12 of the best things to do in the Hudson Valley

28.09.2023 - 15:51 / lonelyplanet.com / John F.Kennedy / Richard Serra

For decades, authors, artists and presidents have all been drawn to the Hudson Valley in New York.

And its dramatic four seasons, historic sites and small towns continue to charm visitors to this day. Located over two hours north of downtown Manhattan, make the most of your trip to the Hudson Valley with this guide to the region's top things to do.

The over 5000-acre Bear Mountain State Park is seven miles from the US Military Academy in the rugged highlands. Stretch your legs on several hiking trails, including six miles of the venerable Appalachian Trail. 

There’s also an accessible paved trail around Hessian Lake and a challenging 1000ft climb to the summit of Bald Mountain. Rewards of hiking in this area include expansive views of the Hudson River and beyond.

America’s first presidential library and museum set the standard for documenting a legacy. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library spans the 12 years of FDR’s administration, from the grips of the Great Depression in 1933 until his death in 1945.

Poignant artifacts include handwritten speeches outlining why America should enter WWII, as well as fragments from the USS Arizona battleship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.

Eleanor Roosevelt was more than a First Lady; she was an activist and advocate during FDR’s presidency, and served on the United Nations General Assembly after his death.

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is a 181-acre estate in Hyde Park where Eleanor lady stayed whenever President Roosevelt was not at the Springwood estate. It was her permanent home until 1962. 

This is the only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady, and visitors can see where Eleanor Roosevelt entertained dignitaries such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy.

Planning tip: Val-Kill Cottage can only be visited as part of a free guided tour. Check online for the tour schedule.

The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park is a foodie’s paradise where you can dine at world-class restaurants run by students at the premier culinary institute in the world. Savor their interpretations of the world’s great cuisines.

French, Italian and American dishes are all created with Hudson Valley farm products. Save room for dessert and delight your taste buds with the sugary crunch of a tart, streusel-topped Dutch apple pie.

Lose yourself in the works of contemporary artists at Dia:Beacon, an art gallery in a former Nabisco box factory. The collection includes Dan Flavin’s fluorescent light work, Michael Heizer’s “negative” sculptures, Richard Serra’s steel monuments and Louise Bourgeois' multimedia installations.

Planning tip: Andy Warhol’s Shadows (1978–1979) returns to Dia:Beacon in December 2023. The massive space evokes