What to do in Poughkeepsie, NY

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Poughkeepsie travel guide

Poughkeepsie Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Poughkeepsie has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Poughkeepsie, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Poughkeepsie with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Poughkeepsie, and make it a breeze to explore Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Poughkeepsie to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Poughkeepsie, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Poughkeepsie.

Poughkeepsie attractions

Poughkeepsie has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Poughkeepsie to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Poughkeepsie.

Looking for things to do in Poughkeepsie can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Poughkeepsie or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Poughkeepsie attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Poughkeepsie

Number of things to do	5
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	A Spectacular Scavenger Hunt in Marist College: £12
Top 5 things to do	Bear Mountain State Park+ BeaconTown 1-Day Tour From NY A Spectacular Scavenger Hunt in Marist College Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour Hudson Valley Wineries- Private Transport- OR brewery/distillery Walkway Over the Hudson & Wineries- Private Transport
Half-day tours	A Spectacular Scavenger Hunt in Marist College Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour
With kids	Bear Mountain State Park+ BeaconTown 1-Day Tour From NY A Spectacular Scavenger Hunt in Marist College

What to do in Poughkeepsie

Popular places to visit

Mid-Hudson Bridge

Cycle or walk across this high bridge for panoramic views and see it at night to appreciate its intricate lighting system.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

You can find out about the history of Haviland with a stop at Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Locust Grove

You can browse the exhibits at Locust Grove, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Poughkeepsie. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

An Autumn view of Cantilever bridge in Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

Poughkeepsie Bridge

You can learn about the history of Poughkeepsie when you stop by Poughkeepsie Bridge. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Vassar College

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Vassar College during your travels in Poughkeepsie. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Marist College

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Marist College during your travels in Poughkeepsie. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Mid-Hudson Civic Center

Mid-Hudson Civic Center is just one of the places to see in Poughkeepsie, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Bardavon 1869 Opera House

Enjoy a performance at Bardavon 1869 Opera House, a theatre with a story to tell in Poughkeepsie. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Vassar Brothers Medical Center

If Vassar Brothers Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Poughkeepsie.

Explore areas of Poughkeepsie

Arlington

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and art galleries in Arlington. You might want to make time for a stop at Overlook Drive-In Theater or Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center.

view of the mid hudson bridge to poughkeepsie, new york from highland (suspension bridge over river crossing) scenic landmark

Crown Heights

Visitors to Crown Heights enjoy its coffee shops, and if you want to do some exploring, Hudson River is worth a stop.

Poughkeepsie Waterfront

You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in Poughkeepsie Waterfront. You might want to make time for a stop at Mid-Hudson Bridge or Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.

Poughkeepsie Journal Building - New York

Downtown Poughkeepsie

If you're spending some time in Downtown Poughkeepsie, Bardavon 1869 Opera House and Mid-Hudson Civic Center are top sights worth seeing.

Union Street Historic District

While Union Street Historic District isn't home to many top sights, Mid-Hudson Civic Center and Bardavon 1869 Opera House are some notable places to visit nearby.

panoramic view of mid hudson bridge over hudson river valley

Red Oaks Mill

Get to know Red Oaks Mill by checking out its river views, waterfalls and breweries. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Locust Grove or Poughkeepsie Galleria during your time in the area.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Poughkeepsie

Hopewell Junction

Wappingers Falls

Hyde Park

Old Dutch Barn in Dutchess County New York

Lagrangeville

Frequently asked questions

Is Poughkeepsie worth visiting?

Whether you're here to experience the cultural highlights and local charm or try regional foods and explore the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do in Poughkeepsie.

How do I spend a day in Poughkeepsie?

Once you've visited key attractions like Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and Hyde Park Railroad Station, spend some time enjoying the food and retail options in Poughkeepsie.

What is the top tourist attraction in Poughkeepsie?

The top tourist attraction in Poughkeepsie is Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing list.

Is three days enough to stay in Poughkeepsie?

Three days in Poughkeepsie is enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Hyde Park Historical Society Museum, Franny Reese State Park and Berean Park Beach are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Hudson River Valley.

Is Poughkeepsie a walkable city?

Some leading attractions in Poughkeepsie, including Berean Park Beach and Poughkeepsie Bridge, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kms (2 miles) from the city centre of Poughkeepsie is Arlington and Fairview is 3 kms (2 miles) away.

What are some activities to do in Poughkeepsie with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Poughkeepsie with kids.

What to do in Poughkeepsie for adults?

Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Poughkeepsie for adults including Benmarl Vineyards and Winery and Quartz Rock Vineyard.

Are there free things to do in Poughkeepsie?

One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Poughkeepsie is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Franny Reese State Park is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.