Saugerties is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. It’s all just two hours from New York City, close enough for a day trip. It is the hometown of the American comedian, actor, television host, and musician Jimmy Fallon. Situated between the breathtaking Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, it offers cultural experiences such as museums, parks, a sanctuary, and even farms that are always exciting to visit. Great accommodation options such as Airbnb vacation rentals are also something you wouldn’t find lacking in Saugerties. If you wish to enjoy unique experiences somewhere nearby, you can explore the glamping spots in Catskills as well. For more adventures, keep reading to discover the best things to do in Saugerties, New York, with some nearby options as well!
1. Catch an arthouse flick at Upstate Films (Saugerties): Orpheum Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Orpheum Theatre - Upstate Films on Monday, July 25, 2022
Upstate Films in Saugerties, also known as the Orpheum Theatre, is a beloved independent movie theater. This historic cinema offers a unique and intimate movie-watching experience, showcasing a diverse selection of independent, foreign, and art-house films.
With its charming and nostalgic ambiance, complete with vintage décor and a classic marquee, the theater transports visitors to a bygone era of cinema. Upstate Films is not just a place to watch movies - it’s a cultural hub that fosters a sense of community and appreciation for the cinematic arts.
Upstate Films (Saugerties): Orpheum Theatre
Address: 156 Main St, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
2. Watch the sunset at Tina Chorvas Water Front Park
The idyllic riverside town of Saugerties is one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York if you’re into a laid-back vacation or romantic getaway. You can admire the natural beauty of this town from Tina Chorvas Water Front Park which is located along Esopus Creek. It’s a place for a quiet stroll and kayaking with your partner. This attraction is also home to various events such as the Esopus Creek Festival. What better way to enjoy a fine autumn day than a picnic at the park with a book in your hand?
Tina Chorvas Water Front Park
Address: 61 E Bridge St, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
3. Support the artists at Emerge Gallery & Art Space
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
© Brad Terhune | Another Sigh With No Regret | Collage | 12” x 12” | 2021 (image may be modified) Purchase:...
Posted by Emerge Gallery on Monday, May 17, 2021
Fan of the arts, eh? If so, it’s time to make your way to Emerge Gallery & Art Space on Main Street. This art gallery showcases original works by local artists within the Hudson Valley region. The artworks on display vary from time to time and include mediums like watercolor, collage, oil, pottery, and many more. There’s not a single theme at the gallery. It’s an eclectic mix of works that come from only the best. These pieces are for sale, either on location or online. Buy one for yourself or gift it to your special someone!
Emerge Gallery & Art Space
Address: 228 Main St, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
Website: Emerge Gallery & Art Space
Opening hours: Fri: 1pm - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
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4. Check out the unique finds at Saugerties Antiques Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
2017 Holiday window
Posted by Saugerties Antiques Center on Friday, December 1, 2017
In a town as quaint as Saugerties, it isn’t a surprise to find an eclectic antique shop. Pay a visit to Saugerties Antiques Center for all things quirky and unique. From fine art and estate jewelry to luxury bags and leather couches, it’s all found here. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind item to take back home after your trip, it’s best to purchase it here. Add to your collection of knick-knacks and check out the new and unique finds right at Saugerties Antiques Center.
Saugerties Antiques Center
Address: 220 Main St, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
Website: Saugerties Antiques Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm
5. Dine with family and friends at Love Bites Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Love Bites Cafe on Monday, February 1, 2021
One of the great places to visit in Saugerties to chase the chilly nights away is Love Bites Cafe. This rustic restaurant serves classic American fare with a focus on breakfast food. For brunch bites before going out to town and exploring, try the Chicken N’ Waffles and the spicy breakfast salad. What’s a good brunch without day drinking, though? Pump up your day with the best hand-crafted cocktails at this family-friendly spot, including apricot sour, cucumber mint martini, and berry mojito!
Love Bites Cafe
Address: 69 Partition St, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
Website: Love Bites Cafe
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 8pm, Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
6. Book a stay at Saugerties Lighthouse
Don’t know what to do in Saugerties, NY? This restored lighthouse offers overnight bed & breakfast accommodation since there is a two-guest bedroom. It also contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, and keeper’s quarters. The light tower still operates and it gives a panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains. This is a great option if you’re visiting the town for a special occasion and don’t know what to do in Saugerties.
This lighthouse can be reached via a nature trail at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties. Guests can also go swimming and boating (on a limited basis only) and do some trail walks.
Saugerties Lighthouse
Address: 168 Lighthouse Drive, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Website: Saugerties Lighthouse
7. Visit Opus 40
What is Saugerties known for, you ask? Opus 40 is a sculpture park and museum that was built in 1938 by the famous Harvey Fite. This attraction in Saugerties was once an abandoned quarry that he bought, and it’s where he created the monumental world-acclaimed bluestone sculpture now known as Opus 40. As time went by he bought additional land and built several structures like a beautiful large wood and stone home, studio, garage, blacksmith shop, and the Quarryman’s Museum - where you can see unique collections of indigenous tools.
Everyone can visit this place, kids and adults can walk through, around, and over it. There are always events ongoing so you need to check the schedule. It is also open for weddings.
