Location: Beacon
Top Things to do in Beacon
What to do and see in Beacon, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Beacon, New York is about 90 minutes north of New York City. It features the huge contemporary art museum, Dia:Beacon. It also has galleries and shops along the quaint Main Street. You can take the Metro-North commuter rail and walk into town. Rent a bike to explore the Victorian homes.
Restaurants in Beacon
1. Dia:Beacon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
Founded in 1974, this modern art gallery is well-known for a highly unusual, permanent display by conceptual artist Walter De Maria. De Maria's work is a massive display of a 2 foot layer of dirt!
Reviewed By PWHorstmann - Fira, Greece
This gallery has a broad collection of artwork (both large and small.) The setting allows for very large exhibits, including those best experienced from a "hands-on" point of view. One can spend an afternoon here, depending on your appreciation of the exhibits currently on display. I recommend checking to see what is being shown, before going.
2. Motorcyclepedia Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By joyfultraveller_10 - Mendham Township, New Jersey
We went here with friends from France who ride and have motorcycles. My husband and I only have a passing interest in such. However, we were really impressed with the extensive display of so many fantastic motorcycles. Our more experienced friends were totally wowed. There is interesting history here as well. Staff is really nice and helpful. Highly recommend!
3. SplashDown Beach Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
SplashDown Beach, America's Biggest Little Water Park, is located in Fishkill, New York, just 60 minutes from New York City. New in 2015, the Arctic Mammoth Family Raft Ride is a 5-person raft ride down six stories of twists, back-to-back curves and vortex loops. Thrill seekers will experience an adrenaline rush on Arctic Plunge Racer, a 5-story mat racer that launches riders into a head-to-head drag race to the bottom, flying over vertical curve humps and gaining even more speed before landing at the finish line. Humunga Half-Pipe is New York's only 4-story zero gravity half-pipe, and everyone is sure to make a splash with the Bullet Bowl, Monster Wave Pool, Croc Creek Lazy River, Coconut Pool, and Rock Beach. Little ones will love Splash Works with over 50 interactive water features, a Water Whirler. Boasting the best food in the water park business, SplashDown Beach offers hungry swimmers selections like Cosimo's Pizza on the Boardwalk, Cosimo's Shipwreck Grill & Café, Iggy's Fresh Mex, The Waffle Hut and Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs. Birthday parties, corporate picnics, family reunions and groups are welcome and private catering is available. Open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Reviewed By ayla912 - New York
This is a great outdoor water park. Although it's been around quite a while, the attractions are always in good working order, looking fresh and clean. There are lots of new attractions too, seems each year they add another big one! I always feel safe with my child here, lots of lifeguards who are not distracted and lots of employees always smiling and ready to help. It's big enough to enjoy for the day but small enough that you won't tire yourself out running around. If you're local a season pass is a great deal and would definitely recommend.
4. Hudson Beach Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Following in a family tradition that spans three generations, Sean Gilvey has opened Hudson Beach Glass Philadelphia, a glass studio and gallery in Old City. This unique space allows customers to view the glassblowing process as they shop. Decorative soap dishes, elegant sushi trays, beautiful drink-ware and hand-made jewelry are some of the many products available. Hours are Wed-Fri 12-7, Sat 11-7 and Sun 12-5 (Monday and Tuesday closed).
Reviewed By alibarbaraMilwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The products here are so creative, colorful, and beautiful, but the best part is the glass blowing experience and working with the artists who create the glass objects. I went with a group and we really enjoyed having a mini tour.
5. Pride of the Hudson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Your Hudson River Adventure begins at the Newburgh Landing in Newburgh, NY. Your Captain will present a narration of the sights along the River including Mt. Beacon, Bannerman Island, Storm King Mountain, Breakneck Mountain, The Catskill Aqueduct, World's End, Cold Spring, and West Point. May 1 - October. Visit our website for full schedule. A cruise through the majestic Hudson Highlands aboard the Pride of the Hudson is a unique way to celebrate any occasion. Our friendly, accommodating, and professional crew will respond to all our needs. Your guests can party in the comfort of our air-conditioned heated main salon that features huge wrap around windows. For those who prefer the open air, they can relax on our spacious sundeck topside or cozy foredeck area. Both the top and main decks have a fully stocked bar.The Pride of the Hudson is available for charter.The Pride of the Hudson is conveniently located near the NYS Thruway exit 17 and Route 84 Exit 10. Departures are from Newburgh Landing, Newburgh, NY in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Reviewed By Connie B - Warwick, New York
The Hudson River is unbelievably beautiful when riding on the Pride of the Huson. Hearing the history of some view points, seeing them from the middle of the river makes you realize how very special the Hudson River really is. I could barely imagine how pleased Henry Hudson & his crew of the Half Moon felt as they road up the entire River to Hudson Bay. Our Wonderful crew on the Pride was friendly. The day was relaxing and picturesque. Great photo ops.
6. Dutchess Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By RunrDave - New York
Have gone to Dutchess Stadium twice now for company functions, and it's a really nice venue. Minor league baseball is fun, and this place has a lot of amenities. My only real complaint is that it's difficult to exit the stadium, especially if you stay until the end of the game.
7. Denning's Point Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Visit our unique urban production space in Beacon, NY for a tour and tasting of our hand crafted spirits. Learn about our distillation process and enjoy our spirits that originate as NY state agricultural product. Now open with tastings of Viskill Vodka made from NY state wheat and a limited edition rare find 7 year old American whisky. Coming soon: Denning's Point Rye and Denning's Point Bourbon.
Reviewed By ThePBR - NE USA
Met friends at Denning's Point Distillery to sample their award winning spirits. Personnel are very knowledgeable and friendly as to what best fits your tastes and how to best experience their products. Great Distillery and so pleased their ingredients are taking advantage of the local New York goodness (water, wheat, apples, etc.) Definitely worth a visit, and purchase your favorite spirit: Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon, Apple Brandy, or their fantastic Maid of the Meadow - makes a great gift!
8. Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Mayonaka - New York City, New York
We came here after watching the Hamilton as we are fascinated by the Revolutionary War (why couldn't American History classes be this interesting growing up?). The tour to see the house (aka headquarter) is $4, last for about 30 mins. The best part about the tour is the guide, she was super passionate about the history of George Washington that we felt like we were transported back to the 17th century. We also checked out the museum (free) that houses all the artifacts and weapons from Washington's collection.
9. Storm King Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By lnpepper - Mobile, Alabama
Wasn't prepared for the effect of 500 acres of meticulously designed landscape brilliantly incorporating contemporary art pieces that require viewing in open space. No better place in the world to be on a cloudless fall afternoon, and we could easily have spent days taking it all in.
10. Bannerman Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Mitchell F - New York City, New York
We booked by telephone a few days before (after checking the weather forecast) and the young man was polite and very helpful and capable. We were escorted from the dock in Beacon to the island. Our host was the executive director of the Bannerman Castle Trust. He was passionate about the island and the project to restore the home and explained everything. Wear a hat if it is hot and sunny. The email was explicit concerning the time to arrive prior to departure and where the dock was located, near the Beacon metro north station. The boat ride is 30 minutes each way and lovely by itself. Explore the island with the guide and ask questions. Have fun.
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