A Visit to Kingston, NY: what to see and do
Updated: July 11, 2026.
Once the original capital of New York State, today’s Kingston is both a hip and historic destination. Quaint yet vibrant, the town encapsulates everything we like about the Hudson Valley area - a thriving arts scene, great dining, beautiful surrounding nature and an affection for its own maritime past.
With the picturesque Catskill Mountains to the west and the Hudson River to the east, Kingston is surrounded by the prettiest parts of New York state.
The colorful buildings in the Stockade area on Kingston, NY.
| 📍 Getting There | About 90 minutes north of NYC, directly off the New York State Thruway (Exit 19). |
| 🏘️ Three Neighborhoods | Uptown (the Stockade), Midtown (arts district), and Downtown (the Rondout waterfront). |
| 🚢 Boat Cruises | Two operators leave from the Rondout, roughly May through October. Rip Van Winkle II (90-minute narrated cruise, from about $37) and the solar-powered Solaris (from about $35, includes museum admission). |
| 💡 Boat Cruise Tip | The Rip Van Winkle II has three decks, plenty of shade, and a snack bar that serves drinks. Skip the seats next to the air conditioner on the upper deck. It is loud. |
| 🚋 Trolley Museum | Weekends only, roughly May to late October. 89 East Strand Street. |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Fall for the foliage along the river, or a warm evening for a sunset cruise. |
| 🅿️ Parking | Lots and street parking at the Rondout. It fills up on summer weekends and event days, so arrive early. |
| ⏳ Time Needed | A half day to see one neighborhood well, a full day to enjoy all three. |
| 💑 Best For | Couples, history and maritime lovers, and anyone who likes a walkable riverfront town. |
What we like about Kingston
Kingston is easy to get to - it’s directly off the New York State Thruway, just an hour and a half drive from NYC.
It is easily combined with other stops in the area, such as New Paltz or Rhinebeck, its neighbor across the river that is connected via the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. It’s also not far from the unique Walkway Across the Hudson.
Kingston comprises three distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality:
Uptown Kingston, also known as “The Stockade” is known for its architecturally distinctive buildings; their colorfully painted and well-preserved historic facades can be seen along Main and North Front Streets and the blocks surrounding. The streets are full of art galleries, restaurants and eclectic shops.
We enjoyed having lunch at Opa! Gyros Greek Restaurant in this pretty neighborhood last time we were there.
The Old Dutch Church and cemetery are located here on Wall Street, where it has been standing since the 1850s. (The congregation was actually established in the 1600s, but the British burned down the entire town in 1777!)
Midtown Kingston was once an industrial neighborhood and today it is where many artists have come to set up their studios in affordable old factory spaces, making Midtown a creative center of Kingston.
In October, the streets of bohemian Midtown come alive with its annual O+ Festival, a three-day street festival featuring over 55 live music performances, visual and performance art, vendors and a variety of health and wellness workshops that are open to the public.
Downtown Kingston, also called the Rondout or waterfront, is perhaps the most charming part of town, featuring lots of nice eateries and shops along Broadway, its main street. A quick walk down to the Rondout Creek offers great waterfront views, boat rides, a maritime museum, and lots of historic charm. Barges once unloaded coal here, connecting Kingston to its industrial past.
The waterfront area of the Rondout district.
Exploring the Rondout district of Kingston, NY
Right along the dock of the Rondout Creek, at the foot of Broadway, is a waterfront park with a pedestrian promenade, kayak launch, picnic areas and other amenities.
Further up the waterfront, you will find ferry landings and several unusual museums. This area also connects to the Empire State bike trail.
The Rondout Creek empties into the Hudson River, so there are plenty of river-related attractions to enjoy. The coastline of the Hudson is lush and scenic and particularly beautiful in fall.
Boat building at the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Taking a boat cruise from the Rondout
One of the best ways to see Kingston is from the water. Two boats leave from the Rondout waterfront, and they are run by different outfits, so it helps to know the difference before you book.
We took the Rip Van Winkle II, the big one. It's a 300-passenger boat, and the narrated sightseeing cruise runs about 90 minutes. Tickets start around $37 per adult. They also run sunset cruises and evening music cruises through the summer. You can check the schedule on the Hudson River Cruises website.
The Rip Van Winkle II heads south on the Hudson River.
What the boat is actually like
The crew could not have been friendlier. That set the tone for the whole trip.
There are three decks and you can move between them. The bottom deck is lined with tables and chairs, and it feels like a space you could throw a party in. The middle deck also has tables and chairs. The top deck has benches and chairs, and it's where John and I ended up.
The seating up top is comfortable, and there's plenty of shade if you want it. That matters on a warm afternoon.
One small warning. There's an air conditioner unit on the upper deck. If you sit right next to it, it's loud. Move a few seats down and you won't notice it.
There's a snack bar on board, and it serves alcohol. The restrooms were surprisingly comfortable for a boat.
The Rip Van Winkle II passes the Rondout Lighthouse.
What you see along the way
The boat pulls out of the Rondout, passes the Rondout Lighthouse, then heads out into the Hudson.