Opus 40
Address: 50 Fite Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Website: Opus 40
8. Explore Falling Waters Preserve
The Falling Waters Preserve is one of the two nature preserves that is part of Esopus Creek Conservancy, and features wooded shoreline, picturesque streams, dramatic waterfalls, meadows, wetlands and Hudson River waterfront. It is open all year-round and guests can enjoy the place by walking the varied trails, enjoying the scenery of the Catskills, and Hudson River view. If you wish to go hiking in Saugerties, this is the place to go.
Falling Waters Preserve
Address: Dominican Ln, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Website: Falling Waters Preserve
9. Take your kids to Saugerties Village Beach & Playground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Saugerties Village Beach & Playground offers a sand beach swimming area with a swimming dock out in the Esopus Creek. It has a playground area that surely children will enjoy, a fishing area, kayaking/boat launch, and clean restroom facilities. This is one of the best things to do in Saugerties, especially with kids. Every guest will surely enjoy this beach and playground area and create fun memories.
Saugerties Village Beach & Playground
Address: 47 S Partition St, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
10. Join a tour at Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This farmland Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rescues animals and the mission of this organization is to fight against animal cruelty and provide a haven. They have tours, events, children’s camps, and overnight stays which are some of the best Saugerties events you’ll find. They also have different programs to educate guests.
They offer a Homestead with three guest rooms with a shared bathroom and shower. Upon availing the Homestead you can enjoy the complimentary vegan breakfast, complimentary weekend tour of the Sanctuary and exclusive VIP pass to spend time with over 300 rescued animals. They also welcome volunteers.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Address: 316 Old Stage Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Website: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
11. Grab a bite at the Dutch Ale House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Dutch Ale House is a restaurant and bar that is family-friendly and perfect for little diners and their folks. They offer the Hudsons Valley’s Best Beer plus sumptuous meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A very conformable and cozy restaurant that fits everyone - either dine in or take-out - whether to celebrate something or if you’re just bored and looking for a place to sit and relax while drinking your beer.
The Dutch Ale House
Address: 253 Main St, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Website: The Dutch Ale House
12. Check out Seamon Park
Seamon Park is a manmade park in Saugerties that showcases different beautiful flowers and plants with relaxing scenery that every visitor will surely like. It also has a BBQ area and small playground for kids. The park is open for any kind of event like weddings, debuts, birthdays or even Christmas and New Year parties. They are open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm.
Seamon Park
Address: 5 Malden Ave, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Facebook: Seamon Park
13. Get creative at Odd Fellows Temple Art & Theater Space
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
JUNE SPECIAL OFFERINGS Sunday, June 13 - 4:00 pm Sacred Sounds for Healing and Guidance Peter Blum & Paul...
Posted by Odd Fellows Temple - Healing Arts Space on Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Artist Kelli Bickman manages the Odd Fellows Temple Art & Theater Space on Main Street in Saugerties. This historic building hosts an Antique Center on street level with Bickman separately operating the second and third floors as a destination for travelers and locals alike. The second floor holds a store that features Bickman’s fine art & fashion, while the top floor hosts a 4,000 sq foot ballroom, which is commonly used for a variety of public events, including mural classes, creative workshops, and aerial yoga classes.
Odd Fellows Temple - Art & Theater space
Facebook: Odd Fellows Temple
Nearby options
14. Visit Greig Farm
The Greig Farm is a family owned and operated farm that has seasonal fruits and vegetables, and you can pick your own like blackberries, apples, blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins and more. They are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and every Saturday and they are open for the farmers market from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The farmers market has a variety of vegetables and fruits and their own eggs and meats.
Greig Farm
Address: 227 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook, NY 12571, USA
Website: Greig Farm
15. Learn some history facts at Klyne Esopus Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Household objects in the collection
Posted by Klyne Esopus Museum on Saturday, October 3, 2015
The Klyne Esopus Museum is a former Dutch Country Church that was converted to a museum with a mission to interpret and disseminate the history of the town. A nonprofit organization, this museum also caters exhibits about culture, history and commerce of the town of Esopus. This museum operates Friday through Monday from June to October 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
If you’re keen to visit this museum in Ulster Park, you can consider staying in one of the glamping spots near Kingston, a neighboring town with plenty of nature reserves, for easy and convenient access to a multitude of attractions.
Klyne Esopus Museum
Address: 764 Route 9W, Ulster Park (NY), 12487, United States
Website: Klyne Esopus Museum
16. Enjoy a scenic hiking and photo adventure (from USD 125.0)
If you’re looking for things to do near Saugerties, why not make your trip more interesting and exciting by hiking the trails of Catskills? You will get a scenic view of magnificent waterfalls and abundant green valleys that are sure to take your breath away. Admire the wonders of nature with this hiking activity near Saugerties and make sure to get your cameras ready for the many photo opportunities that will come your way.
This four-hour guided tour is one exhilarating adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
Catskills Hiking and Pro Photography Experience
Duration: 5 hours
America's coolest small town
Apart from comfy options for lodgings, Saugerties, New York, also provides cool indoor and outdoor activities along with plenty of resto-bars, farms, and sanctuaries. It is not enough to just do a day trip. With so much to do, you’ll want to stay the night!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Saugerties, New York
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