New Paltz

Travel Guide

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New Paltz which includes a city
New Paltz which includes a city

Between exploring the Shawangunk Ridge, touring historic Huguenot houses and enjoying the downtown scene, this town in Ulster County will keep you busy for days.

New Paltz is a bustling college town set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River and the Shawangunk Mountains. Located just a 90-minute drive outside New York City, New Paltz is a popular weekend destination for visitors seeking the serenity of nature coupled with a vibrant cultural scene.

The State University of New York at New Paltz has called the town home for more than 150 years. With over 7,000 students enrolled, it has a huge presence here, giving the place a lively feel. This is most apparent in the bars and restaurants of the downtown area. Stroll around the campus, at the centre of which are the galleries of the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

The town’s youthful vigour is in marked contrast to some of its beautiful old buildings. Take a walk through time at Historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District. Visit seven stone homes built by French immigrants in the late 18th century, along with a church and an ancient burial site. Staff dressed in authentic period clothing bring history to life through tours and demonstrations.

Mohonk Mountain House is an iconic New Paltz landmark and another of its historic buildings. Since 1869, this resort hotel has been serving guests, who can enjoy luxurious amenities, a private lake and trails.

Experience New Paltz's natural beauty by exploring the local terrain. Hike or mountain bike among lush forests, tumbling waterfalls and soaring mountains at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This is part of the Shawangunk Ridge mountain chain that cuts across the region. If it’s warm enough, take a dip in Lake Awosting or Lake Minnewaska, two exceptionally blue lakes.

New Paltz is almost equidistant between Albany to the north and New York City to the south. You can easily get here by car or by bus. The nearest airport is Stewart International Airport, about a 30-minute drive south in Newburgh.

New Paltz is small town in beautiful surroundings with lots going on. If you want to seem in the know, refer to the Shawangunk Ridge as “the Gunks,” like the locals do.

Americas Best Value Inn New Paltz

Americas Best Value Inn New Paltz

2 out of 5
7 Terwilliger Ln, New Paltz, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €91 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€91
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in New Paltz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Great location and clean."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Americas Best Value Inn New Paltz
Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz

Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz

2.5 out of 5
4 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY
The price is €135 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€135
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Paltz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay. Rooms were clean, spacious and staff was nice. Breakfast was a great addition. Highly recommend. Would definitely return."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz
Moondance Ridge Bed & Breakfast

Moondance Ridge Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
55 Shivertown Rd, New Paltz, NY
Stay at this 3-star spa guesthouse in New Paltz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mohonk Lake and New Paltz Golf Course ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"A different sort of B&B—self-service breakfast. Owner/manager was cordial, interesting. Huge common room included the breakfast area, big patio for nice weather enjoyment, TV, interesting art on the walls. Breakfast options were okay—bagels, English muffins, cereal—nothing special."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Moondance Ridge Bed & Breakfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Scenic New Paltz Escape: River Views, Hot Tub & Deck | Dream House in the Gunks

Scenic New Paltz Escape: River Views, Hot Tub & Deck | Dream House in the Gunks

2 out of 5
New Paltz
Stay at this vacation home in New Paltz. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mohonk Lake and Testimonial Gateway are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Had a wonderful time staying in this lovely home. Four bright bedrooms and three contemporary bathrooms. Comfortable and secluded nestled in the woods among natural habitats which you can enjoy from the large deck! Lots to do in the area including plentiful restaurants! Highly recommend and definitely ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Scenic New Paltz Escape: River Views, Hot Tub & Deck | Dream House in the Gunks
Spacious A-Frame w/ Game Room, Fire Pit & Modern Comforts in Hudson Valley

Spacious A-Frame w/ Game Room, Fire Pit & Modern Comforts in Hudson Valley

New Paltz
Book a stay at this family-friendly chalet in New Paltz. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Franklin D Roosevelt Library & Museum and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great family getaway
"We had a quick stay to celebrate a family baby shower and the house was perfect for us. Perfectly clean and quiet, enough space to have other family over for snacks and hangout while we decided what to do. So clean and very comfortable. I may have missed this in the house instructions but note that ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Spacious A-Frame w/ Game Room, Fire Pit & Modern Comforts in Hudson Valley
Welcome to New Paltz. Charming 3-bedroom house with AC, WIFI,

Welcome to New Paltz. Charming 3-bedroom house with AC, WIFI,

new paltz
Stay at this property in New Paltz. Enjoy in-room jetted tubs and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mohonk Lake and Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art are located ...
Welcome to New Paltz. Charming 3-bedroom house with AC, WIFI,
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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