Things To Do
in Tarrytown
Tarrytown is a historic riverside village on the eastern bank of the Hudson River in Westchester County, New York, known for its 19th-century mansions, leafy streets, and scenic waterfront. It blends small-town charm with commuter convenience, sitting on the Metro-North Hudson Line about 25 miles north of Manhattan. The village is closely associated with the Sleepy Hollow legends and features cultural sites like Lyndhurst Mansion and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Visitors come for architecture, river views, seasonal foliage, and easy access to Hudson Valley outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tarrytown Lighthouse, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront while taking in panoramic views of the Hudson River. Afterward, stop by the local café for some freshly brewed coffee and a delicious pastry. The morning sun provides the perfect backdrop to appreciate the historic architecture along Main Street.
In the afternoon, head to the historic Lyndhurst mansion, where guided tours offer a glimpse into the life of the wealthy Jay Gould and stunning estate grounds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the mansion's picturesque gardens, surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. The serene environment and rich history make this an enriching experience.
End your day with a scenic dinner at one of Tarrytown's waterfront restaurants, where you can savor local specialties while watching the sunset over the river. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the shore, allowing the cool breeze and the sound of water to enhance your experience. Consider ending the evening with a visit to a local jazz bar for live music.
Begin your day with a guided tour of Kykuit, the stunning estate of the Rockefeller family, which features impressive art collections and beautiful gardens. The surrounding grounds are an artist's dream, filled with sculptures and exquisite landscaping. Don't forget to snap some photos with the captivating views of the Hudson Valley.
After touring Kykuit, head to the nearby Philipsburg Manor, where you can explore the engaging exhibits that detail the history of colonial life in New York. Enjoy a light lunch at the manor's café, where farm-to-table offerings highlight local ingredients. The mix of culture and history makes the afternoon an educational escape.
Return to Tarrytown for an evening stroll through the quaint streets, perhaps stopping at a local gelato shop for a sweet treat. As the sun sets, consider attending an event at the Tarrytown Music Hall, where various performances often take place. The vibrant arts scene adds a cultural touch to your evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-120 |
| 🚆One-way Metro-North train to NYC | $8-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Hudson River views and historic architecture
- Close proximity to New York City with commuter rail access
- Excellent autumn foliage and nearby outdoor recreation
- Quaint village center with good local dining and small businesses
- Can be crowded on weekends and during fall peak season
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with major cities
- Parking can be tight near popular sites and during events
- Some attractions have seasonal hours and close in winter
Places to Visit in Tarrytown
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic Revival architecture, landscaped grounds, and panoramic views of the Hudson provide dramatic compositions, especially in golden hour light.
A small, picturesque lighthouse on the Hudson with reflections on calm water — great for sunrise or sunsets and long-exposure shots.
Historic tombstones, ornate mausoleums, and the legendary bridge make moody, atmospheric photos — particularly evocative in autumn or misty mornings.
Charming storefronts, seasonal decorations, and tree-lined streets capture local life and architecture.
Woodland carriage roads, stone bridges, and river views offer nature photography opportunities year-round, with vibrant foliage in fall.
Food in Tarrytown
Tarrytown Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local brunch experience featuring farm eggs, seasonal vegetables, and locally baked breads — try it at several Main Street cafés and riverside spots.
Must-Try!
Salads and small plates made with seasonal greens, apples, goat cheese, and local nuts — widely available at bistros and farm-to-table restaurants.
Platters featuring Hudson Valley cheeses, pickles, and cured meats — commonly offered at wine bars and upscale eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (usually spring–fall) offering produce, baked goods, cheeses, and prepared foods — a great spot to sample local specialties and buy picnic supplies.
Small bakeries and delis on and around Main Street sell fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee — ideal for quick breakfasts and takeout.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents appreciate straightforward friendliness — brief greetings and polite manners are typical. Maintain personal space in queues and public transit.
Treat mansions, cemeteries, and historic properties with respect: follow signage, stick to paths, and avoid loud behavior.
Tarrytown is a commuter hub; be mindful of rush-hour traffic and train crowds, and plan visits outside peak commuter times if possible.
Safety
Tipping in Tarrytown
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: restaurant servers typically receive 15–20% of the pre-tax bill, bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for full-service, and taxi or ride-share drivers 10–15%. Tip hotel staff (housekeeping $2–5/day, bell staff $1–2 per bag) and tour guides around 10–20% depending on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small cash is handy for tips, markets, or small vendors; ATMs are available but check fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make this a pleasant time for walks and gardens; markets reopen and trails can be muddy after rain — bring layers.
Warm to hot days with humidity; waterfront spots and outdoor dining are lively. Expect more tourists on weekends and weekdays filled with commuters returning from the city.
Peak season for foliage with brilliant color displays in surrounding hills; weekends can be busy, so book accommodations and dining in advance for leaf-peeping trips.
Cold, sometimes snowy with crisp river views; some attractions have reduced hours, but holiday events and fewer crowds can make for a cozy visit — pack warm layers.
Tarrytown at Night
Hiking in Tarrytown
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short drive from Tarrytown with a network of carriage roads and trails, river views, and pastoral landscapes — excellent for easy to moderate hikes and wildlife viewing.
Historic trail following the route of the aqueduct with mostly flat walking and cycling paths connecting to nearby towns and offering scenic stretches.
Local riverside trails and green spaces following the Pocantico River, suitable for short walks, birdwatching, and gentle hikes.
A short drive across the river or north into the Highlands for more challenging day hikes such as Breakneck Ridge and Mount Beacon — strong views but more strenuous terrain.
Airports
How to reach Tarrytown by plane.
Approximately 15–25 minutes by car from Tarrytown; convenient for regional flights and some national connections, with shuttle and taxi services available.
About 35–60 minutes drive depending on traffic; accessible by taxi or car and public transit connections to Metro-North via transfers in Manhattan.
About 60–90 minutes by car; broad international connectivity but longer travel time from Tarrytown; reachable by train/bus combinations.
Approximately 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic; another major international hub with rail and shuttle connections to the region.
Located to the north-west of the Hudson Valley, about an hour's drive or more; serves some domestic and seasonal flights and can be convenient for certain routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents work in New York City and use Metro-North rail for daily commuting; this shapes weekday rhythms and local services.
Tarrytown and surrounding areas have family-oriented neighborhoods with good schools, parks, and community events.
The quiet village environment and scenic setting attract retirees seeking cultural activities and proximity to healthcare.
Local entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and professionals contribute to the village business district and cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Hudson River corridor has strong rowing and paddling traditions — clubs and recreational paddlers take advantage of calm sections of the river and nearby waterways.
Local enthusiasm centers on school sports and community leagues, especially football in autumn and baseball/softball in summer.
Road cycling and recreational bicycling are popular on scenic routes and park carriage roads throughout the Hudson Valley.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tarrytown.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafés offer vegetarian mains and salads; farm-to-table kitchens frequently have vegetable-forward dishes and can adapt menu items on request.
Options exist but are more limited than vegetarian — check bakeries and cafés for vegan pastries and ask restaurants about plant-based substitutions or seasonal vegetable plates.
Most full-service restaurants will offer gluten-free options or can modify dishes; however, for strict celiac needs, verify with staff about cross-contamination and look for dedicated gluten-free bakeries in the region.