So, you’re looking for things to do in Cold Spring NY? This guide will help you find lots of inspiration for your Cold Spring NY getaway!


So you’re looking for things to do in Cold Spring NY? The good news is – there’s so much to keep you busy!

This beautiful town is a perfect weekend getaway, and the activities and things to do in COld Stone make it even more appealing.

Cold Spring, NY is a truly stunning example of what lies just outside of Manhattan and it’s a great choice for a weekend away.

Just over an hour from NYC, its main street is lined with adorable boutiques, restaurants and specialty stores!

ultimate guide to cold spring ny

Being an excellent tribute to the great outdoors, it’s also home to some of the world’s best hiking trails.

Excited to find out more? Keep reading this list.


Things to do in Cold Spring, NY


As I mentioned, there are plenty of things to do in Cold Spring NY!

Cold Spring NY is quite a small town based in the Hudson River Valley, it’s an extremely popular weekend getaway for local New Yorkers, and if you like shopping, eating and walking about, you’re sure to find plenty that floats your boat in Cold Spring, NY.

If you’re visiting Cold Spring, NY for the first time, you’ll want to create a comprehensive itinerary, as there are so many lovely things to do in Cold Spring NY!


Hiking in Cold Spring NY

My first suggestion for things to do in Cold Spring, NY – it’s hiking of course! If you arrived on the MetroNorth, you may have already seen numerous hikers ready to seek out Cold Spring’s amazing trails.

With many visiting Cold Spring NY solely to explore Breakneck Ridge, it’s an excellent excuse to dust off your mountain boots and get moving.

Offering a short but steep scramble to the top, it offers some incredible views of the Hudson Valley. Though it’s a very difficult hike, the trail is always packed.

So, be sure to allocate plenty of time to do this as it may well take you the better part of a day to see the best of this area. 

list of things to do in Cold Spring NY

Go shopping in Cold Spring, NY

Next on my list, it’s shopping! OK, so shopping might not be the most unique choice of things to do in Cold Spring NY, it’s still a lot of fun.

Due to its many speciality stores, shopping in Cold Spring, NY is a great idea! It’s an amazing place to pick up some unique pieces.

If you’re a fan of physical activity or home décor, Old Souls is a cool store that carries products suitable for the field, stream, camp and home.

With some loud graphic tees for sale as well, it’s a great stop for some souvenirs. Shopping here is a must!

If you’re into vintage goods, Poor George in Cold Spring NY is also a great shout. An amazingly stocked little shop that features vintage goods alongside housewares, stationery and jewellery, it’s the perfect spot for photographs and gifts. 

Read more about New York State: 17 Beautiful and Scenic Towns in Upstate New York

the ultimate guide to cold spring ny

Manitoga near Cold Spring, NY

Next on my list of things to do in Cold Spring NY, it’s Manitoga. If you’re looking for a more chilled out approach to Mother Nature, why not check out Manitoga?

A fabulous studio of woodland, Manitoga offers 90-minute tours of the property and it’s a lovely choice for keeping busy.

Russel Wright designed the whole outdoor space from the trees to the moss, so it’s a unique experience that’s well worth a visit.

Read more about New York State: Top 14 things to do in Cooperstown, NY


West Point Foundry Preserve

Holding a lot of the area’s history, West Point Foundry Preserve is my next suggestion, and it’s a must-visit for history buffs.

At the height of the industrial revolution, this spot produced steam engines, artillery and ships.

Acting as the starting point for numerous hikes, this is a must-visit on the way to any hike in the area. As many of these trails follow old rail beds, it’s a great way to see preserved ruins that are hidden amongst the Hudson woodlands. 

This is a lovely option for things to do in Cold Spring NY, especially for history buffs.


Cold Spring Waterfront

A serene natural spot in Cold Spring NY is the waterfront.

This is another must-see natural spot in Cold Spring NY. With massive, panoramic views of the Hudson and its surrounding scenery, it’s the perfect place to snap some sunset shots.

