Things to Do in the Catskills: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
The Catskills, about two hours north of New York City, are a mountain escape of waterfalls, small artsy towns and farm-to-table restaurants. Kaaterskill Falls, Woodstock's creative spirit, tubing on the Esopus Creek, ski resorts like Hunter and Belleayre and blazing fall foliage make the region a favorite weekend getaway year-round.
This guide covers the best things to do in The Catskills, 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 The Catskills
Kaaterskill Falls
One of New York's tallest waterfalls.
Woodstock
Arts town.
Phoenicia
Village and tubing.
Hunter Mountain
Skiing and fire tower.
Overlook Mountain
Fire tower hike.
Bethel Woods
Woodstock festival site and museum.
North-South Lake
Camping and views.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
Scenic train rides.
The Catskills in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Kaaterskill and North-South Lake
Hike to Kaaterskill Falls, a two-tier waterfall that inspired the Hudson River School painters, then visit North-South Lake and the site of the old Catskill Mountain House with views across the Hudson Valley. Lunch in Palenville or Tannersville. Evening at a cozy inn with a farm-to-table dinner.
2Day 2 · Woodstock
Spend the morning in Woodstock browsing galleries, record shops and the Woodstock Artists Association. Lunch in town. In the afternoon, hike to the Overlook Mountain fire tower for views of the Hudson Valley, and return for live music at a local venue.
3Day 3 · Phoenicia and Esopus Creek
Head to Phoenicia for breakfast at a famous diner, then go tubing on the Esopus Creek in summer or ride the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Lunch in the village. In the afternoon, visit a local brewery or distillery and stay for dinner.
The Catskills in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Hunter Mountain
Ride the scenic skyride or ski at Hunter Mountain in winter, and climb the Hunter Mountain fire tower in summer. Lunch at the lodge. Evening in Tannersville with its colorful painted houses.
5Day 5 · Bethel Woods
Drive to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, with its museum and summer concerts. Lunch nearby. Return through the western Catskills and the Delaware River. The museum tells the story of the 1960s and the festival through films, artifacts and a psychedelic bus, and the lawn hosts big summer concerts.
The Catskills in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Saugerties and Kingston
Visit the Saugerties Lighthouse and Kingston's historic Stockade District. Lunch at a market. Afternoon antiquing. Kingston was New York's first capital, and its Senate House State Historic Site is worth a visit, as are the Saugerties Lighthouse trail and its small inn on the river.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Last morning walk by a creek, shopping for maple syrup and local cheese, and a farewell dinner at a Catskills farm restaurant. The drive back to New York City takes about two to three hours depending on traffic.
What to do in The Catskills on a weekend
Things to do in the Catskills on a weekend? Saturday: Kaaterskill Falls and Tannersville. Sunday: Woodstock and Overlook Mountain.
Fall foliage peaks in early to mid-October.
What to do in The Catskills in the evening
In the evening, live music in Woodstock and Phoenicia.
Stargazing at the inns.
The Catskills for couples
For couples, a cozy inn, waterfall hikes and farm dinners.
The Catskills with kids
With kids, tubing, the train, skiing and easy hikes.
What to eat in The Catskills
Farm-to-table
Local produce.
Diner breakfast
Phoenicia classic.
Maple syrup
Local.
Craft beer
Breweries.
Apple cider donuts
Fall treat.
Where to stay in The Catskills: best areas
Woodstock
Arts.
Phoenicia
Central.
Tannersville
Mountains.
Saugerties
Hudson.
What to do in The Catskills when it rains
Things to do in the Catskills when it rains? Bethel Woods Museum, breweries, galleries and antiquing.
How much does a trip to The Catskills cost?
Expect $180–350 per night.
Practical tips for The Catskills
Best time to visit
June–October; winter for skiing.
Getting around
Car essential.
Our practical tips
- Arrive early at Kaaterskill.
- Book fall weekends ahead.
- Hiking boots.
- Check trail conditions.
- Tubing in summer.
- Farm stands.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving trails at the falls.
- Peak foliage weekend without a booking.
- Winter driving unprepared.
- Ticks in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in the Catskills?
Kaaterskill Falls, Woodstock and Phoenicia.
How far from NYC?
About two hours.
Best time?
Fall.
Things to do with kids?
Tubing and the train.