Hudson Valley Visitor Guide: What to Do & Where to Stay

There’s a lot to love about New York’s Hudson Valley, including arts, history, gardens, hiking trails and charming lighthouses, not to mention a few Gilded Age mansions. Breathtaking mountain resorts draw in visitors with pristine landscapes and plentiful wellness programs, like yoga, meditation and massages. It’s the place to go when you’re ready for an escape. Here are our top picks for what to do and where to stay when you’re craving a Hudson Valley getaway.

Located in Hyde Park, New York, the FDR Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the life and legacy of our 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It is the first of 15 presidential libraries that exist today in the United States. The library and museum complex sits on the manicured grounds of Springwood, Roosevelt’s family estate, which has been a national historic site since 1945. Museum exhibits and historic artifacts, including clothing, furniture and personal effects, educate visitors on Roosevelt’s life, from his early years through his 12-year presidency.

Located in New Windsor, the Storm King Art Center is a world-known outdoor sculpture park that features more than 100 thoughtfully curated sculptures shaped by artists from across the globe. The collection includes modern and contemporary sculptures created by such prominent sculptors and artists as Isamu Noguchi, Maya Lin and Alexander Calder. Visitors can explore the 500-acre open-air museum by foot, by bike rental (personal bikes are not allowed) or by narrated tram tour. An on-site café sells snacks, sandwiches, drinks and salads.

Mohonk Mountain House is a historic resort nestled amongst the natural beauty of New York’s Shawangunk Mountains. Perched on crystal-clear Lake Mohonk, this Victorian-style castle resort was built in 1869 and is surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forested landscape. This all-inclusive resort features luxurious guest rooms, plentiful outdoor recreation and breathtaking views. In July 2022, the on-site spa was refreshed and an open-air space was added to incorporate nature into its menu of wellness experiences. A resort activities schedule engages guests with guided hikes, yoga, movie nights and meditative exercises.