Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Port Chester, NY

  • Published 2022/04/15

An incorporated village located on the border of New York and Connecticut, Port Chester’s strategic location has been dubbed the “Gateway to New England.”

Port Chester is a village rich in history, with its origins dating back to as early as the 1600s.

Three settlers from present-day Greenwich, Connecticut – Thomas Studwell, John Coe, and Peter Disbrow – bought the land from Native Americans.

The area became known as “Saw Pit” due to the saw pits used in its beginnings as an industrial boat-building community.

At present, Port Chester is a charming area on the edge of New York State, evolving into a melting pot of diverse cultures and a budding destination in Westchester County.

Ready to explore Port Chester, New York?

Here are the 15 best things to do in the area:

Catch a Show at the Capitol Theatre

Exterior of the Capitol Theatre

Koskenart, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located along Westchester Avenue, the Capitol Theatre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Port Chester.

Opened in 1926, the theater was designed by esteemed architect Thomas Lamb, touted to Port Chester residents as a “dignified playhouse with both decorative beauty and luxurious comfort.”

It began by showcasing classic old Hollywood films such as Casablanca and Gone With The Wind.

Top half of Capitol Theatre's exterior

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

By the 1970s, the theater’s shows focused on rock and roll, with acts such as Janis Joplin Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead performing on stage.

At present, the Capitol Theatre remains the premier destination for live entertainment in Port Chester.

In addition, its lobby bar named “Garcia’s” has become a music venue in its own right.

Named after the Grateful Dead’s frontman Jerry Garcia, Garcia’s keeps the rock and roll spirit alive for both locals and visitors of Port Chester.

Explore Fine Craftsmanship at the Clay Art Center

Founded by potters Katherine Choy and Henry Okamoto, the Clay Art Center is a non-profit museum dedicated to elevating and advancing the practice of ceramic arts.

Visitors can explore the world of pottery through the different exhibitions on display, with works made by master potters and sculptors.

The exhibitions both highlight historic relics and more modern works done by up-and-coming sculptors.

Workshops are also available for visitors wanting to get their hands dirty and explore pottery making.

Spend a Day by the Water at the Port Chester Municipal Marina

Located along the bordering rivers covering New York and Connecticut states, the Port Chester Municipal Marina is a must-see destination on a visit to the village.

Because of its strategic location, Port Chester is home to a few gorgeous waterfronts facing the Long Island Sound.

The Port Chester Municipal Marina is one of those waterfront parks, offering a bevy of activities for tourists and locals alike.

Fishing is a popular relaxing activity visitors can do at the marina.

Visitors can also grab a bite to eat and enjoy the crisp winds enveloping the marina, either on the pavilions located outside or at the restaurants in the vicinity.

Sail the Waters at the Port Chester Yacht Club

Adjacent to the Port Chester Municipal Marina is the Port Chester Yacht Club.

With Port Chester’s ideal location next to the Byram River, the Port Chester Yacht Club keeps the local spirit alive through recreational water sports and activities.

The Club also promotes education on the science of seamanship and navigation.

Members and visitors can enjoy boat rentals that coast along the Byram River and Long Island Sound, including motorboats and sails.

There is also a restaurant in the club serving up delectable selections of seafood and local fare, perfect after a day of sailing out in the open waters.

Enjoy Some Outdoor Sports at Columbus Park

An almost 10-acre expanse near the north part of Fox Island, Columbus Park is a perfect grassy retrieve in the expanse of the bayfront village.

Visitors can enjoy a day of outdoor sports at the park, with basketball and volleyball courts available for use.

There’s also a soccer field in the park, perfect for a quick game or casual runs and outdoor exercises.

Families can also set up picnics in pocket areas of Columbus Park, with picnic grills ready for use for outdoor barbeques.

In the summertime, kids and kids at heart alike are treated to the water spray playground, where they can enjoy a cool splash in the hot summer sun.

Catch a Movie at the AMC Loews Port Chester

Located on Westchester Avenue, the AMC Loews Port Chester is the largest movie theater in all of Port Chester.

AMC Loews has over 14 movie theater screens inside, showcasing first-run feature films using digital projection.

Locals and visitors alike can catch the latest Hollywood releases on the big screen here, paired with an abundance of treats such as popcorn, candies, and sodas to snack on while you watch.

Apart from watching the latest flicks, the AMC Loews Port Chester theaters can also be rented out for private events and gatherings.

It’s a great destination for an entertaining time with family and friends!

Grab a Bowl of Chili at Hubba’s

Exterior of Hubba’s restaurant

1987atomheartbrother, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Known to date back to the 1920s, Hubba’s is a beloved establishment for locals of Port Chester.

Formerly known as Pat’s Hubba Hubba, Hubba’s serves up hometown favorites like their classic chili and chili dogs.

The menu also features classic American favorites like hamburgers, buffalo wings, and steak wedges.

Hubba’s is also popular with the late-night crowd, open until 1 AM on the weekdays and as late as 4 AM on the weekends.

Hubba’s has become such a local favorite haunt that they opened two other branches in nearby Stamford, Connecticut.

Practice Your Swing at the Westchester Tennis Center

For tennis enthusiasts and beginners alike, the Westchester Tennis Center is a perfect stop on a trip to Port Chester.

The center has court rentals for those looking to play a quick game or two.

Equipment can also be rented on-site for a small fee, but visitors are free to bring in their own gear.

Westchester Tennis Center also hosts tennis programs for both children and adults, where applicants can enroll to help them train and get better at the game.

