Golden Hour over the Mohonk Preserve’s Millbrook Trail Hawk Watch. Photo: Steve Aaron
EB’s Top 5 in New Paltz:
• Lunch at Little Loaf Bakeshop: This fully vegan cafe packs a serious punch. In addition to grabbing whatever pastries were made for the day (the almond croissant is a must-try), order the steak and cheese sando and grab a seat in the cafe. If meat substitutes aren’t your thing, Little Loaf also offers menu items like tofu sandwiches and grain bowls.
• Hiking in Minnewaska State Park: In the warmer months, head to Minnewaska’s Sam’s Point Area—one of the park’s most popular and rewarding sections—for a longer hike that can include the Ice Caves Trail. Known for its cool, shaded rock formations, the caves offer a refreshing break on hot days, while the broader route delivers sweeping views across the Shawangunk Ridge. Note that reservations are required to hike here.
• Food, drinks, and pinball at Shortie’s: A lively bar with a patio, rotating menu of comfort-leaning small plates, and a playful edge—think hot dog towers, strong drinks, and DJs on weekends. It’s an easy place to start or end the night, depending on the mood.
• Friday Sunset Paddles with New Paltz Kayaking: During the summer, enjoy a relaxing paddle through the Wallkill River at sunset. New Paltz Kayaking’s Friday Sunset Paddle features a two-hour guided tour of the Chodikee Lake/Black Creek Nature Preserve – a peaceful nature preserve abundant with local wildlife.
• Cocktails at The Lemon Squeeze: Named after the famous Lemon Squeeze hike, The Lemon Squeeze is a moody piano bar in the center of town. Try the Smoking Jacket, an elevated mezcal-based cocktail with pomegranate, lime, and egg white with smoked rosemary for a complex drink, or opt for a dirty martini to pair with raw oysters.
At the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, New Paltz brings together scenic trails, historic architecture, and a lively downtown rooted in its college town energy. Just 90 minutes from New York City, it’s a place where access to some of the Northeast’s best hiking and climbing sits just minutes from cafés, restaurants, bars, and local shops.
Known for its creative streak and outdoorsy edge, New Paltz moves comfortably between nature and culture. Mornings can mean ridge-top hikes or farmers markets; evenings, live music and small plates on Main Street.
Plan your visit with our guide to the best hikes, kayaking spots, restaurants, and places to relax in and around New Paltz.
What to Do in New Paltz, NY: Hiking, Climbing, and Kayaking
The Shawangunk Ridge cuts a dramatic line above New Paltz, drawing climbers from around the world to its storied cliffs and sweeping views. Photo: Frank Tkac
Before heading out for the day, grab a latte from Village Grind, a cozy neighborhood café right in the heart of town. From there, access to the Shawangunk Ridge is just a short drive away. Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve offer year-round hiking, cross-country skiing, and rock climbing. For seasoned hikers, the Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop at Minnewaska is a seven-mile route with sweeping ridge-top views and wide-open skies. Those looking for something shorter can opt for the Awosting Falls Connection Trail, which leads to the park’s dramatic, 60-foot waterfall via a gentler forest path.
Over at the Mohonk Preserve, The Trapps draws climbers from around the globe, thanks to its world-class climbing routes and stunning cliffside vistas. The five-mile loop is approachable on foot, but depending on climbing experience, those interested in tackling the rock face itself should consider booking a lesson with local guides like Alpine Endeavors.
In warmer months, New Paltz Kayaking offers a quieter way to explore the surrounding landscape. Rentals and guided tours launch from Sojourner Truth Park, just a short walk from Main Street. The two-hour paddle through Chodikee Lake and Black Creek Nature Preserve winds through calm, tree-lined waters filled with birdsong and mountain reflections.
If wheels are more your thing, rent bikes from local outfitter New Paltz Biking (with an outpost at boutique hotel New Paltz Way) and ride along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail – a flat, scenic path that runs for miles through farmland, woods, and over the Rosendale Trestle.
Back in town, a visit to Water Street Market makes for a relaxed afternoon—browse local shops, stop for a coffee at Mudd Puddle, or simply sit and watch the world go by from one of the market’s outdoor benches. In the warmer months, nearby farms like Jenkins Lueken Orchards and Dressel Farms offer seasonal fruit picking and low-key roadside stands, adding another easy stop just outside of town.
Where to Eat + Drink: The Best Bars and Restaurants in New Paltz, NY
Fuel up for the trail with a bagel sandwich from New Paltz Bagel Cafe, where fast service and a solid deli menu make it a go-to for early risers. For something slower-paced, head to Little Loaf Bakeshop, a vegan café known for its house-made pastries and espresso drinks. Lunch options abound, but Karma Road stands out with its plant-based menu of seasonal soups, wraps, and fresh-pressed juices, served in a sunny corner spot just off the main drag.
Evenings in New Paltz tend to unfold across a few reliable stops. Start at Shortie’s, a laid-back spot for natural wine and small plates with a rotating menu and an unfussy, neighborhood feel. Grazery at Water Street Market is a go-to for cider, beer, and wine — best paired with a simple cheese plate — while The Parish Restaurant brings Louisiana-inspired cooking into the mix, with cocktails and views of the ridge. The Lemon Squeeze leans more classic, with a full dinner menu, live piano, and a deeper cocktail list, and Bacchus rounds things out with a reliably divey, late-night feel and pool tables. For something quick after, mostly-vegan Moonburger serves burgers, shakes, and fries until 2 a.m. on weekends.
A short drive into Gardiner, Mountain Brauhaus is a longtime favorite for hearty German fare, great vibes and mountain views, while Clay at Wildflower Farms offers a more refined, seasonal menu in a design-forward setting.
The Best Places to Stay Around New Paltz: Our Local Favorites
New Paltz Way opens summer 2026, whose in-town location next to the water and Wallkill Rail Trail – plus a self-led spa – makes for a perfect Upstate weekend. Photo: Julian Bracero
At the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge, New Paltz draws rock climbers, hikers, and cyclists with easy access to trails, cliffs, and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Just beyond the outdoors, a lively downtown adds cafés, restaurants, and shops to the mix, giving the town a steady, college-driven energy.
Whether visiting for a low-key weekend or a more active escape, the area offers a range of stays to match. Here’s a few favorites:
- New Paltz Way, a newly opened boutique hotel in the heart of town, offers a more design-forward stay within walking distance of Main Street’s shops, restaurants, and trail access points. With thoughtfully designed rooms, understated interiors, a self-led spa and easy proximity to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, it’s a strong base for exploring New Paltz without needing to rely on a car. Rates begin around $315/night.
- Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection a nature-focused retreat in nearby Gardiner with wood-clad cabins and an expansive spa offering deeply rejuvenating treatments. Surrounded by orchard rows and peaceful gardens, it’s an ideal getaway for recharging after a day on the ridge. Rates begin around $1,100+/night.
- Glasco BLCK Creek, a private estate in Highland centered around a 37-acre spring-fed lake. With four modern homes, private docks, kayaks, hammocks, and a hot tub, it’s a perfect spot for large groups seeking a blend of rustic charm and thoughtful design within easy reach of New Paltz’s trails and shops. Reach out to the Glasco team for rates and group information.
