20 Best Things to Do in Saugerties, NY

Saugerties, New York sits at a sweet spot in the Hudson Valley — 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.

1. Opus 40 — 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.
2. Saugerties Lighthouse — 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.
3. HITS on the Hudson — 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 — the athleticism on display is stunning.
4. Partition Street strolling — The Village's main street has independent boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants worth an afternoon of wandering. Minimal chains, maximum local character.
5. Saugerties Farmers Market — Saturdays late spring through fall. Fresh produce, artisan foods, prepared breakfast vendors. Time your visit around market day if you can.
6. Kayaking the Esopus Creek — Rentals available locally. The Esopus winds through town and feeds into the Hudson — paddling this stretch is genuinely beautiful.
7. Catskill Mountain hiking — Trailheads for serious Catskill hiking are 20-30 minutes west. Giant Ledge, Slide Mountain, and Panther Mountain offer challenging trails with spectacular views.
8. Antique shopping — Saugerties has built a reputation as an antiques destination. Several serious dealers operate in and around town, ranging from affordable primitives to fine furniture.
9. Woodstock day trip — 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.
10. Rhinebeck day trip — Fifteen miles south. Rhinebeck is arguably the most charming village in the Hudson Valley — the Beekman Arms, Migliorelli Farm Stand, and a beautiful main street make it a great companion trip.
11. Olana State Historic Site — Frederic Church's Persian-inspired mansion overlooking the Hudson is 20 minutes away in Hudson, NY. The views alone are worth the visit.
12. Catskill Center for Photography — Rotating exhibitions and workshops in a serious photography gallery. Consistently interesting programming.
13. Saugerties Garlic Festival — 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.
14. Swimming at local spots — Ask locals for the best swimming holes on the Esopus. The creek has several accessible spots that are beloved summer traditions.
15. Cycling the valley roads — 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.
16. Art gallery hopping — 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.
17. Fresh farm stands — 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.
18. Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival — 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.
19. Local brewery scene — 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.
20. Sunset at the lighthouse park — 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.