Perched where the Hudson River meets the Catskills, Saugerties, NY is one of the Hudson Valley’s most charming small towns. Historic streets, mountain views, and river breezes all come together. Just about two hours north of New York City, it makes for an easy weekend escape or a perfect stop on a Hudson Valley road trip.
Saugerties has a little bit of everything: a walkable downtown filled with antique shops and cafés, a small restaurant and bar scene, unique cultural landmarks like the Opus 40 sculpture park, and outdoor gems from the Saugerties Lighthouse to Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. Add in year-round draws like the famous Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, fall foliage, and summer afternoons at the village beach, and you’ve got a destination that feels both lively and laid-back.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer getaway, this guide covers the best things to do in Saugerties, where to eat and drink, and the top places to stay.
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Best Time to Visit Saugerties
Summer and early Fall are the most popular times to visit. People make the trek up from New York City to hike, kayak on the Hudson, and shop at the famers market. And then as the foliage turns, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival and nearby apple picking draws big crowds.
How to Get to Saugerties
Saugerties is about two hours north of New York City, making it an easy escape to the Hudson Valley.
- By Car: The fastest way is to drive straight up I-87 (the New York State Thruway) to Exit 20, which takes you right into the village. Having a car also makes it easy to explore nearby towns like Woodstock or Kingston.
- By Bus: Trailways runs direct buses from NYC’s Port Authority to Saugerties daily, dropping you off in the heart of the village.
- By Train: Amtrak stops at Rhinecliff station, about 20 minutes away. From there you’ll need a short car ride or taxi/ride share to reach Saugerties.
Where to Stay in Saugerties
The above are just some of my favorite hotels in and around Saugerties.
Diamond Mills: A boutique luxury resort overlooking the Esopus Creek/Waterfall, with upscale amenities like a spa (Waterside Spa), one of the top restaurants in the area (Blackbarn Hudson Valley), and beautiful views from many rooms.
Autocamp Catskills: Stylish, glamping-meets-hotel vibes, with cabins and upgraded 31-foot Airstream trailers. There is a quite nice clubhouse with boardgames, free bikes, a restaurant, and outdoor firepits. I highly recommend AutoCamp for families getting out of the city for a bit.
The Lighthouse: For a truly unique overnight, you can actually stay at the Saugerties Lighthouse, a historic 1869 beacon perched right on the Hudson River. The lighthouse operates as a bed-and-breakfast with just two cozy rooms, offering guests the chance to unplug — there’s no TV or WiFi, just river views, oil lamps, and the sounds of nature. Accessible only by a half-mile walking trail, it feels worlds away yet is just minutes from the village. It’s one of the most memorable and unique lodging experiences in the Hudson Valley.
Howard Johnson: More budget-friendly option less than 2 miles west of downtown. Basic amenities and indoor pool but it’s clean and does the job. Abby’s restaurant is the equivalent of an on-site diner for a convenient breakfast through dinner.
The Village Inn: A quaint inn right in the heart of Saugerties Village. Rooms are comfortable, intimate, and walkable to shops & restaurants. Good choice if you want life in the village.
You might also want to search VRBO listings in Saugerties for more options.
Top Things to Do in Saugerties
Saugerties Lighthouse
Built in 1869, the Saugerties Lighthouse is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. A half-mile nature trail through wetlands leads to the lighthouse, which sits right on the Hudson River and offers sweeping views. It’s a peaceful spot for photos and picnics. You can even book a stay overnight in the historic inn inside. 168 Lighthouse Dr
Opus 40
Opus 40 is a one-of-a-kind sculpture park created from an old bluestone quarry. Artist Harvey Fite spent nearly four decades hand-crafting walkways, terraces, and stone structures across six acres, making it an incredible place to wander. Today, visitors come not only for the art but also for concerts and events held throughout the season. 356 George Sickle Rd
Seamon Park
Known for its vibrant fall foliage, Seamon Park is a hidden gem right in Saugerties. The park is beautifully landscaped with walking paths, fountains, and gazebos, making it a relaxing place for a stroll or a picnic. Each autumn, it becomes a riot of color that draws photographers and leaf-peepers alike. 5 Malden Ave
Saugerties Village Beach
Saugerties Village Beach is tucked away on the Esopus Creek at South Partition Street. And while it is quite small, this sandy beach offers a swimming dock, a playground for kids, picnic areas, and kayak/boat launch access. Lifeguards are on duty for July-August. 47 S Partition St
Saugerties Farmers Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday, the Saugerties Farmers Market is a must. Local farmers, bakers, and artisans set up stalls with fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts. Live music and cooking demos often add to the lively atmosphere, making it a fun way to experience the local community. The farmers market runs 10-2pm from late May to October. 115 Main St.
