Things to do in Kingston, NY: America’s First Capital
Kingston, NY, was America’s first capital and is now an upstate hub for creatives in New York State. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Kingston, NY, you’ll find trendy restaurants, coffee shops, vintage shops, and also fascinating American history.
Kingston is one of my favorite weekend trips from NYC, so keep reading for the best things to do in Kingston, New York!
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Why Visit Kingston, NY
Kingston is the ideal place to escape NYC for a few days if you want to get some peace and quiet, but also want the option of going out to restaurants or bars in the evening, exploring some cute shops, or even hitting up some art galleries.
Getting to Kingston, NY
Kingston is about a 2 hour drive from New York City. Driving is the best option because Kingston isn’t completely walkable. It has a few walkable neighborhoods, such as the Rondout, but having a car gives you the most freedom and flexibility to explore the area.
If you choose to drive and have a little extra time, I recommend stopping at Ravenwood in Kerhonkson. Depending on your route, it might be a little out of the way but it’s such an upstate gem. Ravenwood is a barn that features a coffee shop, stylish design store and also a farm stand.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the Adirondack Trailways Bus to the Kingston Bus Terminal. Or, if you prefer to take the train, you can take the Amtrak or Metro-North to Hudson, NY and take a 40 minute taxi into Kingston.
Getting Around Kingston, NY
Although Kingston’s 3 main commercial districts are each walkable, Kingston as a whole is best explored by car.
Kingston’s 3 main neighborhoods are:
- Rondoubt, which is the waterfront district
- Midtown, which is popular with artists, and
- historic Uptown which is also called the Stockade and has historic buildings from the 1600s and 1700s.
Where to Stay in Kingston, NY
There are a handful of hotel options in and around the Kingston area:
- Hotel Kinsley is a stylish boutique hotel with a popular restaurant. This is where I’d like to stay next time I travel to Kingston!
- The Forsyth is a trendy B&B in Kingston that features a mix of new and vintage decor and furniture.
- If your budget doesn’t stretch to a chic boutique hotel, Kingston also has a Best Western Plus, a Hampton Inn, a Courtyard by Mariott and a Quality Inn and Suites.
Renting a house is also a great option for your trip to Kingston, NY, especially if you’re traveling with a group:
- We rented this charming house in nearby Bloomington and drove into Kingston every day, which is about10 minute away.
Other home rentals that look great incude:
- DeMew Townhouse is a renovated 1850s townhouse that overlooks a marina.
- Vintage-Inspired Revitalized Historical Bau Guesthaus is bright and airy with trendy decor.
- Historic Stone House Lovingly Restored in Kingston Uptown is a renovated historic home dating back to the 1700s.
- The Stables is a 1 bedroom rental with a ton of character.
- Charming Historic Home Near Waterfront Restaurants is stylish and bright and sleeps 6.
Best Things to do in Kingston, NY
Restaurants, Coffee Shops + Bars in Kingston, NY
For a small city, Kingston has a solid mix of trendy and traditional bars, restaurants and coffee shops. These are some of the best.
Village Coffee and Goods
Village Coffee and Goods is a popular midtown spot for coffee and breakfast. They also sell local milk, grains, pantry staples and home goods.
Rough Draft Bar & Books
Rough Draft Bar & Books is an Uptown bookstore with a coffee shop that also serves beer.
Uptown Coffee
Uptown Coffee is a staple place to get your caffeine fix when in Kingston’s Uptown neighborhood.
Monkey Joe Roasting Company
Monkey Joe Roasting Company roasts is own single origin coffee each week.
Armadillo Kingston
Armadillo Kingston is a cheerfully decorated spot for tacos and margaritas in the Rondoubt area of Kingston that also has outdoor seating.
Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar
Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar is a southern comfort food spot in the Rondout area. It’s also a popular wedding and event venue.
Mariner’s Harbor
Mariner’s Harbor is a waterfront seafood restaurant in the Rondoubt neighborhood.
