visit new paltz suny

• Virtual Tour
• New Student Info
• Inclusive Excellence
• Brightspace
• Information Technology Services
• my.newpaltz.edu
• People Finder
• Microsoft 365 (Email)

• Majors & Minors
• Academic Calendar
• Schedule of Classes
• Undergraduate Catalog
• Graduate Catalog
• Graduate Studies
• Departments & Programs
• The Honors Program
• International Programs
• Undergraduate Admission
• Graduate Admission
• International Admission
• What Can I Do With This Major?
• Our Mission
• Accreditation
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Our Latest Rankings
• Visitor's Guide
• Hawks Athletics
• Wellness & Recreation
• The Dorsky Museum
• Theatre Box Office
• Residence Life
• On-Campus Dining
• Campus Bookstore
• New Paltz Engage

About New Paltz

• Why New Paltz?
• At a Glance
• History of the Campus
• Visitor Information
• Welcome Center
• Virtual Tour and Videos
• Mission Statement
• About the New Paltz Identity
• Distinctions, Accolades, and Honors
• Events Calendar
• What's in a Building Name?

SUNY New Paltz 1 Hawk Drive New Paltz, NY 12561 845-257-SUNY (7869) 877-MY-NP-411 (toll free)

• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Fine & Performing Arts
• School of Science & Engineering
• Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies
• A-Z Listing
• Alumni Relations
• Construction Update
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Emergency Response Plan
• Financial Aid
• Foundation & Support
• Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy
• Maps, Directions & Parking
• Office Hours & Availability
• Privacy Policy
• Report an Accessibility Issue
• TerminalFour Login
• University Police

• Virtual Tour
• Accepted Students
• Orientation
• Information Technology Services
• my.newpaltz.edu
• People Finder

Office of Admission

• International
• Readmission
• Veterans & Military
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Majors & Minors
• Campus Tours

Information for...

Office of Undergraduate Admission (845) 257-3200 • [email protected]

STUDENT & FAMILY TOURS

We've gone virtual! Consistent with the guidence from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Governor Andrew Cuomo's directive , SUNY New Paltz has decided to extend the cancellation of all on-campus events until further notice.  We hope that you consider one of our virtual options.

Register here for your virtual appointment.

OPEN HOUSES

The Office of Undergraduate Admission is in the process of working towards offering Virtual Open House events for students to engage remotely with the campus.  Please check back at a later date for more information.

GROUP TOURS

We offer tours specifically designed to accommodate High School and Community Groups. If you would like to schedule a visit for a group of 10-50 students, we request you make your reservation well in advance as dates are limited.  More Info

SUNY New Paltz 1 Hawk Drive New Paltz, NY 12561 845-257-SUNY (7869) 877-MY-NP-411 (toll free)

• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Fine & Performing Arts
• School of Science & Engineering
• Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies
• International Programs
• A-Z Listing
• Academic Calendar
• Alumni Relations
• Bias Reporting Form
• Construction Update
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy
• Emergency Response Plan
• Foundation & Support
• Free Speech: Your Rights and Responsibilities
• Maps, Directions & Parking
• Office Hours & Availability
• Privacy Policy
• Report an Accessibility Issue
• TerminalFour Login
• University Police

Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY.

