Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle? Then why not consider taking a day trip to Cold Spring from NYC? Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or simply craving some small-town charm, Cold Spring, NY has got it all.
Nestled on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, Cold Spring is a historic village with only 2000 residents! Yet, because Cold Spring offers a perfect blend of nature and history, this quaint town has become a popular day trip for many New Yorkers who want to escape from the concrete jungle.
This guide to cold spring will show you all the best things to do in Cold Spring and the best spots in town!
Table of Contents
Is Cold Spring, NY worth visiting?

Do you love the outdoors? The hikes, trails, and being one with nature?
Btw, you’ll also love Untermeyer Park and Garden in Yonkers!
How about shopping in cute boutiques? Or going antique hunting in antique stores?
Or maybe you love learning about the history of the US?
If you say YES to any of the above, then Cold Spring is definitely worth your visit!
Hey history lover! Did you know that this small town in the Hudson Valley used to have quite the rich industrial past?
During the Civil War, the West Point Foundry played a vital role in providing munitions to the army. As more workers flocked to the area, the settlement rapidly transformed into a bustling village.
Even though the foundry is no longer operational, Cold Spring was recognized for its historical importance and granted Federal Historic District status in 1973. So why not plan a visit to Cold Spring to explore this fascinating piece of history?
How to Get to Cold Spring from New York City
The day trip from NYC is only 1.5 hrs away by car or public transit. Being a charming town (with tons of outdoor activities) along the Hudson Line, Cold Spring offers a refreshing escape from the fast-paced city life. Plus, the ease of visiting Cold Spring makes it an extremely popular weekend getaway choice for many New Yorkers.
Driving to Cold Spring, NY
The drive from New York City takes approximately 1.5 hour, depending on traffic conditions. It’s a straightforward route, and you’ll have the freedom to explore the nearby areas at your own pace. There’re plenty of street parking.
NYC to Cold Spring by Train
Even without a car, you can conveniently get to Cold Spring from New York City by train. Just hop on the Metro-North Hudson Line at Grand Central Terminal. If you want to enjoy a scenic ride along the Hudson River, sit at the window seat on the left side!
In just about 1.5 hr, get off at Cold Spring train station and you’ll find yourself in the charming little town!
Cold Spring Trolley

During the weekends from Memorial Day to Veterans Day, the Cold Spring Trolley runs between Cold Spring and Beacon. It makes for a fun way to get around Cold Spring.
Have your cash ready because exact change is required! It’s $2 a ride. If you’re a student, senior, or veteran, the ticket is half off!
Since the trolley operates on a flag system, just wave at it once you see it and it’ll pick you up! Besides the standard stops, you can also request to be dropped off at any place along the route.

How to Spend a Day in Cold Spring
This is the itinerary of how I spend the day in Cold Spring with two friends. You can use it as a guideline to help you create your own perfect day trip.
Boscobel House and Gardens
For the first stop of the day, we visited Boscobel House and Gardens.
There are a few reasons we stop here first:
- Driving from NYC, Boscobel House and Gardens is on the way to Cold Spring.
- I really want to see the marsh, and this is one entrance that leads there.
- Unfortunately, the weather was not optimal for the day. It was forecasted to rain in the later part of the day, so we want to make the most out of our sunny moments by doing all the outdoor events first.
First thing I noticed when I stepped it onto the property was that there were tons of apple trees. All the apples on the trees were big, round, and perfectly ripe. Honestly, they look very juicy. But as if they already know our minds, there was a huge sign that said “Do not pick the apples”.

The entrance fee to access the grounds and the mansion is $14. You can buy the ticket at the visitor’s center near the parking lot. There’s also a gift shop in the center if you want souvenirs.
The only part of the 19th century Georgian mansion open to visitors is the basement. This is where they showcase the before and after photos of the restoration of the mansion. And it’s pretty interesting to see.
Once you walk to the edge of the grounds, you’re welcomed by a beautiful view of the wetlands below. As a group of three girls that love taking pictures, we spent way more time here than planned. We ended up needing to cross off a few things on our original itinerary. Oops.
So if you love snapping photos, allocate more time to your plans as a buffer!

