Stretching nearly 150 miles from Yonkers in Westchester County to the state capital of Albany, and spanning both sides of the Hudson River, the quaint towns in the Hudson Valley of New York are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
This fertile valley is full of family farms, orchards, and vineyards focused on sustainable food and regenerative agriculture. Its scenic views and quaint settings have inspired artists and writers. And its laid-back atmosphere has delighted vacationers for generations, from the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts to everyday travelers.
Here are the best Hudson Valley towns to visit, listed in counterclockwise order from New York City.
Note: Some of my experiences were hosted. All opinions are my own.
1. Tarrytown
Population: 11,500
Just 25 miles north of the nation’s biggest city, relive the glory days of the Gilded Age with a visit to Lyndhurst. The imposing limestone mansion overlooking the Hudson River was once the country home of “robber baron” Jay Gould, and it is one of the filming locations for HBO’s new original series The Gilded Age.
Then enjoy a modern Cantonese meal in a beautiful white porticoed mansion at Goosefeather, or dig into deliciously comforting pub fare at Bridge View Tavern. As the day comes to an end, watch the sunset from the scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park, or enjoy a leisurely 1.5-mile roundtrip stroll along the Hudson River bank to the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse before settling in at the Westchester Marriott for the night.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check out these additional historic mansions in the Hudson River Valley.
2. Sleepy Hollow
Population: 10,100
Adjacent to Tarrytown, the village of Sleepy Hollow is forever tied to Ichabod Crane thanks to Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. So begin your experience in this quaint Hudson Valley town by visiting the Old Dutch Church.
Although the Headless Horseman haunted the 17th-century church’s burying ground, the author of the spooky short story is buried in the adjacent Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. When visiting Sleepy Hollow Cemetery during the fall, take an evening walking tour to wind past the graves of William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Elizabeth Arden by the light of kerosene lanterns.
When you’re sufficiently spooked, wrap up your visit to Sleepy Hollow at Kykuit, the magnificent, 40-room Rockefeller Estate overlooking the Hudson River in Pocantico Hills.
Pro Tip: It’s best to visit Sleepy Hollow in October, not just because the whole town celebrates Halloween in a big way, but because the Old Dutch Church is only open to visitors then.
3. Katonah
Population: 2,100
Art lovers and history buffs will love the hamlet of Katonah, about 30 minutes north of Sleepy Hollow. Explore the Katonah Village Historic District with this walking tour to learn more about the century-old, beautifully maintained Queen Anne and Victorian buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If exploring makes you hungry, stop at the Blue Dolphin Diner for a taste of Italy in the heart of Katonah. Or visit The Whitlock for local flavors, from organic fruits and vegetables to craft beer and small-batch ice cream.
Halfway between this historic district and Cross River Reservoir is the Katonah Museum of Art, known as one of the best small museums in the United States. Art lovers won’t want to miss the ever-changing exhibits and attractions inside the long, rectangular building.
For a luxurious accommodation in this part of the Hudson River Valley, stay at the Bedford Post Inn. Co-owned by actor Richard Gere, this romantic, eight-room inn includes a yoga studio and two farm-to-table restaurants that range from a casual bistro to upscale fine dining. Or, stay at the historic Crabtree’s Kittle House in nearby Chappaqua.
4. Cold Spring
Population: 1,960
Just north of West Point, Cold Spring is home to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Covering more than 7,400 acres along the east bank of the Hudson River, the preserve is a gorgeous place to enjoy the great outdoors, especially from late spring through early fall. Admire the scenery and wildlife along the park’s hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. To explore the park from the water, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from Hudson River Expeditions.
For a truly unique experience at Hudson Highlands State Park, tour Bannerman Island (originally known as Pollepel Island). Home to the ruins of the Bannerman Castle, this lush isle offers truly unique views of the Hudson Valley. Note that you’ll start your visit to the island by climbing more than 70 stairs and will explore on foot, often by walking along unpaved paths and uneven surfaces.
While in Cold Spring, consider a visit to Magazzino Italian Art. In addition to gorgeous art installations, they have walking paths, and an undeniably cute family of Sardinian donkeys lives on the grounds!
Fuel up for a day of exploring Cold Spring with breakfast at Hudson Hil’s, where breakfast fare like farm-fresh eggs and stacks of pancakes is available all day. And when you’re ready to call it a day, stay at the Hudson House or Pig Hill Inn.
5. Beacon
Population: 14,400
Just 10 minutes north of Cold Spring, Beacon is another cute Hudson Valley town located right on the river. Grab a cup of coffee and a filling sweet or savory bowl at Kitchen & Coffee before exploring Dennings Point State Park on a peninsula that juts out into the Hudson River. Admire the contemporary art on display at Dia Beacon, and browse the shops that line Main Street as it winds through town.
When hunger strikes, dig into a fried chicken biscuit sandwich at The Beacon Daily; the sandwich was recently crowned Hudson Valley’s best. Or head to Melzingah’s Tap House for a burger and a brew just across the street from Fishkill Falls. For the best views of the falls, drink, dine, or stay at The Roundhouse.
And no matter which meal option you choose, don’t leave Beacon without a made-to-order s’more at the Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company. Note: you’ll probably want a bag of gourmet marshmallows and graham crackers to take home with you.
6. Poughkeepsie
Population: 30,500
One of the best ways to drink in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley is to walk across the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the tree-lined Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, and town of Poughkeepsie from 212 feet above the water as you stroll along the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Formerly the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson includes an ADA-compliant 21-story glass elevator. In addition to spectacular views (they’re best at sunrise and sunset), you can enjoy many discovery zones on both sides of the Hudson, including Highland Landing, the Poughkeepsie Waterfront, and Little Italy.
