Saugerties, NY is one of the most charming small towns in the Hudson Valley, sitting at the point where the Catskill Creek meets the Hudson River. About two hours north of New York City, Saugerties makes for a great weekend trip or a long day trip if you’re up for it.
This Saugerties travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting: things to do in Saugerties, NY, where to eat and drink, and where to stay in Saugerties, NY. Whether you’re here for a quick afternoon or a full weekend, you’ll find a town that feels genuinely lived-in rather than built for tourists.
Landmarks like the Saugerties Lighthouse and Opus 40 give it an identity you won’t find anywhere else in the Hudson Valley. Add in the annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, summer afternoons at the village beach, and a food and drink scene that keeps getting better, and Saugerties earns its place as one of the most worthwhile stops along the river.
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Where to Stay in Saugerties
These are my recommended hotels in Saugerties, NY, organized by price and type. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, a unique overnight, or a solid budget option, there’s something here for most travelers.
UPSCALE
Diamond Mills
Diamond Mills is the standout hotel in Saugerties, a boutique resort built around the waterfall on the Esopus Creek. Rooms vary in size but many have direct water views, and the property feels polished without being stuffy. The on-site Blackbarn Hudson Valley restaurant is one of the best dining options in town, so you don’t even need to leave for a great dinner. The Waterside Spa rounds out the amenities for anyone looking to fully decompress.
It’s the top pick if you want a true Hudson Valley resort experience without driving to a bigger city. Rates reflect the quality, so check prices on weekdays if budget is a consideration.
ESOPUS CREEK VIEWS | SPA | RESTAURANT & BAR | BOUTIQUE LUXURY
UNIQUE
Autocamp Catskills
AutoCamp sits in a wooded setting west of the village and offers something genuinely different: restored 31-foot Airstream trailers and wood cabins that split the difference between camping and a hotel stay. The clubhouse is well done, with board games, complimentary bikes, a restaurant, and outdoor firepits that make it easy to settle in and stay a while.
It’s a strong pick for families wanting to get out of the city without sacrificing comfort, and a good fit for anyone who wants nature nearby without roughing it. Book ahead — it fills up fast on summer and fall weekends.
WOODED SETTING | GLAMPING | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | RESTAURANT & FIREPITS
UNIQUE / ROMANTIC
The Saugerties Lighthouse
The Saugerties Lighthouse is one of the most unusual places to spend a night in the entire Hudson Valley. Built in 1869, this working lighthouse on the Hudson River operates as a two-room bed-and-breakfast, and getting there requires a half-mile walk through wetlands along the nature trail. There is no TV, no WiFi, and no road access — just river views, oil lamps, and a quiet that’s hard to find anywhere else.
It books up well in advance, especially in summer and fall. This one is booked directly through the lighthouse — no third-party platforms.
HUDSON RIVER VIEWS | B&B | ADULTS | HISTORIC | BOOK DIRECT
BOUTIQUE INN
The Village Inn
The Village Inn is a small, comfortable inn right in the heart of Saugerties. Rooms are cozy rather than lavish, but the location is hard to beat. You’re within walking distance of the restaurants, shops, and the farmers market on Partition Street. It’s a sensible choice if you want to feel embedded in the village rather than driving in from a highway property.
VILLAGE CENTER | WALKABLE | BOUTIQUE INN
BUDGET
Howard Johnson by Wyndham
The Howard Johnson is a straightforward budget option about two miles west of downtown Saugerties. Rooms are basic but clean, and the indoor pool is a plus for families. Abby’s Restaurant on-site covers breakfast through dinner if you don’t want to drive into the village. It won’t win any design awards, but it does the job at a price that reflects it.
BUDGET | INDOOR POOL | ON-SITE RESTAURANT | ROUTE 9W
Top Things to Do in Saugerties
Saugerties packs a lot into a small town. You’ve got a lighthouse you can hike to, a one-of-a-kind sculpture park, a village beach on the Esopus Creek, and one of the biggest garlic festivals in the Northeast. Whether you’re here for a full weekend or just a day, these are the best things to do in Saugerties, NY.
