Things To Do In White Plains (That Locals Recommend)

White Plains may look like a sleek Westchester business hub today, but its roots run deep into American history. Long before the glass towers and bustling shopping avenues, this land was a settlement of the Weckquaesgeek people, who lived along the Bronx River. In 1683, European settlers purchased the area from them, and by the mid-18th century, White Plains had become a focal point in the struggle for independence.

On July 9, 1776, the New York Provincial Congress gathered here at the courthouse to approve the Declaration of Independence, making White Plains one of the first places where the document was publicly read. Just a few months later, the Battle of White Plains unfolded in October 1776, as George Washington’s troops clashed with British forces across the rolling hills and farmland. Though Washington retreated, the engagement preserved his army for future victories and cemented the town’s place in Revolutionary lore.

Looking for things to do in White Plains NY? You’ll find more than you expect. One moment you’re eating Nashville hot chicken on a rooftop bar, the next you’re walking the same ground George Washington once used as headquarters. It's walkable, well-connected, and packed with options.

1. Shop at The Westchester Mall

Location: 125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY 10601

The Westchester isn’t just another shopping stop—it’s part of the city’s ongoing story of reinvention. When the mall opened in 1995, it rose on ground once tied to White Plains’ more modest downtown retail corridor, where generations had strolled Main Street in and out of family-owned shops. For decades, the city was remembered for its Revolutionary War legacy—the courthouse where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776, or the nearby hills where Washington’s troops clashed with the British. But by the late 20th century, White Plains was looking to the future, and The Westchester became a gleaming emblem of that shift.

Walking through its sunlit atrium today, you feel that transformation. Where farmers once carted goods into a village square, now the likes of Tiffany & Co. and Gucci line the promenade. The mall’s soaring glass ceilings echo the city’s aspirations—open, upward, modern. And yet, beneath the polished marble and designer storefronts, there’s a continuity: White Plains has always been a place where people gathered, traded, and redefined themselves. In that sense, The Westchester is more than a shopping center. It’s the latest chapter in a city that’s been remaking its identity for over three centuries.

2. Catch a Show at White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC)

Location: 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY 10601

Tucked into the heart of downtown, the White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) is more than a theater—it’s a symbol of the city’s cultural awakening in the 21st century. Opened in 2003 as part of City Center’s redevelopment, the venue was envisioned as a modern gathering place that would revive White Plains’ reputation as not only a commercial hub but also a destination for the arts. Before its debut, theatergoers often had to head into Manhattan for Broadway-caliber performances. WPPAC changed that, bringing professional productions, musicals, and concerts right into Westchester’s backyard.

Step inside, and you’ll find an intimate 410-seat space designed to bring audiences close to the action. The programming is ambitious: one month you might catch a Broadway classic reimagined, the next a contemporary play, a comedy act, or a children’s production. Over the years, the center has also served as a stage for local talent, workshops, and community events, blending hometown pride with world-class entertainment.

There’s a quiet historical resonance here, too. White Plains has long been a meeting ground—whether in 1776 when revolutionaries gathered at the courthouse, or today, when neighbors and visitors gather for the shared experience of live performance. WPPAC stands as a reminder that culture and creativity are as much a part of White Plains’ identity as its Revolutionary War legacy or modern shopping boulevards.

3. Walk or Picnic in Saxon Woods Park

Location: 1800 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605

Saxon Woods Park feels like a reminder that White Plains’ story isn’t only about battles and boulevards—it’s also about the land itself. The park’s 700-plus acres stretch across White Plains, Scarsdale, and Mamaroneck, and its name recalls the Saxon family who once farmed these wooded hills. Long before the mall and office towers, this was rugged countryside where streams cut through hardwood forests, and it remains one of the county’s most expansive green spaces.

The park took shape in the early 20th century, when Westchester County began buying up farmland to preserve open land for recreation as suburbanization spread. By the 1920s and ’30s, Saxon Woods was already becoming a haven for families escaping the noise of the city. The WPA era even left its mark here—trails and facilities were improved as part of Depression-era public works projects.

Today, it’s a park with layers: a sprawling pool complex that once drew headlines as one of the largest in the Northeast, playgrounds echoing with weekend laughter, picnic groves shaded by towering oaks, and miles of hiking and horseback-riding trails that still trace the old farm lanes.

4. Explore the Jacob Purdy House (Historic Site)

Location: 60 Park Ave, White Plains, NY 10603

Few places in White Plains carry the weight of history quite like the Jacob Purdy House. Built around 1721, this fieldstone farmhouse is one of the city’s oldest surviving structures, and it played a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War. In October 1776, General George Washington used the house as his headquarters during the Battle of White Plains, directing troop movements from its modest rooms while British forces advanced across the surrounding hills. Washington is also believed to have returned here in 1778, underscoring the property’s importance as a command post during some of the nation’s most uncertain days.

