With dozens of charming small towns, exquisite culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and world-class art and history collections, the Hudson Valley makes a perfect escape.
Oft-overlooked by out of state visitors, there is much to be explored in the valley north of New York City. Trust me, as someone who grew up in the Hudson Valley, there is truly something for everyone.
Many decisions are waiting to be made along this river. Do you want to go on a boat? Want to get the best farm to table meal in town? Want to brewery hop? Maybe you just want to hike to a gorgeous panoramic view and head back to your high end chic lodging in the hills…
Decisions can be daunting. So, here’s a list of 11 interesting and beautiful places to visit in the Hudson Valley to make your next visit seamless. Thank us later!
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Check out these guides on the best places to visit in…
Dia: Beacon
Speaking of charming towns dotting the Hudson, one such town is Beacon. Overlooking the water from the face of a hill, Beacon is an artists haven with numerous contemporary galleries to explore. Most notable of the bunch is Dia: Beacon.
Housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, Dia:Beacon’s impressive collection of contemporary artwork spans from the 60’s to today. Put on your most pretentious black turtleneck and fascinate yourself with pieces from some of the best creators in the world.
Dia:Beacon installation by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Storm King Art Center
30 minutes south of the aforementioned Dia:Beacon, named after its proximity to Storm King Mountain, is Storm King Art Center.
This incredible open-air museum is considered one of the best sculpture collections in the world. It’s as if a giant cargo plane full of masterpieces accidentally opened its door, with the sculptures landing perfectly in a beautifully hilly field. Visiting here during peak fall foliage will make you swoon.
Just a little over an hour on the train from NYC makes Storm King the perfect day trip for you city-dwellers and city visitors!
Storm King installation by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Mohonk Preserve
For the outdoors-y types, the Hudson Valley is rich with beautiful trails, lakes, peaks, and rivers to explore. Some of my favorite summer afternoons as a youth in the Hudson Valley were spent hiking, swimming, and exploring all around the Shawangunk (fun to say) Mountains and the Mohonk preserve.
The list of things to do is long. You can hike up to Sky Tower and take in incredible views of the surrounding areas and follow that up with a dip in Split Rock Coxing Kill swimming hole (mouthful).
Follow that up with a crispy German pilsner at Mountain Brauhaus and you’ve had yourself a wonderful day.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Neighboring Mohonk Preserve is the equally good-looking sibling Minnewaska. Another magical land of outdoor recreation where you can hike, bike, swim, rock-climb, or whatever other forest activity you can partake in.
There are numerous waterfalls and swimming holes that are just perfection during those muggy summer evenings. You can even go down some natural waterslides in the Peterskill area if you can find them (locals’ secret!).
On top of all of those activities, are some sweeping views. For example, Sam’s Point. It’s a beautiful hike up that includes ice caves. Yes, ice caves. I think I’ve said this enough, but this place is truly wildly diverse in activities.
Another one of my favorite locations in the Hudson Valley growing up, I’m positive you won’t regret visiting Minnewaska State Park.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Nothing like a leisurely stroll over a beautiful river view, right? For those of you who agreed, you should check out the Walkway Over the Hudson. What used to be a railroad bridge built in the late 19th century is now the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
Walk, jog, cycle, power walk, you can even crawl if you want. Just make sure to enjoy expansive and glorious views of the Catskills to the north and down the Hudson River Valley to the south.
Walkway Over the Hudson by Dave Lowe on UnSplash
West Point
If you love history, I’ve got a place for you. West Point is home to the U.S. military academy and was once a military fortress during the Revolutionary War. It’s the first military academy in the U.S. and the longest continuously occupied fortress as well.
If you DON’T care about history, it’s still well worth the visit. Taking a boat ride from Newburgh is a beautiful way to see the Hudson River and get yourself a great view of West Point. There’s usually some sort of event happening like fire works or music or what have you.
