From Opus 40 to the Saugerties Lighthouse, here are the top things to do in Saugerties, NY β a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley.
Saugerties, New York sits at a sweet spot in the Hudson Valley β close enough to NYC to make it a easy weekend trip, yet genuinely off the beaten path enough that it retains its character. Here are 20 things that make it worth the drive.
- Opus 40 β Harvey Fite spent 37 years hand-carving 6.5 acres of bluestone into one of the most remarkable sculpture environments in North America. Open weekends May through October. Don't miss it.
- Saugerties Lighthouse β Hike 0.5 miles through a tidal marsh to reach an 1869 lighthouse on the Hudson River. You can stay overnight in the B&B rooms inside the lighthouse itself. One of the most unique experiences in the Hudson Valley.
- HITS on the Hudson β World-class equestrian events run spring through fall at this massive facility on Kings Highway. You don't need to know anything about horses to find it fascinating β the athleticism on display is stunning.
- Partition Street strolling β The Village's main street has independent boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants worth an afternoon of wandering. Minimal chains, maximum local character.
- Saugerties Farmers Market β Saturdays late spring through fall. Fresh produce, artisan foods, prepared breakfast vendors. Time your visit around market day if you can.
- Kayaking the Esopus Creek β Rentals available locally. The Esopus winds through town and feeds into the Hudson β paddling this stretch is genuinely beautiful.
- Catskill Mountain hiking β Trailheads for serious Catskill hiking are 20-30 minutes west. Giant Ledge, Slide Mountain, and Panther Mountain offer challenging trails with spectacular views.
- Antique shopping β Saugerties has built a reputation as an antiques destination. Several serious dealers operate in and around town, ranging from affordable primitives to fine furniture.
- Woodstock day trip β Ten miles west. Yes, the festival was actually in Bethel (then Woodstock), but the town itself is a genuine Hudson Valley arts community worth a half-day. Galleries, tie-dye, excellent restaurants.
- Rhinebeck day trip β Fifteen miles south. Rhinebeck is arguably the most charming village in the Hudson Valley β the Beekman Arms, Migliorelli Farm Stand, and a beautiful main street make it a great companion trip.
- Olana State Historic Site β Frederic Church's Persian-inspired mansion overlooking the Hudson is 20 minutes away in Hudson, NY. The views alone are worth the visit.
- Catskill Center for Photography β Rotating exhibitions and workshops in a serious photography gallery. Consistently interesting programming.
- Saugerties Garlic Festival β Held in late August, this is one of the largest garlic festivals in the US. Two days of garlic-centric food, music, and vendors. A genuine local institution.
- Swimming at local spots β Ask locals for the best swimming holes on the Esopus. The creek has several accessible spots that are beloved summer traditions.
- Cycling the valley roads β Route 9W and the parallel river roads offer relatively flat cycling through farmland and river views. Several bike touring companies run guided routes through this area.
- Art gallery hopping β The town and surrounding area have dozens of working artists with studios. Open studio weekends (typically fall) give access to artists' spaces throughout Ulster County.
- Fresh farm stands β Saunderskill Farm, Davenport Farms, and several others within 15 minutes offer the kind of just-picked produce that's impossible to get anywhere near the city.
- Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival β Pete Seeger's legendary environmental music festival runs annually at Croton Point Park, just south on the Hudson. Worth the drive for the music, activism, and river vibe.
- Local brewery scene β Craft beer has found a natural home in the Hudson Valley. Several excellent breweries operate within 30 minutes of Saugerties, with taprooms worth visiting on a weekend afternoon.
- Sunset at the lighthouse park β Even if you don't hike to the lighthouse, the parking area at the end of Lighthouse Drive has a public park with Hudson River views. Sunset here is genuinely spectacular.
Check our events calendar for what's happening during your visit.