Discover the Historic Mountain Resort in This Charming Small Town Near NYC

Best Things to Do in New Paltz

If you enjoy shopping, downtown New Paltz is your destination. Water Street Market offers a European-style shopping experience, where you can find various boutiques and cafes. Stroll around and dine at local establishments, including Ritualist, Ridge Tea & Spice Shop, Groovy Blueberry, Inquiring Minds Bookstore, Manny’s Art Supplies, Hudson Valley Goldsmith, and Krause’s Chocolates of New Paltz.

Board game enthusiasts should visit Gunks Gaming Guild & Cafe. For live performances, head to the Denizen Theater, while those appreciating architecture will enjoy Historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District featuring 17th- and 18th-century homes. At the SUNY New Paltz campus, both John R. Kirk Planetarium and Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art are worthwhile places to explore.

Exploring the town’s surroundings is equally rewarding. Only 15 minutes from downtown lies the Mohonk Preserve. Together with Mohonk Mountain House, this area boasts over 80 miles of hiking trails. Mohonk Preserve features five public trailheads across its 8,000 acres. Guests at Mohonk Mountain House can access private trails, or visitors may purchase a hiking trails pass. The trek to Sky Top Tower offers stunning views of six states on clear days, although it requires some climbing. Additionally, hikers can enjoy Mohonk’s signature summer houses and stone gazebos along the cliffs. If you don’t have transportation, consider hiking the six-mile River-to-Ridge Trail from New Paltz.

Where to Stay in New Paltz

Mohonk Mountain House stands out as the premier luxury hotel in New Paltz. Since 1869, this family-owned resort has hosted guests seeking outdoor adventures like boating, archery, tennis, and golf. The property also organizes a range of cultural events, including music and art shows, forest bathing, and meditation sessions. Additionally, you don’t need to be an overnight guest to enjoy spa treatments, and a day spa booking allows access to the main house, grounds, and the traditional afternoon tea.

For budget-conscious travelers, New Paltz Hostel and Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz offer affordable accommodations. The area is also home to charming bed and breakfasts, including Inn at Kettleboro, Moondance Ridge B&B, Mountain Meadows Bed & Breakfast, and Watergrass Hill Bed & Breakfast.

Where to Eat and Drink in New Paltz

Start your day with breakfast at one of the local bakeries, cafés, or coffee shops. Recommended spots include The Bakery, nestled in cozy booths; Main Street Bistro, a longstanding local favorite; Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters & Cafe, where you can buy coffee beans; and Lagusta’s Luscious Café, which features vegan eats and homemade chocolates.

For lunch or casual dinner, remain downtown, where you can enjoy Pho Tibet, Schatzi’s Pub and Bier Garden, or Lola’s Cafe for a meal in a relaxed setting. If you need takeout for a hike, Russo’s Italian Deli provides excellent sandwiches.

While New Paltz generally offers casual dining, there are also upscale options. Try Runa Bistro for international dishes, ranging from French to North African; for Italian fare, A Tavola Trattoria is recommended. At Mohonk Mountain House, guests can experience the nine-course Chef’s Table dining or a monthly five-course wine pairing dinner, showcasing local farm-to-table cuisine.

Finally, for beverages, consider visiting Green Bar for fresh juices, Fuschia Tiki Bar for rum cocktails, and Huckleberry for a drink on a lovely patio. For beer and a game of pool, Bacchus Restaurant, Brewery & Billiards is the place to go.

Best Time to Visit New Paltz

New Paltz is a year-round destination, with summer being the peak season due to warm weather. However, while summer attracts many road trippers from New York City, fall emerges as a preferred time to visit, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds ideal for hiking. Winter is great for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, while spring often brings excellent hotel deals. Therefore, consider the season that aligns best with your preferences.

Getting There

New Paltz is easily reachable via Interstate 87, located 90 miles north of New York City. While downtown is pedestrian-friendly, having a car is advantageous for accessing hiking trails and nature preserves.

If a vehicle isn’t available, visitors can still reach New Paltz by taking a Metro North or Amtrak train to Poughkeepsie, then catching a taxi or using local public bus services. Additionally, Adirondack-Pine Hill Trailways bus service provides coverage in the area.

The closest airport is New York Stewart International Airport (SWF), roughly 30 minutes south of New Paltz. Other nearby airports include Westchester County Airport (HPN, 75 miles), Albany International Airport (ALB, 80 miles), LaGuardia Airport (LGA, 80 miles), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR, 85 miles), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK, 90 miles).