Things to Do in Sleepy Hollow 👻

There’s a reason people from all over the world make their way to Sleepy Hollow every fall - this is Halloween ground zero. But it’s not all scares and spooky vibes (though we’ve got plenty of those). From historic landmarks to nature walks and riverfront views, Sleepy Hollow is packed with things to see and do.

Here are our local musts:

🕯️ Old Dutch Church & Burying Ground

The Old Dutch Church has been standing in Sleepy Hollow since the late 1600s and is one of the village’s most iconic landmarks. It’s featured in Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow and sits beside a historic burying ground that feels straight out of the story.

The church is still home to an active congregation, so please be respectful during services, weddings, or funerals. Outside of spooky season, it’s only occasionally open for holiday or summer services.

📍 430 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY
🚗 Parking: No parking at the church itself. Limited spaces are available inside the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery next door, but note that the gates close at 4:30 pm.

Local tip: It’s easy to confuse the Old Dutch Church with Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - they sit side by side, but they’re separate places.

🎃 Headless Horseman Bridge

More than two centuries after Washington Irving published The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman Bridge is still one of the most sought-out spots in town. The original wooden bridge from the story is long gone, but today visitors head to the bridge inside the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - a favorite backdrop for fall photos.

Think of it as a quick but iconic stop: perfect to pair with the Old Dutch Church or a cemetery tour. Just keep in mind this bridge is part of an active cemetery. Be respectful, step aside for cars and processions, and never block the roadway.

⚰️ Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

Founded in the mid-1800s, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery spans nearly 90 acres of winding roads, hillside paths, and impressive monuments. It’s one of the most-visited spots in town - part history, part folklore, and especially atmospheric in the fall.

You can explore the grounds on your own (free maps are available at the entrances) or join a guided tour. Day tours highlight history, art, and architecture, while lantern-lit evening tours are all about the spooky vibes.

Along the way you’ll see everything from massive mausoleums to intricate sculptures, and yes, you can visit Washington Irving’s final resting place. The mix of history, storytelling, and scenery makes this cemetery feel like an open-air museum.

📍 540 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

🕰️ Hours: Daily, 8 am – 4:30 pm (all visitors and vehicles must exit by closing)

Local tip: Book cemetery tours in advance, they sell out quickly in October!

🌅 Take a Stroll Along the Riverwalk

The Hudson River is one of Sleepy Hollow’s best backdrops, and the Riverwalk is the perfect way to soak it all in. You can hop on the path from Kingsland Point Park, Horan’s Landing, or Pierson Park and follow it along the shoreline with sweeping views of the Tappan Zee (Mario Cuomo) Bridge.

Along the way, you’ll pass the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse - also known as the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse - a cast-iron beacon from the 1880s that’s picture-perfect at sunset. Even if you can’t go inside, it’s worth the stop for the view alone. Pack a picnic, take a breather, and enjoy the scenery after a day of exploring Sleepy Hollow.

Local tip: Golden hour is prime time here - the colors over the Hudson make for some of the best photos you’ll take all trip.

🥕 TaSH Farmers Market

If you’re around on a Saturday, head to Patriots Park for the TaSH (Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow) Farmers Market. From spring through late fall, the park fills with local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and seasonal treats. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a coffee, listen to live music, and feel like part of the community. It runs every Saturday through November 22, making it a great way to spend a fall morning before diving into the spooky fun.

📍 Patriots Park, Broadway, between Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow
🕰️ Hours: Saturdays, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, through November 22
🚗 Parking: Street parking nearby; arrive early if you can, it gets busy

Local tip: Fall is peak season here - think cider donuts, pumpkins, and apples galore. Perfect fuel for a day of exploring Sleepy Hollow.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Sleepy Hollow isn’t just about ghost stories & the headless horseman - our parks are some of the best spots to relax and take in Hudson Valley views. Whether you want a full hike, a quick walk, or just a place to sit with a coffee, there’s plenty of green space to explore:

  • Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Over 40 miles of carriage trails for hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and dog walks.

  • Pierson Park - Right on the river in Tarrytown, with playgrounds, picnic spots, and incredible bridge views.

  • Kingsland Point Park - Home to the Tarrytown Lighthouse, great for sunset views and riverfront picnics. Also has a dog park!

  • Barnhart Park - A quiet neighborhood park tucked away in Sleepy Hollow, perfect for unwinding and conveniently located off of Beekman Avenue.

Local tip: In the fall, these parks are bursting with color. Pack a picnic, snap some photos, and enjoy a breather between spooky season events.

🕰️ Historic Sites in Sleepy Hollow

Beyond the legend, Sleepy Hollow is surrounded by some of the Hudson Valley’s most fascinating historic landmarks. From colonial estates to Gilded Age mansions, each site offers a different glimpse into the area’s past:

  • Philipsburg Manor - A restored 17th-century milling and trading complex where costumed interpreters bring colonial life to the Hudson Valley. In October, the site hosts seasonal events that tie right into the spooky atmosphere.

  • Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate - The former home of the Rockefeller family, featuring world-class art collections, beautifully designed gardens, and panoramic Hudson River views. Guided tours take you through both the mansion and its grounds.

  • Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown) – This Gothic Revival estate just south of Sleepy Hollow looks like something straight out of a ghost story. Tour the dramatic interiors, explore the grounds, or check out one of their seasonal events in October.

Local tip: All of these sites require tickets - book ahead if you’re planning an October visit, since tours often sell out quickly.