Looking for the best things to do in Saugerties? We got you in this little getaway guide to this awesome spot in the Hudson Valley region of New York.
Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, this Hudson Valley escape is also at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, two of the most enchanting regions to visit in New York state. If you’re seeking a delightful weekend escape or a memorable stop along your journey, Saugerties promises an experience that embodies the essence of small-town charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
From unique stays to farm-to-table restaurants, antique shopping, and small-town charm. There are so many things to do in Saugerties, New York that make it worth a stop on your weekend getaway exploring the best things to do in the Hudson Valley or Catskills!
Getting to Saugerties New York
Located just over 100 miles from NYC, Saugerties is a popular destination for city dwellers. There are a variety of ways to get there, including Metro North trains, but Amtrak is the best way to go if you’re looking for carless options.
You can find regular trains departing for Hudson Valley from both Penn Station and Grand Central.
There’s no direct train service to Saugerties, so you’ll have to choose between Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck. Then, it’s just a short taxi or rideshare remaining 20 miles to your destination!
The town center is definitely walkable, but there are a variety of attractions further out that you may miss out on if you don’t have a car.
So, we suggest heading to the Rhinebeck station and picking up rental car at the Enterprise here, you’ll want to reserve a rental car in advance online though. With so many things to do in Saugerties, you may want the independence that comes with having a car! And if you want to drive your own car, the trip from to Saugerties NYC is about the same as a train ride.
What to do in Saugerties
Visit the Saugerties Lighthouse
One of the best things to do in Saugerties is visit the Saugerties Lighthouse! Situated at the mouth of Esopus Creek, this historic lighthouse offers a glimpse of the beauty along the Hudson River and is one of the few remaining historic lighthouses on the Hudson River!
You can easily visit by walking the scenic half-mile trail that winds alongside the Hudson River. It’s an easy nature walk, although it can be impassible at high tide, so it’s best recommended to plan your visit around high tide.
We visited in the winter and it was truly magical! Although, the breeze from the Hudson River is VERY chilly, so be sure to wear layers if you’re visiting during a colder season or day.
As you reach the water’s edge, you’ll see the unique red-brick structure that is the Saugerties Lighthouse. It was built in 1869 and included a lightkeeper’s quarter. After it was later abandoned, the lighthouse was declared a historical site and went through an extensive restoration. Today it houses a bed and breakfast (more on that below) and a museum.
With its rare square structure, this is one of the most unique of the Hudson River lighthouses and shouldn’t be missed! It’s also a nice place to spend an hour outdoors. The lighthouse is inside a small nature preserve that extends out onto the Hudson River.
It’s open from sunrise to sunset year-round. During the summer you can also tour the lighthouse on Sundays from noon to 3 PM.
Stay the Night in Saugerties Lighthouse!
One of the most memorable things to do in Saugerties is staying at the bed and breakfast inside the Saugerties Lighthouse. Yep, you can stay the night! It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy such a unique accommodation, one of the few East Coast lighthouses you can do that in. Imagine reading a book by the water or enjoying a quiet day of fishing!
When you stay at the Saugerties Lighthouse, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome from the family who runs it. They provide a hot breakfast each day and you can visit the one-room museum.
There are 2 guest rooms on the second floor, each featuring antique furnishings, tons of natural light, and a double bed. You can’t book them separately, so this is perfect if you prefer a private retreat!
A stay at this historic Hudson River lighthouse is a coveted event and reservations are often unavailable up to 6 months in advance. You can book dates from Thursdays through Sundays all year.
Wander Along Partition Street
Partition Street is the “Main Street” of Saugerties, NY, though there is an actual Main Street in town! Here you’ll find a variety of shops, eateries, galleries, and historical sites.
When you reach the intersection at Post Street, there’s a sign letting you know you’re in the “Saugerties Historic Business District.” This is where you’ll spend most of your time.
As you walk along Partition Street, you’ll see quaint 19th-century storefronts housing cute boutiques, jewelry stores, artisan shops, and more. This is an excellent destination for antique lovers with fun stops like Pop Vintage Antiques and The Saugerties Antique Center. You can explore The Well for thrifted treasures or pick up a used book at Our Bookstore.
Additionally, foodies will love the impressive dining options available along this main thoroughfare! There’s everything from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, serving delicious farm-to-table dishes, artisanal pizzas, or trendy gelato flavors. We highly recommend a stop by Josie’s Coffee for a pick-me-up.
Enjoy the View at Diamond Mills
Diamond Mills is a luxury boutique hotel nestled on the banks above Esopus Creek. Eating at the hotel’s BLACKBARN Hudson Valley restaurant is one of the best things to do in Saugerties. You can enjoy a farm-to-table menu designed each season by Executive Chef Marcos Castro while enjoying panoramic views of the Esopus Falls!
If you’re looking for places to stay in Saugerties, you won’t be disappointed with Diamond Mills. All rooms and suites boast modern amenities, stunning views of the waterfalls, and a line of boutique toiletries.