If you’re not looking to get the perfect shot, it’s a relaxing place to just sit and read a book if you’ve got some time on your hands! You’ll definitely want to add this to your list of things to do in Cold Spring NY.


Take the River Rose ferry cruise

This lovely old-fashioned ferry cruise is my next suggestion for keeping busy in Cold Spring.

It leaves from the Cold Spring, NY waterfront and they offer public cruises – which make for a gorgeous day out or activity in Cold Spring, NY.

The River Rose in Cold Spring NY is an authentic stern driven Mississippi paddle wheeler, and it’ll take you back in time – while you get to enjoy the view and and the narrative commentary too.

There’s also a full-service bar onboard – which is a nice added extra! Make sure you add this to your things to do in Cold Spring NY itinerary – it’s really special.

River Rose ferry Cold Spring NY guide to town

Downtown Gallery in Cold Spring NY

Next on my list, it’s the Downtown Gallery.

Featuring paintings from local artists and with an antique shop that’s stuffed to the brim with collectibles that are constantly updated, this is a must-do in Cold Spring NY.

Located on Main Street, this gallery-meets-antique store is a quaint place to pop into on your way down the area’s most popular stretch of road in Cold Spring NY. 


The bandstand in Cold Spring NY

When you’re done schmoozing around Main Street in Cold Spring NY, you should take a trip down to Cold Spring’s hexagonal bandstand and do some people watching.

A lovely spot to catch your breath, it’s a wonderful place to de-stress and reflect on your day. It makes for a fun option for things to do in Cold Spring NY.

This is a lovely choice of ways to spend the day in COld Spring – especially if you just fancy taking it easy for a few hours, or people watching in the sunshine.

where to stay in Cold Spring NY

Read more about New York State: Top 15 things to do in Rhinebeck, NY


Take a kayak out on the Hudson

My next suggestion of things to do in Cold Spring, NY is kayaking. With plenty of places around to rent kayaks or canoes you can easily see the best of this river valley. Special tours also run throughout the year, with guides showing you the most special sights on offer.

Including Bannerman castle, it’s a fabulous way to kill two birds with one stone (you get physical activity and see the sights of Cold Spring NY – win win!).

A lovely way to spend the day in Cold Spring, especially if you love spending time outdoors and in nature.

kayaking in Cold Spring NY

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Next on my list – it’s the Shakespeare festival!

This isn’t a continuous event in Cold Spring, NY – but if you happen to be planning a visit during the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, then you’re in for a treat.

It’s both a celebration of Shakespeare, and a celebration of outdoor theatre, and it’s so enjoyable and such a great event.

If you’re looking for educational and arty things to do in Cold Spring NY, this is the one! Learn more here. Such a fun event in Cold Spring NY.


Stonecrop Gardens

Next on my list of things to do in Cold Spring NY, it’s Stonecrop Gardens.

The stunning Stonecrop Gardens cover a huge area of around 12 acres and have a really diverse and beautiful mix of flora and fauna.

There are woodlands, landscaped areas, a water garden and a grass garden too. If you love gardening, or you just like admiring pretty places – this a must-see in Cold Spring, NY.


Boscobel House and Gardens

Last on my list of things to do in Cold Spring NY, it’s Boscobel House and Gardens. This is a great idea, especially for those who love a bit of history and architecture.

The house itself is a historic museum (it’s located in Garrison, a short drive from Cold Spring). The house overlooks the Hudson river, and enjoy some absolutely stunning views.

It’s definitely worth visiting, especially as it’s unlikely you’ll have seen anything quite like it before! It’s a really interesting spot in Cold Spring NY.

Boscobel House and Gardens cold spring NY

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Whilstling Willies

Whistling Willies is serving standard pub fare in Cold Spring NY, and this is a great place for a simple meal that hits the spot.

You’ll need some energy if you’re going check off all the other ideas on my list of things to do in Cold Spring NY. Choosing where to eat in a new town is always half the fun of the trip for me.

