the club has been offering farm-to-table fare with live musical performances.

The act tends to swing rock, jazz, and blues. Pete Seeger, Suzanne Vega, David Bryne, and Richie Havens are some formally notable artists sharing the stage here.

Today it's not just a spot for a bite but a town favorite for its calendar of sensational music along with its decadent Sunday brunch. One of the best New York bar nightclubs serves contemporary American food and beverages.

To make the guest have their dinner comfortable, the concert area is separated from the dining area with a retractable wall. The area holds around 200 audiences at a time.

Address: 379 Main Street 

Closed on: Mondays-Tuesdays

P.S. The cafe hosts Open Mic Night on Thursdays at 6:30 evening, and the live music show on Sundays is FREE!

New York things to do in Beacon comprises a trip to an 18th-century reconstructed manor house. Mount Gulian stands on the Hudson River in Fishkill Village.

This National Historic Landmark was built in the early 1700s, and the Verplanck family occupied the manor for 300 continuous years. Around two centuries later, the mansion was destroyed in a fire.

However, valuables and paintings were saved along with the antique furniture. In the 1960s, the mansion was reconstructed as a historic site ever since. Philip and Guilian Verplank's colonial architecture can be admired on the site.

If you are a history enthusiast, the building has much to offer you from the 18th and 19th centuries. The old barn is still standing after almost three centuries. The interiors are artifacts related to the owner's family. 

So, why not leave the hustle and bustle of the 21st century for a day and step back to the 18th century? The 44-acre mansion will delight you with the old days things related to the Hudson.

Also, the ground can be booked for your special events like weddings.

Address: 145 Sterling Street

Contact: +1 845-831-8172

Beacon Farmers Market presents an amazing opportunity to meet locals and fresh produce. The trade unfolds every Sunday from six in the morning.

More than 50 vendors offer fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made liquor, baked goods, coffee, spices, pickles, and cheese. All the products are collected from the valley of tourist attractions, including things to do in Hudson Valley.

Some of the stalls feature housewares and body products like alpaca fiber-made accessories, ceramic serving plates and vases, and essential oils-infused soaps.

Overall, this place is a mecca for treasure hunters. Make sure to visit Bandida, which sells a dairy-free version of the Mexican creamy rick drink.

Address: 223 Main Street next to Beacon Post Office 

Timing: 6 AM-3 PM

Running Months: May to November ( indoor trade at VFW building on Main Street in winter)

P.S. Carry cash with you as most vendors are cash-only

For anyone asking what to do in Beacon, how about strolling around the Bannermans' Castle? The Scottish-style castle was built in the 1900s.

The six-acre castle in Pollepel Island, covered with trees actually a gem in the Hudson Highlands. It originally belonged to the Bannerman family, who bought the island in the 1800s.

Bannerman Castle is a site brimming with ancient Indian Lore, Revolutionary War tales, and ancient architectural designs made by Francis Bannerman VI himself.

Under the care of "the Bannerman Castle Trust Inc," this place is safe and open to volunteers and the public for education, cultural and historic study. You can snap pictures as a souvenir of being in the abandoned military surplus warehouse.

On the island, live musical performances, outdoor movie screenings, and alfresco theatre productions are organized for recreational activities.

Where: Pollepel Island

How to get there?

Take a 30-minute boat ride from Beacon ferry dock to Pollepel Island, or a kayak tour is also available.

Timing: A public guided tour is available from May through October.

Wondering where to eat in Beacon? American, Italian, Seafood, or Asian, Beacon is full of restaurants according to your taste on your budget.

For instance, Cosimo's On Union serves some must-eat food New York like grilled chicken and shrimp sauteed pasta. The eatery is more dedicated to Italian pizza. They have some of the finest brick-oven pizzas with multiple toppings options.

Next on the list is The Roundhouse for excellent food and views. The eatery has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fishkill Creek and waterfalls.

Craving for some Mexican Latin food? Step into the Maya Cafe at 448 Route 9, Fishkill. They are open for delicious lunches, brunch, dinner, and late nights. 

If not, take part in a food walking tour in the city. Along with Beacon's culture and creative shops, you will get to taste local dishes and craft beverages created by locals.

Some other restaurants you can try are:

• The Lakeview House
• Red Liner Diner
• The Tomato Cafe
• Brothers Trattoria
• Kitchen Sink Supper Club
• Husdon Hil's