The Best Things To Do In New Paltz (From A Local)

After living in New Paltz for over four years, I have compiled a list of the best things to do in New Paltz. You’ll want to visit again and again (speaking from personal experience). New Paltz has been rated one of the best small towns in America by Buzzfeed and I couldn’t agree more. Growing up in Brooklyn, I never truly realized how much I love the outdoors and these places all hold a special place in my heart. Concrete jungles have nothing on the amazing scenery you will find just an hour and a half north of Times Square! Explore New Paltz and fall in love with a change of scenery right here! This is great for anyone from the adventurer to the relaxer and everything in between. Presenting to you the Top 16 Places to Explore in New Paltz!

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Top Things To Do In New Paltz: Sightseeing

1. Sunflower Fields at Walkhill View Farm: Around August, this is a true beauty to see during the summer months until around mid-September. Walk along Main Street past the Groovy Blueberry store, or drive to Walkhill View Farm to see the beautiful roadside sunflowers peaking out of the fields. Pro Tip: The best time to see these in full bloom is mid-August to mid-September.
2. Historic Huguenot Street: A National Historic Landmark from one of the earliest settlers of the New Paltz Area offers a deep-rooted history with over 10 homes preserved from the 1700s. Around a 15-20 minute walk throughout all of the homes allows you to fit this in at any time of day! The beautiful architecture of mesmerizing historic homes brings you back to the 1700s for sure. I always loved the look of these homes and hope one day to live in a home just like it! Can you agree?
3. A Quiet Place Bridge: Have you seen the movie? Well, now you can recreate the iconic scene. A hidden surprise with yet another beautiful view of the fall foliage.
4. Overlook Pass: If you’re not into hiking but want to get a nice photo? No worries, New Paltz has it all! Drive to the overlook pass and see breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley!
5. New Paltz Peace Sign: A staple photo-op for this “hippie town” right along Main and Church Street near Main Street Bistro. Snap a picture and bam, you’re a New Paltz Tourist!
6. Smolten Observatory: A perfect place to embrace your inner astronaut with free access to this observatory on SUNY New Paltz’s campus! They even taught me how to take this beautiful photo from the telescope with my phone!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Adventurous Things To Do In New Paltz (For a Beginner)

1. Awosting Falls: A gorgeous, light hike with beautiful views of the fall foliage. Fall in love with fall and all of the beauties that nature has to offer! This is one of my favorite parts of living in New Paltz, seeing views like this.
2. River to Ridge Trail: Biking is such a fun activity, and once I figured out that the River to Ridge trail was not private property, the game changed! I can easily bike 10 miles a day on this!
3. Kayak Along Walkhill River: Such a therapeutic activity, let me tell you!. I am all about water sports and this one I just can’t get enough of! Check it out and book it for yourself!
4. River to Ridge Trail: Biking is such a fun activity and once I figured out that the River to Ridge trail was not private property, the game changed! I can easily bike 10 miles a day on this!
5. Rosendale Trestle: Only a 30-minute drive from New Paltz is Rosendale and even better is the Rosendale Trestle. This has amazing views overlooking the mountains and a city view!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Advanced Adventurous Excursions

1. Caving in Kingston: One of the most thrilling things that I have done in my entire life. Claustrophobic? You’ll definitely find out during this experience! I had such an amazing experience. Right before doing this, someone asked me if I was claustrophobic, but little did I know what I was about to get myself into! I was claustrophobic to say the least, but it was so, so, so fun!
2. Lemon Squeeze Hike: A challenging but perfect day hike for the adventure enthusiast! A combination of a hike and rock scrambles gives you beautiful views! What more could you ask?
3. Overlook Mountain: My very first hike in New Paltz has a special place in my heart. A full day of hiking will leave you sore the next day, but the view at the top is all worth it!
4. The Shawangunks: With the help of Rock & Snow’s guides, SUNY New Paltz students and I were able to enjoy the beautiful sunny day filled with rock climbing. A bit challenging at first, but the guides were extremely helpful and even taught us how to belay! Grab a pair of climbing shoes and head to the mountains! Freestyling is so fun because you just try your best, and as long as you have crash pads, you will be fine!

Looking for some fun hikes near New York? There’s a ton near New Paltz like Awosting Falls, Minnewaska Park & High Peters Kill to name a few. For the full list, check out the blog post below!

Best Hikes in New York: An Ultimate Guide (Updated 2025)

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Markets & Farms You’ll Adore

1. New Paltz Farmers Market: Every Sunday in the Summer and Fall, the New Paltz Open Air Market sells local and fresh produce. There is room for 18 vendors and 2 community groups each week! Look at their page for more information!
2. Dressel Farms: Looking to buy gourds? Then you came to the right place! Enjoy a candid of me picking some out for myself. There are so many to choose from! A great, family-friendly farm with both apple and pumpkin picking. Access to picnic tables and a distillery as well! Great photo ops and hayrides for all!
3. Walkhill View Farm: Another great farmers market with delicious treats and a wonderful selection of pumpkins and all things Fall! I went here with my friends and had such a great time! When you get a chance to come here, pick up an apple strudel, you will not regret it at all in the slightest.
4. SUNY New Paltz Campus: A breathtaking view of New Paltz and the rest of the Hudson Valley. SUNY New Paltz’s campus is truly a sight to see. For the not-so-interested hikers, this view does just the job!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Best Food In New Paltz

1. Brooklyn Cider House: This is arguably the best place to get the fall experience. Pick apples, eat delicious pizza, and enjoy a nice fire. Surrounded by good company, you really cannot go wrong at all.
2. B-Side Diner: The best diner in New Paltz hands down. Everything tastes so good, and if you haven’t been here, then you are completely missing out. You must!! If you love eggs and balsamic vinegar, get the Breakfast Bruschetta.
3. Pho Tibet: I’d have to follow up on that lunch option after a long bike ride. Welcome to Pho Tibet, the most refreshing, tasty food that will fuel you up after a long workout! Highly recommend getting the chicken sandwich and the pho! Enjoy!!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

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Day Trips From New Paltz

New Paltz is a great starting point for exploring Northern New Jersey upstate New York, and fun annual events. Did I mention you can come up EVERY season? Yes, the fall foliage in New Paltz is like no other. Skiing upstate at Hunter Mountain or a winter camping adventure in Mountaindale is exciting. One of the most rewarding hikes I’ve ever gone on was in the Adirondacks, and we stayed at the cutest tiny cabin! If you like dressing up, then the Renaissance Faire is the perfect way to get in the medieval mood!

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There You Have It

New Paltz is one of my favorite towns which has a big piece of my heart. From going to college here to going on backpacking trips and making great memories, New Paltz is the best. I hope you have the opportunity to see its charm and not take it for granted! Even if you’re visiting NYC for a weekend, it’s worth venturing upstate to New Paltz even for the day (I’ve done it plenty of times). Let me know what your favorite part about going to New Paltz is & happy exploring!