These suburbs offer an escape from summer in the city, no reservations (or plane tickets) required.
Love summer? Then these New York suburbs are calling your name. While these towns are great spots to call “home” year-round, when the temperature rises these communities really shine.
WESTCHESTER
Larchmont
From beautiful beaches to outdoor concerts and street fairs, there’s always something happening in Larchmont. Spend summer days swimming, picnicking, or hanging at Manor Beach Park. While you’re there, take a stroll along the Larchmont Harbor and check out the sailboats and yachts at the marina, or grab a paddle and explore the harbor by kayak or paddleboard.
Another summertime fave? Sheldrake Environmental Center, a 60-acre wildlife sanctuary. During summer, everything’s in bloom. Also popular: the Larchmont Yacht Club and Larchmont Shore Club which offer swimming, tennis, and plenty of events to keep you busy all summer long.
Katonah
Don’t think of Katonah as a summertime hotspot? Think again.
While you’re touring, swing by Lasdon Park and Arboretum, which plays host to endless summertime events and activities all season long. After, head to Muscoot Farm for a fun family outing where you can see what life was like on a 19th century Westchester farm (be sure to pre-register for the Animal Interactions so you can see, touch, and learn about the farm’s animals).
That, though, is just the beginning. Katonah is also home to Caramoor Music Center which hosts tons of outdoor concerts as well as the Katonah Art Walk, where you can stroll through galleries and exhibits, taking in the local arts and culture scene. When you’re done, cool off at the town pool or snag some classic soft serve from King Kone, where Katonah residents have been lining up for ice cream every summer since 1953.
Rye
Summer is really the standout season in Rye, NY. Rye Town Park & Beach is open to the public and offers picturesque coastal views, kid-friendly amenities, kayak and paddle board rentals, open water swimming and so much more. After your day in the sun, stop by The Barley Beach House for a crisp beer, lobster roll and live music. Or, if the kids are looking to satiate their sweet tooth, head to Longford’s, known for their small batch ice cream, sorbet and gelato offerings.
Is it even summer without a visit to Rye Playland? This historic amusement park has been the center of summer fun for close to a century. Today, Rye Playland has more than 40 rides including Dragon Coaster, one of the last wooden coasters in the country. After getting your thrills in, head to Playland Beach and its new waterfront slide or try your hand at some midway games on the boardwalk.
Looking for a more low-key summer day? Grab a gourmet picnic from June and Ho and head to the beach, or take your kids to the (well-AC’d) Westchester Children’s Museum, right off the boardwalk.
Croton-on-Hudson
Croton-on-Hudson, located about 40 miles north of NYC on the Hudson River, features a stretch of the RiverWalk connecting Croton Point Park to Croton Landing Park. On any day of the week, but especially during the summer weekends, you’ll find parents pushing strollers along the paved path and walkers, runners and bikers looking to take in magnificent views while exercising. The locals also love Silver Lake, an off-the-bean path natural swimming area fed by the cool waters of Croton River.
For more spectacular views, head to Croton Gorge Park and climb to the top of the trail that overlooks the Croton Dam and Spillway. But there’s more to this pretty town than the Hudson River. Summer in Croton-on-Hudson means townwide events like Summerfest music festival, outdoor movies at Senasqua Park, and Barbecue, Friends & Music at Van Cortland Manor, and swimming at Silver Lake Park & Beach. The lobster roll at the Tavern at Croton Landing is not to be missed – grab a table and enjoy your feast on the back patio overlooking the Hudson. And be sure to leave room for dessert: The Blue Pig serves hand-crafted ice cream made with fresh local ingredients.
LONG ISLAND
Port Washington
Port is the ultimate Long Island summer town. At the center of it all is North Hempstead Beach Park, a half-mile of sandy beach. There’s also a fishing pier, boat ramp, basketball and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground.
Another summer go-to? Sands Point Preserve. Sign up for an early morning birdwalk, take in an evening concert, go on a hike, spend an afternoon wandering through the gardens, or explore the historic Guggenheim mansion that inspired “East Egg” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. After a long day of exploring, grab a lobster roll and a basket of little necks from Butler’s Flat Clam Shack and watch the sun set over Manhasset Bay.
Cold Spring Harbor
A laid back, beachy vibe makes Cold Spring Harbor a prime summertime destination. Located on Long Island’s North Shore, life in Cold Spring Harbor revolves around the water – and its rich coastal history. During your town tour, learn more about the community at the Whaling Musueum’s Whales, Ales & Salty Tales or take the kids to see sea life and feed the trout at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium.
Beach calling? Head to Eagle Dock Beach to stroll through the surf or fish from the pier and watch the boats sailing on Oyster Bay. Would you rather be on a boat then watch them pass by? Join The Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club, a private family club that offers yacht racing, a junior sailing program, tennis, and swimming.
Sea Cliff
Set on a 120-foot bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound, the views from Sea Cliff are stunning – and that’s just the beginning. Sea Cliff is home to a network of parks, including residents-only Sea Cliff Beach and Harry Tappen Beach, Veteran’s Memorial Park where residents gather for weekly summer concerts and stunning sunsets, and Elm Park, where you can catch a production of Shakespeare in the Park during the summer months. Looking to join a coastal club? The Sea Cliff Yacht Club offers year-round events and programming, with two pools and a private beach that open Memorial Day weekend.
Ready to experience easy summer living? Schedule your free consultation today.