Hike to the Saugerties Lighthouse
Built in 1869, the Saugerties Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Hudson Valley. A half-mile trail through wetlands leads out to the lighthouse, which sits right where the Esopus Creek meets the Hudson River. It’s a peaceful walk with big views at the end. You can also book one of the two rooms inside for an overnight stay unlike anything else in the area. 168 Lighthouse Dr
Explore Opus 40
Opus 40 is a six-acre sculpture park carved out of an old bluestone quarry in the hills above Saugerties. Artist Harvey Fite spent nearly four decades hand-building the walkways, terraces, and stone formations by himself, and the result is genuinely unlike anything else you’ll find in New York. Beyond the art, the park hosts concerts and events throughout the season. Worth every minute. 356 George Sickle Rd
Stroll Through Seamon Park
Seamon Park is a small but beautifully kept village park that earns its reputation in fall when the foliage hits. Walking paths, fountains, and a gazebo make it a nice stop for a slow morning or afternoon. It’s not a destination on its own, but if you’re already in the village it’s worth a loop, especially in October. 5 Malden Ave
Swim at Saugerties Village Beach
Tucked along the Esopus Creek at South Partition Street, Saugerties Village Beach is small but well set up. There’s a swimming dock, a playground, picnic areas, and kayak and boat launch access. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August. It’s a good spot for families or anyone who wants to cool off on a summer afternoon. 47 S Partition St
Shop the Saugerties Farmers Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday between late May and October, the Saugerties Farmers Market is worth building your morning around. Local farmers, bakers, and artisans set up along Main Street with fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts. Live music and the occasional cooking demo keep it lively. It runs 10am to 2pm. 115 Main St
Attend the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is one of the most popular fall events in the region, drawing big crowds to Saugerties each September for a two-day celebration of the “Stinking Rose.” Local farms sell fresh garlic, vendors hawk garlic-everything (yes, including garlic ice cream), and live music and kids’ activities round out the weekend. If your visit lines up with it, don’t miss it. Cantine Field, Small World Ave
Watch World-Class Show Jumping at HITS
HITS on the Hudson is one of the premier equestrian show jumping venues in the country, hosting competitions from spring through fall just outside Saugerties. Even if you’re not an equestrian, watching the jumping rounds is genuinely exciting and admission is free for most shows. It’s a unique slice of Hudson Valley culture you won’t find in many other small towns. 454 Washington Ave Ext
The Perfect Weekend in Saugerties, NY
If you’re planning a weekend trip to Saugerties, NY, two days is plenty of time to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
Day 1 Start your morning with coffee at Josie’s Coffee Shoppe on Partition Street before wandering through the village shops and antique stores downtown. Spend your afternoon at Opus 40 and give yourself at least two hours to explore the bluestone terraces and quarry grounds. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon, then head to The Dutch for a casual dinner and a local Hudson Valley beer, or splurge on dinner at Blackbarn Hudson Valley at Diamond Mills if you’re in the mood for something more upscale.
Day 2 Start the morning with the hike out to the Saugerties Lighthouse — the trail is about a mile round trip through wetlands and the views from the point are worth the walk. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, time your return to catch the Saugerties Farmers Market on Main Street before it wraps up at 2pm. Spend your afternoon at Saugerties Village Beach on the Esopus Creek, or drive out to AutoCamp Catskills for a drink at the clubhouse if you want a different scene. Grab lunch before heading home at Miss Lucy’s Kitchen or pick up something from Slices of Saugerties if you want something quick.
Best Restaurants in Saugerties, NY
Saugerties has a solid restaurant scene for a town its size, with options ranging from farm-to-table dinners to casual pub fare and good coffee. These are the best restaurants in Saugerties, NY worth knowing before you visit.
