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New Rochelle is a waterfront city of about 80,000 people in Westchester County on Long Island Sound, just 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Settled by French Huguenots in 1688, it has a long shoreline of coves, islands and marinas and a quick train ride to New York City.
Glen Island Park, designed in the 1920s with castle-like structures, has a beach, picnic lawns and views of the Sound, and Hudson Park and Davenport Park offer waterfront strolls. Offshore, Davids Island and the ruins of Fort Slocum recall a military post that served from the Civil War to the 1960s. The Thomas Paine Cottage preserves the home of the Revolutionary writer, who lived his final years here.
Downtown Main Street has diverse restaurants and new development, and a statue of Jacob Leisler honors the colonial leader who helped the Huguenots settle the town. Glenwood Lake and the Hutchinson River add green space, and Lou Gehrig, who lived here, is remembered by a street name.
Westchester County park on islands in Long Island Sound reached by a small drawbridge. It has a sandy beach, picnic groves, the stone towers of the old Glen Island Castle and a marina. Summer beach access needs a Westchester Park Pass, so check the county rules before you go.
City park and small beach on Echo Bay near the New Rochelle harbor, with a lawn, playground, fishing pier and views across to Davids Island. It is a pleasant spot for a sunset walk or a picnic; beach use in summer is mainly for residents with a city permit.
Waterfront park spread over small islands in Echo Bay joined by causeways, with walking paths, open lawns, picnic tables and views of the Sound. It is quieter than the beaches and good for an easy loop walk; bring a jacket on windy days as it is very exposed.
Former estate in the north of the city turned into a 60-acre park of meadows, woods and old stone walls. Locals come for the wooded walking trails and the large fenced dog park. Trails can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes and expect few facilities.
Small lake in a quiet residential part of New Rochelle, ringed by trees and a short path where you can watch swans, ducks and herons. It is a calm place for a short stroll or birdwatching rather than a full outing; parking is on nearby streets only.
Wooded walking trail that follows an old trolley right-of-way through New Rochelle, Mamaroneck and Scarsdale, passing brooks, rock outcrops and large trees. It is unpaved and fairly flat, good for a long quiet walk; carry water as there are no facilities along the way.
Small 18th-century house where Common Sense author Thomas Paine lived on land New York gave him after the Revolution. Run by the local Huguenot and Historical Association, it displays period rooms and Paine memorabilia. Opening hours are limited, so check the schedule before visiting.
Marble memorial on North Avenue near Paine's cottage, raised in 1839 close to where he was first buried, later topped with a bronze bust. It honors the pamphleteer of the American Revolution. Combine it with a look at the cottage grounds a short walk away.
Former army post on Davids Island just off the New Rochelle shore, used from the Civil War era until 1965. Most buildings were demolished and the island is not open to the public, but you can see it clearly from Hudson Park and Five Islands Park.
Bronze statue by Solon Borglum unveiled in 1913 to honor Jacob Leisler, the colonial leader who bought land for the Huguenot settlers who founded New Rochelle in 1688. It stands on a small green on North Avenue and is worth a quick stop on a history walk.
The city center around Main Street and Huguenot Street, with Latin American, Italian and Asian restaurants, bakeries, delis and new apartment towers near the Metro-North station. It is easy to reach by train from Manhattan; street parking is metered, so garages are simpler.
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