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 endless vacation and cultural experiences like museums, parks, a sanctuary, and even farms that surely you will never get bored visiting. Keep reading and check out these best things to do in Saugerties, New York, with some nearby options as well for more adventures!
1. Book a stay at Saugerties Lighthouse

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
2. Visit Opus 40

Opus 40 is a sculpture park and museum that was built in 1938 by the famous Harvey Fite. This Saugerties attraction 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
3. Explore Falling Waters Preserve

Photo is only for illustrative purposes
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.
Falling Waters Preserve
Address: Dominican Ln, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Website: Falling Waters Preserve
4. 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
5. Join a tour at Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
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. 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
6. Grab a bite at the Dutch Ale House
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
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
7. Check out Seamon Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
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
8. Get creative at Odd Fellows Temple - Art & Theater space
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Artist Kelli Bickman handles the Odd Fellows Temple, which is an art & theater space. The building has three stories of art, music and living creativity. The top floor serves as film studios and the Sudbury School and the second floor is host to regular pole dancing and aerial yoga classes. There are upcoming events scheduled at Odd Fellows Temple and Mural Art Classes.
Odd Fellows Temple - Art & Theater space
Facebook: Odd Fellows Temple
Nearby options
9. 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
10. Learn some history facts at Klyne Esopus Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
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.
Klyne Esopus Museum
Address: 764 Route 9W, Ulster Park (NY), 12487, United States
Website: Klyne Esopus Museum
11. Enjoy a scenic hiking and photo adventure (from USD 90.0)
If you’re looking for things to do near Saugerties, why not make your trip more interesting and exciting by hiking the trails of the 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 four-hour guided tour and make sure to get your cameras ready for the photo opportunities that will come your way. This is one exhilarating adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
Catskills Hiking and Photo Adventure
Duration: 4 hours
America's coolest small town

Saugerties really gives you cool activities, either outdoor or indoor, or you can just enjoy the resto-bars and visit 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!
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