Poughkeepsie, NY

Travel Guide

Photo provided by www.DutchessTourism.com
Photo provided by © City of Chicago
Photo provided by www.DutchessTourism.com
Photo provided by www.DutchessTourism.com
Photo provided by Tim Lee Photography

Enjoy the charms of the Hudson Valley in this city with a college-town feel. Tour one of the many wealthy estates in the area or enjoy an event at Vassar College.

Poughkeepsie is a city in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Dutchess County, New York. Its name is derived from the phonetic interpretation of the local Native American phrase for “the reed-covered lodge by the little water place.” Although reed-covered lodges are relics of the past, the phrase is very accurate for the city, which sits on the bank of the Hudson River.

The area is home to several estates built in the years before and during America’s Gilded Age. Vanderbilt Mansion is a short drive outside the city. The grounds feature formal Italian gardens and a small park with beautiful views of the Hudson River, particularly at sunset. Walk through the halls of this Beaux-Arts mansion on a guided tour. Take guided tours or enjoy the grounds of other nearby estates like Maple Grove or Locust Grove.

Vassar College, an elite liberal arts institution, is located in Poughkeepsie. The college grounds feature an arboretum with over 200 varieties of trees. Explore the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, which houses an extensive display of Asian, European and American art and artifacts. The college also hosts plays, concerts, dance performances and other acts throughout the year.

Explore the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley at one of Poughkeepsie’s many parks. Peach Hill Park is the city’s largest park. It has 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of trails that go past an apple orchard, the scenic highest point in town and woods bordering the Hudson Valley. Take a step back in time at Springside, the former estate of Vassar College founder Matthew Vassar. The grounds, gardens and farm are open to the public and provide a wonderful family excursion.

Investigate the lively downtown scene in Poughkeepsie. Check out the various restaurants and shops or take a stroll along the riverfront. Poughkeepsie’s combination of Hudson Valley beauty and college town cultural scene makes it a city well worth visiting.

Where to stay in Poughkeepsie

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Arlington

You'll enjoy the coffeehouses 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.

Arlington
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Crown Heights

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

Crown Heights
Poughkeepsie showing a bridge

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.

Downtown Poughkeepsie
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Red Oaks Mill

The river views, waterfalls, and breweries are just a few things travelers enjoy about Red Oaks Mill. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Locust Grove or Poughkeepsie Galleria.

Red Oaks Mill
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Union Street Historic District

When in Union Street Historic District, you can plan a visit to Mid-Hudson Civic Center and Bardavon 1869 Opera House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Union Street Historic District
Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2750 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY
$109 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$127 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Pro tip: room away from elevators"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie

Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie

2.5 out of 5
2361 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY
$119 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$138 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"This property is always our first choice when we visit the area."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie
DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie Convention Center

DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie Convention Center

4 out of 5
40 Civic Center Plz, Poughkeepsie, NY
$114 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
$133 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The property was clean and comfortable. The room was spacious and the beds were comfortable. We enjoyed the bar and the morning coffee was hot and delicious."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1 Br Private Victorian Apt in Convenient City Location on Half Acre Sleeps 4

1 Br Private Victorian Apt in Convenient City Location on Half Acre Sleeps 4

2 out of 5
83 South Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Stay at this apartment in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy a garden and tennis courts. Popular attractions Barrett Art Center and Chance Theater are located nearby.
Good stay for hiking weekend
"The apartment was great. The location was perfect for some local hiking. Parking was available in the back of the house. The owner lives on the first floor. To have a good check-in experience, make sure you visit his rental website to reply to check-in questions - replying to emails from that website ..."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

1 Br Private Victorian Apt in Convenient City Location on Half Acre Sleeps 4
The Farm at Hyde Park

The Farm at Hyde Park

Staatsburg
Stay at this vacation home in Staatsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"Nice stay in an interesting building in an amazing setting."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Farm at Hyde Park
Streamside Cottage Half Mile to Town of Woodstock

Streamside Cottage Half Mile to Town of Woodstock

Woodstock
Stay at this cottage in Woodstock. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions Woodstock ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
"A beautiful quiet setting!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Streamside Cottage Half Mile to Town of Woodstock
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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