Trails in the Boscobel House and Gardens
There are also two trails you can take from the property. One trail (easy) loops around the woods and the other trail (moderately hard) takes you down to the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary.
The Constitution Marsh is 270 acres of wetland on the Hudson Valley. You can find over 200 species of birds, so it’s great if you love birdwatching.
Since we did not plan to do any hiking, none of us were in good hiking gears. So we attempted the easier loop. On the trail, you’ll get to see more of the wetland and a view of the West Point Military Academy across the river.


Spray TONS of bug repellent before you enter the woods!
I’m not exaggerating when I say these blood suckers are super toxic. I had the bites swell up more than a few inches! It’s still a mystery how I am the only one out of three that became mosquito food, even though we all use the same repellent…
Modern Maker’s Market
When we finally left the Boscobel House and Gardens and made it to town, we happened across the Modern Maker’s Market. We were pretty lucky because it’s only scheduled for 3 weekends of the year.
Honesty, we had way too much fun: browsing, talking to the vendors, trying out the samples, and leaving with a few souvenirs. If you have a flexible schedule, definitely come on a weekend when this takes place!
Walking around Main Street
Next up, we walked around Main Street, going into all the boutiques and antique stores. Whenever we saw a photo op, we stopped for photos. I got no excuses -> Main Street is incredibly photogenic. You won’t be leaving Cold Spring without a bunch of photos in your album, that’s for sure!
On the way to the waterfront, we took a break from the heat and ate some delightful homemade ice cream at Moo Moo’s Creamery. It got my attention because it’s self declared to be the world’s best ice cream shop!


Which is why I was unsurprised to find the place super packed. I mean…I can’t be the only one curious whether it can live up to its claims! Plus, the intense sun did not help.
It’s a really refreshing treat after being out in the heat, but the ice cream was melting like crazy. We were rushing to finish it before it turned into a puddle. Since I didn’t get to enjoy the ice cream in its perfect form, I can’t say if it’s THE BEST ice cream in the world, but I love the flavor.
Finally, for our last stop in Cold Spring, we walked to the waterfront for some beautiful views of the Hudson Valley.
More Things to Do in Cold Spring
One day in Cold Spring is definitely not enough and I plan to come back for more fun. Here are some of the best things to do in Cold Spring that were on my list, but didn’t make it into my 1 day Cold Spring itinerary due to time constraints.
Bannerman Castle
Did you know there’s a castle near Cold Spring? It’s located on the Pollepel Island in the Hudson Valley.
If you take the Hudson line train to Beacon, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the castle from afar. You won’t be able to see anything if you’re driving because the trees will obstruct the views of the Hudson River.
To get onto the island for a closer look, I recommend booking one of the official tours. They even got seasonal tours!
West Point Foundry Preserve
The remains of what made Cold Spring what it is today. Check out the Putnam History Museum if you’re curious about the history of the West Point Foundry. There are also 3 trails you can take from the preserve, depending on your interest.
Magazzino Italian Art Museum
Just a little bit further from town, you’ll find the Magazzino Italian Art Museum. This unique museum and research center is dedicated to postwar and contemporary Italian art.
For just $3, you can conveniently catch their round trip shuttle service from the Cold Spring train station. The ride to the museum takes around 15 minutes. Best part? They timed their schedule to match up with the trains coming from Grand Central Station.
Kayaking and Canoeing
If you’re looking to explore the Hudson River Valley by water, rent a kayak or canoe! The Hudson River Expedition does rentals from May to October.
Popular Hikes & Trails in Cold Spring
Cold Spring is also a nature lover’s paradise, with the Hudson Highlands State Park and the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center providing ample chances to immerse oneself in the great outdoors. Just remember to spray bug repellent before you begin!

