Tucked in the heart of the Ulster County, Kingston has evolved into a booming tourism destination. This historic and exciting city has a plethora of enthralling points of attraction, which will surely revitalize you. With a very welcoming atmosphere, Kingston is placed halfway between Albany and New York City. The diversity and enthusiasm of the place are contagious. Immerse yourself in the history of this place by visiting the Senate House State Historic Site or relax in the beautiful Forsyth Nature Center or enjoy a boat ride to the iconic Rondout Lighthouse. So, read ahead to find out more about the other fabulous things to do in Kingston, New York.
1. Enjoy thrilling train rides at Catskill Mountain Railroad
Looking for a unique place to visit while in Kingston? A visit to the Catskill Mountain Railroad is highly recommended. A heritage railroad chugging along a long stretch offering fun train rides amidst picturesque mountain and village terrain. Among the several wonderful rides, there is Great Train Robbery, Peace Train, Rails of Terror, Easter Bunny Express, and Polar Express. Each of these rides ensure you a unique experience. For example, get a chance to relive the classic story as you are whisked away on the Polar Express to a thrilling journey to the North Pole.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
Address: 55 Plaza Road, Kingston Plaza, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Catskill Mountain Railroad
Opening hours: Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon - Wed & Thu)
Price: 32 USD onwards
2. Stop by Persen House to know Kingston's fascinating history
Christened after Matthewis Persen, its longest resident, the Matthewis Persen House Museum and Cultural Heritage Center is owned and managed by Ulster County since 1914. The house has witnessed the fascinating history of Kingston and even goes back to before the Ulster County was formed. Thus, a tour of this house museum will help you know the enriching history of this place. More than 22,000 artifacts dating back to 1,500 B.C are on display. There are self-guided tours, docent-guided tours, a Persen House Scavenger Hunt for all age-groups, many historical videos, a Persen House for Kids Activity Booklet and other exhibits.
Persen House
Address: 74 John St, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Persen House
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free entry
3. Take a boat tour at the Hudson River Maritime Museum
Enjoy a boat ride on the Rondout Creek to see the iconic 1913 Roundout Lighthouse. Choose from the wide variety of boat excursions or you can even book a private charter. Placed on the famous Rondout waterfront, Hudson River Maritime Museum is the only museum in New York to collect, research, preserve and exhibit a fabulous collection of artifacts associated with the Hudson river’s maritime heritage. Here, you will find historic vessels, paintings, ship models, blueprints, ice yachts, and a lot more. Classes and workshops are also offered as it is also a Sailing, Rowing and Boat Building School.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
Address: 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Hudson River Maritime Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD onwards
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4. View the outstanding collection at Fred J. Johnston Museum
One of the hidden gems in Kingston is the Fred J. Johnston Museum, which was once home to Fred J. Johnston, a nationally celebrated antiques collector, ardent preservationist, dealer and was inclined towards historic houses. Very tastefully decorated, this elegant Federal style house is the result of his vision, where he spent over 60 years to assemble the excellent and antique collection that includes decorative pieces and furnishings of the 18th and early 19th century. Get a taste of this exquisite collection by opting for a guided tour of the house featuring eight rooms.
Fred J Johnston Museum
Address: 63 Main St, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Fred J Johnston Museum
Opening hours: May - Oct: Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm (Sun - Fri by appointment)
Price: 2 USD onwards
5. Delve into the past at Senate House
The collection at this Dutch stone house comprises of colonial-era furniture and artifacts, a portrait gallery featuring major artworks by renowned colonial artists John Vanderlyn along with other members belonging to the Vanderlyn family of Kingston. The Senate House State Historic site includes three buildings namely the Senate House, the Senate House Museum & Gallery, and the Loughran House. Individuals, families, scout troops, school groups, and group bus tours are welcome. Special educational programs too are organized.
Senate House
Address: 296 Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Senate House
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 3 USD onwards
6. Immerse yourself in culture at Artbar Gallery
A real standout, the Artbar Gallery is one of the most beautiful art galleries in the Hudson Valley. It is the go-to venue for events happening in Kingston. Events like live musical performances, corporate events, meetings, parties, wine tastings to art events, you get the opportunity to witness a variety of premium events. Designed very elegantly, the venue exhibits exceptional works by emerging to established artists. There is a wine bar that serves locally sourced wine and palatable food choices.
Artbar Gallery
Address: 674 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Artbar Gallery
Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 2pm - 10pm (closed from Mon - Wed & Sun)
7. Get a learning experience at Trolley Museum of New York
Trolley Museum of New York was established with a desire to share the fascinating history of rail transport and its importance in American history. The museum features a collection of subway cars, trolleys, and other railroad equipment, many of which have great historical significance. One of the attractions is the Port Authority Trans Hudson PA-1 commuter car no. 143, that endured the collapse of the World Trade Center. You can also choose the excursions organized on a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) rail line along the scenic Hudson River. There is a gift shop as well.