Ship to Shore
Ship to Shore is a traditional American bistro that also is inspired by New York Steakhouses. It’s close to the waterfront in the Rondoubt area.
Savona’s Trattoria
Savona’s Trattoria is an Italian Restaurant in the Rondoubt that’s housed in a former luxury hotel that dates back to the 1800’s.
Pakt
Pakt in Midtown is known for its breakfasts and comfort food.
Sissy’s Cafe
Sissy’s Cafe is a breakfast and lunch spot that serves juices, smoothies and (mostly) healthy salads and sandwiches.
Hoffman House
Hoffman House is a traditional American restaurant housed in a historic building that was built prior to 1679 (the exact date is unknown). If you sit in their outdoor garden like we did, don’t forget to take a peek inside the historic restaurant.
Bun’s Burgers
Craving a burger and fries? Head to Bun’s Burgers.
Brunette Winebar
Brunette Winebar is a charming winebar with a pink exterior and stylish interior in the Rondoubt district.
Stockade Tavern
Stockade Tavern is a cocktail bar with an old school vibe.
Snapper Magee’s
Snapper Macgee’s is a local dive bar in Kingston.
Lis Bar
Lis Bar is a cocktail bar in Kingston that also has a solid food menu.
The Anchor
The Anchor is a spot to grab burgers and craft beer.
Shopping in Kingston, NY
Kingston has an interesting mix of shopping, from upscale home goods, to vinyl, to vintage clothing. These are some great places to shop in Kingston.
Rough Draft Bar and Books
Rough Draft Bar and Books is a classic bookstore with a well-curated selection.
Rhino Records
Rhino Records is an uptown gem that sells used records, CDs and books.
Lovefield Vintage
Lovefield Vintage has a lovingly curated selection of vintage clothing, accessories and more.
Clove and Creek
Clove and Creek is a charming gift shop in the Rondoubt district that sells home goods, accessories and more.
Zaborski Emporium
Zaborski Emporium is a fascinating architectural salvage store full of old treasures.
Bop to Tottom
Bop to Tottom sells fun and funky gifts, clothes and accessories.
Hamilton and Adams
Hamilton and Adams stocks casual, but stylish, menswear.
Hops Petunia
Hops Petunia is a florist in Kingston’s Rondoubt that creates beautiful and unique floral arrangements.
Flora Beauty
Flora Beauty is a modern apothecary that stocks skincare, fragrance and essential oils.
Oak42
Oak42 is a women’s boutique that stocks trendy and contemporary brands.
Kingston Candy Bar
Kingston Candy Bar is a classic old school candy store that sells all of your favorite childhood candy, and also ice cream.
Outdoor Activities
If you want to do something other than eat, drink or shop while you’re in Kingston, these are some ideas.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
If you love hiking, spend the afternoon at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Kaaterskill Falls
If you have a car, drive to the most famous waterfall in New York’s Catskills – Kaaterskill Falls.
Kayak, Canoe and SUP Rentals
Enjoy some time on the river with kayak, canoe and stand up paddleboard rentals from A Day Away Kayak Rentals.
Kingston Historic Sites + Museums
Kingston was America’s first capital, which means it doesn’t lack for historic sites.
The Four Corners in the Uptown Stockade District
Kingston’s Stockade District is an 8 block area that is also referred to as Uptown Kingston. This is the original site of the mid-17th century Dutch settlement of Wiltwyck. The intersection of John and Crown Streets in Uptow Kingston in known as “The Four Corners” because it’s the only intersection in America where 18th century stone houses stand on all four corners.
Old Dutch Church
Marvel at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston’s Uptown. Formally organized in 1659, it’s one of the oldest continuously existing congregations in America.
Rondout Lighthouse
Visit the Rondoubt Lighthouse, which was completed and lit in 1915.
Trolley Museum
Traveling with kids? Visit Kingston’s Trolley Museum and take a ride on their trolley.
That wraps up my list of the best things to do in Kingston, New York? Have you been or are you planning a trip?
