Kingston New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kingston, New York.
1. Kingston Uptown Historic District - Stockade District
HISTORIC CHARM PRESERVED
The Kingston Uptown Historic District, also known as the Stockade District, offers visitors a glimpse into Kingston's rich colonial past with its well-preserved architecture and historical significance. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the charming streets lined with buildings that date back to the early days of the city, showcasing Dutch and Colonial influences. The district serves as a cultural hub with numerous shops, restaurants, and historic sites that make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
2. Rondout Lighthouse
HUDSON RIVER BEACON
The Rondout Lighthouse stands as a historic 86-year-old beacon at the mouth of Rondout Creek where it meets the Hudson River. Visitors can reach this maritime landmark via boat tours that depart from the Hudson River Maritime Museum, offering unique perspectives of Kingston's waterfront. The lighthouse represents an important piece of Kingston's maritime heritage and provides spectacular views of the Hudson River and surrounding landscapes.
3. Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History
CULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History preserves the legacy of immigrant communities that helped shape Kingston through its exhibits housed in the historic Reher's Bakery. Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved retail shop from circa 1959, offering a glimpse into mid-century life when locals would gather to purchase freshly baked rolls for Sunday breakfast. The center serves as an important cultural institution dedicated to honoring the past, present, and future contributions of immigrants to the Kingston community.
4. Forsyth Park
NATURAL URBAN OASIS
Forsyth Park offers a refreshing escape within Kingston city limits with its combination of natural spaces and family-friendly attractions. The park features a free-to-enter Nature Center where visitors can observe peacocks and farm animals in a charming, educational setting. Visitors appreciate the park for its recreational facilities, walking paths, and the opportunity to connect with nature without leaving the city.
5. Senate House State Historic Site
BIRTHPLACE OF NEW YORK
The Senate House State Historic Site, built in 1676, stands as a testament to Kingston's pivotal role in New York State history as the meeting place for the original New York State Senate. The historic structure reflects the Dutch architectural influence and way of life that characterized Kingston during the 18th century. Visitors can step back in time as they tour this significant landmark where the foundations of New York State government were established during a crucial period in American history.
6. Volunteer Fireman's Hall & Museum of Kingston
FLAME-FIGHTING HERITAGE
The Volunteer Fireman's Hall & Museum of Kingston celebrates the rich history and brave service of Kingston's firefighting community through its extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors can explore vintage fire engines, equipment, and photographs that document the evolution of firefighting techniques in this historic Hudson Valley city. The museum offers an engaging educational experience that honors the dedication and sacrifice of Kingston's volunteer firefighters throughout the generations.
7. Ulster Performing Arts Center
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Ulster Performing Arts Center serves as Kingston's premier cultural venue, hosting a diverse range of performances from concerts and theater productions to film screenings and community events. The historic theater, with its stunning architectural details, provides an intimate setting where audiences can enjoy world-class entertainment in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Visitors appreciate the center not only for its quality programming but also for its contribution to Kingston's vibrant arts scene and cultural identity.
8. Hudson River Maritime Museum
RIVER HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Hudson River Maritime Museum, located on historic Rondout Landing, preserves and celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the Hudson River and its surrounding communities. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits featuring historic vessels like the 1898 steam tugboat Mathilda alongside artifacts that tell the story of river commerce, transportation, and recreation. The museum serves as an educational gateway to understanding the vital role the Hudson River has played in the development of Kingston and the entire region.
9. Trolley Museum of New York
VINTAGE TRANSPORT COLLECTION
The Trolley Museum of New York offers visitors a nostalgic journey through the history of urban transportation with its collection of restored trolley cars and related exhibits. Located in Kingston's Rondout district, the museum provides the unique opportunity to ride on vintage trolleys along tracks that follow the waterfront, creating an immersive historical experience. Transportation enthusiasts and families alike enjoy learning about how these electric streetcars revolutionized city travel while taking in scenic views of the Rondout Creek.
10. O+ Murals
VIBRANT STREET ARTWORKS
The O+ Murals transform Kingston's urban landscape into an open-air gallery with colorful, thought-provoking artworks adorning buildings throughout the city. Created through the O+ Festival, a unique event founded in Kingston in 2010 that exchanges art for healthcare services for participating artists, these murals reflect diverse themes and styles. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to discover these impressive public artworks that have become an integral part of Kingston's identity and cultural renaissance.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATION
Kingston offers diverse shopping experiences across its three distinct districts, with boutiques, antique shops, and artisan markets catering to all tastes and budgets. The Stockade District features unique shops like Lovefield Vintage and Kingston Consignments, where treasure hunters can find one-of-a-kind pieces with historical character. The Rondout waterfront area complements the shopping experience with specialty stores like Clove & Creek and Hudson Valley Hullabaloo, making Kingston a premier retail destination in the Hudson Valley region.
12. Dining
CULINARY ADVENTURE HOTSPOT
Kingston's dining scene has exploded in recent years with award-winning restaurants offering cuisine ranging from farm-to-table fare to international flavors across its three vibrant districts. Visitors can savor exceptional meals at acclaimed establishments like Lola Pizza, Duo Bistro, and Ship to Shore in the Rondout district, where waterfront dining adds to the experience. The city's culinary landscape continues to evolve with new restaurants, cafes, and breweries regularly opening, cementing Kingston's reputation as a gastronomic destination in the Hudson Valley.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Kingston serves as an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts with its proximity to numerous trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley and nearby Catskill Mountains. The Empire State Trail runs directly through Kingston, offering a protected pedestrian path that connects to the larger 750-mile network spanning across New York State. Outdoor adventurers particularly enjoy the nearby Ashokan Rail Trail with its Woodstock Dike Trailhead, providing spectacular mountain views and opportunities to spot local wildlife throughout all seasons.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S WATER PARADISE
Kingston offers exceptional fishing opportunities with its strategic location where Rondout Creek meets the mighty Hudson River, creating diverse aquatic habitats for various fish species. Anglers can cast their lines for striped bass, catfish, and other freshwater species from shoreline spots along the Rondout Creek or arrange charter fishing trips on the Hudson for a more immersive experience. The annual seasons bring different fishing opportunities, with spring and fall generally considered prime times to experience Kingston's rich fishing heritage and natural bounty.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT RETREATS
Kingston provides access to numerous camping options in the surrounding Hudson Valley and Catskill regions, perfect for nature lovers seeking overnight outdoor adventures. Nearby facilities like Rondout Valley RV Campground and Woodland Valley Campground offer amenities ranging from basic tent sites to full RV hookups, all within a short drive from Kingston's urban amenities. Campers appreciate the opportunity to experience starry nights and morning birdsong while still being close enough to explore Kingston's historic districts and cultural attractions during day trips.