Bring Out Your Inner Athlete at Warrior Baseball NY

With baseball considered America’s favorite pastime, Warrior Baseball NY is a great destination for lovers and fans of the sport.

Visitors get a chance to practice their swings and pitches at the club’s 22,000 square foot indoor training facilities.

The club also provides access to professional coaches to teach beginners the basics of baseball. They can accommodate group tutorials or more pointed one-on-one sessions.

Apart from just baseball, Warrior Baseball NY is also a perfect training ground for other sports such as softball, lacrosse, and soccer.

Visitors can also rent out playing areas that cater to these sports.

Warrior Baseball NY is also home to professional teams, such as Elite Squad NY.

Bite into the Perfect Spanish Tapas at Sonora Restaurant

Located on Rectory Street, Sonora Restaurant has been a long-time favorite of Port Chester residents and visitors alike.

In business for over 20 years, Sonora has served Spanish favorites with a modern twist.

Visitors can enjoy a selection of different tapas, ranging from plant-based to seafood and meat dishes.

Also enjoy seasonal dishes such as the seafood paella, branzino, and lamb shank.

Sonora’s cocktails are also a hit, with classics such as caipirinha, margarita, and pisco sour available on the menu.

Sonora’s also serves up a happy hour menu of food and drink from 4 to 7 in the evening.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to have a nice evening of good food, tasty drinks, and lively conversation, Sonora Restaurant is the perfect place to head to in Port Chester.

Enjoy a Family Day at Lyon Park

Landscape of Lyon Park

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Situated at the heart of Port Chester’s suburbs is Lyon Park, an over 20-acre expanse of green fields in the village.

Lyon Park is a great place to spend a day with friends and family.

Visitors can have picnics on the park’s grounds, with barbeque grills available for public use.

Lyon Park is also a great place for a quick jog or lap for those looking to get in the exercise minutes on their health trackers.

Grounds of Lyon Park

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are also Little League fields and gazebos that can be rented out for bigger groups and events.

Within the park are also some landmarks that can be visited, such as the Bush Lyons Homestead, a historic farmhouse dating back to the 1600s.

It was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Visitors can also see the Veteran’s Memorial Walk, which is adjacent to the Bush Lyons Homestead.

The Vietnam War Memorial is also located within Lyon Park, at the corner of Putnam Avenue and King Street.

Grab a Bite and a Pint at Sam’s Bar and Grill

Situated along Mill Street with a river view of neighboring Connecticut is Sam’s Bar and Grill, another long-time Port Chester favorite.

Opened in 1985, Sam’s Bar and Grill prides itself on using the freshest and finest local ingredients, partnered with the friendly atmosphere and local feel of Port Chester, New York.

Sam’s Bar and Grill serves classic American comfort favorites.

Popular items on their menu include their Beer Battered Chicken Sandwich and Steak Wedge Deluxe.

Their house sauce, dubbed Sam’s Sauce, is a secret recipe concoction perfect for slathering on any and every item on the menu. Make sure to ask for some extra sauce on the side with your order.

Apart from its delicious food and homey atmosphere, regulars also come to Sam’s Bar and Grill to play a few games on their shuffleboard table.

Crank a few tunes on the jukebox, play a game of shuffleboard, and truly feel like a Port Chester local at Sam’s Bar and Grill!

Take in the Riverside Views at Byram River

Spanning through the borders of New York and Connecticut states is the Byram River, a destination that can’t be missed on a trip to Port Chester.

The Byram River was once the center for economic activity and trade due to its ideal location on the coasts of the two states.

Shipping and fishing were major industries of towns that coast along the river’s stream.

Today, the Byram River is a key destination that connects Port Chester, New York, with Greenwich, Connecticut.

Visitors can take in views of the river on the shores of the Port Chester Municipal Marina or at the Port Chester Yacht Club.

Visitors can also rent boats and take a ride along Byram River’s coasts, and even take a quick trip into neighboring Greenwich.

Feast on Elegant Italian Cuisine at Marianacci’s

Situated on Sherman Street is local favorite haunt Marianacci’s, serving up Italian favorites for the locals of Port Chester.

Over a 70-year-old business, the restaurant was started by the Marianacci family, who immigrated from Abbruzzi, Italy, in the 1920s.

Since then, the family continues to serve up the freshest Italian fare, including pasta, veal, steak, and fish dishes.

They keep their patrons excited with a rotating prix fixe menu, as well as a different selection of desserts daily.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Here are other places to visit and activities to do neighboring Port Chester, New York:

Practice Your Golf Swing at the Apawamis Club

Located in neighboring Rye, the Apawamis Club is a treat for both golf enthusiasts and experts.

Founded in 1890 by over 40 members of the local community, the goal of Apawamis was to “improve both the physical and moral tone of the village.” It transitioned from a social club to becoming a golf club in 1899.

Over the years, key architects and golf pros have left their mark on the club – these personalities include Tom Bendelow, Maturin Ballou, William Davis, and Herbert Strong.

With its vast 18-hole fields, Apawamis Club is a great place to spend the day perfecting your tee.

Apart from golf, the Apawamis Club is also known for squash, hosting the world-renowned Briggs Cup tournament.

The Apawamis Club also has programs for tennis and aquatics, in addition to golf and squash.

Final Thoughts

With its ideal location within New York, its rich culture and history, as well as its proximity to the waterfront, Port Chester is a charming destination to put on your bucket list.

New York is more than just New York City, and Port Chester is a perfect example of how the old and contemporary worlds come together to give a unique travel experience for visitors.

What are you waiting for, come and visit Port Chester, New York, today!

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