I absolutely love Matthiessen Park. It is easily one of the most convenient and scenic waterfront spots in Westchester. Getting here is a total breeze--the Metro-North Irvington station on Bridge Street drops you off literally right at the park entrance. If you're driving, there's plenty of street parking plus a public waterfront lot right there.
The park itself is incredibly clean and well-maintained. If you're looking for the perfect photo op of the Mario Cuomo Bridge (let's be real, us locals still call it the Tappan Zee), this is hands down the best unobstructed view you're going to get.
It's a fantastic spot for families since there's a great children's playground. It's also super dog-friendly, though they are very strict about dogs being leashed at all times, no exceptions. They have dog waste stations scattered throughout the park, so there's really no excuse not to pick up after your fur babies!
Just a heads-up if you're planning a visit in June: they close the park to the general public for a day or two for the Irvington High School graduation ceremony, so definitely check the local schedule beforehand.
Once you're done walking around, there are some great restaurants right nearby. I highly recommend Sambal Thai and Malay -- their outdoor dining setup has clear views of the water and the bridge, making it the perfect way to end the day. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more