Things To Do
in Highlands
Highlands sits on the eastern banks of the Hudson River in the lower Hudson Valley, offering sweeping river views and easy access to rugged trails in the Hudson Highlands. The area blends small-town charm—with historic West Point nearby and artsy Beacon and Cold Spring—with abundant outdoor recreation such as hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives. Visitors find a mix of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and seasonal farmers markets that reflect the region’s agricultural roots.
Proximity to New York City makes the Highlands a popular weekend escape for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a tranquil morning at Lake McDonald, where the water reflects the stunning peaks of the surrounding mountains. A serene hike along the shoreline offers opportunities to spot wildlife and discover hidden coves. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy as you soak in the breathtaking scenery.
After lunch, venture to Apgar Village for some local shopping and cozy cafes. Rent a kayak or take a boat tour to truly experience the beauty of the lake from a different perspective. As the sun begins to lower, take advantage of the golden hour to capture photos of the rugged landscape.
As night falls, head back to your lodge for a hearty dinner, or build a campfire to share stories under the stars. The lack of light pollution in the Highlands allows for unparalleled stargazing, revealing constellations typically obscured in urban settings. End your day with a peaceful reflection on the lake, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Rise early to conquer one of the area's renowned trails, such as the Grinnell Glacier Trail. The cool morning air and breathtaking vistas motivate you to push through the challenging ascent. Bring a light breakfast to fuel your adventure as you take in the stunning flora and fauna along the way.
Once you've reached the summit, bask in the awe-inspiring views of the glaciers and surrounding mountains while enjoying your packed lunch. Make use of the afternoon to explore side trails or indulge in photography; the landscapes provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. As you begin your descent, take time to reflect on the importance of preserving these natural wonders.
After a day of physical adventure, unwind at your accommodation with a soothing bath or by the fireplace. Treat yourself to a delicious local meal at a nearby restaurant that features farm-to-table ingredients. Conclude your evening with a peaceful stroll outside, listening to the sounds of the wilderness.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entrance | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Outstanding natural scenery and outdoor recreation
- Close proximity to New York City for easy access
- Strong local food scene with farm-to-table options
- Charming small towns with arts and antiques
- Limited nightlife and late-night services in smaller towns
- Crowds and limited parking during peak foliage and summer weekends
- Public transportation is good along the river but limited for deeper rural access
- Weather can be unpredictable in shoulder seasons
Places to Visit in Highlands
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding ridgelines—best at sunrise or early morning light for dramatic contrasts.
Sweeping views of the river and surrounding forests; scenic pull-offs along Route 9W are great for golden hour shots.
Historic architecture, parade grounds and riverside vistas—photogenic buildings and a strong sense of history (check visitor photography rules).
Charming small-town storefronts, antique shops and riverfront views—excellent for lifestyle and street photography.
Expansive elevated views east toward the Hudson and west over the valley—stark in winter and lush in summer.
Food in Highlands
Highlands Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic breakfast option—fresh bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers and red onion; available at local bakeries and delis in Cold Spring and Beacon.
Must-Try!
Menus often change with the season featuring produce from Hudson Valley farms—think roasted root vegetables in fall, fresh greens in spring, and heirloom tomatoes in summer at local bistros.
Local cideries and breweries produce crisp hard ciders and small-batch beers; tasting rooms and taprooms in the area are good places to sample them.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend market offering local produce, baked goods, cheeses and prepared foods—great for sampling seasonal specialties and picnic supplies.
A lively market with artisan food vendors, local produce, and occasional street food stalls; ideal for lunch and discovering Hudson Valley products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally polite and value personal space—greet with a hello or nod, and avoid loud or intrusive behavior in public places.
Stay on marked trails, pack out trash, leash dogs where required and follow Leave No Trace principles—locals take trail stewardship seriously.
Be mindful on private property and at military sites like West Point—obey signage and staff instructions about photography and access.
Safety
Tipping in Highlands
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard restaurant tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for a tab. Tip taxi drivers 10–15% and hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night. Many workers rely on tips, so tipping is expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases or markets, though many vendors accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, budding foliage and fewer crowds—perfect for hiking and early-season farmers markets. Trails can be muddy after snowmelt or rain; bring waterproof shoes and check trail conditions.
Warm and humid with long daylight hours, ideal for kayaking, swimming and outdoor dining. Popular spots get busy on weekends—reserve accommodations and expect busy parking at trailheads.
Peak foliage draws many visitors—brilliant leaf color and crisp air make hiking and scenic drives spectacular. Book in advance for lodging; weekends can be very crowded.
Cold with occasional snow and icy trails—fewer tourists and lower rates but limited services; winter hikes require traction devices and layered clothing for safety.
Highlands at Night
Hiking in Highlands
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A steep, challenging ridge hike with rock scrambles and dramatic Hudson River vistas; very popular and best started early in the day.
A historic and scenic trail leading to sweeping views over Beacon and the Hudson; options for a moderate ascent or a longer loop.
Moderate hike offering expansive views of the Hudson Highlands and quieter trails compared with the busier Breakneck Ridge.
Shorter hike with excellent views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge—popular for photographers and hikers of varying skill levels.
Network of trails around Bear Mountain offering scenic overlooks, lakeside strolls and access to picnic areas and recreational facilities.
Airports
How to reach Highlands by plane.
About 30–45 minutes by car from the Highlands area (depending on exact location); smaller regional airport with some domestic flights and shuttle/taxi options to local towns.
Approximately 45–75 minutes by car; convenient for regional flights and reachable by car or shuttle services.
Major international airport roughly 1–1.5 hours away depending on traffic; offers the widest range of domestic and international flights and ground transportation options to the Hudson Valley.
Approximately 1–2 hours by car or train/bus combinations; convenient if combining a city trip to NYC with Highlands visit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to New York City or nearby employment centers; the area has a suburban commuter demographic.
Beacon and nearby towns host a strong artist community, galleries and creative businesses that attract visitors and seasonal residents.
Proximity to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point means a notable population of military personnel, families and alumni in the area.
Some retirees and second-home owners are drawn to the region for its scenic quality and quieter lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular given the rugged terrain and scenic ridgelines—local clubs and meetup groups often organize group hikes and races.
Water sports on the Hudson are common, including recreational kayaking, SUP and club rowing teams in larger towns.
Local high school sports and West Point athletics (notably Army football) draw community interest and are fixtures in the regional sporting calendar.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Highlands.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options and many cafés have substantial plant-based choices; farm-to-table menus often include vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options are increasingly available at cafes and some restaurants; larger towns like Beacon have dedicated vegan-friendly eateries, but choices are fewer in smaller hamlets.
Gluten-free requests are commonly accommodated—bakeries and restaurants can usually provide GF breads or alternatives, but explicit labeling at markets varies.