Location: Kingston
Top Things to do in Kingston
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What to do and see in Kingston, New York (NY): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Kingston is a city in and the county seat of Ulster County, New York, United States. It is 91 miles (146 km) north of New York City and 59 miles (95 km) south of Albany. It became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections. Passenger rail service has since ceased, and many of the older buildings are part of three historic districts, such as the Stockade District uptown, the Midtown Neighborhood Broadway Corridor, and the Rondout-West Strand Historic District downtown.
Restaurants in Kingston
1. Volunteer Fireman's Hall & Museum of Kingston
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By tremp160 - Kingston, United States
The building itself, authentic, maintained and staff by volunteers is worth a visit - but the collection, the collection is noteworthy as well. Mission furniture in the meeting room is easily over a hundred years old, records of service, awards, sleeping quarters intact, the pole still in place - it's as if the firefighters of 1900 just left the building to answer a call and will be back in a few minutes. One of the few intact firehouse museums anywhere.
2. Tivoli Sailing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
Hudson River sailing, in the Hudson valley, if done properly, is a truly unforgettable and sublime experience. Whether it be Epic sunsets over the ancient Catskill mountains, basking in the sun as gentle breeezes caress you, or living it up with friends and dancing on the foredeck as you cruise down the river in complete style and comfort, Tivoli sailing company has the perfect boat and crew for you! We are the only sailing company in the Hudson Valley to have a fleet of boats, so we can scale up or scale down depending on our clients needs. Whether it be a romantic Champagne Sunset Sail for two, on our 29 foot yacht Helen, a large group on our 44 foot luxury yacht Songbird, or a week of Adventure Sailing school for your children on our 24 foot sloops, Leda and Cortney, we can accommodate all of our clients, and their children’s needs. Come see why sailing in the Hudson valley with Tivoli sailing truly is a “Posi Tivoli” sailing experience!”
3. Rondout Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
You can reach this historic 86-year-old lighthouse by boat tours from the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Reviewed By 662stevec - Washington, United States
If you enjoy the tranquil beauty of a lighthouse, then this one is a must-see. The current structure was built-in 1913 & it was 1st lite-up in 1915. To see the lighthouse you can take a boat tour that originates at the Hudson River Museum or by walking the Kingston Point Rail Trail.
4. Hudson River Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Tour Hudson River Lighthouses aboard SOLARIS- Our 100% Solar Powered Tour Boat! Take a sailing lesson on the beautiful TIDBIT. Take a class in the wooden boat shop. Take a trip up the Roundout for local history tour. Check out our variety of beautiful spaces for events that including boat tours. 2020 Exhibit - "Mary Powell: Queen of the Hudson" Built in 1861, decommissioned in 1917, the Mary Powell remained a Hudson Valley constant during a period of incredible social and technological change in the United States. She saw the Civil War, the industrial revolution, Gilded Age, Progressive Era, and the start of World War I. Called “Queen of the Hudson” before construction was even completed, the Mary Powell, iconic symbol of “America’s Rhine.” Operated for most of her career by one enterprising family - the Andersons - Mary Powell also represented the best of Hudson River travel- the speed, elegance, safety, and attention to detail that made travel by water preferable.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
The Hudson River Maritime Museum is one of those underrated museums that you come across that is packed with interesting information, interesting exhibitions and engaging displays. If you are interested in the history of the maritime exploration, the history of the canal systems and the growth of the manufacturing industry of the Hudson River Valley, this museum has all the answers and in a interactive way. The displays are very interesting and there is a lot of reading to do (not very Gen Z). They explain not just the shipping industry but the whole history from when the Indians traded with the Dutch up to the changes in the towns with modern day gentrification and the growth of 'cottage' artist communities. It is a very underrated museum that you should visit when you are at the Kingston Roundout or visiting the Kingston area.
5. Hudson River Cruises, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 846 reviews
Explore the majestic Hudson River aboard the M/V Rip Van Winkle. Enjoy narrated cruises past quaint lighthouses, great estates, and a magnificent view of the Catskill Mountains. Weekends in the summertime offer sunset cruises, live music and DJ Dance Cruises as well as dinner cruises and special theme events. The Rip Van Winkle makes the perfect venue for cocktail receptions, weddings, family events, corporate outings and anything in between!
