Quick Summary:

  • Why is New Paltz a great day trip from NYC?
    • If you are looking for fun day trips from NYC, consider New Paltz, a small, picturesque town in New York State between New York City and Albany.
  • What is New Paltz known for?
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in New Paltz?
    • The Shawangunk Ridge that overshadows the town is considered one of the best rock-climbing sites in North America.
  • Are there wineries near New Paltz?
    • New Paltz is surrounded by great wineries, and visitors following the Shawangunk Wine Trail often visit the area.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Enjoy the outdoors at Minnewaska State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Enjoy the outdoors at Minnewaska State Park | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of FashionStock - Fotolia.com

2. Go hiking in Mohonk Preserve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Go hiking in Mohonk Preserve | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of Ruth P. Peterkin - Fotolia.com

3. Taste delicious new wines at Robibero Winery

Category: Food & Drink
Taste delicious new wines at Robibero Winery | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of Franco Nadalin - Fotolia.com

4. Browse art at DM Weil Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Browse art at DM Weil Gallery | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© DM Weil Gallery

5. Hike along The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

Category: Activities
Hike along The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of Reid Dalland - Fotolia.com

6. Pick your own apples in the fall at Dressel Farms

Category: Activities
Pick your own apples in the fall at Dressel Farms | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of mashiki - Fotolia.com

7. Have pizza and cider at Twin Star Orchards

Category: Activities
Have pizza and cider at Twin Star Orchards | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Twin Star Orchards

8. Go bird-watching in The Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary

Category: Activities
Go bird-watching in The Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of jgorzynik - Fotolia.com

9. Visit the decadent Lagusta's Luscious chocolate shop

Visit the decadent Lagusta's Luscious chocolate shop | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Lagusta's Luscious

10. See a show at the John R. Kirk Planetarium

Category: Kids & Family
See a show at the John R. Kirk Planetarium | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Courtesy of tragoolchitr - Fotolia.com

11. Admire art at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Admire art at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art

12. Go shopping at Water Street Market and DENIZEN Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Go shopping at Water Street Market and DENIZEN Theatre | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Water Street Market and DENIZEN Theatre

13. Get pampered at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House

Category: Activities
Get pampered at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Pixel-Shot/stock.adobe.com

14. Pick your own berries at Jenkins Lueken Orchards

Category: Activities
Pick your own berries at Jenkins Lueken Orchards | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© Ruud Morijn/stock.adobe.com

15. Work out at BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym

Work out at BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym | Things to Do in New Paltz, New York
© BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym

16. Have lunch at P&G's

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