• Accessibility
• Adirondack Attractions
• Spotlight: Adirondacks
• Spotlight: Lake George
• Lake Placid City Guide
• Central NY Attractions
• Spotlight: Cooperstown
• Binghamton City Guide
• Greater Niagara Attractions
• Spotlight: Buffalo & Niagara Falls
• Buffalo City Guide
• New York City Attractions
• Capital Saratoga Attractions
• Spotlight: Albany
• Albany City Guide
• Chautauqua-Allegheny Attractions
• Spotlight: Jamestown and Chautauqua-Allegheny
• Hudson Valley Attractions
• Spotlight: New Paltz
• Spotlight: Hudson Valley
• Thousand Islands Attractions
• Catskills Attractions
• Spotlight: The Catskills
• Finger Lakes Attractions
• Spotlight: Rochester
• Spotlight: Syracuse
• Spotlight: Finger Lakes
• Syracuse City Guide
• Rochester City Guide
• Long Island Attractions
• Spotlight: Long Island
• Fall Foliage Report
• Leaf Identifier
• Land Adventures
• Whitewater Rafting & Tubing
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Excursions by Boat
• Motorcoach Tours
• Motorcycling in New York
• Scenic Byways
• Scenic Train Rides
• Weekend Getaways
• Black History & Culture
• History Museums
• Underground Railroad
• Path Through History Weekend
• Art Museums
• Performing Arts
• Architecture and Design
• People and Cultures
• Buffalo Wings
• Cideries and Distilleries
• New York Pizza
• Restaurants
• Maple Sugaring
• Amusement Parks
• Animals & Zoos
• Indoor Water Parks
• Outdoor Water Parks
• Kids' Museums
• LGBTQ Resources
• Shop LGBTQ New York
• New York State Recipes
• Affordable Getaways
• Watchable Wildlife
• Natural Wonders
• Nature Centers
• State and National Parks
• Caverns and Mines
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Auto Racetracks
• Horse Racetracks
• Arts and Crafts
• Farmers Markets
• Flea Markets
• Malls and Outlets
• Senior Travel
• Romantic Getaways
• B&B / Inns / Farm Stays
• Dude Ranches
• Cabins / Cottages
• Hotels / Motels / Resorts
• Festivals & Annual Events
• Food & Drink
• Film Festivals
• Arts & Culture
• Expos / Shows & Sales
• Sports & Gaming
• Coronavirus Resources for Travelers
• Amtrak Discount
• Travel around New York State from NYC
• Trip Planner
• New York State Welcome Centers
• Travel Guides
• Offers & Deals
• I LOVE NY Mobile App

Mohonk Mountain House

Spotlight: New Paltz, NY

This vibrant village is home to a lively music scene, farm-to-table eateries, charming boutiques and cafes, the SUNY New Paltz campus, and historic Mohonk Preserve. From hiking and biking to wining and dining, here's everything you need to know for a trip to this down-to-earth Hudson Valley village.

Jump to: Spend a day  |  Spend a weekend  |  Spend a week  |  Where to stay  |  Where to eat  |  What the locals say  |  Cool things to know  |  Getting there  | Weather

Three things you can't miss:

2.  Mohonk Preserve:  Experience the natural beauty of the Shawangunk Mountains with more than 70 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, biking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.

3.  The Testimonial Gateway:  View the massive, beautiful stone archway and tower that served as the formal entrance to Mohonk Mountain House from 1908 to 1935. Surrounded by 110 acres and lined with large oak trees, it's an iconic Hudson Valley site.

Spend a day:

• Check out  Mohonk's Lemon Squeeze . The rock scramble takes you through boulders, trails, and ladders as you climb to the top where sweeping panoramic views of the Hudson Valley await.

Spend a weekend: 

• Bike Mohonk Preserve or  Minnewaska State Park . These local nature preserves have more than 50 miles of bike trails to experience the great outdoors, from scenic Lake Awosting to the Millbrook Mountain carriageway, you're guaranteed to find stunning overlooks of the Hudson Valley.

Sunday:  • Grab a tasty bite at  Main Street Bistro , a local favorite that was voted Best Breakfast 2015 and Best Bistro 2015 by  Hudson Valley Magazine . 

• Sip on the freshest, local drinks at  Robibero Family Vineyards . Enjoy tastings, cellar tours, picture-perfect views of the Hudson Valley, an outdoor fire-pit, and more. Voted Best Family-Friendly Vineyard 2012 by  Hudson Valley Magazine , it's a destination you won't want to miss.

Spend a week:

• Explore  Mohonk Preserve  and  Mountain House . Voted one of the World's Best, Top 100 Hotels in the World 2015 by  Travel + Leisure , this lavish Victorian castle allows full access to Mohonk Preserve with more than 8,500 acres of Catskill wilderness and 110 miles of trails and carriage roads for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more.  