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is a two-day celebration of garlic (the “Stinking Rose”) held in late September every year in Saugerties.
It hosts kids’ activities, live music, arts & crafts vendors. But as the name suggests, garlic is the focus. You’ll find fresh garlic from local farms, garlic products, garlic French fries, and even garlic ice cream. Small World Ave
The Best Restaurants in Saugerties
The Dutch
A longtime staple in downtown Saugerties, The Dutch Ale House is the go-to spot for craft beer and hearty pub fare. The tap list leans heavily on Hudson Valley breweries, so it’s a great place to sample local flavors alongside seasonal cocktails. The menu features elevated comfort food, with things like meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and schnitzel.
Dining is in a lively, rustic space that balances old tavern charm with modern touches. Whether you’re grabbing a pint after exploring or settling in for dinner, The Dutch delivers that cozy Hudson Valley vibe.
Black Barn Hudson Valley
Located at the Diamond Mills Hotel, Blackbarn Hudson Valley brings a touch of upscale dining to Saugerties with a strong farm-to-table focus. The restaurant is known for its seasonal menus that highlight ingredients from Hudson Valley farms, crafted into refined American dishes with bold flavors. The dining room pairs rustic wood and modern design, while the outdoor patio overlooks the falls on the Esopus Creek to create one of the most scenic dinner views in town. There is also a tavern side, which is more casual and my preferred area for brunch or a quick burger and beer.
Perfect for a romantic night out or a special occasion, Blackbarn elevates the Saugerties dining scene while staying true to its local roots.
Miss Lucy's Kitchen
A cornerstone of the Saugerties dining scene, Miss Lucy’s Kitchen is beloved for its cozy atmosphere and true farm-to-table approach. The menu changes frequently based on what’s in season, but you can always expect hearty comfort food with a refined twist. Inside, the rustic décor and mismatched farmhouse tables make it feel like you’re dining in a country kitchen, while the warm, friendly service adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place where locals gather and visitors quickly feel at home.
Coffee Shops in Town
Josie's Coffee Shoppe
Whether you want a quick dose of morning caffeine or a slow and relaxing start to your day, Josie’s Coffee Shoppe is a local favorite.
This cozy café serves up expertly brewed coffee, lattes, and seasonal specialty drinks, along with a selection of pastries and light breakfast items that pair perfectly with your cup. The space has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that is ideal for grabbing a quick morning pick-me-up or lingering with a book and a pastry. With its friendly service and central location, Josie’s is a great stop before exploring downtown Saugerties.
Olsen & Company
If you happen to find this cafe tucked away off Partition Street, then you might think it’s just a cute coffee shop at first. And it is a great place to stop in the mornings for a coffee and perhaps a breakfast sandwich or yogurt with granola.
But if you stop by later in the day, you’ll find Olsen & Company also serves some pretty good cocktails, as well as wine, cheese, and charcuterie.
Other Food and Sweets
If you head out to Opus 40, you might want to stop by at Smokehouse of the Castskills, a beloved butcher shop and deli. It is especially known for German-style smoked meats, sausages, and specialty imported items.
Or if you finished a hike in the warm summer months, make sure to stop by Sawyer Ice Cream Company for a cool treat.
And if you want something quick, Slices of Saugerties serves up the best pizza in town.
Thanks for reading and I hope my travel guide for Saugerties, NY is helpful! Check out some of my other blogs below!
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