What to do in Poughkeepsie, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

Poughkeepsie featuring autumn leaves and a river or creek
Poughkeepsie featuring autumn leaves and a river or creek
Poughkeepsie featuring ballooning, a river or creek and a bridge
Poughkeepsie showing a bridge
Poughkeepsie which includes a sunset and a park

Poughkeepsie Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Poughkeepsie has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, 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 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.

Activities and Tours

Poughkeepsie is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore 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 experience 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, 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.

Poughkeepsie Attractions

Expedia 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 to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Poughkeepsie.

Looking for things to do 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 or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Poughkeepsie attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Poughkeepsie

Discover the most popular places to visit in Poughkeepsie

Mid-Hudson Bridge which includes a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a bridge

Mid-Hudson Bridge

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

Mid-Hudson Bridge
Springwood Estate - FDR Home

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.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Historic Locust Grove in Kentucky

Locust Grove

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

Locust Grove
Looking south at the Poughkeepsie bridge.

Chance Theater

Enjoy a show at Chance Theater, a storied theater in Poughkeepsie. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

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

Poughkeepsie Bridge

You can learn about the history of Poughkeepsie with a trip to Poughkeepsie Bridge. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Poughkeepsie Bridge

Vassar College

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Vassar College, during your travels in Poughkeepsie. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Vassar College

Marist College

3/5(1 review)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Marist College, during your travels in Poughkeepsie. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Marist College

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.

Mid-Hudson Civic Center

Bardavon 1869 Opera House

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

Bardavon 1869 Opera House

Explore areas of 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 Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center or Vassar Golf Course.

Arlington
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 coffeehouses, and if you want to do some exploring, Hudson River is worth a stop.

Crown Heights
Mid-Hudson Bridge featuring a bay or harbour, tranquil scenes and a sunset

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 Waterfront
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.

Downtown Poughkeepsie
panoramic view of mid hudson bridge over hudson river valley

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

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

 

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

#architecture

Hyde Park

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Marlboro

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 kilometres from the city centre of Poughkeepsie is Arlington and Fairview is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Poughkeepsie with kids?
Whether you're vacationing 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.

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