New Paltz

Popular Sights in New Paltz

Things to do during your New Paltz vacation

New Paltz is a vibrant town located in the stunning Hudson Valley region of the United States. It is renowned for its scenic views, historic sites, and outdoor activities. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, there's something for everyone in New Paltz.

• Mohonk Preserve: Explore over 8,000 acres of breathtaking natural landscapes, including forests, cliffs, and lakes. Perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching.
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Discover stunning waterfalls, lakes, and miles of hiking trails in this picturesque state park. Enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, and cross-country skiing in winter.
• Walkway Over the Hudson: Walk or cycle across the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding areas.
• Historic Huguenot Street: Step back in time and explore the well-preserved colonial-era houses, museums, and galleries that showcase the area's rich history.
• Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery: Take a tour and sample handcrafted spirits at this historic distillery. Learn about the whiskey-making process and enjoy tastings of their award-winning products.
• Antique Shops: Browse through a variety of antique shops scattered across New Paltz, offering treasures ranging from vintage furniture and clothing to rare collectibles.
• Rail Trail: Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the scenic Rail Trail that stretches for 23.7 miles, passing through New Paltz. Take in the beautiful countryside and charming towns along the way.
• Farmers Market: Visit the local farmers market to taste and purchase fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal products, and crafts from local vendors.
• Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in contemporary art exhibitions and collections at this renowned museum, showcasing work from both local and international artists.
• Pakatakan Farmers Market: Experience a lively farmers market offering a range of locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and live music performances in a vibrant atmosphere.

Why you should visit New Paltz

A guide To your first day of New Paltz vacation

morning

• Start your day with a hike in the beautiful Mohonk Preserve. The Preserve offers various hiking trails for all levels of experience. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the Hudson Valley.
• Visit the renowned Historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the early Huguenot settlers and explore the preserved houses and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

afternoon

• Discover the charming village of New Paltz by strolling along Main Street. Browse through the unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Stop by one of the local cafes or restaurants for a delicious lunch.
• Explore the campus of the State University of New York at New Paltz. Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful campus grounds and admire the architecture of the academic buildings. Don't miss a visit to the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary and folk art.

evening

• Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on the Hudson River. Indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the charming waterfront. Don't forget to bring a sweater or jacket for the cool evening breeze.
• Catch a live performance at the historic Ulster Performing Arts Center. Check their schedule for concerts, plays, and other events happening during your visit. Experience the vibrant arts and culture scene of New Paltz in a unique and memorable way.

night

• Unwind with a drink and live music at one of the local breweries or bars in New Paltz. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and mingle with the friendly locals. Check out the schedule for any special events or live performances happening at the venues.
• Experience the magic of stargazing at the John R. Kirk Planetarium. Join a guided tour to explore the night sky and learn about the constellations, planets, and galaxies. It's a perfect way to end your night in New Paltz.

How to get to New Paltz

By Plane

The most convenient international airports for reaching New Paltz are New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR). Both airports offer frequent international flights and are well-connected to New Paltz by train or car. Public transportation from the airports to New Paltz is available, with reliable train services and car rental options.

• Check direct connections to JFK Airport
• Check direct connections to EWR Airport

By other means

New Paltz can be easily reached by public transport. The town is served by the New Paltz Trailways Bus Station, which offers regular services from various cities in the United States. The Adirondack Trailways Bus service connects New Paltz to New York City. The area also has train stations nearby, such as Poughkeepsie, offering further public transportation options.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!

Flights

Accommodation

Best for travelers who are ...

Nature enthusiasts, history buffs, art lovers, and outdoor adventurers

How long to stay in New Paltz?

To truly experience the beauty and charm of New Paltz, we recommend staying for at least 3 to 4 days. This will allow you to explore the scenic trails, immerse yourself in the local history, indulge in the vibrant arts scene, and savor the local flavors at the town's charming restaurants and cafes.