Beacon vacation rentals

This small town is a shining Beacon in New York's Hudson Valley

An 90-minute drive north of Manhattan, this charming small city on the banks of the Hudson River is a popular weekend getaway for New Yorkers. Known as the jewel of Duchess County, Beacon makes a great weekend destination. Explore the halls of the iconic Dia:Beacon contemporary art museum, hike the trails of Mount Beacon Park, before kicking back with a craft beer in one of the town's many hip bars and cafes. Book a Beacon vacation rental close to historic Main Street and have the town's art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and quirky shops right on your doorstep.

Let's get arty - Hudson Valley's burgeoning art scene

Opened in 2003 in an old printing factory, the widely acclaimed Dia:Beacon contemporary art museum is situated on the banks of the Hudson River. Showcasing modern artworks from the 1960s to the present day, its vast and fascinating collection includes Andy Warhol's 1978-79 collection, Shadows, and Richard Serra's huge steel sculptures. Free guided tours are available. For something a little less high-brow but equally as cool, check out the Clutter Gallery, which features quirky toy design and the work of pop artist Ron English.

Beacon, where New Yorkers come to find peace in the valley

Often called the hippest small city in the Hudson Valley, one of Beacon's biggest attractions is its genuine small-town charm. Book a centrally located Beacon vacation rental and spend warm, sunny days pottering about its quirky shops, cafes, and galleries. For the more active, perhaps book a kayaking excursion along the Hudson River, or head out to Mount Beacon and tackle one of its many hiking trails. After dark, head back to historic Main Street and kick back in one of the town's many independent farm-to-table restaurants.

Balmy summers and crisp winters, Beacon beckons all year round

Beacon is a great weekend destination all year round. In the warm summer months, it attracts highs of 85 degrees, which pulls the wealth of visitors to the small town. Fall is another popular time of year to visit, as the Hudson Valley's colorful fall foliage draws the crowds. Like much of New York State, the mercury tends to drop dramatically in winter and a regular blanket of snow turns Main Street into a scene from a Christmas card. For the best choice of Beacon vacation rentals, come in spring, but bring an umbrella.

Exploring the natural features in Beacon

Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Beacon is a great place to get out in nature. Here are some of the area’s most stunning features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Hudson Highlands State Park (4.5 mi / 7.2 km)
• Algonquin Park (4.7 mi / 7.6 km)
• Bear Mountain State Park (14.1 mi / 22.8 km)
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park (14.3 mi / 23 km)
• Lake Mahopac (14.6 mi / 23.4 km)
• Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (17.1 mi / 27.5 km)

Transportation to and around Beacon

Fly into Westchester County Airport (HPN), the closest airport, located 33.1 mi (53.3 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Stewart Intl. Airport (SWF), which is 6 mi (9.7 km) away.