Yonkers, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Yonkers, New York, was once a village of the Manhattes Indians. Now, it's a bustling city full of attractions and activities. You can explore historic sites, vibrant arts, family-friendly adventures, and tasty local food. But what are the top spots that show off what Yonkers is all about?

Key Takeaways

• Yonkers is full of historic sites, cultural spots, and fun things to do for visitors.
• The city has a strong arts and culture scene with famous museums, theaters, and festivals.
• Families will find lots of fun attractions, like theme parks and places to enjoy the outdoors.
• Yonkers is a great place for food lovers, with many dining options and a craft beer trail.
• Visitors can dive into Yonkers' history, see its lively culture, and enjoy events and festivals all year.

Discover Yonkers' Fascinating History

Yonkers is a city just 25 minutes from Upper Manhattan, full of history. It invites visitors to dive into the past at two key sites: Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, and Philipsburg Manor.

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate

Kykuit is a 40-room Beaux-Arts mansion that was home to the Rockefeller family for four generations. It sits on a hill and offers tours that show what life was like for this famous family. You can see the grand house, enjoy the beautiful gardens, and check out the fine art and sculptures.

Philipsburg Manor

Philipsburg Manor is another historic spot you can't miss. It's a National Historic Landmark that takes you back to the 18th century. Here, you can see how early settlers lived with costumed interpreters, old buildings, and hands-on activities.

Yonkers' history shows its lasting impact and invites visitors to explore its stories. It's a chance to step back in time and learn about this amazing place.

"Yonkers is a city with a remarkable past, and exploring its historic sites is a true delight. From the grandeur of the Rockefeller Estate to the living history of Philipsburg Manor, visitors can uncover the layers of this city's fascinating story."

Explore Vibrant Arts and Culture

Yonkers, New York, is a place full of arts and cultural events all year round. It has everything from the Yonkers Waterfront Live Summer Concert Series to the Yonkers Pride Festival. These events show off the city's creative side and its diverse community.

Yonkers Waterfront Live Summer Concert Series

When summer comes, the Yonkers Waterfront lights up with the Yonkers Waterfront Live Summer Concert Series. This event brings live music and fun to the beautiful riverfront. People from all over come to enjoy the music and the view of the Hudson River.

Yonkers Pride Festival

The Yonkers Pride Festival is a big celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It has a parade, live music, and lots of street vendors. The event shows Yonkers' support for everyone, no matter who they are.

Yonkers is a great place for anyone who loves music, art, or just wants to feel the city's culture. It's full of ways to dive into the arts and culture that make it special.

Family-Friendly Adventures Await

Yonkers is full of outdoor fun and places for families. Check out the Yonkers parks and nature at the Mianus River Gorge Preserve. Here, you can hike and see amazing rocks and nature.

Head to Yonkers outdoor recreation spots like Rye Town Park & Beach and Playland Beach. Enjoy the Long Island Sound and have a day of fun in the sun.

For a special Yonkers family-friendly activities day, go to Playland in Rye. This place has exciting rides, cool buildings, and a feel-good vibe. It's perfect for making memories with your family.

Yonkers has outdoor fun, history, and thrills for families. Dive into the city's many activities and make memories with your loved ones.

"Yonkers is a true hidden gem, offering a wealth of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures that will delight visitors of all ages."

Savor Local Flavors

Yonkers and Westchester County are perfect for food and drink lovers. Don't miss the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail. It's a free guide to local breweries, distilleries, cideries, and tap rooms. Enjoy the craft scene and support small businesses as you explore.

Yonkers also has a great outdoor dining scene. Places like bartaco in Port Chester, Dubrovnik in New Rochelle, and Barley Beach House in Rye offer outdoor seating. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine Yonkers in nice weather. Whether you want global dishes or classic American food, Yonkers has it all.

"Yonkers is quickly becoming a foodie destination, with a diverse array of dining options that cater to every taste and preference."

Yonkers, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Yonkers, New York, is the fourth largest city in the state. It's full of top attractions and activities for visitors. You'll find historical sites, arts and cultural events, family-friendly adventures, and a great food and drink scene.

Check out the Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate, a National Historic Landmark. It offers a peek into the past. Or visit Philipsburg Manor, an 18th-century trading complex, to learn about history.

For modern culture, go to the Yonkers Waterfront Live Summer Concert Series or the Yonkers Pride Festival. These events highlight the city's arts scene.

Families will love the kid-friendly spots. There's the Legoland Discovery Center, Murray's Skating Center, and the Yonkers Public Library's fun programs. You can also enjoy local flavors on the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail or eat outside at many restaurants.

Yonkers has something for everyone. From the beauty of Untermyer Gardens to the fun at Empire City Casino. It's full of Yonkers top attractions, Yonkers best things to do, and Yonkers must-see places for all ages and interests.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Yonkers is in the heart of Westchester County, New York. It's a place that comes alive with festivals and events all year round. From the famous Westchester Magazine's Wine & Food Festival to the exciting Port Chester Arts Festival, there's always something to do.

Westchester Magazine's Wine & Food Festival

The Westchester Magazine's Wine & Food Festival is a big deal every year. It's a chance to taste amazing wines and food. You'll meet top chefs and food lovers from the Northeast.

