You may be surprised how quickly the skyline gives way to tree-lined rivers and ocean breezes once you roll out of New York City. In roughly 90 minutes (or less), Metro-North and Long Island Railroad trains can whisk you from concrete canyons to kayak docks on the Hudson, sculpture gardens in leafy hamlets, or an Atlantic-side boardwalk, no parking spot required. Tickets are a tap away in any rail-line app or at station kiosks, and a short stroll or quick rideshare handles the last mile. Choose your track and discover four car-free getaways where Black culture, Black-owned cuisine, and scenic escapes come together.
Boardwalk Breezes and Barbecue Heat (Long Beach)
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Long Beach proves you don’t need to go far to find sand between your toes and a salty breeze in your hair. In under an hour, the LIRR whisks you to one of Long Island’s most accessible oceanfront escapes. The rebuilt Long Beach Scenic Boardwalk stretches 2.2 miles along the shoreline, inviting joggers, bikers, and casual strollers alike to take in the sea air, crashing waves, and fiery sunsets. If you’re in town on a Saturday, stroll through Arts in the Plaza, a lively open-air market in Kennedy Plaza, where local artists and musicians bring the community to life through handcrafted goods and live performances.
Just a short distance inland, Black-owned East Rock Coffee in nearby Island Park (which has a stop on the LIRR Long Beach Branch) pours bright, floral lattes and chilled matcha blends that hit just right after a morning in the sun. And if you’re craving something heartier, Backyard Barbeque over on Freeport’s Nautical Mile is a Black-owned restaurant that delivers juicy ribs and smoky brisket in a no-frills, family-run atmosphere that feels like a backyard hangout. For an easy overnight, the Allegria Hotel is set right on the boardwalk with ocean views and a rooftop pool, offering a stylish stay just steps from the sand.
How to get there:
Ride the Long Island Rail Road’s Long Beach Branch from Penn Station or Grand Central to Long Beach Station (approximately 1 hour). From there, it’s a short walk to the boardwalk or a brief rideshare to nearby spots.
River Adventures and Small-Town Strolls (Beacon)
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Nestled along the Hudson River and framed by tree-lined cliffs, Beacon offers a seamless mix of outdoor recreation, cultural landmarks, and community flavor that makes it a favorite for city dwellers seeking fresh air with meaning. Just steps from the train station, a peaceful paddle along the water from Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park sets the tone as the park opens up to wide skies and lapping tides. Nearby, castle-like ruins on Bannerman Island offer an unexpected brush with mystery and history, while walking trails at Madam Brett Park lead to Tioronda Falls, a hidden cascade tucked into a creekside boardwalk that makes for an easy, refreshing nature break. Further up, the Mount Gulian Historic Site connects visitors to local powerful stories of resilience. At Mount Gulian, the preserved 19th-century diary of James F. Brown—a formerly enslaved horticulturist—anchors a deeper look into Beacon’s past.
Beacon’s Main Street hums with creativity, lined with modern galleries, curated shops, and one-of-a-kind cafés like the sister-run, Black-owned Matcha Thomas. Stop in for a bright oat milk latte or a vegan cinnamon roll and take in the affirming art and mission behind the space. Finish your day with a riverside stay at The Roundhouse, a historic brick factory reimagined into a hotel that blends modern design with industrial soul—and puts the rush of Beacon Falls right outside your window. Getting around is easy thanks to the free Beacon shuttle loop, which connects visitors from the train station to highlights like hiking at Mount Beacon or exploring art at Dia Beacon.
How to get there:
Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line from Grand Central or start your journey from the Harlem 125th Street stop to Beacon Station (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). The riverfront and Main Street are a 10-minute walk or quick rideshare away. Trains also stop at convenient points in the Bronx and Westchester, including Fordham, White Plains, and Mount Kisco—making the trip accessible from multiple parts of NYC.
Sculpture, Sound, and Ethiopian Aromas (Katonah)
A peaceful community with artistic roots, Katonah is where open fields meet the pulse of creative expression. Just over an hour from the city, this leafy stop along Metro-North’s Harlem Line offers a laid-back but culturally rich escape. At the Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts, sound sculptures and classical concerts share space with 80 acres of blooming gardens and forest trails—a place where nature and performance harmonize. Nearby, the Katonah Museum of Art offers smart, rotating exhibitions in an elegant, light-filled space that invites visitors to slow down and reflect. Looking to stretch your legs? Head over to Muscoot Farm, where historic barns, grazing animals, and more than seven miles of trails weave through peaceful fields and woodlands.
To recharge, stop at Mimi’s Coffee House, a Black-owned Ethiopian café where warm hospitality meets fresh-roasted coffee and vibrant local art. The scent of cardamom and fresh brews fill the air as you sip and unwind. For those staying overnight, Hotel MTK keeps things cozy and convenient just steps away, offering comfortable rooms with small-town charm.
How to get there:
Take Metro-North’s Harlem Line from Grand Central or Harlem-125th Street to Katonah Station (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes). A short rideshare connects you with local attractions and dining.
Riverside Escapes and Cozy Streets (Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow)
Overlooking the wide sweep of the Hudson River, the twin towns of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow blend panoramic views with powerful narratives. Begin your visit at Philipsburg Manor, where the lives of 23 enslaved Africans are respectfully centered in historic tours of an 18th-century estate—bringing truth and humanity to the region’s colonial past. From there, the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge walking path offers 3.6 miles of scenic overlooks, public art, and postcard-worthy skyline views. This is ideal for walkers, bikers, and photographers who want to trade traffic for tranquility.
Nearby, you’ll also find landmark sites including Irving’s Sunnyside, the Rockefeller estate of Kykuit, and the Lyndhurst Mansion, each adding another layer to the region’s rich story. If you’re visiting in May, don’t miss the annual Pinkster Festival, which celebrates African American history and culture through music, dance, and community gatherings.
Afterward, head into town for a bite at Black-owned Pik Nik BBQ, where the cherrywood brisket and house-made jerk chicken leave a lasting impression. The Sleepy Hollow Hotel makes a great base for the night, offering easy access back to the tracks and an indoor pool to unwind.
How to get there:
Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line from Grand Central to Tarrytown Station (approximately 55 minutes). A short walk or rideshare connects you to the bridge, manor, dining, and hotel.
For more ideas and budget-friendly escapes, check out Affordable Getaways before you roll.
