New Paltz Travel Guide

Nestled in New York's scenic Hudson Valley region and home to one of New York's most iconic historic mountain homes, New Paltz is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or family vacation. Boasting fun things to do around every corner, and places to relax on every block, the town is both inviting and exciting.

Things to Do in New Paltz

Visitors looking to experience the history of New York can be transported back in time with a day spent on Historic Huguenot Street, which is home to a handful of stone houses, a reconstructed church, archaeological sites, a Munsee Native American wigwam replica, and a burial ground dating back to the 18th century. They can also take a tour of the Mohonk Mountain House, going biking along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, go wine tasting at the Robibero Family Vineyards, pick their own fresh fruit at Dressen Farms and Jenkins Leuken Orchards, and take a mountain hike up Shaupenek Ridge.

Aspiring artists and art enthusiasts will find value in touring the DM Weil Gallery and Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, while fans of the performing arts can enjoy watching a live play or musical at Denizen Theater, and those with a passion for shopping can hit the stores that make up the Water Street Market.

Best Places to Stay in New Paltz

Visitors staying in New Paltz can treat themselves to a stay in one of the town’s many exquisite, pet friendly vacation homes. Each vacation home comes fully furnished and move-in ready, and is thoroughly cleaned between guests.

Best Time to Visit New Paltz

The best time to visit New Paltz is from April to June and September to November for ideal weather. However, November is usually when rentals are the most affordable.

Food in New Paltz

New Paltz makes 5 star food look easy. The town offers a variety of great places to grab a bite to eat, including Rino’s Pizza, New Paltz Indian Restaurant, Moonlight Cafe, and Anatolia, which serves unique Turkish dishes. Mexicali Blue serves mouthwatering Southwestern cuisine such as tacos, fish and meat burritos, and guacamole.

Best Events in New Paltz

A few of the city’s most looked forward to events include the Gardiner Cupcake Festival, Memorial Day Parade, Ulster County Fair, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, and Recovery Festival.

Things to Do for Families in New Paltz

The Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to spend the day with the family. It features various trails for walking, ponds, wetlands, and incredible views of the Shawangunk Mountains. The sanctuary is also a great place for bird watching as it is home to species such as the snipe, sora rail, sedge wren and empidonax flycatchers. The John R. Kirk Planetarium has been amazing both children and their parents for years. It offers planetarium shows, observational viewings, and astronomy nights that allow visitors to witness the wonders of the solar and star systems above.