And for a little something extra, check out the latest addition to the hotel, the Diamond Spa. This full-service spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies.
Opus 40
About 15 minutes outside of Saugerties, NY is Opus 40, a one-of-a-kind sculpture park and museum. It’s become an iconic attraction in Hudson Valley, created by a local sculptor named Harvey Fite. Opus 40 tells of his creative vision and features his life’s work.
In the 1930s, Fite purchased an abandoned bluestone quarry. Using stone remnants from the quarry, he spent the next 40 years handcrafting an otherworldly landscape! The result is a sprawling outdoor sculpture park, covering over 6 acres.
You can visit Opus 40 and walk the winding stone paths to get a closer look at the intricate stone ramps, terraces, platforms, and elaborate geometric patterns. It’s quite the experience, seeing the beauty that Fite created throughout the park, blending nature and artistry together.
It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a nature walk. There are picnic tables on the grounds and you’re welcome to bring food. The park also features Fite’s home and studio, which now functions as a museum and gallery. Inside, you can see more of Fite’s work and learn about his artistic process, as well as his life. Opus 40 also hosts regular events and workshops that are open to all.
There’s a small admission fee for access to the sculpture park and museum. If you want to book a tour of the museum of grounds, there are some very entertaining ones. They’re only available on the weekends, and the price of the tour will include your admission to the park. Opus 40 holds different hours each season, so make sure to check their calendar for updates.
Attend the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival!
Need to ward off vampires? Then this is one of the best things to do in Saugerties for you. Haha, no but really, if you’re going to be in the area the last weekend of September and wondering what to do in Saugerties, look no further! The annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is a super popular event and you’ll have a blast.
The first Garlic Festival took place as a small event held in 1989 by a local farm. It was such a hit that attendance tripled the following year and Saugerties has never looked back! This festival is a showcase of the culinary versatility of garlic, with every kind of food vendor you can think of. You can buy garlic pickles, garlic bread, hot sauce, kimchi, and more. You’ll even find garlic honey, chocolate, and ice cream!
The wilder, the better it is at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. Take in the aroma of garlic wafting through the air as you peruse every known variety of garlic available for sale in the region. You can try free food samples or watch a cooking demonstration. There are also live musical performances, retail vendors, and family-friendly activities.
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is held at the Cantine Memorial Field Park in northern Saugerties. It’s a 2-day event that takes place at the end of September each year with tickets going on sale in June of the same year. Daily admission is available for purchase. It includes free parking and children under 12 are free to attend.
Hike the Trails at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
The Esopus Bend Nature Preserve is a beloved natural area and one of the best things to do in Saugerties, situated along a curve of Esopus Creek.
The 156-acre reserve is what’s left of farmland settled as far back as the 1600s. Abandoned by the mid-20th century, it was allowed to revert to a thriving ecosystem. Today, the reserve features diverse ecosystems for local wildlife, including wetlands, hemlock forests, and meadows.
Exploring the hiking trails of Esopus Bend Nature Preserve is one of the best things to do in Saugerties. There are 4 clearly defined trails, all marked either easy or moderate. While they’re a bit longer (the shortest is 1.2 miles and the longest is 4 miles), they offer a gentle path and scenic views through the reserve’s diverse ecosystems.
This is also a popular place for animal lovers and bird watchers, featuring an abundance of local wildlife. You’ll find everything from turtles and foxes to warblers and hawks. During the summer, the conservancy that runs the park hosts hikes, canoe trips, and more. You can visit the nature reserve any day of the year from sunrise to sunset.
Enjoy the Beauty at Falling Waters Preserve
For more hiking and beautiful scenery, Falling Waters Preserve is another excellent choice for those who want to get outdoors. The highlight of the reserve is its 2 namesake waterfalls, but the park also features fascinating bits of local history, tranquil forest paths, and stunning views of the Hudson River.
Across 149 acres, the Falling Waters Preserve has 4 hiking trails. From the parking lot, take the Father C. Jorn Trail to one of the waterfalls overlook. It’s an easy half-mile hike and there are benches near the falls where you can sit.
All year round, visitors to the reserve enjoy beautiful natural scenes. There are fields of wildflowers in the spring and an array of mushrooms in the fall. You can also find ruins of an old icehouse from when ice was stored here before it was taken south to New York City!
Bob Dylan’s “Big Pink” House
Fans of Bob Dylan won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Big Pink! Located halfway about 10 minutes west of Saugerties, NY, the private home is a legendary landmark on an unassuming neighborhood road. This is where Bob Dylan and The Band recorded what would later be released as “The Basement Tapes.”
Members of the Band rented the Big Pink house to be near Bob Dylan, who was recovering from a motorcycle accident at the time in nearby Woodstock. The men set up a recording studio in the basement and had songwriting sessions here!
While their music wouldn’t be immediately released, what was produced here would eventually have a major impact on the history of American folk rock.