- Cornish Estate Trail
Take a leisurely stroll along the mostly paved roads to reach the Cornish Estate ruins. This trail typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, and along the way, you’ll see the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and West Point. - Little Stony Point
The Little Stony Point trail ranges from easy to moderate difficulty level, depending on whether you decide to explore the side trails. It offers stunning views of the river along the way and access to the beach!
Just keep in mind that the parking lot at the Washburn Trailhead tends to fill up quickly on weekends. To beat the crowds, consider going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. - Bull Hill
Depending on whether you choose the short or long loop, you’re in for a moderately challenging hike for 2-3 hours. On the Bull Hill trails, you’ll encounter rocky terrain. But as a reward, you’ll enjoy stunning views that overlooks the Hudson River. - West Point Foundry Preserve Trails
You have 3 trail options, each lasting about 1-1.5 hours, showing you the history of Cold Spring.
The quick 1 hr Foundry Trail brings you around the significant landmarks of the 19th century ironworks. Don’t miss the 1865 Office Building! If you’re up for more, follow the red trail to reach the Putnam History Museum. And for a stroll around Cold Spring, follow the blue trail. - Breakneck Ridge
This hike is quite challenging and can be dangerous for inexperienced hikers. It’s important to wear non-slip shoes and be prepared for a lot of steep rock scrambling. If you’re planning to take the Metro North, you can conveniently get off at the Breakneck Ridge stop to begin your hike. However, if you’re driving, please note that finding parking may be difficult because this is a popular hike.
Farmer’s Markets in Cold Spring

Cold Spring Farmer’s Market
You’ll find the Farmer’s Market right outside Boscobel House and Gardens every Saturday. There are two schedules:
- May-October: Open 8:30am – 1pm
- November-April: Open 10am – 1pm
Modern Maker’s Market
You have over 50+ venders of artisans, designers, and artists showing off their craft in this Modern Maker’s Market. You get free samples to try before you buy, so you know you’ll love it!
I seriously love everything. If I can, I’ll buy everything, but I got a budget and limited hands. One of my best purchases was these beautifully designed handmade soaps. It made a wonderful gift for friends!
In 2023, the event happens only on three weekends in the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The next & last for this year is on October 14 & 15. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Boutique and Antique Shopping in Cold Spring



I had a blast exploring the charming boutiques and antique shops along the Main Street in Cold Spring. They have an amazing collection of vintage clothing and antiques that you won’t want to miss!
Oh, and my friend scored her absolute favorite leather jacket from one of the antique stores.
- WYLD – Super cute plant nursery. If you got the green thumb, make sure you check this shop out!
- Supplies for Creative Living – Plenty of art supplies and cute stationaries
- The Shoppes at Historic Palen’s Drug Store – It’s like opening the door to a wonderland. Made up of smaller shops inside, you get a variety from spices, comics, vinyls, to even Japanese goods!
Best Restaurants in Cold Spring

Restaurant recommendations from the locals. Yep, I made sure to ask around.
- Le Bouchon for French food.
- Cathryn’s for Tuscan food. It also has a garden if you prefer outdoor dining!
- Riverview for comfort food. It’s recommended for its great service.
- Rincon Argentina. This cafe has such a cute exterior. Have to try their empanadas!
Honorable mention: Hudson Hil’s used to be one of Cold Spring’s best spots to grab brunch. Unfortunately, it’s now permanently closed.
Where To Stay In Cold Spring
Decided to extend your stay? I don’t blame you. Cold Spring is an absolutely breathtaking place, and I completely get why you wouldn’t want to leave just yet.
If you love booking your stays through Booking.com, you’ll soon realize that you don’t have many options (just 1..) for stays right in Cold Spring.


Most of the inns in Cold Spring only accept reservations through their own website or by phone. Unless you’re visiting Cold Spring on a weekday, these inns are better suited for a full weekend getaway since they usually have a minimum stay requirement for weekends.
- Cold Spring Hotel – you easily book this hotel on booking.com
- Pig Hill Inn
- Hudson House River Inn – riverside hotel
- Beacon Hermitage – easily book online! Although it’s not quite in Cold Spring, but if you have a car, it’s a super short drive.
Final Thoughts
Cold Spring is one of the most popular weekend trips from NYC. With its charming small-town vibe, beautiful nature, and rich history, it makes a great day trip for anyone who wants a change from the city life.
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