Yonkers New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Yonkers, New York.
1. Untermyer Gardens
HISTORIC WALLED PARADISE
Untermyer Gardens is a stunning 46-acre former estate that now serves as a public garden in Yonkers. Visitors can explore multiple garden areas including a Walled Garden, a grand Vista, a Ruin Garden, and the Temple of Love, all meticulously maintained and open seven days a week. The gardens offer a serene escape with beautiful landscaping and architectural elements that transport visitors to another world.
2. Hudson River Museum
ART, SCIENCE AND HISTORY
The Hudson River Museum stands as a cultural beacon in Yonkers, offering visitors a diverse collection of art, science exhibits, and historical displays. This specialty museum features rotating exhibitions, a planetarium, and the historic Glenview Mansion on its grounds. Visitors can immerse themselves in both local history and broader cultural contexts while enjoying beautiful views of the Hudson River.
3. Tibbetts Brook Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Tibbetts Brook Park offers a refreshing natural retreat within the urban setting of Yonkers. The park features swimming facilities, picnic areas, and numerous recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Westchester County pass holders can enjoy a day of outdoor fun for just $8 plus a $5 parking fee, making it an affordable destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
4. Nahmias Et Fils
CRAFT SPIRIT EXPERIENCE
Nahmias Et Fils is a distinctive craft distillery located in the heart of Yonkers that offers visitors a unique tasting experience. The distillery is known for its gracious hosts who provide informative tours and answer questions about their spirit-making process. Visitors can sample various handcrafted spirits and even purchase bottles to take home as souvenirs of their Yonkers adventure.
5. Science Barge
FLOATING SUSTAINABLE CLASSROOM
The Science Barge is an innovative floating environmental education center docked on the Hudson River in Yonkers. This unique specialty museum demonstrates sustainable urban farming using solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels to supply all its energy needs. Visitors can learn about renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and resource conservation through hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
6. Van der Donck Park
RIVERSIDE URBAN OASIS
Van der Donck Park provides a peaceful riverside retreat in downtown Yonkers where visitors can connect with nature. The park features walking paths with stunning views of the Hudson River and serves as a green space for community gatherings and outdoor recreation. Its convenient location makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic while enjoying the natural beauty within an urban setting.
7. Empire City Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway combines exciting gaming options with the thrill of harness racing in one entertainment destination. Visitors can try their luck at thousands of slot machines and electronic table games or watch live horse racing from the historic track. The venue also offers multiple dining options and regular entertainment events, making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists seeking excitement in Yonkers.
8. Philipse Manor Hall
COLONIAL HISTORY LANDMARK
Philipse Manor Hall stands as one of Yonkers' most significant historical sites, offering visitors a glimpse into colonial New York. This preserved manor house dates back to the 18th century and features period furnishings, architectural details, and exhibits about the region's early European settlement. History enthusiasts can explore the cultural heritage of Yonkers while learning about the Philipse family who once owned much of what is now Westchester County.
9. Sherwood House
PRESERVED HISTORIC HOMESTEAD
The Sherwood House represents an important piece of Yonkers' architectural and cultural heritage as one of the city's oldest preserved homes. Visitors can step back in time while touring this historic house that showcases colonial-era construction techniques and lifestyle. The property offers educational programs about local history and provides insight into how early Yonkers residents lived and worked.
10. Yonkers Pier
SCENIC HUDSON VISTA
The Yonkers Pier extends into the Hudson River offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the Palisades. This historic structure has been repurposed as a recreational space where visitors can enjoy fishing, photography, or simply taking in the panoramic vistas. The pier serves as a focal point for Yonkers' waterfront district and provides a perfect setting for watching sunsets over the Hudson River.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATIONS
Shopping in Yonkers offers one of the largest retail corridors in the New York area with options including Westchester's Ridge Hill, Cross County Shopping Center, and Central Park Avenue. Westchester's Ridge Hill features an open-air shopping experience with premium stores and entertainment options in a village-like setting. Cross County Shopping Center provides a mix of department stores and specialty retailers, while Central Park Avenue stretches with numerous shops and boutiques catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOUND
Dining in Yonkers offers visitors a diverse culinary landscape with options ranging from waterfront restaurants with Hudson River views to ethnic eateries throughout the city. The downtown-waterfront district hosts numerous establishments where patrons can enjoy meals while taking in the scenic vistas of the river and Palisades. Restaurants at locations like Empire City Casino and the various shopping centers provide additional dining experiences from casual fare to upscale cuisine.
13. Hiking
NATURE TRAILS EXPLORATION
Hiking in Yonkers allows nature enthusiasts to explore scenic trails along the Hudson River and through various parks including the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail that passes through the city. The South County Trailway offers a paved path perfect for walking and cycling with beautiful woodland scenery and connections to larger trail networks. Lenoir Preserve provides additional hiking opportunities with its nature sanctuary featuring forest paths and excellent birdwatching spots within city limits.
14. Fishing
HUDSON RIVER ANGLING
Fishing in Yonkers centers around the Hudson River with popular spots including the Yonkers Pier and JFK Marina Park where anglers can cast their lines for striped bass, catfish, and other river species. The waterfront access points provide opportunities for both experienced fishermen and novices to enjoy recreational fishing with scenic backdrops of the Palisades and Manhattan skyline. Seasonal fishing events and tournaments often take place along Yonkers' shoreline, creating a community atmosphere for those who enjoy the sport.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping near Yonkers offers outdoor enthusiasts access to natural settings within a short drive from the city at locations like Croton Point Park and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. While Yonkers itself is primarily urban, these nearby Westchester County destinations provide tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins for overnight stays surrounded by nature. Campers can enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing while still being close enough to explore Yonkers' cultural and historical attractions during their stay.