With an excellent burger and beer selection (it won best beer and best burger in the Hudson Valley Magazine several times!), it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for some hearty grub. 

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/whistlingwillies/


Bannerman Castle

Next up on my list it’s the amazing Bannerman Castle, on Pollepel Island.

Bannerman Castle isn’t located directly in Cold Spring town, but it’s only a short drive (4 minutes to be precise!) so it’s well worth visiting.

This is a castle! Steeped in history, and with some stunning scenery and wildlife surrounding it – it’s really unmissable if you’re in the Cold Spring area.

It’s definitely one of the most beautiful ways to spend a day, and one of the most unique too.


Photograph the local scenery

Getting out there with your camera and taking some amazing photos of the wildlife and scenery.

Cold Spring is surrounded by stunning landscapes and one of the most lovely things to do in Cold Spring NY is to get out into nature and take some stunning photos!



Take a boat out on the water

Next up, it’s time to take a boat out!

If you’re confident sailing or driving a boat yourself – then you’ll be able to hire a boat. But if you’d rather just be a passenger, you’ll also find companies that offer a guided boat service for the day too.

Seeing the landscapes and scenery from the water is really beautiful, especially in the milder weather.

It’s one of the most relaxing and lovely things to do in Cold Spring, NY.



Eat at Hudson Hil’s

Hudson Hil’s is one of the area’s most beloved brunch joints in Cold Spring NY, it uses fresh, local ingredients in all its dishes, and it’s next on my list of things to do in Cold Spring.

It’s probably the most popular spot in town for food, so be prepared to queue if you want to taste this joint’s goodies.

If you haven’t got much time on your hands, never fear; you can dip into the market section and grab a sandwich or coffee to go!

You’ll love this place in Cold Spring NY, and it’s a perfect choice if you’re feeling peckish!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/hudsonhils/


Antique shopping

This area of New York State, is particularly famous for antique shopping, so next on my list of things to do in Cold Spring, is antique shopping (of course!).

There are a few different antique stores in Cold Spring, and even if you’re not into purchasing the antiques – it’s still incredible fun to look around the stores and browse the wonderful things they have on sale.



Brasserie Le Bouchon

Serving classic French cuisine in Cold Spring NY, this brasserie is sure to have a dish to appeal to any taste.

One of the top things on this menu is the authentic escargot. Served with a ton of garlic and butter, this yummy dish comes with a stick of crusty baguette to soak up all the goodness.

If this doesn’t whet your appetite, the steak au poivre is equally fantastic. Slathered in cream, butter and Cognac, it’s totally indulgent and well worth the trip to Cold Spring.

It’s delicious food in Cold Spring NY!

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Magazzino Italian Art

Next up on my list of things to do in Cold Spring, it’s something for the art lovers. Magazzino Italian Art is a wonderful destination for soaking in some culture.

This unique destination is a museum and research center that is dedicated to advancing scholarship and public appreciation of postwar and contemporary Italian art.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, it’s only located a short drive from Cold Spring, so well worth visiting and admiring the works of art there.

Image credit: https://www.magazzino.art/visit


MANITOGA / The Russel Wright Design Center

Another wonderful choice for things to do in Cold Spring, is the MANITOGA / Russel Wright Design Center. The mission here is to preserve Manitoga as the embodiment of Russel Wright’s design philosophy and life’s work.

This place is another awesome choice for people looking to expand their cultural horizons.

Located a 10 minute drive from Cold Spring, this is a perfect choice, if you’re looking for a lovely morning or afternoon activity, and you’re interested in art and design.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/visitmanitoga/


Riverview Restaurant

Next on our list of things to do in Cold Spring, it’s another wonderful place to eat!

Riverview Restaurant is a lovely restaurant on the river’s edge, serving up classic ‘restaurant’ style dishes in a lovely setting with an amazing view.

I think this would be a lovely place to go for a date-night or if you’ve got someone special to impress in Cold Spring, NY!


