Just a few hours’ drive from New York City or Philadelphia, the Hudson Valley unfolds with rolling hills, riverfront towns, and a creative spirit that has inspired artists for centuries. There’s a gentler pace that complements the gorgeous landscape. After visiting with no expectations, I was smitten by the region and quickly booked another visit.
The Hudson Valley stretches up and down New York state along the river with a dizzying array of things to do — and genuinely, there is something for everyone! With this guide, I aim to help you plan the perfect Hudson Valley weekend getaway, featuring the best towns to visit, can’t-miss activities, a sample itinerary, and top restaurant picks.
Best Towns to Visit in the Hudson Valley
Catskill & Coxsackie: Historic Riverfront Charm
It was the charming and cozy voco James Newbury Hotel that attracted my attention and turned Coxsackie into a home base for multiple trips. The hotel’s river-view king rooms are an affordable luxury. The small town has been revitalized in recent years. It matches a modern riverfront park with docking for boats and self-serve rental kayaks with a collection of redeveloped shops and restaurants.
Just downriver, Catskill has a similar feel: authentic and old school, with a key role in the Hudson River School as home to Thomas Cole.
Hudson: A Shopper’s Paradise
You could be easily forgiven for mistaking the town of Hudson for Brooklyn. Warren Street, its long main shopping corridor, is lined with restored historic buildings housing high-end boutiques, antique shops, and cafes that feel trendy and tempting. Just outside of the downtown area, there’s more to discover as well, including an Amtrak train station and The Antique Warehouse, a sprawling marketplace for seemingly everything.
Kingston: Where History Meets Hip
If you’re wondering what to do in Kingston, start at the waterfront. It has a walkable area along the river and a small maritime museum that first caught my attention. A cluster of shops and restaurants lines the streets around the waterfront, like Clove & Creek. On the other side of town, the historic Stockade District offers more shops and restaurants to explore.
Rhinebeck: A Quintessential Village Experience
Rhinebeck simply exudes quintessential small-town feelings. With a walkable downtown, it’s full of curated independent shops and plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating. There are so many fantastic things to do in Rhinebeck, NY, from visiting the historic Beekman Arms Inn to grabbing a treat at Samuel’s Sweet Shop (whose co-owners include actors Jeffery Dean Morgan and Paul Rudd).
Top Things to Do: Hudson Valley’s Best Art, History & Nature
Explore Top Hudson Valley Art Museums & Sculpture Parks (Olana, Opus 40 & More)
The Hudson Valley is rich in many things, and art is one of them. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to Hudson Valley museums.
The region was once the breeding ground for the Hudson River School, a 19th-century art movement of landscape painters. Today, you can still step into their world by visiting the homes and studios of two of the most noted artists of the group: Thomas Cole and his protégé, Frederic Church.
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site preserves Cole’s home and studio in Catskill, NY. Across the river in Hudson, NY, Frederic Church’s sprawling Olana State Historic Site property sits atop a hill, an eclectic blending of influences from his international travels.
Unsurprisingly, both artists’ homes have stunning views, but Olana, which is newer, is remarkable and a masterpiece in itself.
For fans of more contemporary art, there are spots like Art Omi and Opus 40. These outdoor sculpture parks merge nature with thoughtful art pieces.
Harvey Fite transformed a bluestone quarry into Opus 40 in Saugerties, NY. Using the bluestone, he built ramps, walls, pedestals, and more. Visitors are able to explore the sculpture firsthand, traversing paths and through narrow winding passageways.
At Art Omi, in Ghent, NY, a rotating collection of sculptures and architectural works is set on approximately 120 acres. Experiencing the art is really special: you hike through woods and across meadows.
Step Back in Time at Historic Mansions & Sites
One name: Vanderbilt. It evokes the indulgence and luxury of the Gilded Age. At the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, tours take you inside to see one of the homes belonging to Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife, Louise.
The spacious Beaux-Arts style house is full of European antiques hand-selected by the couple, including tapestries and furniture, set on a hill overlooking the river.
For a quieter spot, head to Historic Catskill Point, a waterfront park located at the merging of the Hudson River and the Catskill Creek. There you’ll find two restored 19th-century buildings: the Freightmasters Building and the Historic Warehouse. You’ll also find stunning views of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and a glimpse of Olana.