• Climb  Mohonk's Lemon Squeeze , a rock-scramble hike that takes you up, around, through, and over boulders as you climb to the Sky Top Lookout for breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.

• Bike the  Wallkill Valley Rail Trail , a 23-mile trail surrounded by picturesque streams, hillsides, and forests that stretches from Gardiner, through New Paltz, and on to Kingston. Rent bikes from  Bicycle Depot , $40 for the day or $27 for the afternoon, and cruise through picturesque Hudson Valley.

While you're biking...

• Grab a pint at  Keegan Ales , an award-winning brewery serving craft stouts, ales, and food. An easy 14-minute cycle from the Wallkill trailhead in historic Kingston, NY visitors can enjoy weekend tours of the brewhouse year-round.    • Stop by the  Dressel Farms  stand for fresh apples, cider, honey, maple syrup, and ice cream available with the seasons. • Quench your thirst at  Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery , a quick 20-minute cycle from the Wallkill trailhead, that offers tours and tastings year-round with weekday hours running June through October.

• Visit the  Testimonial Gateway , an iconic stone archway, and watchtower, which includes 110 surrounding acres that served as the official entrance to Mohonk Mountain House from 1908 to 1935.

• Climb to new heights at  The Inner Wall , an indoor rock climbing gym with reservations available for private or group lessons. 

• Relax at the  Spa at Mohonk Mountain House , which was named the #1 Resort Spa in the United States by  Condé Nast Traveler's annual Spa Poll for 2013 and "One of the Top Three Hotel Spas" in  Travel + Leisure's  World's Best Awards. The 30,000-square-foot Spa wing includes 16 treatment rooms, a solarium with a stone fireplace, outdoor heated mineral pool, fitness center, yoga studio, and more.

• Ride horseback through Mohonk Preserve with the Mohonk Stables guided horse, pony, and carriage tours. Horse rides are led by experienced guides to ensure safety and enjoyment. Trail rides are $45 per person per ride; $55 per person for the day; $45 for private lessons.     

• Visit  DM Weil Gallery , a modern art gallery with colorful abstract creations, this museum brings fun and entertainment to every aspect of the fine arts. Enjoy free admissions, studio tours, special exhibits, and complimentary wine, espresso, and other treats at this creative hotspot. 

• Drink in the crisp, clean, and fruity flavors at  Robibero Family Vineyards . Producing fresh artisan wines, visitors can enjoy tastings, weekend tours, and the beautiful landscape at this charming winery that was voted Best Family-Friendly Vineyard 2012 by  Hudson Valley Magazine .

Sunday: 

• See history come to life at  Historic Huguenot Street . Nestled on the banks of the Wallkill River, visitors can explore this 17th-century community with guided tours of the church, homes and archaeological sites of New Paltz's first French settlers.

• Experience the charming village atmosphere when you stroll down  Main Street  lined with authentic shops, boutiques, and cafes. Continue exploring this funky college-town by walking through the  SUNY New Paltz  campus where you can visit the  John R. Kirk Planetarium  and view Old Main, the university's oldest building, dating back to 1908.

New Paltz Hotels:

Americas Best Value Inn:  A clean, comfortable inn with a fitness room and continental breakfast, located conveniently near New Paltz attractions.

Midrange: 

The Inn at Orchard Heights: A charming 1888 Victorian home with spacious bedrooms, private baths, sun parlor, and beautiful outdoor garden for relaxing and dining.

Mountain Meadows Bed & Breakfast:  A warm, homey B&B with spacious grounds overlooking the Shawangunks, heated in-ground pool and hot tub, fireplace, and patio dining to accompany your delicious homemade breakfast.

Mohonk Mountain House:  Named one of the World's Best Resorts in the Continental U.S. 2015 by  Travel + Leisure Magazine  and "One of the Top 10 Resorts in NY State & Mid-Atlantic" by  Condé Nast Traveler Magazine  2015 Readers' Choice. This grand Victorian castle offers lavish suites, an award-winning spa, and Mohonk Preserve.

Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa:  Beautiful 75-acre Hudson Valley estate providing lodging, farm-to-table dining, and a luxurious spa located in nearby Milton, NY.

New Paltz Restaurants:

$ Main Street Bistro:  A neighborhood favorite, this cozy eatery was voted Best Breakfast 2015 and Best Bistro 2015 by  Hudson Valley Magazine .

$$  Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant:  Traditional German cuisine paired with full-bodied beer and wine makes for an authentic dining experience with a contemporary flair.

Bacchus:  This lively, cool restaurant serves tasty eats and in-house craft beer from The Brewery at Bacchus. Enjoy live music, billiards, and local art.

The Gilded Otter:  A family-friendly restaurant and brewery serving American-style cuisine and craft in-house brews, this Main Street spot is conveniently located next to the Wallkill River making it a perfect stop on your way to and from Mohonk Preserve.

A Tavola Trattoria:  Elegant Italian cuisine with a rustic country touch focused on farm-to-table dining with a seasonally inspired menu. Voted Best Italian Restaurant 2013, Best Pasta 2014, and Best Restaurant in Hudson Valley 2013 –2014 by  Hudson Valley Magazine .

End Cut:  French-Italian fusion in Downtown New Paltz with an emphasis on local produce and farm-to-table dining.

What the locals say:

"Main Course Restaurant is so innovative, serving whatever is new from Australia to Williamsburg, the menu is ever-changing with the seasons." -Butch Dener, Retired Road Manager for The Band

"The Falcon Cafe in nearby Marlboro hosts world class bands, artists, and musicians from all over. The local music scene is so strong here, music lovers should come to the Hudson Valley — it's amazing." -Butch Dener, Former New Paltz Committee Chairman

"New Paltz is a local-minded community focused on sustainable agriculture, farm-to-table style restaurants, and supporting artists and musicians."  -Kristen Warfield, Editor-in-Chief The New Paltz Oracle

Cool things to know:

• If New Paltz looks familiar, it might be because you've seen it on TV. HBO hit show Girls filmed at SUNY New Paltz where the campus and surrounding village stood in for the University of Iowa during season 4, and the long-running cult hit Supernatural features Sam and Dean visiting New Paltz in the episode "Provenance," about a haunted antique painting. • The Testimonial Gateway served as the formal entrance to Mohonk Mountain House and housed the park watchmen from 1908 to 1935.

Getting there:

• Take  Amtrak  or  Metro-North  service to the Poughkeepsie station. Then take a 20-minute taxi ride to the village of New Paltz (approximately $21 fee per taxi).

• From NYC: 2 hours • From Albany: 1 hour • From Buffalo: 5.5 hours • From Boston: 4 hours • From Philadelphia: 3 hours • From Montreal: 4.5 hours

•  Stewart International Airport  in nearby Newburgh carries  JetBlue ,  American ,  Delta , Norwegian , and  Allegiant  airlines. 24-hour taxi service available for approximately $50 for the 30-minute drive. 

More things to do in Hudson Valley

48 hours in beacon.

Once a mill village with an industrial past, now a thriving haven for artisans. more

10 Car-Free Weekend Getaways from NYC

Itching to get out of the city? Here are some weekend getaways that will cure cabin fever more

48 Hours in the Hudson Valley & Catskills

In the fall, the Hudson Valley turns into a leaf peeper’s paradise. more

48 Hours in Newburgh

Home to Washington's Headquarters, and a top destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. more

Show some love for New York State

Come get social with your favorite state!

Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our  privacy policy .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• United States
• More to Explore
• Things To Do

The Top 8 Things to Do in New Paltz, New York

An easy jaunt from NYC (about 80 miles away), the small, neo-bohemian enclave at New Paltz holds a reputation for culture, the great outdoors, and all-around fun that far surpasses its size. Home to the popular State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, it’s a college town at its core – but New Paltz is so much more than that. It’s a springboard into the Shawangunk Mountains (aka “The Gunks”) that stand majestically on the town fringes, where hiking trails, glacially carved lakes, and some of the best rock-climbing east of the Mississippi await. Fitting for its bucolic Hudson Valley locale, farms, orchards, and wineries on the outskirts of town beckon visitors to their bounty.

