Looking for the best things to do in White Plains? The heart of Westchester County pairs a walkable downtown of shops and restaurants with nearby parks and culture, about 35 minutes from Grand Central. Locals point to downtown dining and shopping along Mamaroneck Avenue, Kensico Dam Plaza, and shows at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.
Things to do in White Plains
Downtown & Mamaroneck Avenue
Westchester’s premier dining-and-shopping district — restaurants, The Westchester and Galleria malls, and a lively main strip.
Kensico Dam Plaza
A dramatic stone dam and a broad green plaza that hosts festivals, concerts and events (in nearby Valhalla) — a favorite for walks and gatherings.
Arts & Culture
The White Plains Performing Arts Center, ArtsWestchester, and seasonal downtown events.
Things to do in White Plains at night
Downtown White Plains is Westchester’s nightlife hub — Mamaroneck Avenue’s bars and restaurants draw crowds, with theater and events rounding out the evening.
Free things to do in White Plains
- Kensico Dam Plaza (festivals and walks)
- Strolling downtown and its public art
- Nearby county parks and trails
What White Plains locals actually recommend
Which downtown restaurants are worth it, the best events at Kensico, what’s on locally — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ White Plains community, real White Plains neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your White Plains neighbors free →
Where this fits in White Plains
The best days here mix the well-known spots with the places only locals frequent. The picks in this guide make the most sense once you know how White Plains is laid out. the Silver Lake Preserve and Kensico Dam Plaza sit at the center of where locals actually spend their time, so planning a full day out around one of them rarely goes wrong. When you want something calmer, Turnure Park pulls you away from the busiest blocks, and downtown White Plains is the kind of spot regulars mention but visitors miss. Anchor your plan to one of those and the rest of the day in White Plains tends to fall into place.
More White Plains guides
White Plains rewards people who dig a little deeper. These related guides map the same neighborhoods from different starting points: Free things to do in White Plains, Best restaurants in White Plains, undefined White Plains — enough to plan a whole day or two.
Ask a White Plains neighbor
The best tips never make the guidebooks — they come from neighbors who know which spot is worth it this week. That is what the White Plains community on Neighborhood Nurturers is for. Ask White Plains locals what they would do, or join free and get honest answers from people who actually know White Plains.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in White Plains?
Explore downtown dining and shopping along Mamaroneck Avenue, visit Kensico Dam Plaza for festivals and walks, and catch a show at the White Plains Performing Arts Center — all a short Metro-North ride from NYC.
What is there to do in White Plains at night?
Downtown White Plains is Westchester’s nightlife hub, with Mamaroneck Avenue’s bars and restaurants plus theater and events.
What are free things to do in White Plains?
Kensico Dam Plaza (festivals and walks), strolling downtown, and nearby county parks and trails are all free.
Is White Plains a good day trip from NYC?
Yes — it’s about 35 minutes from Grand Central, with a walkable downtown of shops and restaurants and nearby parks.