Go Shopping for Antiques & Local Goods
Throughout the region, you’ll find carefully curated independent boutiques and shops offering unique pieces. In Coxsackie, Pilothouse Paper has an overflowing selection of cute stationery and fun gifts. For music, check out the independent record store Rhinebeck Vinyl Vault.
Antiques are also a staple of the Hudson River region, each offering something a little bit different. At the Antique Warehouse in Hudson, sellers set up their own “shops” within the sprawling complex. There’s so much there it could take days to explore it all thoroughly!
Enjoy a Hudson Valley Scenic Drive or Walk
For some extra solace, fill up the gas tank and head to the open roads for a scenic drive of the Hudson Valley. It’s a visual feast: the Catskill Mountains towering in the background over wild meadows and dense woods, while historic buildings dot the landscape. Consider Route 9G on the east side of the river or Route 385 on the west.
But spectacular views aren’t limited to the car. To savor the views on foot, Poughkeepsie’s Walkway Over the Hudson is a former railway bridge turned park that’s 1.28 miles long.
Where to Eat: A Taste of the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley offers a vibrant food scene with a little of everything. Menus typically focus on fresh, organic, and delicious.
For riverfront seafood, check out spots like Mariner’s Harbor in Kingston or Frank Guido’s Port of Call in Catskill. Want to indulge in NY-style BBQ? Try Smoky Rock BBQ in Rhinebeck or J&J Smokehouse BBQ in Catskill. Patrick Henry’s in Coxsackie offers a pizza-centric menu.
For a sweet treat, check out Golden Harvest in Valatie. The orchard and farm store is known for its apples, and their apple cider donuts are some of the best!
A Perfect 3-Day Hudson Valley Itinerary
- Day 1: History in Hyde Park & Kingston.
Start your weekend getaway in the southern Hudson Valley with a stop in Hyde Park to see how the other half used to live at the Vanderbilt Mansion. Then stroll along the riverfront in Kingston for some shopping and dining. - Day 2: Art & Views in Hudson & Catskill.
Learn more about the Hudson River School art movement with a visit to Thomas Cole House and Church’s Olana. Then head into Hudson to soak up the trendy atmosphere and explore the boutiques and shops. - Day 3: Outdoor Sculpture & Rhinebeck. (Opus 40 or Art Omi, lunch in Rhinebeck)
Spend the final day of your weekend getaway by enjoying the great outdoors and getting some culture at Opus 40 or Art Omi. After you get your steps in, head to Rhinebeck for a relaxed lunch.
Getting There & Getting Around
For better or for worse, a car is needed for getting around the region.
The drive time depends on what part of the valley you’re heading to. But in general, from Albany, it’s about an hour; from NYC, it takes about two hours; from Philadelphia and Boston, it takes about three to four hours. Drive time between the towns is roughly 15 to 20 minutes, again, depending on where you’re going.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to limit the drive time, there is the option to take the train, then rent a car. There are Amtrak stations in Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Hudson; car rentals are available in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and Hudson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Hudson Valley
What is the best time of year to visit the Hudson Valley?
The Hudson Valley is beautiful year-round, but the most popular times are fall (late September to October) for the stunning foliage and summer (June to August) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Spring offers beautiful blooms, while winter provides a cozy, quiet escape.
Is the Hudson Valley worth visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, the Hudson Valley has something for everyone. Its combination of scenic beauty, charming towns, and world-class cultural sites makes it a top-tier destination.
How many days do you need in the Hudson Valley?
A 3-day weekend is perfect for getting a great taste of the region, allowing you to explore a few towns and key attractions without feeling rushed. However, you could easily spend a week or more discovering all the hidden gems the valley has to offer.
Do you need a car in the Hudson Valley?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. While some towns like Hudson are accessible via Amtrak, the top sights, scenic drives, and smaller towns are spread out. A car gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. If you plan to use the train, consider renting a car to get around upstate.
Ready to Plan Your Hudson Valley Weekend Getaway?
What I find appealing about the Hudson Valley is that it’s anything you want it to be. The drive isn’t too far from NYC, Philadelphia, or Boston, so there’s no excuse for a quick weekend getaway. The stunning landscape invites relaxation, but there’s plenty to explore without getting bored.
What are you most excited to do in the Hudson Valley? Share your plans in the comments below!
All photos and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