If you’re visiting during the right season, I highly recommend going to Miche stadium for a game. It’s once of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley and, like every single place on this list, really pops during the fall foliage.
West Point image by Dave Lowe on Unsplash
Catskill Mountains
Another highlight of New York’s great outdoors. You’ll find beautiful hiking trails, idyllic waterfalls, and rivers that provide some of the best fishing around. Particularly, fly-fishing in Roscoe – often referred to as the fly-fishing capital of the US.
Historically an escape for folks in the metro area, the mass exodus of NYC city-dwellers due to COVID-19 has taken it to a new level. While insane real estate prices are an unfortunate result, there has also been an influx of high-quality shopping, delicious culinary experiences, chic lodging, breweries, distilleries and many more lovely experiences to explore for the weekend.
There are dozens of charming small towns to choose such as Hudson or Phoenicia. Take a pretty drive to any of them and you won’t be disappointed!
Catskill Mountains Image by Thomas Loizeau on Unsplash
Bannerman Castle
Floating in the middle of the Hudson River is a tiny island with history dating back to the American Revolution when it was used in an attempt to stop the British from making its way up the Hudson River. It didn’t work, but things worked out.
Shortly after, a beautiful castle was constructed on the island by an entrepreneur by the name of Francis Bannerman. At one point, he stockpiled an unruly amount of weapons to sell, which then destroyed the castle in a fire, leaving castle ruins behind.
However! It makes a really cool place for an adventure these days for those looking for things to do in the Hudson Valley.
You can only access the island by boat. So, you can either take a leisurely ferry ride from Beacon or row yourself over in a kayak. I suggest taking the kayak if you’re up for it, it’s a glorious ride down the river and the blurry pictures from your plastic wrapped iPhone camera will be unmatched.
Bannerman Island Image by PhotoSpirit on Adobe Stock
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Right in Hyde Park, New York is Vanderbilt Mansion. Yes, those Vanderbilts.
The earliest development of this mansion dates back to 1764, going through a few wealthy fingers before landing in railroad royalty hands.
The 52 room display of Beaux-Arts magnificence is open for tours to the public, where you can gaze into bedrooms and living rooms furnished with original antiques, while learning the history of the building and those who lived there.
When you need some air, stroll the pristine grounds and gardens. Pretend you’re an American titan of industry scheming how to monopolize and dominate the competition.
After that, stroll into the small town of Hyde Park, grab a bite, and come back to reality. Vanderbilt mansion is an excellent place to delve into the fascinating history of the Hudson Valley.
Vanderbilt Estate by Gerald Berliner on UnSplash
Lyndhurst Mansion
Haven’t had your fill of Hudson Valley mansions? Fear not, we have another.
Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown, NY is one of the America’s finest examples of Gothic architecture (per lyndhurst.org). Owned and molded by three families over the course of more than a century, you can peruse a gorgeous collection of arts and an expansive landscape lined with perfect gardens.
Bring a blanket and a picnic basket full of delectables and enjoy a summer evening on the lawn. Only a short train ride from NYC, this palace makes a beautiful day trip for anyone looking to enjoy the Hudson Valley in all its glory.
Lyndhurst Mansion Image on Pixabay
Manitoga – The Russel Wright Design Center
“Place of Great Spirit.” That is the Algonquin translation for the name Manitoga.
It makes sense when you visit Manitoga, designer Russel Wright’s mid-20th century modernist home, studio, and pristine 75-acre garden.
Despite construction starting in 1942, walking the grounds of this home feels more like somewhere in the future – a holy land preserved while the rest of the planet becomes some sort of Blade Runner dystopia.
The magical blend of the synthetic world and organic world is a treat for the senses for anyone looking for something interesting to do in the Hudson Valley.
See for yourself why Russel Wright referred to Manitoga as “an exaggerated demonstration of how individual a house can be.”
Did we miss any of your favorite places in Hudson Valley, New York?
Let us know in the comments if there are any more places in Hudson Valley, New York that you would add to our list!