Washington Irving's romantic, picturesque estate, nestled along the banks of the Hudson River.

Sunnyside was the beloved home of Washington Irving, America's first internationally famous author and the creator of enduring characters from the Headless Horseman to Rip Van Winkle. Irving designed the house and its grounds himself, shaping a whimsical, wisteria-draped cottage and landscape that reflect his romantic views of art, nature, and history. Today the estate remains much as he left it, charming visitors just as it has for generations.

Costumed guides lead tours through Irving's meticulously restored home, sharing insights into his life, his work, and how he came to be known as the "Founding Father of American Literature." Afterward, visitors are free to wander the grounds at their own pace — taking in the same Hudson River views and picturesque scenes that fueled Irving's imagination. Whether you're a literature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply after a peaceful riverside escape, Sunnyside invites you to step back into the world of Washington Irving.

Sunnyside is owned and operated by Historic Hudson Valley, which also runs Philipsburg Manor, Union Church of Pocantico Hills, and Van Cortlandt Manor.

How to Visit Sunnyside

Location: 3 West Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533. hudsonvalley.org · 914-366-6900

Parking: Free parking lot on site.

2026 Season (May–December):

• Friday–Sunday: May 8 – September 20, and November 6 – November 29
• Saturday–Sunday: December 5 – December 20
• Also open Memorial Day and Labor Day

From September 18 through November 8, daytime visits become special Legendary Tours of Sunnyside, with a seasonal, Legend-themed focus. Because the exact schedule shifts a bit each year, it's always worth confirming your date and buying a timed ticket in advance.

Admission (2026): Standard tours run about $18 adult, $15 senior (65+) and young adult (18–25), and $13 child (3–17); children under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members are free. Legendary Tours (mid-September through early November) run a couple of dollars higher. Buying ahead saves money — same-day tickets cost $2 more — and timed tickets can be exchanged for another available date up to 5 pm the day before, for a small fee. Book at tickets.hudsonvalley.org.

Visitor Experience: Costumed educators lead roughly 50-minute tours of the cottage, after which you're welcome to explore the grounds at your leisure.

Visiting Without a Car

Sunnyside is an easy addition to a car-free trip, with a little planning. Take Metro-North's Hudson Line to the Tarrytown station (about 35 minutes by express train from Grand Central); Sunnyside sits roughly 2.5 miles south, so most visitors take a short taxi or rideshare from the station rather than walking. If you're building an evening around Irving's "Legend" (see below), arrange your return ride in advance, as taxis and rideshares grow scarce after dark. For a fuller rundown of stations, walkable areas, and where a ride is worth it, see Sleepy Hollow Without a Car: Visiting by Train.

Make a Day (or Season) of It

Autumn (the marquee season). Sunnyside is the setting for Irving's "Legend", Historic Hudson Valley's beloved after-dark performance in which a master storyteller brings "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" to life by lantern light on the estate grounds. Pair a daytime Legendary Tour with nearby fall favorites like Philipsburg Manor and the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, and leave time for the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and Old Dutch Church just up the road.

Spring and summer. The estate's riverside grounds are at their most idyllic in warm weather — a natural pairing with a walk on the nearby Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, which passes close by, or a morning at the Irvington or TaSH farmers markets before your tour.

Winter holidays. Sunnyside's December weekends offer a quieter, cozier visit, with the cottage dressed for a 19th-century holiday — a good match for a low-key day of shopping and dining along Tarrytown's Main Street.

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