The house itself is a time capsule. Its low ceilings, wide-plank floors, and original hearths speak of colonial life, when farms and mills defined the area long before White Plains transformed into a city. In the 1960s, as modernization threatened its survival, the Jacob Purdy House was rescued by the White Plains Historical Society, which relocated and restored it as a museum. T

5. Visit the White Plains Farmers Market (Seasonal)

Location: Court Street between Main St and Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 10601

Every Wednesday from spring through fall, downtown White Plains transforms into a mini culinary festival. The Court Street Farmers Market brings together local farmers, bakers, and makers for a weekly open-air market that’s as much about community as it is about shopping. Expect fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, pastries, jams, cheeses, and more—all sourced from the Hudson Valley and beyond.

But it's not just produce. You’ll also find small-batch hot sauces, handmade soaps, and ready-to-eat favorites like empanadas, falafel, and locally roasted coffee. There’s often live music or buskers adding to the vibe, and office workers, families, and longtime locals all mingle under the tents. It’s one of the best midweek resets in town.

6. Go Ice Skating at Ebersole Rink

Location: 110 Lake St (inside Delfino Park), White Plains, NY 10604

For generations of White Plains families, Ebersole Rink has been less a facility and more a seasonal ritual. Opened in 1961 within Delfino Park, the outdoor rink was named after John Ebersole, a longtime city recreation commissioner who championed community athletics. Its arrival reflected a moment when White Plains was rapidly growing as a postwar suburb, and city leaders sought to balance concrete expansion with accessible recreation for kids and families.

On winter evenings, the rink glows under floodlights as skaters circle to music, echoing a tradition that’s lasted more than sixty years. Public skating sessions, youth hockey leagues, and figure-skating lessons have all flourished here, making it a local training ground as well as a social hub. Generations have laced up here for their first wobbly laps, and for many residents, the rink is a memory-maker—snow in the air, hot chocolate in hand, and the crunch of blades on ice.

7. Take a Cooking Class at Sur La Table

Location: Inside The Westchester Mall, 125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY 10601

If you’ve ever watched Top Chef and thought, “I could do that,” here’s your chance. Tucked inside The Westchester Mall, Sur La Table’s cooking classes offer hands-on instruction in a stylish open kitchen where you’ll learn real techniques, not just recipes. The classes range from pasta-making and sushi-rolling to baking essentials and seasonal specialties.

It’s a fun, relaxed atmosphere—no shouting chefs or pressure cookers. Whether you come solo, with a partner, or for a group outing, you’ll leave with full stomachs and actual kitchen skills. The best part? You get to eat what you make, and they handle the cleanup. It’s equal parts date night, foodie field trip, and adult enrichment course.

8. Grab Dinner and a Cocktail at Freebird Kitchen & Bar

Location: 161 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10601

Freebird Kitchen & Bar has become one of downtown White Plains’ most beloved gathering spots, a place where Southern comfort meets the hustle of a modern New York city center. Opened in 2017 on Mamaroneck Avenue, it quickly stood out by offering something different from the standard steakhouse or chain restaurant: a menu built on Southern-inspired classics, reimagined with a chef’s flair. Think fried chicken and waffles drizzled with maple syrup, shrimp and grits that taste like they’ve been plucked from Charleston’s coast, and slow-smoked meats that pair perfectly with bourbon cocktails.

But Freebird isn’t just about food—it’s also a reflection of White Plains’ dining evolution. Decades ago, downtown was known more for department stores and offices than nightlife. Today, spots like Freebird are part of the city’s reinvention into a destination where people linger after work, meet friends, and treat weekends as an occasion. The rustic-chic design—exposed brick, warm lighting, and a lively bar—pays homage to Southern hospitality while grounding itself firmly in an urban setting.

9. Tour the ArtsWestchester Gallery

Location: 31 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10601

Housed in a former 1928 bank building on Mamaroneck Avenue, the ArtsWestchester Gallery is where White Plains’ historic core and creative present meet under one roof. The neoclassical façade—columns, stone carvings, and a soaring entrance—once symbolized financial strength. Today, it symbolizes something equally vital: the city’s investment in culture. When the county’s largest nonprofit arts organization, ArtsWestchester, moved into the landmark in the late 1990s, it transformed the grand banking hall into a space for exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings.

Walking through the gallery, you’re struck by the juxtaposition of past and present. Original details—vault doors, marble floors, high ceilings—frame rotating exhibits of contemporary art, photography, sculpture, and multimedia installations. It’s a venue where regional artists share the stage with nationally recognized names, and where visitors can stumble upon everything from avant-garde installations to workshops designed for families.