In addition to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph and Morse Code, was another Industrial Age household name who craved the peaceful beauty of the Hudson Valley. Today you can see the Italian-inspired mansion and tour the gardens of Morse’s home when you visit Poughkeepsie.
Pro Tip: To explore several Hudson Valley towns without changing hotels every night, Poughkeepsie is a great central location. Not only is it halfway between Tarrytown and Hudson on the river’s east bank, but its Mid-Hudson Bridge also provides easy access to the town on the left bank of the Hudson River.
7. Hyde Park
Population: 20,900
One of the largest towns on this list, Hyde Park, is closely linked to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the United States’s longest-serving president. History lovers will enjoy exploring the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt as well as his presidential library and museum.
After getting your fill of history, pair the great outdoors with adorable animals at Clover Brooke Farm. Cuddle a barnyard creature, say namaste to a llama, or hike with an alpaca. (And in case you’re wondering, llamas and alpacas are two different animals.)
Pro Tip: Although you likely won’t have an alpaca as a companion, here are more fantastic hikes in the Catskills.
For a great place to stay in Hyde Park, check out the Journey Inn. This bed and breakfast is just across the road from the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Each of the seven guest rooms is decorated with a theme related to the inn’s neighbors (the Roosevelts and Vanderbilts) or beloved destinations (like Tuscany and Kyoto).
8. Rhinebeck
Population: 7,780
One of the most notable sights in Rhinebeck, just 10 miles up the Hudson River from Hyde Park, is Wilderstein. This impressive three-story Queen Anne mansion, with its distinctive circular tower, was the family estate of Daisy Suckley. In addition to serving as a close confidant to FDR, Suckley bred Scottish terriers and gifted the president his beloved Fala.
In the heart of Rhinebeck’s downtown, enjoy Irish fare at Bia. Try the Irish fisherman’s stew filled with fresh-caught fish, cabbage, and potatoes served with chunks of brown bread and creamy Irish butter. And don’t leave without a nightcap of Irish coffee boozed up with a shot of Irish whiskey. Another delicious option in Rhinebeck is The Amsterdam, which serves upscale farm-to-table dishes as well as sells fine foods in its provisions market.
9. Tivoli
Population: 1,083
The residents of this village in Upstate New York enjoy saying, “i lov iT” (which is Tivoli spelled backward). And after picking your own seasonal produce at Mead Orchards, feeding the goats at Greig Farm, and enjoying a performance at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, you’ll be doing the same!
You’ll also love the Hotel Tivoli, a quaint but contemporary century-old building in the heart of town. There are 11 guest rooms on the second and third floors and a Mediterranean-inspired farm-to-table restaurant on-site.
10. Hudson
Population: 6,150
If your inner artist or architect is craving more time with the Hudson School art gang, then you won’t want to miss the Olana State Historic Site. This Moorish-style home on the banks of the Hudson River was home to Frederic Church, Thomas Cole’s star pupil.
Or embrace the region’s pastoral setting by taking a self-guided Scenic Sips tour of local wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries (using a designated driver, of course).
From locally sourced ingredients to Manhattans made with American whiskey, savor the area’s flavors at Wm. Farmer and Sons. Then spend the night at the Rivertown Lodge, a 27-room, independently-owned hotel that was once a movie theater.
11. Catskill
Population: 11,370
English artist Thomas Cole was so mesmerized by the rugged beauty of the Catskill Mountains region of the Hudson Valley that he organized a group of similarly inspired landscape artists known as the Hudson River School. Begin your visit to Catskill with a stop at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Cole’s home and studio. Then pair the great outdoors with awe-inspiring art by exploring nearly 20 Hudson Valley sights along the Hudson River School Art Trail that inspired the artist’s work.
To see one of the natural beauties of the Hudson River Valley for yourself, head 15 miles west of Catskill to Kaaterskill Falls. Take a short hike through the woods to a viewing platform that provides eye-level views of the waterfall as it plunges into the valley below.
While Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are all about the Headless Horseman, this area of the Hudson Valley embraces Washington Irving’s other popular character, Rip Van Winkle. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, head to the Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, where you can enjoy appetizers, burgers, and entrees that pair perfectly with their craft beer.
For a unique stay in the Hudson Valley, consider the Treetopia Campground, where you’ll find everything from canvas tents to brand-new Airstream campers. See this page for other incredible glamping destinations in Upstate New York.
When you’re ready to visit the next quaint Hudson Valley town, take the Hudson River Skywalk over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge that connects Catskill to Hudson. Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible views that will make you believe you’ve stepped into a Cole painting.
12. Cornwall-On-Hudson
Population: 12,700
Just across the Hudson River from Cold Spring, Cornwall-on-Hudson allows you to continue to embrace the Hudson’s Valley’s natural beauty at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. From frogs and fish to owls and opossums, you’ll get to meet some of the river dwellers and woodland creatures that call this area home at the museum’s Wildlife Education Center.
Foodies will enjoy a trip to Jones Farm, where guests can pick up farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and gourmet foods. Prepare a picnic basket for a day of exploring the great outdoors, or grab locally sourced ingredients to whip up a meal if your accommodations include a kitchen.
If you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, then visit Painter’s Tavern for a wide range of American cuisine. The Canterbury Brook Inn is a Swiss restaurant offering Alpine-inspired cuisine that pairs well with wines from the Finger Lakes region. And if you have a hankering for pulled pork or slowly smoked ribs, Brothers Barbecue has the best barbecue in the Hudson Valley.
Here are additional recommendations for a weekend in the gorgeous Hudson Valley.
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