A Guide to Beacon, NY

When people ask where to take a day trip or spend a weekend just off the MetroNorth, Beacon is always at the top of our list.

For over a decade, this walkable Hudson Valley city has drawn Escapers with its unbeatable mix of hiking, shopping, dining, and one of the best contemporary art museums on the East Coast. Its lengthy Main Street, anchored by Dia: Beacon at one end and the Roundhouse hotel at the other, continues to grow with independent shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

But one of Beacon’s biggest draws is its setting. Main Street lies at the foot of Mt. Beacon – the highest summit in the Hudson Highlands – offering sweeping views of the river and city below. It’s about 90 minutes from NYC by MetroNorth (Hudson Line), with hiking trails and shopping both accessible by foot or a quick ride on the local shuttle.

Late afternoon light pours over an iconic Richard Serra installation inside the Dia: Beacon galleries.

Beacon’s biggest draws are its modern art scene, outdoor access, and a long stretch of Main Street packed with independently owned shops, galleries, and cafes. Whether planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, visitors should plan to split their time between the outdoors and the town itself.

For art lovers, Dia: Beacon remains the area’s crown jewel. This sprawling museum of contemporary art is housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, where natural light floods galleries featuring monumental works by artists like Donald Judd, Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois, and Andy Warhol. It’s a destination in itself—and a great first stop when arriving by train, just a short walk from the station.

Additional galleries worth checking out include BAU Gallery, a long-running artist collective with rotating exhibitions; Mother Gallery, a contemporary gallery with locations in both Beacon and Chelsea; and Super Secret Projects, a smaller experimental gallery showcasing regional artists. For those visiting on Second Saturday, a monthly art walk, many of Beacon’s galleries and shops stay open late with special events.

Madame Brett Park in Beacon, NY offers a scenic stroll along Fishkill Creek before it drains into the Hudson River.

Hikers will want to plan for a trek up Mount Beacon, the highest summit in the Hudson Highlands. There are two main options: the short-but-steep hike to the Mount Beacon Overlook, where you’ll find the old casino ruins and panoramic views of the Hudson River and Catskills; or the more strenuous route toward the Beacon Reservoir, which follows a wooded creek trail and leads to a peaceful mountain lake. Either is rewarding, and both can be accessed from the Mount Beacon Trailhead at the edge of town.

For a more relaxed walk, head to Madam Brett Park, where a 1.6-mile trail hugs Fishkill Creek before it empties into the Hudson. The trail begins at the ruins of a 19th-century hat factory and makes for an easy, scenic stroll—great for kids, dogs, or anyone needing a gentle post-lunch amble.

Back in town, Main Street is packed with local retail. Highlights include:

• Flora Good Times: A quirky florist and plant shop known for its maximalist arrangements.
• Kaight: Sustainable and stylish clothing from independent designers.
• King + Curated: A fine jewelry store with a beautifully edited selection.
• Beacon Mercantile: Small-batch apothecary goods handmade locally.
• Hyperbole: Affordable art, small-batch candles, and giftable design objects.
• Hudson Valley Vinyl: A treasure trove of vintage records, tapes, and rare music finds.
  

The Penthouse Suite at Roundhouse Beacon overlooks a waterfall and has a large soaking tub, plus a walk-in steam shower.

For an overnight in Beacon, The Roundhouse remains a standout. Housed in a cluster of restored industrial buildings overlooking Beacon Falls, the boutique hotel combines industrial textures with warm, modern design. Rooms are spread between two buildings — the Roundhouse proper and the Mill — with select suites offering waterfall views, soaking tubs, and walk-in steam showers. The dining room, bar, and patio round out the experience, making this a solid choice for a design-forward stay right in town.

For more lodging options in Beacon and nearby — including private homes, boutique hotels, and nature-forward getaways — head to our lodging directory, the Escape Club app. It’s the easiest way to browse and book stays across the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and beyond, all handpicked with design and experience in mind.

Kitchen & Coffee, a vegetarian cafe & bakery in Beacon, NY.

Breakfast + Lunch Favorites

Beacon’s food and drink scene has grown alongside its creative community, offering everything from seasonal fine dining to vegan donuts and small-batch brews. Main Street is packed with cafés, bakeries, and bars — perfect for fueling up before or after a hike.

• Hakan Chocolatier: Scandinavian-style café with cardamom buns, chocolate, and espresso.
• Kitchen & Coffee: A cozy vegetarian spot with gluten-free baked goods and seasonal breakfast/lunch plates.
• The Beacon Daily: Casual neighborhood go-to for sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and rotating specials.
• Peaceful Provisions: Vegan and gluten-free donuts that win over even non-vegans.
• Matcha Thomas: A bright café dedicated to all things matcha.
• Beacon Farmers Market: Saturday market with local food trucks like Nana’s Homemade Kitchen (don’t miss the empanadas).

Dinner + Drinks in Beacon, NY

Beacon evenings offer as much range as its art scene — from low-key ramen in a vintage diner to elegant meals with a waterfall backdrop. For weekend visits, reservations are a smart call at spots like The Roundhouse and Enoteca Ama, while others are better suited to walk-ins and spontaneous hangouts.

• The Roundhouse: Beacon’s most scenic dining experience, with a seasonal New American menu and cocktails overlooking the waterfall. Reserve ahead for dinner in the vaulted dining room, or grab drinks on the patio in warmer months.
• Meyer’s Olde Dutch (MOD): A beloved local burger joint with a laid-back vibe and solid beer list.
• Melzingah Tap House: Spacious taproom with 20+ beers on draft and hearty pub fare.
• Ziatun: Fresh Palestinian food in a colorful, casual setting — don’t miss the hummus plates.
• Enoteca Ama: Cozy neighborhood spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and wine.
• Quinn’s: A low-key retro diner turned ramen shop, with frequent DJ sets and community events.
• The Vinyl Room: Record store and speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked below Main Street.
• Hudson Valley Brewery: Sour beer specialists with a loyal following. For a hoppier experience, try Industrial Arts, an airy industrial taproom just off the beaten path.
• Paul Brady Wine: a modern wine bar and bottle shop focused exclusively on New York State producers.