Trolley Museum of New York
Address: 89 E Strand St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Trolley Museum of New York
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 6 USD
8. Capture gorgeous views from the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge
Want to capture the most stunning views of Hudson Valley or the Hudson River? This bridge is the perfect place. An extremely well-maintained structure, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge is also known as the George Clinton Memorial Bridge. It connects East Kingston and Rhinebeck and gets you across the river without battling much traffic. Opened to traffic in the year 1957, the total length of the bridge is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long.
Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge
Address: 17 Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 2 USD
9. Ride a boat around Rondout Lighthouse
One of the three lighthouses, which mark the entrance to the Rondout Creek, Rondout Lighthouse is one of the seven lighthouses on the Hudson River. This brick lighthouse is fully functioning as a navigational light. It is looked after by the Hudson River Maritime Museum and there are seasonal guided tours available too. Explore this significant structure starting from the first floor till the observation deck. All the tours are led by very knowledgeable guides and the tours last for about 45 - 60 minutes.
Rondout Lighthouse
Address: Hudson River, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Rondout Lighthouse
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 10 USD onwards
10. Go hiking at Bluestone Wild Forest
One of the most reputed destinations, Bluestone Wild Forest is located just 3 miles (5 km) west of Kingston. Spread over 3,000-acres (1214 hectares), this forest area features skiing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, hunting and a lake for ice fishing. Very popular specifically for hiking, there is a hiking trail that goes up to an observation point and ends near the shore of the Lake Onteora where you will find the fishing platform. It’s ideal for picnicking too.
Bluestone Wild Forest
Address: Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Bluestone Wild Forest
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
11. Know more about the local heritage at Friends of Historic Kingston
If you love history, then do plan a visit to Friends of Historic Garden. A museum containing rotating exhibits related to local history and heritage. The collection includes architectural drawings and photographs. Additionally, it also houses a store with postcards and books. Positioned adjacent to the famed Fred J. Johnston Museum, the museum has a very charming gallery space, a research archives as well as a museum gift shop. To know more, you can go through the brochures or choose the guided walking tours.
Friends of Historic Kingston
Address: 63 Main St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Friends of Historic Kingston
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu & Sun)
Price: 5 USD
12. Relax at Robert E. Post Memorial Park
Placed right along the Hudson River and close to the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the Robert E. Post Memorial Park features a big bunch of activities to keep you entertained. There is a large pavilion that can be rented, many picnic tables and places to barbecue near the river. The main play area has a wide selection of climbers and slides, monkey bars and other equipment, and swings for the younger kids, older ones as well as for the child within you. Also, featuring is a soccer field, basketball court, volleyball court and don’t forget to bring your fishing pole.
Robert E Post Memorial Park
Address: Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Robert E Post Memorial Park
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
13. Create your own memories with nature at Forsyth Nature Center
Experience something new at this fascinating nature center, where there are well-manicured gardens and over two-dozen animal exhibits. Spend time with the animals like feeding an apple to a steer, watching a peacock spread its feathers, counting frogs, and more of such exciting moments. You can take an audio tour to know more about the exhibits. The variety of flora found here makes it very pleasing. There is plenty of space with shade where you can have a picnic and you can barbecue as well. It is handicapped accessible too.
Forsyth Nature Center
Address: 125 Lucas Ave Ext, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Forsyth Nature Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
Price: Free entry
14. Get the freshest produce at Kingston Farmers Market
Founded in 2000, the mission of Kingston Farmers Market is to offer a perfect balance of the freshest produce as well as educational opportunities. A very organized marketplace where you will find all the typical fruits and vegetables along with mushrooms, honey, beauty products, baked goods, farm fresh eggs and much more. You also get seafood, whiskey, and wine. Also, you will find a baby care/breastfeeding tent. There is an Outdoor Market and a Winter Market, and the timings and products differ for both.
Kingston Farmers Market
Address: 278 Wall St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Kingston Farmers Market
Opening hours: Outdoor Market - Sat: 9am - 2pm; Winter Market - Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Mon - Fri & Sun)
15. Witness the evolution of a firehouse at Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum
It was in 1982 that Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum opened its doors to welcome visitors. Present in an 1857 Wiltwyck Fire Station, this museum excellently depicts the evolution of a firehouse. It is home to the early horse-drawn equipment till the fire equipment belonging to the twentieth century. Featuring antique firefighting artifacts former 1857 home of the Wiltwyck Hose Company, featuring antique firefighting artifacts and apparatus, which also includes an 1898 streamer.
Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum
Address: 266 Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum
Opening hours: May, Sep & Oct: Fri - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed fom Sun - Thu); Jun - Aug: Wed - Fri: 11am - 3pm, Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon, Tue & Sun)
Price: Free entry
16. Enjoy outstanding performances at Ulster Performing Arts Center
Not only one of the oldest running in the state but also in the country, the historic 1510-seater Ulster Performing Arts Center is one of Hudson Valley’s most premier venues. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it features renowned national as well as international artists associated with theater, musical acts, dance, classic films, symphonies and more. Assuring you of a wonderful time, it is a great venue with a beautiful stage and a very detailed interior. The incredible theater has very good acoustics and there are ushers to help you settle down. Timings vary as per the events.
Ulster Performing Arts Center
Address: 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Ulster Performing Arts Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm
Price: 6 USD onwards
17. Witness gorgeous views of Hudson River at Kingston Point Rotary Park
With a long and fascinating history, Kingston Point Rotary Park has been welcoming visitors for more than 100 years. Perfect for photography, you get stunning views of the Hudson River, Rhinecliff, and the nearby areas. It has more than 87 acres (35 hectares) of open space, where you will find picnic area, softball fields, facility for fishing and birdwatching, trolley landing, nine-hole disc golf course BMX track, pavilion for parties, and it is pet-friendly too. The ‘beach on the river’ idea makes the even more wonderful. There is a tourist train too that can take you till the downtown strand area and to the restaurants.
Kingston Point Rotary Park
Address: Delaware Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Kingston Point Rotary Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
18. Relive childhood memories at Den of Marbletown
Most of us have wonderful childhood memories related to teddy bears but how much do we know about them? With a very inviting ambiance, this place takes you on a journey about a German organization, which used to design teddy bears about 100 years ago. Here, you will see a range of cuddly teddies, other squishy toys, Barbie dolls, Madame Alexander dolls, wooden toys, Schuco toys and bears and more. The Den of Marbletown is housed at an 1860 farmhouse and its exhibition hall serves as a very comfortable boarding house.
The Den of Marbletown
Address: 1 Basten Ln, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: The Den of Marbletown
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 2 USD
19. Spend an evening with art at Green Kill
Considered to be an artists’ paradise, Green Kill is a highly renowned and unique space for writers, visual artists, and performers. The diversity of this venue is evident from the range of its programs like art exhibitions, showcase, mashup, the emerging artist program, voice less recordings, the film program, Mozart’ Living Room and many such interesting ones. Not only the seasoned but young and new talent are also welcome here. If you are passionate about art, then there is a buffet of outstanding choices in store for you.
Green Kill
Address: 229 Greenkill Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Green Kill
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 3pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Under 12 USD
20. Indulge in retail therapy at Hudson Valley Mall
Spread over a sprawling 765,000 square feet (71,000 square meters), the Hudson Valley Mall offers completely enclosed shopping and dining experience. It is the only mall located between Albany and Poughkeepsie. A prime shopping destination for visitors and residents, the Mall has a very strong base of several popular retailers, which includes Old Navy, H&M, Kay Jewelers, Foot Locker, Bath & Body Works, Unisex Hair Palace and many others. When tired of shopping, you can seat yourself at the food court.
Hudson Valley Mall
Address: 1300 Ulster Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Hudson Valley Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
Price: 2 USD onwards
21. Take a gastronomic break at Duo Bistro
Take a lunch or brunch break at this new and fabulous bistro famed for its innovative preparations. You can even step in dinner as the menu is quite elaborate consisting of dishes that will not only excite your taste buds but your mind too. On entering this charming restaurant, you will find a bar to your left and two dining areas divided by an open kitchen with another bar. Try the Kimchi pork cheek with Panzanella salad, wild jumbo shrimp, steelhead trout dish and other mouth-watering dishes served by the competent staff. It also serves local produce, honey, cheese, and meat along with other stuff.
Duo Bistro
Address: 299 Wall St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Duo Bistro
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 3:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 3:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 3:30pm
22. Relish your favorite cocktail at Stockade Tavern
Nestled in a wonderful neighborhood, the Stockade Tavern is a great establishment. Enjoy your favorite cocktail amidst a range of classically crafted cocktails along with a very scrumptious menu in a very cool atmosphere! The interiors are very stylish and beautifully done with gorgeous light fixtures, a thick black walnut bar. The bartenders are friendly and amazing! You just have to tell them the kind of drink you would like, and they make sure that you don’t have to wait for long. Do try the Japanese Whiskey with honey and foam, cheese plate, charcuterie platters among the many creative dishes.
