Westchester County Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Westchester County. Find out more about its culture, food scene, safety, and logistics.
- Introduction to Westchester County
- List of Places to Visit in Westchester County
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Westchester County
- Best Things to Do in Westchester County: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Westchester County
- Food and Drink Scene of Westchester County
- Where to Stay in Westchester County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Westchester County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Westchester County
- Best Time to Visit Westchester County
- Do’s and Don’ts of Westchester County
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Westchester County: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Westchester County
- Where to Go Next from Westchester County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Westchester County
Westchester County is a lovely destination for those who want to escape hustle and bustle of New York City and enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. Located in Downstate New York, Westchester County is rich in history and offers numerous attractions that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
The county spans across 500 square miles and consists of 6 cities, 19 towns, and 23 villages. It boasts of a diverse landscape that includes dense forests, pristine beaches, picturesque river canyons, and rolling hills.
List of Places to Visit in Westchester County
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Philipsburg Manor: This historic site is a restored 18th-century farm that showcases the life of slaves and tenant farmers.
- The Hudson River Museum: The museum boasts of a vast collection of art, science, and history exhibits that detail the story of the city and the region.
- John Jay Homestead: This homestead was the residence of John Jay, who was one of the founding fathers of America. The site is now a museum and features exhibits that showcase the life and contributions of John Jay.
- Kykuit: The historic site boasts of a stunning 40-room mansion that was the residence of John D. Rockefeller. Visitors can explore the mansion and stunning gardens and sculptures on the estate.
Natural Attractions of Westchester County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Kensico Dam Plaza: The dam and the park surrounding it offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can explore the park and enjoy picnicking, kayaking, and fishing.
- Croton Point Park: This scenic park offers scenic views of the Hudson River and the city’s skyline. It’s an ideal spot for cycling, hiking, and picnicking.
- Bronx River Parkway Reservation: The reservation spans over 13 miles, and it’s an ideal place for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the Bronx River and its flora and fauna.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Westchester County
Westchester County is famous for its numerous hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. Here are some of the best hiking/biking trails in Westchester County:
- The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail: This trail is 26 miles long and offers a scenic journey through the heart of Westchester County.
- Rockefeller State Park Preserve: The park boasts of 55 miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Hudson River Valley.
- The Bronx River Greenway: The greenway spans over 23 miles, and it’s an ideal place for cycling, hiking, and jogging.
Best Things to Do in Westchester County: Activities and Tours
- Tarrytown Music Hall: The music hall is a historic theater that hosts live performances and music events.
- Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club: The beach is an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking, and boating.
- Sunset Sail on the Hudson: Visitors can book a sunset sail on the Hudson River and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.
Week-Long Itinerary for Westchester County
Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Westchester County:
- Day 1: Visit Philipsburg Manor and explore the gardens and grounds
- Day 2: Go for a hike in Rockefeller State Park Preserve and enjoy a picnic lunch
- Day 3: Visit the Hudson River Museum and explore the exhibits
- Day 4: Go for a bike ride on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and explore the surrounding countryside
- Day 5: Take a sunset sail on the Hudson River and enjoy the views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- Day 6: Visit Kykuit and explore the gardens and grounds
- Day 7: Explore Tarrytown Music Hall and enjoy live music and performances.
Food and Drink Scene of Westchester County
Must-Try Dishes
- Bagels: New York bagels are world-famous, and Westchester County is no exception. The bagels are often freshly baked and served warm, with traditional toppings such as cream cheese.
- Pizza: The county has numerous pizza spots where you can enjoy authentic New York-style pizza.
- Craft beer: Westchester County is home to several craft breweries that offer a wide range of beers to choose from.
Local Beverages
- Wine: Westchester County’s wine country has numerous wineries where you can sample and buy locally produced wines.
- Cocktails: The county has several bars and lounges that serve delicious cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.
Where to Stay in Westchester County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Ritz Carlton: The luxury hotel is located in White Plains and offers exceptional amenities and services.
- The Tarrytown House Estate and Conference Center: The hotel has a stunning location amidst 26 acres of landscaped gardens and features modern amenities and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
- Hostelling International: This hostel is an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers and features a shared lounge, garden, and terrace.
What to Buy in Westchester County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Wine: Westchester County is known for its wine production, and several wineries offer wines to take home.
- Art and Crafts: The county has several art galleries and craft shops that sell locally produced art and crafts.
- Local food products: The county’s farmers’ markets offer locally produced artisanal foods such as honey, cheese, and chocolate.
Local Culture and Customs of Westchester County
Westchester County celebrates its diverse cultural heritage through several festivals and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy multicultural dances, music, and food at events such as:
- Cultural Festivals: The county’s cultural festivals celebrate various cultures, including the Irish, African-American, and Hispanic cultures.
- Holiday Events: The county hosts several holiday events such as the “Lighting of the Christmas Tree” in White Plains.
Best Time to Visit Westchester County
The county is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the fall and the spring season when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its best.
Do’s and Don’ts of Westchester County
Do:
- Respect the locals and their way of life.
- Take advantage of the county’s natural attractions and outdoor activities.
- Explore the county’s cultural heritage.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the county’s natural resources.
- Ignore the traffic and parking laws.
- Disrespect the county’s cultural heritage.
Safety and Health
Safety in Westchester County
Westchester County is a safe destination but visitors should keep a few safety tips in mind:
- Stay alert in crowded areas
- Follow traffic and parking laws
- Keep valuables secure
Health in Westchester County
The county has several hospitals and medical facilities that offer top-class medical care. Visitors should have adequate travel insurance in case of medical emergencies.
Getting to Westchester County: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Westchester County
The county is serviced by two airports:
- Westchester County Airport
- LaGuardia Airport
Bus Stations Near Westchester County
- White Plains Bus Terminal
- Yonkers Bus Terminal
Other Options
- Metro-North Railroad: The commuter rail system connects the county to New York City and other destinations in the region.
- Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car from numerous car rental companies that have operations in the county.
How to Get Around in Westchester County
The county has an extensive network of public transportation:
- Buses: Westchester County Bee-Line bus system operates throughout the county.
- Metro-North Railroad: The commuter rail system connects the county to New York City and other destinations in the region.
- Taxis: Several taxi operators offer services throughout the county.
Where to Go Next from Westchester County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- New York City: Westchester County is a suburb of New York City, and visitors can take a short train ride to the city.
- Bear Mountain State Park: The park offers stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and has several hiking trails.
- Hudson Valley: The valley is famous for its stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and historic attractions.
Conclusion
Westchester County is a beautiful destination that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. Visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and excellent food and drink scene. With its easy accessibility and extensive network of public transportation, Westchester County is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
Westchester County Image Gallery
Westchester County Airport.
The Bronx River Parkway.
Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow.
Beach at Playland Park in Rye (New York)
Xaviar's X2O on the Hudson restaurant in Yonkers was built on an old pier and offers views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.