New York is a considerably large state, so we couldn’t be more thankful for the vast railroad systems that give us the ability to quickly travel around our various regions. There are a handful of scenic train rides in New York that you can experience during our warmer months, but one railroad you can always count on? The Metro-North! The Metro-North Railroad features the Hudson Line, running along the Hudson River. It will allow you to see some of the Empire State’s most exciting and historic locations. There are numerous train stations in New York that you can visit on this line, but the five we’ve featured below make for unforgettable day trips in New York. There’s so much to explore in each one!

1. Beacon
Beacon, NY 12508, USA
fran.trudeau/Flickr
The city of Beacon is filled with so much charm, and it's one of our favorite places to visit along the Metro-North Hudson Line. Hop off at the Beacon station and you'll be close enough to walk to most of the city's exciting attractions. If it happens to be too cold out, you can take a cab (it'll be quick!).
3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
J P./Yelp
Just a half-mile from the station, you'll find Dia: Beacon, one of our favorite art museums in New York. Here, you'll be able to soak in some electrifying exhibits.
The Pandorica, 165 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
James R./Yelp
After a stroll through the art museum, it's time to dine at one of the best-themed restaurants in New York! The Pandorica is a great Doctor Who-themed restaurant. It's just a quick four-minute car ride from the train station. Even if you are not familiar with the British TV show, you'll love how quirky this place is! It's got a great menu.
2. Tarrytown
Allie L./Yelp
Another stop that's worth hopping off the Metro North for is the little village of Tarrytown. This place is well-known for its wonderful Tarrytown Music Hall, a great place to check out live music and screenings of your favorite movies and other live performances.
635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
MFer Photography/Flickr
In Tarrytown, you'll find enchanting locations like Lyndhurst Mansion, a historic mansion that offers guided tours. It's less than ten minutes south of the train station.
Bistro12, 12 Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
Miguel Art A/TripAdvisor
Right across the street from the music hall is Bistro 12. This little Portuguese restaurant is known for its amazing pasta and other specialty menu items.
3. Sleepy Hollow
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York/Flickr
The best part about Tarrytown's station along the Metro North Railroad is that it gives you the best of both worlds. Not only can you get off at this station and explore the village of Tarrytown, but you can head north and explore all that there is in the village of Sleepy Hollow.

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Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, USA
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
Aside from visiting obvious locations like the Original Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, other locations like the historic Philipsburg Manor are worth checking out as well. Visitors who decide to visit this historic site will be able to step back into the year 1750, diving into the town's history of once being a farming, milling, milling, and trading center.
Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, Tarrytown Light-Kingsland Point Path, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, USA
June Marie/Flickr
If it's warm enough and you're looking to visit the area out by the water, head towards the Hudson. There, you can take a look at the Tarrytown Lighthouse. From Kingsland Point Park, you'll be able to view the lighthouse and other amazing views. This waterfront park is just a ten-minute car ride from the Tarrytown train station.

Check out this awesome birds-eye view of the lighthouse in glorious 4K:
4. Peekskill
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York/Flickr
The Peekskill station is for adventurers!
David Wilson/Flickr
This scenic station is less than a 15-minute car ride from Bear Mountain State Park, one of the most unique state parks in New York. Explorers have various options: there's a museum at this park, enjoy a waterfront view of the Hessian Lake, or tackle the endless hiking trails.
Bear Mountain State Parkway, Bear Mountain State Pkwy, Mohegan Lake, NY, USA
Doodletown, NY 10986, USA
Yuxi H./Yelp
One trail here will even lead you to Doodletown, an abandoned town. You can easily spend an entire day at Bear Mountain, exploring this 5,000-acre state park.
5. Croton-on-Hudson
Croton-on-Hudson, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Like so many of the little towns and cities you'll find along the Hudson, this one is also filled with a fascinating history.
Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA
Sheila Thomson/Flickr
If you're looking to take a step back in time, make the Van Cortlandt Manor your first stop. Many make a point to visit the historic site during the fall when they throw their famous Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, but all throughout the year, visitors can explore the gorgeous gardens and take walks by the Croton River. There's so much fascinating history in this area, and the site is less than a five-minute car ride from the Croton-Harmon station.
Croton Gorge Park, Cortlandt, NY 10520, USA
Niya R./Yelp
Another area you'll definitely want to see while you're in town? The Croton Gorge Park is incredible. The Westchester County park is just a ten-minute car ride away from the train station. In the warmer months, it's the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. Enjoy this 97-acre park and you'll be able to see the New Croton Dam. The views from the top are amazing!

For an idea of what to expect, check out this peaceful walk around Croton Gorge Park:

Do you have a favorite place to visit along the Metro North Railroad? Share your suggestions in the comments. We love hearing about your ideas for different day trips in New York!

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Lisa Sammons | April 01, 2022

What are some more great scenic train rides in New York?

One of our favorite train rides in New York is the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. This great rail line offers trips all year long and has plenty of special seasonal offerings like Christmas trains, fall foliage rides, and more. Riding a train is such a nostalgic experience that will allow you to see the Empire State like never before.

What are some of the best day trips in New York?

We've got so many wonderful areas in New York that make for a great day or weekend trip! From our wonderful state parks, to our historic homes and museums, to our natural wonders like Ausable Chasm and Niagara Falls, there is a lot to see in New York, so get out and explore! If you want nature, we've got plenty of state, municipal, and natural parks to see. Want cities? We've got one of the most famous cities in the world, plus places like Buffalo and Albany are great places in their own right. There's something for everyone in New York.

What are some of the best state parks in New York?

There are some amazing state parks in New York. We may be biased, but we think they're some of the best parks in the country. Where else are you going to see natural wonders like Watkins Glen? Watkins Glen honestly looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It's really no wonder that it's been named one of the most beautiful places in New York!

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