10 Fun Things To Do Near New Rochelle, New York (Westchester County)
If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway just outside New York City,
New Rochelle in Westchester County is a great place to start. It’s right on the Long Island Sound, easy to reach by car or train, and packed with family-friendly activities, food, nature, and history.
Whether you’re a local, visiting friends, or planning a weekend escape from the city, here are
10 fun things to do in and around New Rochelle, NY.
1. Stroll the Waterfront at Glen Island Park
Glen Island Park feels like a mini-vacation without leaving New Rochelle.
Originally built as a private resort in the 1800s, it’s now a
public waterfront park with:
- Sandy beach areas with views of the Long Island Sound
- Walking paths and open lawns for picnics
- Stone bridges and castle-like structures (great for photos)
- Fishing spots and boat views
On a warm day, grab a coffee, pack a simple picnic, and just wander. The views here are especially pretty at sunset, when the water turns gold and the city feels far away.
If you’re visiting from NYC, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a “beachy” vibe without driving all the way out to Long Island.
2. Explore Downtown New Rochelle’s Restaurants and Murals
Downtown New Rochelle has been quietly turning into a lively little hub, with new restaurants and apartment towers popping up every year.
Take a slow walk around
Main Street and nearby blocks and you’ll find:
- Casual pizza spots and burger joints
- Latin American and Caribbean restaurants
- Bakeries and small coffee shops
- Colorful street art and murals
Try making your own “food crawl”:
- Start with coffee and a pastry.
- Grab tacos or a slice of pizza for lunch.
- End with ice cream or a dessert bar.
Downtown New Rochelle is walkable, and the
Metro-North train station is right there, so you don’t even need a car to explore.
3. Step Back in Time at the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum
If you’re a history fan, you’ll love the
Thomas Paine Cottage Museum right in New Rochelle.
Thomas Paine, the famous writer of
“Common Sense” and a key voice of the American Revolution, lived right here in Westchester. At the cottage museum, you can:
- Walk through an actual 18th-century home
- See period furniture and artifacts
- Learn about Paine’s role in American and world history
The cottage is small, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where you really slow down and imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a simple and approachable way to bring American history to life outside of a textbook.
4. Take the Ferry to Glen Island Harbour Club & Nearby Marinas
New Rochelle has a strong
boating culture, thanks to its location on the Long Island Sound.
While some marinas are private, you can still:
- Walk along the waterfront near the marinas
- Watch sailboats and yachts head out on the water
- Enjoy waterfront dining at nearby restaurants
If you’re attending a wedding or event, you may end up at the
Glen Island Harbour Club, a scenic venue with water views on almost every side.
Even if you’re not on a boat yourself, the marina area is a relaxing place for a quiet evening stroll, especially in the summer when the docks are full.
5. Get Outdoors at Ward Acres Park
Looking for some green space away from the water?
Ward Acres Park is a local favorite.
This large park offers:
- Wooded walking trails
- Open fields for playing catch or tossing a frisbee
- A popular dog park area
It used to be part of an old farm, and you can still feel that open, slightly wild energy. If you’re staying in New Rochelle and want a simple morning walk or jog, Ward Acres is a great choice.
For visitors with dogs, this is one of the best places in New Rochelle to let them stretch their legs.
6. Visit the New Rochelle Public Library & Ruby Dee Park
You might not think of a library as a travel stop, but the
New Rochelle Public Library and its outdoor space,
Ruby Dee Park at Library Green, can be a surprisingly fun break in your day.
Here’s why it’s worth a visit:
- Art exhibits and local history displays inside the library
- Author talks or community events (check their schedule)
- A green space with benches and a fountain right outside
If you’re exploring downtown and need to rest for a bit, this is a peaceful, kid-friendly place to sit, read, or people-watch. On certain days, you may even catch outdoor festivals, markets, or performances in the square.
7. Spend the Day at Playland Park in Rye
Just a short drive from New Rochelle, in the nearby city of
Rye, you’ll find
Playland Park—one of Westchester County’s top attractions.
This historic amusement park, sitting right by the water, offers:
- Classic rides and roller coasters
- A family-friendly boardwalk feel
- Beach access and swimming (in season)
- Arcade games, snacks, and summer events
If you grew up going to old-school amusement parks, Playland will feel like stepping back into childhood. And if you have kids, this is an easy full-day activity that’s much closer than a trip to a giant theme park.
It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from New Rochelle, depending on traffic.
8. Explore Nature at the Bronx River Parkway & Kensico Dam Plaza
While New Rochelle is on the Sound, the rest of
Westchester County offers great inland spots that are still close by.
Two popular ones:
- Bronx River Parkway Reservation – Walking and biking trails that follow the river, especially nice in spring and fall.
- Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla – A massive stone dam with a big park area, playgrounds, and wide lawns.
Kensico Dam Plaza is about a 25–30 minute drive from New Rochelle, but the view of the dam alone is worth it. The scale of it is impressive, and the open space is perfect for picnics, flying kites, or just letting kids run around.
If you like to mix city time with nature time, adding one of these to your New Rochelle stay balances things out nicely.
9. Shop, Dine, and Walk in White Plains
For a busier urban feel without going all the way into Manhattan, head up to
White Plains, another key city in Westchester County, about 20–25 minutes from New Rochelle.
Here you’ll find:
- Large shopping malls and national retailers
- A wide range of restaurants and bars
- Movie theaters and nightlife
It’s a good option if:
- You’re traveling with a group and everyone wants something different.
- You want a rainy-day backup plan near New Rochelle.
- You just love browsing stores and people-watching.
Think of New Rochelle as your home base by the water and White Plains as your nearby “city center” for shopping and going out.
10. Take a Quick Train Ride to Manhattan
One of the biggest perks of staying in New Rochelle is how easy it is to reach
New York City.
From the
New Rochelle Metro-North station:
- Trains to Grand Central Terminal usually take around 30–40 minutes.
- Service is frequent, especially during the day.
This makes New Rochelle a smart choice if you:
- Want cheaper or quieter lodging than staying in Manhattan.
- Like the idea of exploring the city by day and relaxing by the water in the evening.
You can spend the morning at the Met or Times Square, then be back in New Rochelle in time for dinner at a local restaurant and a quiet walk through downtown.
Tips for Visiting New Rochelle, NY
- Getting there: New Rochelle is right off I-95 and also on the Metro-North New Haven Line, making it easy to reach from NYC, Connecticut, and beyond.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal for parks and waterfront activities. Fall also brings beautiful foliage in nearby Westchester parks.
- Car vs. no car: You can enjoy downtown and the train station area without a car, but having one makes it easier to explore the rest of Westchester County.
Final Thoughts: Why New Rochelle Makes a Great Base in Westchester
New Rochelle offers a nice mix of
city convenience and coastal relaxation. You get:
- Easy access to Manhattan
- Waterfront parks and marinas
- Historic sites and peaceful neighborhoods
- Quick drives to other Westchester highlights like Rye, White Plains, and Kensico Dam
If you’re planning a trip to the New York City area and want something a little quieter—but still connected—put New Rochelle on your list.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite New Rochelle Spots
Have you spent time in
New Rochelle, NY or elsewhere in
Westchester County?
- What’s your favorite park or waterfront view?
- Is there a local restaurant or café you always return to?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—your experience might help someone plan their next trip.
And if you found this guide helpful,
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy day trips and weekend getaways near New York City.
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