6. Senate House State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Built in 1676, the Senate House reflects the Dutch way of life that characterized Kingston in the 18th century. More importantly, it was the meeting place for the original New York State Senate after the Revolutionary War. History was made here as colonists shaped a newly created government. There is a collection of colonial-era artifacts, furniture, and a portrait gallery featuring the works of the famous colonial artist, John Vanderlyn. The Senate House State Historic site is comprised of 3 buildings: the 1676 Senate House, the Senate House Museum & Gallery, and the Loughran House (which houses staff offices and is open for special events only). The property welcomes individuals, families, school groups, scout troops and group bus tours. The site offers special educational programs for school field trips and home school groups. Check the website for special events listings.
Reviewed By mpeplow - Kerhonkson, United States
After driving by it for 40 years, I finally stopped and checked it out. The tour was an excellent history lesson given by a guide in period costume about what was the third largest city in the state of New York at the time. The museum also gave you a perspective of the area during the birth of our nation. I would highly recommend visiting the site if you are in the area. While there, you are also within walking distance of many fine restaurants and shops in uptown Kingston.
7. Forsyth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By lifeisafieldtrip87 - Saratoga Springs, United States
This Nature Center is right in the middle of a big city park with all the fixin’s. There is a big track and football field, baseball field, open space to run around and play catch, plenty of covered picnic tables, and a super fun wooden playground area with plenty of things to climb, explore, and swing on. We parked our car and passed all of these things with our eyes on the prize…animals! Just for some extra fun, somewhere there was a loudspeaker blasting party music throughout the park so we strutted our way to the Nature Center, half moving to the beat, and half embarrassed that we were dancing through a parking lot. Full disclosure, my husband later said he would have preferred a quiet animal experience, so I invite you to weigh all the pros and cons before choosing your own adventure. However, we were not in a remote spot in the woods; we were deep in the city of Kingston and the place was packed. I thought the music was quite fitting. The Nature Center is free to enter and very sweet. Right away you see peacocks to your right and farm animals to your left. Per COVID guidelines, we turned left and began our circle. We showed our toddler goats, llamas, chickens, and even a bull. He may have seen them. Or he may have been so very distracted by all the children around him. What. Are. Children? You know you’re a pandemic baby if… After our tour of the animals, we made our way to one of the big fields in the park where some of us practiced walking while others dance-walked to the rhythm of that music. I’ll let you guess who did what. So, if you’re in the Kingston area with kids, stop by Forsyth Park and Dietz Stadium. Bring a ball for the fields, a hurdle for the track, or just enjoy the playground and Nature Center. So many ways to design your own field trip!
8. Kingston Uptown Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
The Stockade District (Uptown Kingston) dates back to 1658. Site of many historical buildings -- Senate House, Old Dutch Church, Matthewis Persen House, Hoffman House, etc. Now a entertainment district of unique shops, restaurants and bars. Park your car and take a walking tour of the area.
9. Matthewis Persen House Museum & Cultural Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By tremp160 - Kingston, United States
The stone buildings on historic four corners in Kingston are an unrivaled opportunity to step back in time (a snowstorm, a dark night, a reenactment) where you can actually picture yourself in the late 17th, early 18th century. No admission fee, largely self guided, with an amazing county owned museum building spanning four centuries on one corner, a converted academy, now books and beer on another and two privately owned but very accessible buildings on the other corners - in fact there are original stone buildings scattered within easy walking distance of the corners. Tales of native American raids and stockade walls and British soldiers burning the town down after the NYS Constitution was adopted here and the first government was elected here. The uptown section of Kingston qualifies as a living history experience and it has been open for business for well over 350 years and most of it is entirely free of admission charges. You can stay in a boutique hotel, dine in a fine restaurant and explore the history of New York's First Capital.
10. Old Dutch Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Timzorrr - Edmonds, United States
The original chruch was built in 1679 but was burned by the British in 1777 along with what was the village. General George Clinton and roughly 70 Revolutionary War soldiers were buried in the grave yard on the church property. The church that is here now, was built in 1852 in Renaissance Revival style. Well worth a stop if you are into history!
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