The narration is part recorded and part live, with the captain jumping in along the way. He points out the notable mansions along the shoreline as you pass them. You get a second lighthouse further on.
We spotted red-tailed hawks and great blue herons along the banks. I’m glad I remembered my binoculars - I had them out for most of the trip!
The other boat, and the lighthouse tour
The captain talks about the other boat during the narration, and we actually saw it while we were out there.
That's the Solaris, a small solar-powered boat run by the Hudson River Maritime Museum. It was docked at the Rondout Lighthouse for a lighthouse tour when we passed. Tickets start around $35 per adult and include free admission to the museum.
The Solaris is the one to take if you want to actually go inside the lighthouse. It's an 1913 brick lighthouse you can only reach by boat, and you can climb to the top. You can find the schedule on the museum's cruise page.
Both boats run roughly May through October. If you're picking one, take the Rip Van Winkle II for the wider river cruise and the mansions. Take the Solaris if the lighthouse itself is what you're after.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
Located on historic Rondout Landing along old railroad tracks is the Hudson River Maritime Museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and the communities around it.
My new friend Mathilda is part of the museum exhibit. ;)
The tugboat Mathilda on display.
Trolley Museum of New York
The Trolley Museum of New York, located at 89 East Strand Street was originally founded in 1955 in Brooklyn in an effort to save some of the last trolley cars in New York City. It struggled to find a permanent home in its early years, but in 1983 the museum finally landed in Kingston.
An interactive experience, the museum lets you climb through buses, trains and subway cars and also offers a short ride on a diesel powered trolley along the waterfront. A little gem for sure if you are visiting with children.
Eating in Kingston’s Rondout District
Dining at Savona’s in Kingston.
There is no shortage of places to eat along Broadway in Kingston, so it’s best just to go have a look for yourself and see what appeals to you, but we have to give a shout out to Savona’s, an Italian spot in town where we really enjoyed our dinner.
We chose to sit at the bar rather than wait (we did not make a reservation) - and I have to say, we have to remember to do this more often!
It was so much fun conversing with the bartender and other locals, chatting about the Olympics which were playing on TV, and enjoying a very congenial summer cocktail, which was super fresh and delicious. It was obvious the bartender took a lot of pride in making it. Food was absolutely yummy - Nonna’s Famous Sunday Sauce tasted just like something with such a loving name should taste.
An interesting little detail - when I was waiting to use the restroom in the back, I noticed a framed article hanging up about how Billy Joel had visited the restaurant a while back, and personally filled out the survey card, giving his waitress a glowing review!
It doesn’t get much more “New York State of Mind” than a framed “Scene from an Italian Restaurant” featuring Billy Joel. ;)
We liked Kingston. It has a way of sticking with you, even if you are just passing through.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Kingston, NY
Where is Kingston, NY, and how far is it from New York City?
Kingston sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 90 minutes north of New York City straight up the Thruway. It makes an easy day trip or a relaxed overnight. Woodstock is about 15 minutes away, Rhinebeck is just across the river, and Hudson is roughly 40 minutes north.
Is Kingston in the Catskills or the Hudson Valley?
Both, in a sense. Kingston sits in the Hudson Valley, right where the valley meets the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains. You get the river on one side and the mountains rising to the west, which is a big part of the town's appeal.
What is Kingston, NY known for?
Kingston was the first capital of New York State, back in 1777. Today it's known for its three historic neighborhoods, a lively arts scene, good restaurants, and the Rondout waterfront on the Hudson River.
Is Kingston, NY worth visiting?
We think so. You get colonial history, a walkable arts scene, good food, and a pretty riverfront, all within an easy drive of the city. It's one of our favorite stops in the Hudson Valley.
Can you take a boat ride in Kingston?
Yes. Two operators run cruises from the Rondout waterfront, roughly May through October. The Rip Van Winkle II offers narrated sightseeing and sunset cruises, and the solar-powered Solaris runs sunset cruises plus a special trip out to the Rondout Lighthouse.
Is Kingston a good weekend getaway?
It's one of the best in the Hudson Valley for a couples' weekend. You can spend one day in the Stockade District and the Rondout waterfront, take a sunset cruise, and use the second day for nearby stops like Woodstock, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, or the FDR home in Hyde Park.
Where to stay in the Kingston, NY area
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if we are recommending a product, activity, or hotel, we might be receiving a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
Hutton Brickyards Riverfront Hotel
Unique rooms on the Hudson River
Firepit and bicycles
Free breakfast
More information here
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Upscale hotel and spa
Two swimming pools
Hot tub
More information here
About the Authors
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John and Debbie O'Boyle are the team behind The Empty Nest Explorers. John is a professional photographer whose work has been published by The New York Times, NBC News, and Getty Images. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has been part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and has received two New York Emmy nominations. Debbie is a writer with 30+ years of professional photography experience, formerly with The Star-Ledger and NJ.com. Together, they create in-depth travel guides for couples and empty-nest travelers who want to make the most of every destination. |
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Rhinebeck is a perfect base for your Hudson Valley visit.
The village is small enough to walk in twenty minutes. But Route 9 runs right through it, so the FDR sites, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Kingston are all a short drive away.