Back in the village center, an old rail trail-turned-linear park welcomes scenic strolling and biking, while lively Main Street and its offshoots come lined with hippie-flavored boutiques, farm-to-table eateries, charming coffeehouses, and plenty of watering holes, too. And then there’s the rich history: New Paltz is one of the oldest communities in the country, with the colonial-era architecture to prove it. Be sure to make the most of your visit, with this handy hit list of the 8 top things to do in New Paltz.

Step Back in Time on Huguenot Street

Photo credit: Oleg Albinsky / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images  

New Paltz’s roots go deep, reaching back many centuries to the days of the indigenous Esopus tribe, on to the start of the town’s colonial chapter in 1677. Catch a glimpse of what times were like for both groups of early settlers on transporting Huguenot Street , a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District fronting the Wallkill River.

Numerous structures still stand from the 17th-century seedling community established here by French Huguenot families fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Said to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in the U.S., the site includes seven preserved colonial stone houses, a reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church, as well as a replica wigwam. Gain a sense of what life was like for New Paltz’s pioneers via guided walking tours, archeological sites, interpretive displays, and special programming (like haunted tours in October).

Tip: Also on Huguenot Street, a visit to the 56-acre Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary , with its lovely river and mountain views, oxbow landscape of wetlands and ponds, and rich bird life, makes it easy to see why these early settlers so happily chose this spot.

Go Shopping on Main Street

Photo credit: Christine Ashburn

New Paltz spills over with an assortment of cool bars, coffee shops, eateries, and mom-and-pop shops that propose a dose of inspired retail therapy. Most boutiques line the walkable main drag, Main Street, and the streets that offshoot it. Look out for Groovy Blueberry , loaded with ‘60s-styled clothing; indie bookshops Inquiring Minds Bookstore and Barner Books ; retro record store Jack’s Rhythms ; sporting goods outfitter Rock and Snow ; or Handmade & More for women’s clothing and unique gifts. Or, try the town square-esque Water Street Market , a mini open-air shopping village containing stores like the Antiques Barn , chockablock with finds from 26 dealers, and Himalayan Arts , hocking merchandise sourced from Himalayan cultures like Tibet. 

Head Into the Mountains

Photo credit: Walter Bibikow / Photolibrary / Getty Images  

The Shawangunk Ridge, the Shawangunk Mountains, or simply The Gunks – however you want to call it, the mountain ridge that presides over New Paltz demands further exploration. Visitors have three main entry points to explore the mountain terrain, forests, lakes, and waterfalls contained here, where a bevy of opportunity for hiking, biking, rock-climbing, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even horseback riding awaits.

Technically situated within the neighboring town of Gardiner, the 12,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve proposes plenty of hiking and carriage road trails leading to sites that include three “sky lakes,” sheer clifftop overlooks touting breathtaking Hudson Valley views, and waterfalls like Awosting Falls.

Next door, the 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve offers scenic trails (like the Bonticou Crag), but is better known as the gateway to prime rock-climbing country, including popular steep-faced sites like The Trapps. In-town outfitters Alpine Endeavors can (literally) show you the ropes on guided climbing outings here.

Better yet, base your stay at (or purchase a day pass to) the transporting, Victorian-style Mohonk Mountain House , a lavish all-inclusive resort dating to 1869. Perched on Lake Mohonk and adjoining the Mohonk Preserve, the lovely landscaped grounds here offer easy access to the ridge’s landmark Skytop Tower.

Hike or Bike the Rail Trail

There’s no need to dash off into the mountains for a little taste of nature, though: Sections of the 22-mile-long Wallkill Valley Rail Trail – following the line of the now-defunct Wallkill Valley Railroad, which ceased operations in the late ‘70s – runs right through the heart of New Paltz, continuing on to the neighboring towns of Gardiner, Rosendale, and Kingston. The linear park is frequented by hikers, joggers, cyclists, and dog-walkers; in winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers step in.