10. Walk the Bronx River Pathway

Location: Access at Kensico Dam Plaza or along Bronx River Parkway, White Plains, NY 10605

Need a break from traffic and screens? The Bronx River Pathway offers over 13 miles of peaceful, tree-lined trails perfect for walking, biking, jogging, or just clearing your head. In White Plains, the path cuts through shaded residential areas and small parks, with the soft gurgle of the river running alongside. It's an easy way to slip into nature without leaving the city.

The pathway connects to nearby towns like Hartsdale and Scarsdale, so you can do a short out-and-back stroll or make a full afternoon of it. It’s especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees turn and the path is covered in golden leaves. Popular with everyone from runners to retirees, it’s one of White Plains’ most peaceful and versatile outdoor spots.

11. Check Out The Galleria Mall (Before It’s Gone)

Location: 100 Main St, White Plains, NY 10601

The Galleria is a fading giant. Once a bustling retail center in the heart of White Plains, this two-level mall is now part time capsule, part curiosity. With many stores closed or relocated, it’s entered that strange, liminal space between nostalgia and extinction—making it a fascinating stop for architecture buffs, urban explorers, or anyone who grew up cruising the food court.

That said, it’s still open. You’ll find a handful of national chains, pop-up discount stores, and foot traffic from longtime regulars. While not a destination in the traditional sense, it’s worth a visit if you’re into local history or want a glimpse of the retail era that shaped modern suburban America. Come soon—this kind of place won’t be around much longer.

12. Go Bowling and Play Arcade Games at Bowlero White Plains

Location: 47 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains, NY 10607

Bowlero White Plains may feel like a sleek, neon-lit playground today, but its roots stretch back to a time when bowling alleys were true neighborhood institutions. Originally opened as Bowlmor Lanes decades ago, this spot has long been part of the city’s social fabric—a place where families, friends, and leagues gathered weekly to compete, celebrate, or just unwind. When it was reimagined as Bowlero, the venue kept that sense of community but gave it a thoroughly modern twist, blending retro Americana with a nightlife vibe.

Step inside and you’re greeted with glowing lanes, arcade games, and the hum of conversation rising over music. The design nods to mid-20th-century bowling culture, when alleys doubled as community centers, but pairs it with craft cocktails, gastropub-style food, and big-screen TVs tuned to every imaginable game. For many longtime residents, there’s nostalgia in the sound of pins crashing here—it recalls a White Plains where recreation and togetherness always had a place, even as the city grew and transformed.

13. Attend the White Plains Jazz Festival (September)

Location: Multiple venues throughout Downtown White Plains

If you're in town in early September, the White Plains Jazz Festival is a must. This multi-day event brings smooth grooves and global rhythms to downtown streets, restaurants, and public spaces. From big-name headliners to intimate sidewalk performances, the festival turns the city into one big open-air jam session.

Concerts range from ticketed theater shows to free outdoor sets in plazas and parks. Local businesses get in on the action too, hosting jazz brunches, rooftop sets, and pop-up bars. The vibe is celebratory but laid-back—families, jazz aficionados, and casual listeners all blend into one big crowd, moving from venue to venue with drinks in hand and music in the air.

14. Battle Hill Park

Location: 76 Battle Ave, White Plains, NY 10606

Battle Hill Park is a small but meaningful stop for both history buffs and anyone looking for a quiet place to catch their breath. It’s perched on one of the highest points in White Plains, with sweeping views of the downtown skyline and interpretive signs marking its Revolutionary War roots. There’s a playground, a few benches, and enough open space to spread out a blanket or enjoy a book under a tree.

While modest in size, the park offers one of the best vantage points in the city, especially at sunset when the light hits the downtown towers just right. It’s a peaceful detour, and a reminder that beneath the city’s modern surface lies a battlefield that helped shape a nation.

15. Grab a Bagel at The Bagel Emporium

Location: 2 S Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601

The Bagel Emporium isn’t just a breakfast stop in White Plains—it’s a tradition. Since opening its doors in the 1980s, this family-run shop has been serving hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels that echo back to New York City’s immigrant food heritage of the early 20th century. Bagels, once a specialty of Jewish bakeries on the Lower East Side, became a staple of suburban life by mid-century, and The Bagel Emporium carried that legacy into Westchester with unmistakable authenticity.

Step inside on a weekend morning and you’ll find the place buzzing—locals lining up for egg sandwiches, families ordering dozens to take home, college kids fueling up before heading back to campus. The smell of fresh dough and toasted everything bagels hangs in the air, mingling with chatter that makes it feel more like a community gathering than a quick bite. The menu stays loyal to tradition—cream cheese spreads, smoked salmon, and classic breakfast staples—while also reflecting the modern appetite with creative flavors and hearty sandwiches.