Stockade Tavern
Address: 313 Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: Stockade Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am (closed on Sun)
23. Enjoy a musical evening at BSP Kingston
BSP Kingston is an all-encompassing premier entertainment complex having a hypnotic ambiance, and it welcomes actors, performers, artists, musicians, and dancers associated with all kinds of genres. Few performances are Sean Lennon, The Felico Bros., Marco Benevento. For the past two decades, this awe-inspiring venue has presented enumerable events matching the tastes of thousands of art and music lovers. The décor of this venue surely augments the experience. Also, there are summer camps, after school programs for all age groups and it is also available for weddings, birthday parties, etc.
BSP Kingston
Address: 323 Wall St, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: BSP Kingston
Price: 10 USD onwards
24. Get relaxation clubbed with impeccable service at Wiltwyck Golf Club
Nestled in the mid-Hudson Valley in Kingston, WiltWyke is a widely recognized and an elite family-oriented designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., one of the most prominent golf course designers. Possessing a beautiful layout, its championship golf course offers stunning views and state-of-the-art golf experience for golfers belonging to all levels and all ages. At the same time, this majestic place with more than 85 years of history is a lot more than just a golf course. Enjoy amenities like a pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, a banquet facility, and indoor and patio dining too.
Wiltwyck Golf Club
Address: 404 Steward Ln, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Wiltwyck Golf Club
Price: 28 USD onwards
25. Find unlimited gaming and bowling at Patel's Kingston Lanes
A family-owned family recreation center, at Patel’s Kingston Lanes, they say – family which bowls together, stays together! A fantastic bowling alley with 40 lanes, it caters to bowlers belonging to all ages. There is ample space for bowling, even to celebrate birthday parties, and the arcade area too is amazing, with more than 30 games. Don’t miss the Cosmic Bowling part that elevates the whole atmosphere! The staff guides you properly so that you don’t miss out anything. There are bowl leagues and daily special offers too. When tired, you can head to the snacks bar, which offers delicious snacks, 24 draft beers and a wide range of liquors.
Patel's Kingston Lanes
Address: E Chester St, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Patel’s Kingston Lanes
Opening hours: Mon & Thu: 10am - 10pm; Tue: 9am - 10pm; Wed: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 12:30am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: 4 USD onwards
26. Gratify your cinematic appetite at NCG Kingston Cinema
NCG Kingston Cinema is a gem in the Kingston neighborhood. With Digital and 3D screens, enjoy the latest releases in an amazingly welcoming ambiance. In addition to this, there are ‘sensory-friendly’ movie showings too. The whole place has been renovated to provide an ultimate view-friendly experience. There are 12 theaters, and all of them are designed with luxury seating, that ranges from general to VIP recliners with ample leg space. Also, there are special Tuesday deals on tickets as well as snacks. An awesome feature of this place is the free refills on any size of popcorn and drinks.
NCG Kingston Cinema
Address: Hudson Valley Mall, 1300 Ulster Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Website: NCG Kingston Cinema
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD onwards
27. Book a relaxing session of float therapy
Experience escape in this very meticulously laid out and gorgeous spa that will quickly become your happy place! Nestled in a quiet area of Kingston, Zephyr Float offers various types of massages, among which ‘Float Therapy’ is something very unique. In this, there is a chamber filled with 10 inches of water and 1000 pounds (454 kg) of Epsom salt in which you float for a specific duration. Opt for a massage, afloat or both. After this, a cup of complimentary tea awaits you at the beautiful lounge area that completes your relaxation. You can purchase locally made bath and body products from here. Gift cards too are available.
Zephyr Float
Address: 111 Greenkill Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Zephyr Float
Opening hours: Mon: 1pm - 10pm; Tue, Thu & Fri: 10am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Wed)
Price: 80 USD onwards
28. Cheer for your favorite team at Dietz Stadium
Named after Robert H. Dietz, a recipient of Medal of Honor and who was killed in World War II, Robert Dietz Memorial Stadium was originally constructed as a football stadium keeping in mind the local high school. Started in 1949, later it was refurbished to serve as the home ground for the Kingston Colonials, a Baseball team. With a capacity of over 1500 seats, this exceptionally built stadium is today the home field of the Kingston High School Tigers football team. There are well-maintained fields for football, soccer and tracks for running, and the place is often seen crowded by fitness enthusiasts.
Dietz Stadium
Address: 170 N Front St, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Website: Dietz Stadium
Price: 2 USD onwards
A trip to remember in Kingston
With such a captivating spectrum of exciting things to do in Kingston, you are unquestionably in for a stunning holiday. With or without family, or with a bunch of friends, Kingston has something for everyone and every age group. So, without any further delay, plan your next trip to Kingston that will add marvelous moments to your travel diary.