NY: Bear Mountain State Park&Beacon Day Tour | Kids 50% Off

Experience the Natural and Cultural Charm of New York State on a Day Trip

This $94 per person guided tour offers a full day of exploration, beginning in New York City and heading north to experience Bear Mountain State Park and the artistic town of Beacon. With a duration of one day, the tour combines stunning Hudson River Valley views, outdoor hiking, and visits to a modern art museum, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of nature and culture. Notably, kids enjoy 50% off, making it a family-friendly option that balances fun and educational experiences. The tour includes bilingual guides who speak English and Chinese, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling.

While the trip involves some walking and outdoor activity, it is suitable for most physically able participants, but not for wheelchair users. The tour is especially appealing for those wanting to escape the city for a day, enjoy scenic landscapes, and explore small-town charm with a dose of contemporary art. The price includes transportation, snacks, bottled water, and exclusive keepsakes, providing good value for a full day of sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day guided trip from NYC to Bear Mountain State Park and Beacon, lasting 1 day
• Family-friendly, with 50% off for kids
• Includes transportation, bilingual guides, snacks, and bottled water
• Highlights scenic views of the Hudson River Valley and outdoor hiking options
• Visits Dia Beacon, a large modern art museum (admission optional)
• Seasonal attractions and playful highlights throughout the trip
• Excludes meal costs and museum entry fees

Departing from New York City with Convenient Pickup Locations

This tour departs from 12 pickup points across Brooklyn, Flushing, and Elmhurst, starting as early as 6:30 AM from Brooklyn and 8:30 AM from Flushing. The pickup locations include well-known spots like Season Restaurant, Twins DUMPLING, and H Mart, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a nearby meeting point. The early start ensures you maximize your time at each stop, with the return to NYC planned for the evening.

Transportation is via professional vehicles driven by experienced guides who speak both English and Chinese. The vehicles used are based on the number of guests attending that day, providing a comfortable and efficient way to travel between locations. This logistical setup makes the tour accessible for groups and allows for a smooth, organized day.

Exploring Bear Mountain State Park’s Majestic Views

The first major stop on this tour is Bear Mountain State Park, situated on rugged mountains overlooking the Hudson River. The park’s location on the west bank of the river offers some of the most magnificent scenery in the region. Visitors can enjoy two hours in the park to soak in the natural beauty, with options for short walks or more energetic hikes to take in panoramic views.

The park is known for its scenic trails and outdoor spaces, making it perfect for photo opportunities and relaxation amid nature. Although the itinerary allows for free time here, the focus remains on appreciating the landscape and the fresh mountain air. The park’s setting and views are among the highlights, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban landscape of NYC.

Discovering Beacon’s Artistic and Small-Town Atmosphere

After exploring Bear Mountain, the tour moves to Beacon, a charming town with a long history and a vibrant arts scene. You’ll have approximately 3.5 hours in Beacon, which includes time for lunch, shopping, and exploring. The town is famous for its Victorian architecture, collectible shops, and emerging art galleries, making it ideal for leisurely strolling.

Beacon offers a glimpse into small-town American life, with public green spaces and winding trails to nearby mountain peaks. Visitors can explore local restaurants, browse collectible stores, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The town’s beautiful streets and historic buildings add to its appeal, making it a delightful stop for anyone interested in local culture and craftsmanship.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Dia Beacon: Modern Art in a Historic Setting

At the heart of the tour’s cultural experience is a visit to Dia Beacon, a large modern art museum housed in a former Nabisco printing factory. Spanning 160,000 square feet, it is one of the largest exhibition spaces dedicated to modern and contemporary art in the United States. Entrance fees are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors, with children aged 5-11 paying only $5.

The museum showcases artworks mostly from the 1960s to the present, featuring public projects, special exhibitions, and newly commissioned works. Its simple, spacious design allows for the display of large-scale pieces that are difficult to exhibit in traditional museums. Visitors appreciate the art collection and the notable architecture of the space, which offers a unique setting for experiencing modern art.

Family-Friendly Highlights and Seasonal Attractions

One of the tour’s main strengths is its focus on family-friendly activities. Kids enjoy 50% off, and the itinerary includes themed attractions that are seasonal, adventurous, and playful. These features add an extra layer of enjoyment for children, making the day suitable for families looking to combine outdoor fun with cultural exploration.

Throughout the trip, exclusive keepsakes are provided, serving as souvenirs to remember the experience. The tour also emphasizes unlimited bottled water and complimentary snacks, ensuring travelers stay refreshed without extra expense. Seasonal attractions mean that the itinerary can include a variety of playful highlights, depending on the time of year.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What You Should Bring

The price covers transportation, bilingual guides, snacks, bottled water, and service fees for the guides and driver. It also includes taxes and fees, so there are no hidden costs. However, museum admission fees for Dia Beacon are paid separately, with tickets available from the guide.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes for walking, snacks, water, and cash for personal expenses. It’s recommended to arrive at the designated pickup locations on time, with early departures from Brooklyn and Flushing. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and children under 7 must use a car seat or booster.

Flexibility and Booking Options for a Stress-Free Experience

This tour offers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can select their preferred starting times based on availability, making it easy to fit into busy schedules. The live guides speak both English and Chinese, providing engaging commentary throughout the day.

The tour’s small-group size and organized pickups at prominent locations make for a smooth, enjoyable outing. The duration of one day is perfect for a quick escape from NYC without feeling rushed, offering a well-balanced itinerary of outdoor, cultural, and leisure activities.

Why This Tour Works Well for You

This day trip from NYC is a solid choice for those wanting to escape the city and experience a mix of natural beauty and artistic culture. The scenic views of the Hudson River, the charm of Beacon, and the large modern art collection at Dia Beacon** make it particularly appealing to families, art enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers.

The bilingual guides and family discounts add value, while the inclusion of snacks and keepsakes enhances the overall experience. Keep in mind that admission to Dia Beacon is separate and that the tour is not accessible for wheelchair users.

This trip delivers a full day of exploration with practical logistics and seasonal surprises. It’s ideal for those seeking a balanced outdoor and cultural adventure with a friendly, knowledgeable guide to help uncover the best of New York State outside the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $94 per person, with kids enjoying 50% off.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is one day, with stops at Bear Mountain and Beacon, including free time and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, snacks, water, and cash for personal expenses. The tour provides snacks and bottled water.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is time for lunch in Beacon.

Can I visit Dia Beacon?
Yes, entry for Dia Beacon costs $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $5 for children (5-11). Tickets are purchased from the guide.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since kids get 50% off, and the tour features family-friendly activities and seasonal highlights.

What are the pickup locations like?
There are 12 pickup points in Brooklyn, Flushing, and Elmhurst, starting as early as 6:30 AM.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the main appeal of this tour?
The combination of scenic mountain views, art exploration, and small-town charm makes this trip a rich and varied experience for a memorable day outside New York City.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby