New Paltz, NY

Travel Guide
New Paltz showing 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 center of which are the galleries of the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

The town’s youthful vigor 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
The price is NT$2,449 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
NT$2,449
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
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 rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"My apartment flooded and I stayed here one night. It was a comfortable stay. Staff was nice. Has a nice decor and ambiance. Rooms and bathrooms are clean. I had no complaints. Thank you to the staff."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

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 NT$3,780 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$3,780
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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 our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
Good, clean and pleasant hotel
"Pleasant place to stay, would come again when in the area. Near town with many restaurants. Sad that the fireplace in the lobby was out of order on a very rainy day. The indoor pool was quite nice. Breakfast ok. Stayed in a room with disabled accommodations, helpful though it would be good if such ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz
DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie
DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie
4 out of 5
40 Civic Center Plz, Poughkeepsie, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,944 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$3,944
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (912 reviews)
"Great property. Excellent staff. Clean room"

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie
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.
31 Street Broadway Hotel
31 Street Broadway Hotel
2 out of 5
38 West 31st Street, New York, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in New York. Enjoy WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in our reviews. ...
5.2/10 (797 reviews)
"Hi so I'm nit sure if we will be getting our deposit. When checking in keep that little yellow slip. For the refund i don't brecall singning that but a white page. Signature and anichals yes orherwise we loved the area food 2 stoos dron rhe blecher behind time square. Train. All goood. Thanks te ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

31 Street Broadway Hotel
Radio City Apartments
Radio City Apartments
3.5 out of 5
142 West 49th Street, New York, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in New York. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,407 reviews)
"Was like living in actual apartment, not a hotel."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Radio City Apartments
Starlight Hotel
Starlight Hotel
2 out of 5
40-40 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in Flushing. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Nice casino. Very lively."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Starlight Hotel
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of New Paltz

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
76
" "5 - Excellent 50.666666666666664%
4 - Good
63
" "4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6666666666666666%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.6666666666666666%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 12, 2020

Great town with great food. Love the atmosphere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 1, 2020

We love coming here.

5/5 - Excellent

Janice
Feb 25, 2020

Great place to get away!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 31, 2019

cute village, unique shops, good food

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 31, 2019

Great place to stay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 28, 2019

Cute small town, shops, college, and close to cousins

Cities near New Paltz