The Dutch
The Dutch is a historic restaurant and craft beer bar on Main Street that has been a gathering spot in Saugerties since 1933. The tap list leans heavily on Hudson Valley breweries, making it a great place to sample local beers alongside seasonal cocktails. The menu is hearty comfort food done well: meatloaf, chicken pot pie, schnitzel, the kind of food that fits a beautifully restored prohibition-era space.
The crowd tends to be a good mix of locals and visitors, and the atmosphere is lively without feeling forced. It’s casual enough for a post-hike pint and solid enough for a proper dinner. Personally, it’s my favorite spot in town.
Black Barn Hudson Valley
Blackbarn Hudson Valley is the on-site restaurant at Diamond Mills Hotel, and it’s the most upscale dinner option in Saugerties. The menu is farm-to-table American, driven by ingredients from Hudson Valley farms and overseen by Escoffier Award-winning chef John Doherty. The seasonal menu changes regularly but the focus stays consistent: refined dishes with local roots.
The dining room overlooks the Esopus Creek waterfall, which makes for one of the better dinner views you’ll find in the Hudson Valley. There’s also a more casual tavern side, which is my preference for brunch or a burger and a beer without the full dinner commitment. Good for a special occasion, but not so stiff that you need one.
Miss Lucy's Kitchen
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen has long been the most celebrated restaurant in Saugerties, and for good reason. The menu is classic American comfort food built around locally sourced ingredients, with seasonal dishes that change based on what’s available. The bread is made in-house and the kitchen garden supplies fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a step above pub food without tipping into precious territory.
The space is warm and lived-in, with wooden furniture and vintage details that lean country without feeling forced. It draws a mix of locals and Hudson Valley weekend visitors and consistently ranks as the top restaurant in town. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
The Red Onion
The Red Onion sits in a pre-1850s farmhouse on Route 212 between Saugerties and Woodstock, and it has been one of the most consistently well-regarded restaurants in the area since it opened in 2002. The menu is New American with a strong farm-to-table focus — house-made pastas, daily seafood specials, and a wine list that has earned a Wine Spectator award. It ranks just behind Miss Lucy’s Kitchen as the second highest-rated restaurant in Saugerties on TripAdvisor.
I haven’t visited personally, but the reputation is well established and it comes up on nearly every list of the best restaurants in Saugerties, NY. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Open for dinner nightly except Wednesdays, with Sunday brunch.
Best Coffee Shops in Saugerties, NY
Saugerties has a couple of standout spots worth knowing for your morning coffee or a midday break. Both are locally owned, both are on or just off Partition Street, and both are worth more than a quick stop.
Josie's Coffee Shoppe
Josie’s Coffee Shoppe is the kind of place that makes a town feel like home. Owner Vanessa Piazza moved from Brooklyn to Saugerties and opened Josie’s in 2020 with a simple idea: create a space where people actually want to linger. Named after her grandmother, the café sits at 174 Partition Street and serves coffee, lattes, and breakfast in Saugerties alongside light lunch and local beer and wine later in the day.
The space is warm and thoughtfully designed, and it draws a loyal crowd of locals and visitors alike. If you’re in Saugerties on a weekend morning, start here before heading out to explore. Open Tuesday through Sunday, with morning hours starting at 7:30am on weekdays and 8:30am on weekends.
Olsen & Company
Olsen & Company is a family-run cafe, market, and bar tucked just off Partition Street on Jane Street — easy to miss, worth finding. Co-owners Marianne, Elizabeth, and Janelle Olsen have been running it since 2017 with a focus on clean, locally sourced ingredients. No artificial flavors, no added sugars — just well-made food. The breakfast sandwich on local bread with pasture-raised eggs and pesto mayo is the best seller for good reason, and the croissants are worth stopping for on their own.
Come back later in the day and the vibe shifts — Olsen & Company also serves wine, beer, cheese, and charcuterie, and opens Friday evenings for small plates. It’s part cafe, part specialty market, part neighborhood bar, and it works. Open daily except Wednesdays.
