New Rochelle has more going on than people driving through on I-95 would guess — you just have to know where to look. Here’s an honest rundown of what’s actually worth doing in and around town, whether you live here or you’re visiting for the day.
Outdoors and Parks
Glen Island Park is the standout — waterfront, beach access, and consistently one of the highest-rated spots in the whole city (4.6 stars across nearly 4,000 reviews). Good for a walk, a picnic, or just getting some water views without leaving town.
Hudson Park & Beach is another solid waterfront option, especially in summer, and it’s free. Five Islands Park and Davenport Park round out the park options if Glen Island is crowded — both are well-reviewed and less busy.
Flowers Park is smaller but a nice option if you’re closer to downtown and don’t want to drive out toward the water.
Things to do in New Rochelle that are Indoor and Active
If the weather’s not cooperating, or you just want something more active than a walk in the park:
New Roc City is the area’s mall and entertainment hub, and honestly the easiest place to build a whole day around without much planning — it’s got a movie theater (Regal New Roc), a small arcade, and several of the activities below all under one roof.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is the go-to if you’ve got kids, or just want to jump around — it’s on the level right below us in the New Roc City building.
Soccer Roof is right above us in the same building — a good pick if your group wants indoor soccer rather than trampolines or axes.
Bananas’ Axe Cabana — full disclosure, this is us — is an axe-throwing venue with a tiki bar built in, also inside New Roc City, and it’s one of the higher-rated activity spots in the city (4.9 stars, 700+ reviews). If your group wants something competitive and active with a bar attached rather than a quiet activity, it’s worth adding to the list alongside Sky Zone and Soccer Roof.
The Rock Club is a climbing gym that consistently gets some of the best reviews in the city (4.9 stars) — worth it if you or your group climbs, or wants to try.
Hour To Exit, a well-reviewed escape room, is currently closed — but worth watching, since it’s set to reopen right next door to us very soon!
Food, Drink, and Culture
18th Ward Brewing is a well-reviewed local brewery if you want something low-key with a drink in hand. Roc N Ramen and The Taco Project are both solid picks if you want great food without leaving downtown, and Smokehouse Tailgate Grill covers the BBQ craving. For something with more local history, the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum (run by the Huguenot & New Rochelle Historical Association) covers the city’s connection to Thomas Paine and is a genuinely interesting stop if you’re into history and don’t already know the connection.
If you’re downtown, a few of the small galleries — Vanda Gallery and Backstreet Gallery & Framing among them — are worth a walk-through if you’re already in the area.
Seasonal and Recurring
New Rochelle runs a seasonal concert series at Hudson Park, and the New Rochelle Grand Market sets up regularly at Ruby Dee Park — both good options if you want something happening rather than a fixed destination. Check the city’s events page for what’s on before you plan a trip around either one.
If You’re Planning Something Bigger
A lot of what’s above works fine solo or as a couple, but if you’re planning a group outing, a birthday, or a private event, a few of these spots (Bananas’ included) can host larger groups directly. If that’s what you’re after, check out private events or the birthday party page for group-specific options.
Things to do in New Rochelle: Plan Your Visit
Bananas’ Axe Cabana is at 33 Lecount Place, 2nd fl, in downtown New Rochelle — an easy add-on to a day built around any of the spots above. Book online or check the FAQ and gallery before you go.