Top 10 Things To Do In Bethel, New York - Updated 2023

1. Experience the thrill at Bethel Woods Museum

This museum is one of the best attractions in Bethel, New York, and has exhibits of the festivals that occurred in Bethel in the ‘60s, such as the 1969 Woodstock festival. This festival occurred at Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in Bethel, and over 400,000 fans appeared for the event, an unexpected attendance considering that the event was expected to have 50,000 at most. The three-day festival featured legendary performers like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and was labelled the Bethel Rock Festival. Have a guided tour that features both audio and visual exhibits and a movie theatre, and imagine the thrill of being part of the electric crowd cheering on to the performances on stage.

Museum At Bethel Woods

Address: 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY 12720

Website: Museum At Bethel Woods

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon-Wed)

Price: 17 USD onwards

2. Tour Catskill Distilling Company at the Dancing Cat Saloon

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The Dancing Cat Saloon is a restaurant located near the Woodstock Festival site. It is a fine establishment, serving you with simple yet elegant dishes, and has a venue that is both kid and dog-friendly. You also have access to free WiFi connection ensuring you keep in touch with friends or family those that are not close. You will be served with delicious cuisines, and the company of soothing live Jazz music at the venue is what you would want when enjoying a romantic evening meal. You can also take a tour of the Catskill Distilling Company, Catskill Distilling Company’s sister restaurant and learn about the distilling process of spirits.

Dancing Cat Saloon

Address: 2037 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720.

Website: Dancing Cat Saloon

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

3. Swim at the beach in Lake Superior State Park

Lake Superior State Park is situated along Dr. Duggan Road. Its a 1409 acres (570.2 hectares) parcel of land that features the lake and Chestnut Ridge Pond. The massive state park opens its gates up for swimming on weekends and lets you enjoy the beach area. You can also enjoy your weekdays using other facilities offered by the state park including picnic areas and playgrounds which are especially suitable for outdoor activities.

Lake Superior State Park

Address: 342 Dr. Duggan Rd, Bethel, NY 12720

Website: Lake Superior State Park

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

4. Enjoy beer at Hector's Inn

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Hector’s Inn is always the center of attraction for most folks who like outdoor craft beer parties and events. The vibrant setting, the cool space and the live music performances are what attract the crowd in their masses. If you are looking to catch a live performance, and enjoying some beer in traditional beer steins then this is just the place for you.

Hector's Inn

Address: 14 Dr Duggan Rd, Bethel, NY 12720.

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 12.30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat:12pm - 11pm; Sun, Wed & Thu: 12pm - 9pm

5. Catch a live performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Watch stunning performances at Bethel Woods Center for Arts, an amphitheatre situated at Woodstock Music & Art Fair site. The centre features performing arts by a team of live performers, actors and actresses. Get the company of your friend and be part of the audience enjoying while the stage is set ablaze with electrifying performances. For this unique experience, you can check the site out. You will love it!

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Address: 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720.

Website: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

6. Take a scoop of sweetness at Bethel Market Cafe

Bethel Market Cafe is home to delicious hot bakes in Bethel. Whether you are there to get a cake flavoured and tailored to meet your needs, or just enjoying the cafe while having a taste of sweetly baked muffins with coffee, you will be welcomed and served by the friendly staff. This spot is a local favourite because of the homemade recipes they use, the cool vibe and peaceful setting. Bethel Market Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy that morning breakfast you missed at home or lunch.

Bethel Market Cafe

Address: 2020 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720.

Website: Bethel Market Cafe

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 7:30am - 3pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

7. Visit the Stray Cat Art Gallery

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Amongst the many fun things to do on the weekends in Bethel, New York, is a visit to Stray Cat Gallery. Open during the weekend, the gallery gives the artist or the art enthusiast in you the chance to feast your eyes on unique portraits and other artworks as well as get a one-on-one with the artists that created the masterpieces. The rich collections of art also include the memorabilia, and photographs of the artists that graced the town with their music during the three-day epic Bethel festival held in 1969. This a must-visit for all lovers of art and creativity.

Stray Cat Gallery (art gallery)

Address: 2032 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720

Website: Stray Cat Gallery

Opening hours: Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 12am–5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

8. Get on horseback at Rolling Stone Ranch

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Ever wanted to ride on horseback, or do the kids love horses and want an experience of riding them? Then a visit to Rolling Stone Ranch is just what you need to make your dream a reality. The immaculate facility has professional instructors to aide your learning so that you can enjoy the ride. Make fun and lasting memories with family and friends.

Rolling Stone Ranch LLC

Address: 282 W Shore Rd, Bethel, NY 12720

Website: Rolling Stone Ranch LLC

9. Buy organic food supplies at Bethel Livestock Farm

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Bethel Livestock Farm is your best choice to pick on your own rich organic food supplies like vegetables for the house. The farm offers feeds for animals if you are a farmer as well as provides live livestock like goats and poultry. Preparing good food with some of the freshest farm produce in the land is every chef’s dream. Check it out!

Bethel Livestock Farm

Address: 522 Happy Ave, Swan Lake, NY 12783, United States

Website: Bethel Livestock Farm

10. Source dairy products from Hofstee Dairy

Bethel is well-known for its dairy products. Its dairy farms are several and located in almost every corner of the town. A visit to Hofstee Dairy will bring you to the home of the freshest dairy products in Bethel. It is preferred by locals to be the source of high-quality products like yoghurt, cheese and butter. The farm is a must-visit if you want the best. Check it out!

Hofstee Dairy

Address: 2017 NY-17B, Bethel, NY 12720

Things you should do in Bethel

The historic town of Bethel in Sullivan County is the destination you would definitely want to experience. Get a taste of the festivals, and art performances and visit the museums in town. With these and many more provided by the town, you will realize that there are many exciting things to do around Bethel, New York, and that it has just about everything for everyone.