Sawyer Ice Cream Company
If you’re in Saugerties on a warm afternoon, Sawyer Ice Cream on Ulster Avenue is worth a stop. Owned by the Siracusano family behind the iconic Sawyer Motors dealership next door, the shop has a genuine 1950s ice cream stand feel — chrome, neon, walk-up windows, and over 30 flavors of handcrafted hard ice cream alongside soft serve, floats, shakes, and root beer on tap. Open daily noon to 9pm.
Other Food and Sweets
Smokehouse of the Catskills If you’re heading out to Opus 40, it’s worth stopping at Smokehouse of the Catskills on the way. This beloved butcher shop and deli specializes in German-style smoked meats, sausages, and specialty imported items — good for picking up provisions before a hike or just browsing. 724 NY-212
Slices of Saugerties For a quick and casual meal, Slices of Saugerties is the go-to spot for pizza in town. Nothing complicated — just solid pizza when you want something fast and easy. 71 Partition St
Best Time to Visit Saugerties
Summer and early fall are the most popular times to visit, and for good reason. From June through August the village beach is open, kayaking on the Esopus Creek is at its best, and the farmers market runs every Saturday. September brings the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival and the start of fall foliage, which peaks in October and draws big crowds from the city.
Spring is quieter and a good option if you want to avoid weekend traffic — Opus 40 reopens for the season and the village is easy to navigate. Winter is the slowest season but Saugerties stays open year-round, and a quiet weekend in the village has its own appeal if you’re not chasing warm weather activities.
How to Get to Saugerties
Saugerties is about two hours north of New York City, making it a popular day trip from NYC or a full weekend getaway.
- 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.
Saugerties Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saugerties, NY worth visiting?
Yes. Saugerties is one of the best small towns in the Hudson Valley, with a walkable village, genuinely unique attractions like Opus 40 and the Saugerties Lighthouse, and a food scene that keeps improving. It’s a good fit for a weekend trip or a day stop on a longer Hudson Valley itinerary.
What is Saugerties known for?
Saugerties is known for the Saugerties Lighthouse, Opus 40 sculpture park, and the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. It also has a strong local food scene, antique shops along Partition Street, and easy access to the Catskills.
How far is Saugerties from NYC?
Saugerties is about 100 miles north of New York City and typically takes around two hours by car via I-87. Trailways also runs a direct bus from Port Authority.
When is the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival?
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is held annually in late September in Saugerties, typically over a full weekend. It’s one of the most popular fall events in the region so expect crowds and book accommodation well in advance.
Where should I stay in Saugerties, NY?
The best hotels in Saugerties, NY range from a full resort experience to a historic lighthouse B&B. Diamond Mills is the top pick for a spa and on-site dining. AutoCamp Catskills is the best option for a unique glamping stay. The Saugerties Lighthouse is the most memorable overnight if you can get a reservation. For budget options, the Howard Johnson on Route 9W is clean and convenient.
Is Saugerties walkable?
The village center is very walkable, with most restaurants, coffee shops, and shops concentrated along Partition Street and Main Street. Attractions outside the village like Opus 40 and AutoCamp require a car.
What are the best restaurants in Saugerties, NY?
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen is consistently ranked the top restaurant in town. The Dutch is the best spot for craft beer and pub fare. Blackbarn Hudson Valley at Diamond Mills is the most upscale dinner option in Saugerties.
Saugerties, NY is one of the best small towns in the Hudson Valley for a weekend getaway, whether you’re coming for the food, the outdoor activities, or just a quiet couple of days by the river. The walkable village, the landmarks, and a restaurant scene that keeps getting better make it an easy place to come back to.
If you’re exploring more of the Hudson Valley, I’ve got guides to help. For dining further south, check out the best restaurants in Kingston, NY and the best restaurants in Hudson, NY. both are worth a stop on any Hudson Valley itinerary.
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