NYC's Nearby Harborside Village Has A Walkable Downtown, Shops, And Cafes

The state of New York has no shortage of picturesque villages, with plenty of vacationers eyeing the Finger Lakes region for its charming towns, wine, and waterfront adventures. Not everyone is up for the 5-hour drive from downtown New York City, though. Thankfully, the delightful Mamaroneck is a wonderful nearby option, where cafe-lined downtown streets bring you to a scenic harbor. Located in Westchester County, this gorgeous haven opens up to views of the Long Island Sound, with luxurious yachts dotting the shore. The juxtaposition of hectic NYC and the nearby village of Mamaroneck creates a unique contrast — when the city lights get overwhelming, the serene harborfront will welcome you with open arms. Mornings here may be slow, but they're never boring. Leave your house, get yourself a cup of coffee, and hop from one quaint shop to another as you stroll your day away.

Founded in the late 17th century, Mamaroneck is among the earliest settlements in the region. Today, visitors can enjoy the town's quaint cafes and local shops downtown, which can be easily explored on foot. Walk Score, a platform that ranks how pedestrian-friendly communities are, gives Mamaroneck a walkability score of 85, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot. The village is also home to local institutions like Walter's Hot Dogs, where you can relive old-school nostalgia by ordering a classic hot dog and an ice cream soda.

All told, Mamaroneck is an exceedingly pleasant and unhurried place to find yourself. Meander under waterfront trees, catch a sunset from a picnic on the shore, or cozy up with a bagel and a coffee in the cooler months. 

Mamaroneck's lively downtown is best experienced on foot, with a variety of stores bordering Mamaroneck Avenue. Siren Boutique is a great spot to find curated clothing items and cool accessories, with shoppers calling it a "hidden gem" full of unique items. The service is client-centric, and the variety of products makes it easy to buy gifts. Nearby is Robert's Department Store, stocked with boots, jackets, printed shirts, and beanies. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you find what you're looking for. For limited-edition sneakers, Direct Kicks is a top choice for buying, selling, and trading.

While you're treating yourself to retail therapy, you'll need to fuel up in between stores. Petite Bretagne of Mamaroneck is an adorable French cafe offering delicious pastries, crepes, and coffee. "I came in specifically looking for kougin Aaman which I discovered in a French bakery in Cape Cod," one satisfied patron on Yelp wrote. "They had it!" The friendly staff and authentic flavors make this place a standout in Mamaroneck. 

On the same street is Milk N Cookies, the ideal cafe for a sugary kick. From heavenly baked goods to a cereal bar, this cozy establishment will have you returning in no time. For a taste of NYC, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company is down the street. Whether you like a sweet or savory bagel, this eatery has it all. "The breakfast bagel sandwiches here are second to none in Westchester," said one reviewer on Yelp. "I would repeat."

As charming as downtown is, the waterfront is even more alluring. The 44-acre Harbor Island Park is an excellent spot to meander by the water, have a picnic, go for a swim, and play sports. You'll encounter people practicing their skills on the baseball field, some working on their serve at the tennis court, while kids run around the playground. There's an out-and-back trail that takes you to a sandy beach — bring your swimsuit if you're visiting on a hot summer day. The 2.3-mile path is also great for birdwatching: shorebirds and waterfowl, to be exact. Anglers, on the other hand, can expect to reel in largemouth bass, striped bass, and bluegill.

Otter Creek Preserve exposes you to the other side of the Long Island Sound, where marshes and wetlands reign supreme. In fact, 90% of the productive salt marshes in the county are found right here, according to the Westchester Land Trust. Spanning a total of 35 acres with 3 miles of coastline, the preserve serves as a sanctuary for more than 100 bird species.

When you wish to admire the yachts in the water, go for a walk at Nichols Yacht Yard or Safe Harbor Post Road during golden hour. If you want to swap the Long Island Sound for the Hudson River, 30 minutes away is Nyack, another cute village with a walkable downtown and beautiful riverfront views. Driving to Mamaroneck from New York City takes around 40 minutes. You can also take the train from Grand Central Terminal and arrive within 45 minutes. As for where to stay, Airbnb has plenty of listings; otherwise, you'll have to book a room at Mamaroneck Motel, or find other hotels in nearby towns like New Rochelle, only 10 minutes away.