Beacon

Welcome to Beacon

A vibrant city with natural charm nestled right alongside the Hudson River.

Beacon, New York is a charming little city in New York’s Dutchess County. Although the area has experienced growth over the past two decades, it has a nice small-town appeal with a population of just under 14,000 residents. 

If you're an outdoor lover, there's much to enjoy here in Beacon. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful and lush scenery and proximity to the Hudson River. While this area is far enough away from the big city, residents find plenty to do here when it comes to dining, entertainment, shopping, and overall enjoyment.

What to Love

• Charming neighborhood with a rich art scene.
• Continual growth has contributed to a trendy and hip environment 
• Riverfront 
  
  

Local Lifestyle

The local lifestyle in Beacon is grounded in nature, practicality, and community. With the introduction of the Dea Beacon Modern Art Museum, the area has seen an uptick in growth contributing to the development of the city. Despite this growth, the area remains to be a close-knit community with unique geography and history. Still, Beacon carves out its own identity among the region's riverfront towns, offering a distinct blend of art, history, and small-town charm—see how it stacks up in our comparison of Beacon to other Hudson Valley river towns.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

There are many places to enjoy throughout Beacon, with options catering to adults and families with children. A popular destination is Town Crier. This event’s venue has live entertainment and dining allowing you to experience the culture and cuisine offered by Beacon. The Roundhouse is another event space with a venue for artisans and wine connoisseurs to display their craft. The Roundhouse restaurant is also an excellent place to dine when you're looking for a romantic evening. 

Another great destination for family fun is the Beacon Flea Market. Here, locals enjoy a vast selection of arts, crafts, and shopping for an array of goods. It's also a good destination for families with little children who want to go out and explore. No matter what age you are, Hudson Beach Glass is a neat destination to get a sense of the beautiful glass artistry that Beacon is known for. When you do settle into the neighborhood, Utensils Kitchenware is a must-stop destination to get all your home and kitchen needs.  

When it comes to daily dining, residents can expect an array of quick-stop restaurants to grab a bite to eat at. You can start your day at Big Mouth Coffee Roasters where you can sample some of the town's favorite brews. The Vault is a tapas bar and a popular destination for families and friends, while Melzingah Tap House and Baja 328 are popular destinations to unwind after a long day. 

Things to Do

One of the biggest attractions offered by Beacon is its natural scenery. Locals and tourists alike enjoy coming to this area to hike and take in the spectacular scenery. During the Autumn months, the foliage in Beacon is stunning. Mount Beacon Park is a scenic area and a popular destination for hikers of all ages. History enthusiasts enjoy taking in the sights of Bannerman Castle. The castle belonged to the Bannerman family until Francis Bannerman passed away in 1918. Today, the remnants of the castle, which was destroyed by a fire, still stand, waiting for eager spectators. Over the years, the castle has been a sort of mystery destination on the Hudson. 

For those looking to enjoy some time on the green, the Southern Dutchess Country Club is the go-to place for those wanting to go out and play a round of golf. There are other family fun activities to enjoy here as well, along with plenty of hidden gems for visitors willing to explore beyond the main attractions.

Schools

The city of Beacon is served by the Beacon City School District. 

• J. V. Forrestal Elementary School [K-5]
• Sargent Elementary School [K-5] [private] 
• South Avenue Elementary School [K-5] [Magnet School] 
• Rombout Middle School [6-8]
• Beacon High School [9-12]