Map of things to do in Cold Spring NY

I always find maps really helpful – and hopefully you will too! Here’s a map of all the locations mentioned above, so you can see where they are in Cold Spring NY, and how close to each other they are too!

This map was created with Wanderlog, a journey planner

Places to stay in Cold Spring, NY


OK, now you know about all the awesome things to do there – it’s time to figure out where to stay. If you’re scratching your head about where to stay in Cold Spring, NY, never fear.

In this ultimate guide, we’ve included a couple of fantastic options that should suit any traveller.

Hudson House River Inn

Built in 1832 and operating as a hotel since that date, the Hudson House River Inn is part of Cold Spring’s local history. Located on the stunning waterfront, it’s only about a hundred feet from the Hudson River. This is a great place to stay in Cold Spring NY.

With a distinctly antique feel, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring. As somewhere that’s been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a marvel in its own right!

It’s located in a great spot if you’re going to be doing a lot of activities on the list of things to do in Cold Spring NY.

Pig Hill Inn

Another great place to stay in Cold Spring NY is Pig Hill Inn. It’s a great base if you plan on working your way through my list.

Though rather strangely named, Pig Hill Inn is a lovely quiet retreat located on one of Cold Spring’s historic streets. Touting itself as a place that offers great hospitality, it’s sure to live up to your expectations.

With individually decorated rooms and a gorgeous garden terrace, it’s a central spot in Cold Spring NY that’s a great place to base yourself.

pig hill inn - best places to stay in Cold Spring NY

West Point Motel

Though slightly further out of Cold Spring, NY – this is still within easy driving distance (about 5-10 mins). The West Point Motel is a great budget option that has plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable.

A family owned hotel that’s been in operation since 1923, it’s a tried and tested spot to rest your head in Cold Spring NY.

Read more about New York State: 50 things to do in Niagara Falls





How long should you spend in Cold Spring, NY?


There are loads of things to do in Cold Spring NY – so how long should you spend there?

In theory, due to its size you can get Cold Spring covered in a day trip, but it wouldn’t give you much chance to get through my list of things to do in Cold Spring NY.

However, Cold Spring is the kind of place I would visit for a long weekend!

Shake off those city stresses, and relax in one of the hotels above. Have a lazy sleep-in, enjoy some delicious brunch and just mooch around the town. You don’t need to cram everything into one day, so spreading it out over a few days is ideal.

top things to do in Cold Spring NY

What should I pack for Cold Spring, NY?


It really depends on which activities you’ll be choosing!

In the summertime in Cold Spring NY, you’ll likely spend your time exploring shops, walking around the scenic streets, and sipping coffee in the sunshine.

Maybe throw a bit of hiking in there for good measure. So a couple of comfortable outfits for exploring and ‘sightseeing’ and then an outfit for hiking would be ideal.

In the winter, expect it to be snowing, and cold. Cold Spring, NY is just as cold as Manhattan in the winter (if not more so) so make sure you’ve got plenty of layers and warm clothes with you!

I would certainly recommend packing a few useful bits for exploring the area.

  • Bring some comfortable shoes: as the weather in New York can vary considerably, make sure you pack some comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for your trip. The last thing you want is soaking wet feet taking your mind off things.
  • If you’re taking a day trip, be sure to pack a portable charger. Cold Spring is full of photogenic spots, so make sure that you’re not caught out with a flat phone battery when you’re trying to line up that perfect shot.

I hope that this Ultimate Guide to Cold Spring, NY has been useful. This place certainly has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover or prefer the quaintness of boutique shops. So, get planning!

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things to do in Cold Spring NY

Hopefully this list of things to do in Cold Spring NY is useful and you’ve found lots of inspiration in this guide to Cold Spring NY!

There are so many wonderful things to do in Cold Spring NY, and there are lovely accommodation options, and wonderful places to eat in Cold Spring NY too!

No matter which choices you make, you’ll have an amazing time in this charming town!

Altogether it makes Cold Spring NY a fantastic place for a weekend getaway from NYC because of how many wonderful ways you can spend your time there!