9 Day Trips From Scarsdale NY

Scarsdale’s location in Westchester County makes it an ideal starting point for day trips throughout the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and New York City. There are plenty of destinations that offer natural beauty, historic sites, and unique local culture, all within a comfortable driving or train distance. These places are perfect for a quick change of scenery without needing overnight travel.

This guide highlights some of the best day trips from Scarsdale NY. Each destination offers a distinct experience, helping you plan an easy getaway based on your interests.

Tarrytown is another historic Hudson River town located close to Scarsdale. The downtown area features well-preserved architecture, independent shops, and waterfront parks. Lyndhurst Mansion, a Gothic Revival estate overlooking the river, offers guided tours of its grounds and interiors. Visitors can also enjoy walking the Mario Cuomo Bridge pedestrian path, which provides panoramic views of the Hudson River. The town’s mix of history, river views, and easy access make it one of the most convenient and enjoyable day trips from Scarsdale NY.

Sleepy Hollow is located just a short drive from Scarsdale and is well-known for its ties to Washington Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The town features several landmarks connected to the story, including the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and the Old Dutch Church. In addition to its literary history, Sleepy Hollow offers walking trails, waterfront parks, and historic sites like the Rockefeller Estate at Kykuit. Visitors can tour the estate, explore its gardens, and view the extensive art collection.

Greenwich is a coastal town about 30 minutes from Scarsdale. It offers upscale shopping, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions. Greenwich Avenue is the main commercial area, featuring designer stores, independent boutiques, and restaurants. For outdoor relaxation, visitors can head to Greenwich Point Park, a waterfront spot with beaches, walking trails, and views of Long Island Sound. The Bruce Museum, located near the center of town, features exhibits on art, science, and natural history.

Bear Mountain State Park is a popular outdoor destination about an hour’s drive from Scarsdale. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and lakefront views. The Perkins Memorial Tower at the summit provides sweeping views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also walk along Hessian Lake, rent paddle boats in the warmer months, or explore the Trailside Museums and Zoo. The park's scenic drives and changing foliage in the fall make it a standout location for nature lovers looking for a nearby escape.

Cold Spring is a small village along the Hudson River, about an hour from Scarsdale. The town is well-known for its walkable Main Street, which is filled with antique shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes. In addition to shopping and dining, Cold Spring offers excellent access to outdoor activities. Breakneck Ridge, one of the Hudson Valley’s most popular hiking trails, is located nearby and provides challenging climbs with rewarding river views. Scenic spots like the West Point Foundry Preserve offer more leisurely walking paths through nature and history.

Storm King Art Center is a large outdoor sculpture park in New Windsor, about an hour north of Scarsdale. The park covers 500 acres and features large-scale sculptures across rolling hills, open fields, and wooded areas. The center regularly hosts temporary exhibits alongside its permanent collection, offering something new for repeat visitors. It is a peaceful place to explore at your own pace, making it one of the most relaxing day trips from Scarsdale NY.

Beacon has become a favorite destination for day trips thanks to its growing arts scene and waterfront views. The town is home to Dia Beacon, a large contemporary art museum in a converted factory building along the Hudson River. After exploring Dia Beacon, visitors can head to Main Street, where there are galleries, independent shops, breweries, and restaurants. The waterfront park provides a relaxing place to enjoy the river, while the nearby Mount Beacon trail offers a moderate hike with panoramic views of the area.

New Haven is about a 90-minute drive from Scarsdale and offers a mix of culture, history, and food. The city is best known as the home of Yale University, whose campus features striking architecture, museums, and open green spaces. The Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art are free to visit and offer impressive collections. Food lovers enjoy New Haven for its famous pizza scene, with long-established restaurants like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza drawing regular crowds.

Hudson is a small city along the Hudson River with a reputation for thriving arts and culinary scenes. The city’s Warren Street is lined with antique shops, independent boutiques, and cafes, making it a great place for browsing and shopping. Hudson also has many acclaimed restaurants, wineries, and art galleries. The waterfront park provides a quiet place to relax, and the nearby Olana State Historic Site offers guided tours of the historic home and grounds of artist Frederic Church.

Andrea Weiss brings over 15 years of full-time real estate experience and deep local knowledge to every transaction. As a Global Real Estate Advisor with Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, Andrea specializes in Scarsdale, Edgemont, The River Towns, Chappaqua, and Armonk. Consistently recognized as a top-producing agent, Andrea is deeply connected to the Scarsdale community and brings professional insight and local perspective to every client relationship.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Scarsdale, connect with Andrea Weiss for trusted advice and proven results.