Things to Do in New Paltz: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
New Paltz, a lively college town in New York's Hudson Valley, sits beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge. Historic Huguenot Street with 18th-century stone houses, the hiking and rock climbing of the Gunks, Minnewaska's lakes, the iconic Mohonk Mountain House, rail trails, orchards and wineries make it a perfect weekend escape from New York City.
This guide covers the best things to do in New Paltz, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in New Paltz
Huguenot Street
Stone houses.
Mohonk Preserve
Hiking.
Mohonk Mountain House
Historic resort.
Minnewaska
Lake and cliffs.
The Gunks
Rock climbing.
Rail Trail
Biking.
Walkway Over the Hudson
Bridge park.
Orchards
Apple picking.
New Paltz in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Town
Walk Historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District with stone houses built by French Protestant settlers in the 1600s and 1700s; take a guided tour. Lunch on Main Street. In the afternoon walk or bike a section of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. In the evening dinner and drinks at a local brewery or bistro.
2Day 2 · Mohonk
Hike the Mohonk Preserve to Bonticou Crag or the Undercliff Carriage Road beneath cliffs where climbers dangle overhead. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon visit the grounds of Mohonk Mountain House, the Victorian castle on Lake Mohonk, with a day pass. In the evening enjoy farm-to-table dinner in town.
3Day 3 · Minnewaska
Spend the day at Minnewaska State Park Preserve with its sky lake, waterfalls and carriage roads; Awosting Falls is an easy walk. Lunch by the lake. In the afternoon swim at Lake Minnewaska in summer or hike to Gertrude's Nose. In the evening a relaxed dinner and live music in New Paltz.
New Paltz in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Hudson
Drive to Poughkeepsie for the Walkway Over the Hudson, a former railroad bridge turned park 212 feet above the river. Lunch in Poughkeepsie or Highland. In the afternoon visit the Vanderbilt Mansion or Franklin D. Roosevelt's home in Hyde Park. Return to New Paltz for dinner.
5Day 5 · Farms and wine
Pick apples, berries or pumpkins in season at orchards along Route 32, then taste wines and ciders on the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Lunch at a farm stand. In the afternoon visit a cidery. In the evening a farewell dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant.
New Paltz in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Climbing
Take a guided introductory rock climbing session in the Gunks, one of the most famous climbing areas in the eastern US. Lunch at a classic climbers' deli. In the evening relax in town.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast at a local diner, shopping for local honey, cider and crafts on Main Street, and a last walk on the rail trail. Buses run to New York City in about two hours, and the town sits right off the New York State Thruway.
What to do in New Paltz on a weekend
Things to do in New Paltz on a weekend? Saturday: Huguenot Street and rail trail. Sunday: Mohonk or Minnewaska.
Fall foliage in October.
What to do in New Paltz in the evening
In the evening, breweries and live music.
Sunsets from the ridge.
New Paltz for couples
For couples, Mohonk Mountain House, wineries and fall hikes.
New Paltz with kids
With kids, orchards, easy waterfalls and the rail trail.
What to eat in New Paltz
Apple cider donuts
Fall treat.
Farm-to-table
Hudson Valley.
Craft beer
Breweries.
Cider
Local cideries.
Bagels
Breakfast.
Where to stay in New Paltz: best areas
Downtown
Main Street.
Gardiner
Rural.
Mohonk
Resort.
Highland
River.
What to do in New Paltz when it rains
Things to do in New Paltz when it rains? Huguenot Street houses, breweries and cideries.
How much does a trip to New Paltz cost?
Expect $150–300 per night; Mohonk is much more.
Practical tips for New Paltz
Best time to visit
May–October.
Getting around
Car; buses from NYC.
Our practical tips
- Arrive early at Minnewaska parking.
- Day pass for Mohonk.
- Hike in proper shoes.
- Book fall weekends.
- Guided climbing.
- Bring cash for farm stands.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaf-peeping traffic.
- Hiking without water.
- Climbing without guide.
- Skipping Huguenot Street.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in New Paltz?
Mohonk, Minnewaska and Huguenot Street.
How far from NYC?
About 90 minutes.
Best time to visit?
Fall.
Is it good for kids?
Yes.