Expect a rich palette of pastoral features: orchards and farms, forests and meadows, distant mountain views and bridges spanning rivers and creeks. While most of the trail surface is made up of packed dirt and gravel, there is one paved section in New Paltz (running from Plains Road to Broadhead Avenue). Tip: Pedal the path with bikes rented from New Paltz's Bicycle Depot .

Wander the SUNY New Paltz Campus

The vibrancy of New Paltz is largely owed to the contagiously youthful energy that SUNY New Paltz ’s students and academic life lend to it. A stroll through its energized campus is a pleasure, especially in the more atmospheric historic sections that include the Old Main building, which dates back more than a century.

Pop into the on-site Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art for its permanent collection and rotating exhibitions showcasing artists from the Hudson Valley and around the globe. Or, visit the John R. Kirk Planetarium , which hosts free public shows in its 44-seat domed theater on select evenings; the Smolen Observatory likewise hosts public telescope viewings on scheduled "astronomy nights." The university puts on a host of music and theater performances, as well as special lectures, throughout the year, too, including the annual PianoSummer series of summertime piano concerts.

Get Your Art Fix at Local Galleries

If the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art has whet your appetite for even more art, you’re in luck, with several quality arts institutions set within New Paltz's midst. Try the Unison Arts Center for its outdoor sculpture walk, cultural performances, and arts-themed workshops; DM Weil Gallery , featuring a colorful contemporary arts collection from painter DM Weil; or the Mark Gruber Gallery , showcasing fine art shows from local Hudson Valley artists.

Quench Your Thirst at Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries & Wineries

The Hudson Valley has seen boom times of late for small-batch brewing and distilling, and New Paltz hasn't missed a boozy beat. Taste local craft brews in the heart of town at spots like The Gilded Otter gastropub; Bacchus , an all-in-one restaurant, brewery, and pool hall; or the tasting room outpost of Accord-based Arrowood Farm- Brewery . Hard cider’s on the menu, too, at Brooklyn Cider House at Twin Star Orchards or Kettleborough Cider House. For spirits, Coppersea Distilling turns out whisky, bourbon, and brandy using "farm-to-glass" distilling methods; they're open for tours and tastings.

More traditional than trendy, New Paltz falls within one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the U.S. Two wineries are located in town, including  Adair Vineyards and Robibero Family Vineyards ; the latter is a stop on the Shawangunk Wine Trail , a regional wine trail featuring 13 Hudson Valley wineries.

Get Farm-Fresh Fare Straight From the Source

The Hudson Valley, with its fertile farmlands flanking the Hudson River, has long been renowned for the generous bounty of the land. New Paltz is no exception, with several quality farms open for public visits. Dressel Farms ranks tops for “you-pick” produce, with a spring-to-fall season spanning everything from strawberries and peaches to pumpkins and apples. More dedicated apple orchards abound—try Twin Star Orchards , Jenkins Lueken Orchards , or Apple Hill Farm .

Wallkill View Farms pairs pick-your-own offerings with a notable year-round market; while the seasonal New Paltz Farmers Market brings local produce and artisinal fare to Church Street (between Main and Academy streets) on Sundays, from June through October.

Related Articles

More related articles.

• UG Admission
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Majors & Minors
• Virtual Tour

Visit Us Virtually

   Visiting Campus

SUNY New Paltz 1 Hawk Drive New Paltz, NY 12561 845-257-SUNY (7869) 877-MY-NP-411 (toll free)

• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Fine & Performing Arts
• School of Science & Engineering
• Graduate & Extended Learning
• International Programs
• A-Z Listing
• Academic Calendar
• Alumni Relations
• Construction Update
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Emergency Response Plan
• Foundation & Support
• Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy
• Information Technology Services
• Maps, Directions & Parking
• Office Closings
• University Police