While Big Pink is a private residence, the couple who own the house are very friendly to guests! Parnassus Lane is a private road and visitors should be considerate of the other residents on the block. But you’re welcome to take pictures of the house from the road, and the owners come out to talk when they’re around.
Or maybe consider renting the Big Pink! The infamous basement is available for private events and part of the house has been turned into a vacation rental in recent years.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
One of the best things to do in Saugerties is visit and support the Catskill Animal Sanctuary off Old Stage Road. Since 2001, this nonprofit organization has rescued and rehabilitated abused and neglected animals. They also focus on educational workshops that promote respect for all animals.
The sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for a variety of animals, like horses, pigs, chickens, sheep, and more. Many of these animals have been rescued from situations of cruelty or abandonment. At the sanctuary, they receive a new life with proper medical care, nutritious food, and love from staff and volunteers.
You can visit the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and meet and love on the animals by booking a tour. You’ll learn their individual stories and the truth of animal agriculture in the US. Private tours are available all year and offer a deeper look at the sanctuary, the resident animals, and the continued work being done. Seasonally, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary is also open to the public for tours.
If you need a special place to stay while in Saugerties, consider booking The Homestead. It’s a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse with 3 bedrooms. Renting the house gives you access to tours and the freedom to explore the sanctuary.
Go Antique Shopping!
One of our favorite things to do in Saugerties and Hudson Valley is antique shopping! There are so many hidden gems in town, but these were a few of our favorites:
Saugerties Antiques Center
Stuck on what to do in Saugerties first? Start here! This is your classic antique mall where you could potentially spend hours just exploring. You’ll find everything from oriental furniture to limited-edition comic books and everything in between.
Pop Vintage Antiques
Come to Pop Vintage Antiques for the stunning sweater sets and 1960s cocktail dresses and stay for the darling tchotchkes. There’s a hip retro feel to this antique store, with collections of Formica ashtrays, costume jewelry, and more.
English Garden Antiques
An elegant antique shop and custom frame store, this is where to stop for vintage home décor items and jewelry. Especially if you love wrought iron pieces that you just can’t find anywhere else, this is the perfect place for you! Explore tables and antique hutches with delicately displayed wall art, whimsical door knockers, and timeless necklaces.
Things to Do Near Saugerties, NY
While you’re looking for things to do in Saugerties, consider venturing out a bit. These nearby Hudson Valley towns are just as charming with their own unique attractions!
Check Out Kingston
Just south of Saugerties is Kingston, a beautiful city with a rich history and all kinds of attractions for every taste. You can visit the historic district of Uptown Kingston, known for its beautifully preserved 18th-century architecture, street art, and charming shops. Or visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the region’s maritime heritage.
The shopping is impeccable in Kingston, whether you like trendy boutiques, antique warehouses, or cute gift shops. And you have to experience the historic Stockade District, with all of its historical sites and 17th-century colonial architecture.
For more ideas check out all the best things to do in Kingston, this is hands down one of our absolute favorite places to visit in the Hudson Valley area.
Visit the Town of Catskill
Yes, you’re in the ‘Catskills’ but you can visit the town of Catskill too! Explore the historic Main Street, lined with antique stores gift shops, art galleries, and a variety of eateries. You can tour the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, the former home of the famous Hudson River School painter.
And outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Nearby you can tour the breathtaking Olana State Historical Site and explore the grounds. Or enjoy a scenic picnic at Dutchman’s Landing Park along the Hudson River.
Head to Woodstock
When you’re looking for what to do in Saugerties, you’ll see that Woodstock is the next town over. It’s not the actual music festival site (that’s a bit further away), but this is a really cool town known for its welcoming bohemian atmosphere. This is definetely one of the coolest small towns in New York to check out!
We love coming in different seasons to explore the vibrant town center. Especially along Tinker Street, you’ll find eclectic shops, art galleries, and top-notch cafes. If you love waterfalls, take a walk down to Woodstock Waterfall Park.
And picturesque Overlook Mountain offers breathtaking hiking trails and interesting historic ruins.
Visit the Town of Tannersville & Kaaterskill Falls
Tannersville is an eclectic village with a charming and colorful Main Street that looks like an old western town, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. It’s often lumped in with nearby Hunter, and together they make a great weekend getaway and one of the best towns in the Catskills to visit.
Nearby, you can do the majestic Kaaterskill Falls hike, one of the best waterfalls in New York. Go on a hiking adventure through the beautiful trails for views of the falls.
And in the winter, Tannersville turns into a ski town with guests flowing into ski and snowboard at Hunter Mountain, one of the best places to go skiing near New York City.
Things to do in Saugerties, NY (Post Summary):
- Visit Saugerties Lighthouse
- Stay the night in Saugerties Lighthouse
- Wander Along Partition Street
- Enjoy the View at Diamond Mills
- Opus 40
- Attend the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
- Hike the Trails at Esopus Bend Nature Reserve
- Enjoy the beauty of Falling Waters Preserve
- Bob Dylan’s “Big Pink” House
- Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Go Antique Shopping!
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