It's a time to enjoy great wines, tasty food, and learn about new food trends.

Port Chester Arts Festival

The Port Chester Arts Festival celebrates local artists in Port Chester. You'll see paintings, sculptures, and live performances. It's a great way to support local talent and enjoy the arts.

Yonkers and Westchester County are perfect for those who love food, art, or just a fun community vibe. Yonkers has festivals and events for everyone.

Outdoor Recreation Paradise

Yonkers is a paradise for outdoor lovers, filled with exciting adventures and beautiful sights. The Bicycle Sundays event on the Bronx River Parkway is a favorite. Since 1974, it has brought together over 60,000 people for biking, skating, scootering, walking, and jogging.

The fun doesn't end there. Yonkers has many trails and preserves to explore. The Teatown Lake Reservation offers 1,000 acres and 15 miles of trails. The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation covers 4,315 acres. And the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is a 28.5-mile journey from Yonkers to Croton-on-Hudson.

There's more to see with the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Oscawana Island Nature Preserve, and Silver Lake Preserve. These places offer miles of trails for hiking, biking, and jogging.

Smart Outdoor Inc., a local tech company, has made trails better with smart signs and QR codes. Ivan Bellotto, the founder, says, "We aim to make outdoor activities in Yonkers easier and more fun for everyone."

"Yonkers offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, including the beloved Bicycle Sundays event on the Bronx River Parkway."

Whether you love adventure or nature, Yonkers is ideal for exploring the outdoors. It's a great place to enjoy the Bronx River Parkway and Yonkers parks and nature.

Live Music Hotspots

Yonkers and Westchester County have a lively music scene. They host festivals and events for music fans all summer long. The Sleepy Hollow Music Festival and the Caramoor Summer Season are highlights, offering great live music experiences.

Sleepy Hollow Music Festival

The Sleepy Hollow Music Festival is at Kingsland Point Park. It's where artists and fans come together. This year, you'll see Cold War Kids and Danielle Ponder, making for a memorable night of Yonkers live music.

The festival is set against the beautiful Hudson River. It's a unique way to enjoy music.

Caramoor Summer Season

The Caramoor estate in Katonah, New York, is home to the Caramoor Summer Season. It has over 40 concerts this summer. You'll hear everything from classical to jazz.

The outdoor venues, like the Venetian theater and the Spanish Courtyard, add magic to the music. These are some of the best Westchester music events.

Both the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival and the Caramoor Summer Season are great for locals and visitors. They let you dive into the Yonkers live music scene and feel Westchester's musical vibe.

Celebrate Pride in Westchester

Yonkers and Westchester County welcome the Yonkers LGBTQ+ community with a fun lineup of Pride-themed events and activities in June. These events are a great way to celebrate diversity and unity in the Westchester Pride movement.

The Yonkers Pride Festival is a big event with live music, street vendors, and a parade. It brings people together to show pride and acceptance. Nearby, Hastings-on-Hudson has the Friday Night Pride festival with music, art, and a strong sense of unity.

There's more to see outside the city. The Pride Outside Sunset Hike at Rockefeller State Park Preserve lets you enjoy nature and celebrate your identity. Queer Climbing Night at The Cliffs Valhalla is a chance to climb safely with others who support you.

June in Westchester means there's a lot of Pride events for everyone. They honor the strength and resilience of the Yonkers LGBTQ+ community.

The Hudson Valley celebrates Pride Month with many events. You'll find parades, festivals, and gatherings across the area. Events like New Paltz Pride and Putnam Pride show the LGBTQ+ community's spirit in June.

"These Pride events are not just celebrations, but also a powerful statement of unity, acceptance, and the unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive society for all."

If you're an advocate or just want to learn and support, the Yonkers Pride and Westchester Pride events will touch your heart and soul.

Juneteenth Commemorations

This year, we celebrate the 159th anniversary of the end of slavery for Black Americans. Communities in Yonkers and Westchester County are coming together to honor Juneteenth. This holiday marks the end of slavery in the U.S. and showcases the area's rich African American heritage through events and festivities.

In Yonkers, the Yonkers Juneteenth celebration is a big deal. It features cultural performances, workshops, and community events. The Westchester Juneteenth in Ossining also offers music, art, and a chance to reflect on the fight for equality.

A key event is the Juneteenth performance by Charles Turner & Uptown Swing at the Caramoor Center. This event honors African American music and celebrates the Black community's resilience and contributions.

Attend a street festival, go on historical tours, or enjoy African American food. The Yonkers Juneteenth and Westchester Juneteenth celebrations let you connect with the area's heritage. They also honor the progress made towards racial justice.

Conclusion

Yonkers, New York is a place full of life and history. You can explore the city's past at places like Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate and Philipsburg Manor. Or, dive into its lively arts and culture scene.

Looking for fun for the whole family? Check out the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail for local tastes. Or, catch some live music at the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival. Yonkers has it all.

The city boasts a beautiful waterfront, parks, and many festivals and events. It's a top spot in Westchester County you can't miss.

Planning a trip to Yonkers? Make sure to see its history, taste its food, and feel its vibrant vibe. With so much to see and do, Yonkers will make a big impact on you. You'll want to come back again and again.