Conclusion

White Plains is a city where every corner seems to carry both a memory and a promise. From the courthouse steps where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776, to the fields where Washington’s troops held the line, history still shapes the spirit of the place. Yet walk its streets today and you’ll find a city that has never stopped evolving—transformed by luxury shopping at The Westchester, enlivened by performances at WPPAC, and grounded by community traditions at places like Ebersole Rink and The Bagel Emporium.

What makes White Plains stand out is this balance: a Revolutionary past woven seamlessly into a cosmopolitan present. It is at once a cultural hub, a retail center, a dining destination, and a green escape with parks like Saxon Woods. For visitors, the city offers more than a list of attractions—it offers a narrative of resilience and reinvention, the story of a place that has grown with the nation while always honoring its roots.

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How to Get to White Plains

By Air

• Westchester County Airport (HPN) – Just 7 miles from downtown White Plains. Serves regional flights from major U.S. hubs (Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Orlando). Taxi, rideshare, or Bee-Line bus routes can get you downtown in 15–20 minutes.
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – About 25 miles south. Drive or take shuttle to Grand Central, then Metro-North train. Total travel time: ~1 hr.
• JFK International Airport – About 35 miles away. Drive (~1 hr+) or use AirTrain + subway/Metro-North combo.
• Newark Liberty (EWR) – About 50 miles southwest. Drive ~1 hr 15 min, or NJ Transit + Amtrak/Metro-North via NYC.

By Train

• Metro-North Railroad (Harlem Line) runs frequent trains from Grand Central Terminal (NYC) to White Plains Station. Express service takes about 35 minutes; local service is ~50 minutes.
• Connections are available from Connecticut and upstate towns along the Harlem Line.

By Bus

• Bee-Line Bus System (Westchester County Transit) connects White Plains with Yonkers, Bronx, and other Westchester towns.
• Greyhound & Trailways stop at the White Plains TransCenter, with routes from New York City, Albany, and beyond.

By Car

• From New York City: Take the Bronx River Parkway or I-87 North (New York State Thruway), then connect to I-287 into White Plains. Drive time ~40 minutes (without heavy traffic).
• From Connecticut: Take I-95 or the Merritt Parkway west, connect to I-287. ~30–40 minutes from Stamford.
• From Albany: Follow I-87 South to I-287 East. ~2 hours.

By Taxi/Rideshare

White Plains is well served by Uber, Lyft, and local taxi companies. Many riders use them for short hops from Metro-North stations or the airport.

FAQ

1. Do I need a car in White Plains?

If you live downtown, you can absolutely manage without a car. The Metro-North Harlem Line runs frequent trains to NYC (about 35 minutes to Grand Central), and the Bee-Line Bus System connects most of Westchester. Grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment in the downtown core are walkable. However, if you want to explore further into Westchester—parks, shopping beyond the city, or commuting outside the Metro-North line—a car becomes very useful.

2. Is living in White Plains worth it compared to NYC?

For many, yes. White Plains offers more affordable housing than Manhattan or Brooklyn, no additional NYC income tax, and a solid train connection to the city. It has large shopping centers, dining, and decent schools, making it attractive for families. While nightlife and culture can’t compete with NYC, the tradeoff is space, safety, and suburban comfort.

3. What’s the vibe like—more suburban or urban?

White Plains is often described as a hybrid city. The downtown area feels urban with high-rise apartments, offices, and restaurants, while surrounding neighborhoods are leafy and suburban. It’s not as culturally dense as Astoria or Harlem, but it balances convenience with a quieter, family-oriented pace.

4. Are there issues with pests or cleanliness?

Like many dense commuter hubs, White Plains has occasional pest problems, particularly around the train station, dumpsters, and older buildings. It’s not unique to White Plains—urban wildlife is a fact of life in Westchester and New York metro areas. The city runs pest control programs, but cleanliness can vary by block.

5. Where are the best green spaces, especially for dogs?

White Plains has several great parks. Saxon Woods Park offers 700 acres with trails and picnic areas, though not all sections allow dogs. Battle Hill Park and Turnure Park are popular local greenspaces. For dog owners, the White Plains Bark Park (near Delfino Park) is a fenced dog run where pets can socialize freely.

6. How livable is White Plains for newcomers?

White Plains is very livable for newcomers, especially professionals and families. The walkable downtown makes it easy to settle in without a car, and there are varied neighborhoods from high-rise apartments to single-family homes. Schools are generally solid, healthcare is strong (White Plains Hospital is a top regional facility), and its location makes commuting easy. The lifestyle is quieter than NYC but more dynamic than many suburban towns.