Nestled right in our backyard is the over-300-mile-long Hudson River, a haven for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, food aficionados and just plain folks. The majestic waterway provides the perfect complement to the rolling hills, charming towns and picturesque landscapes of our region.
Sure, you can get an all-encompassing view of the river with hikes up popular spots like Breakneck and Storm King mountains, but that’s not the only way to enjoy the river. There are more accessible ways, where all that is required from visitors is a short stroll from a parking lot to the greenery that overlooks the beautiful water.
The Hudson Valley offers an array of idyllic settings where one can indulge in one’s favorite foods while soaking in the region’s natural beauty. That’s why we compiled a list of ten top riverview picnic spots that offer a blend of tranquility, scenic vistas, and nearby markets for snagging local goodies. So pack your basket, gather up your loved ones, and head to one of our favorite spots.
1. Olana State Historic Site
Hudson, Columbia County
Once the home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Church, Olana welcomes visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the creative spirit that inspired Church’s masterpieces. With its distinctive Persian-inspired architecture and vast meticulously landscaped gardens, Olana is one of the best locations in the Hudson Valley for sweeping views of the river that transported the original settlers here..
Though the site offers guided tours of the mansion, stay for your own leisurely stroll through the grounds. The 250 acres of grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sunset, with tours on the weekends between 11 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.Remember, it’s carry-in, carry-out, so take your garbage out with you. For those with animals, dogs are welcome. After your picnic, explore the Hudson River Skywalk, a scenic six-mile round trip pedestrian walkway that connects Olana and the Thomas Cole site across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.
Nearby market we love: The gift shop at Olana State Historic Site offers a selection of New York food and beverages. The Olde Hudson, a short drive away, has a local-favorite gourmet grocery store.
2. Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park
Beacon, Dutchess County
This 19-acre park on the Hudson River is a popular place to picnic, to stroll through rehabilitated wetlands and meadows, and to launch kayaks when the weather is right. In the summer, expect to find vendors selling ice pops and food trucks nearby. Once a bustling industrial site, this park has been transformed into a serene waterfront oasis with views of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and the expansive Hudson Highlands. It’s a favorite for birdwatchers, too.
“It always feels like a calming experience there, with such a nice view and it’s always lively,” said Nicolle Portilla, a Beacon resident who frequents the park in the summertime. “It’s the perfect spot to bring some sandwiches and your book, lay out, and take in the sounds of the water and nature.”
Within walking distance of Beacon’s Main Street and the Beacon train station, Long Dock is an especially good spot for people who don’t have cars, like Portilla. “It’s nice to have a relaxing spot right here,” she said.
Nearby market we love: Stella’s Fine Market on Main Street is a limited-ingredient grocer that sells non-alcoholic beverages, kitchenware and cookbooks. You can find last-minute treats to add to your picnic baskets or find inspiration for your next meals when you arrive back home.
3. Clermont State Historic Site
Germantown, Columbia County
The family seat of the Livingston family was built between 1740 and 1750. What’s really impressive about it are the grounds, open to the public with an accessible picnic area, tables included. Thanks to the grills available for public use, this is a perfect spot for the picnic that has barbecue food at the center of it.
There is a beautiful waterfront view, in addition to a pavilion that can be rented for large-group picnics for family reunion. Five miles of nature trails are included within the 500-acre state park.
Nearby market we love: Highland Farm, also in Germantown, is a fine place to stop for some of the best meat to grill. The rotating butcher’s seasonal selections include elk tomahawk chops, venison tomahawks, racks of lamb, and more.
4. Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point
New Windsor, Orange County
A beautiful, peaceful oasis, Plum Point Park offers picnic tables, a playground, and a pavilion. There is a small sandy riverfront where you can enter the river for kayaking or fishing. The 102-acre state-owned site is managed by Orange County’s parks department. Historic Revolutionary-War-cannon batteries overlooking the river add an atmosphere of drama to the views of the Hudson River gorge. These are the cannons that prevented a British fleet from sailing up the river.
“Plum Point is amongst Orange County’s most remarkable hidden gems,” said Kevindaryán Luján, Orange County legislator and Newburgh resident who is focused on encouraging residents to enjoy the local vistas. “It boasts breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountain landscape which is unrivaled,” he boasts
The gazebo at the heart of the park is great for watching sunrise or sunset. Luján said families get together regularly in the warmer months, with children playing near the water and musicians performing from the park benches.
“It’s an ideal location to unwind and decompress,” said Luján. “If you are passing through Orange County, Plum Point should definitely be one of your stops. You will be mesmerized by the enchanting view and the opportunity to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Nearby market we love: Before entering New Windsor, pass through Newburgh to find Betty’s Snack Bar on Liberty Street. The cafe pours Irving Farms Coffee and offers a market with meats and cheeses, snacks, sodas, craft beer, plus a wide variety of freshly baked cookies, cakes and pastries.
5. Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Hyde Park, Dutchess County
Nestled along the eastern banks of the Hudson River, this park offers visitors a journey into the Gilded-Age opulence of the early 20th century. Once the elegant country estate of the Astor family, the park’s centerpiece is the Staatsburgh Mansion, renowned for its grandeur and architectural splendor.
From guided tours of the lavishly decorated rooms to leisurely strolls through the meticulously landscaped gardens, visitors are transported back in time to an era of lavish parties, refined elegance, and aristocratic lifestyles. The site, located within Mills-Norrie State Park, boasts breathtaking views of the Hudson River, making it a perfect spot to roll out a blanket, open a picnic basket, and sit back and relax.
Nearby market we love: Head here on a Saturday from June through October and stop in Hyde Park’s farmers’ market, which features over 80 local vendors offering produce, handcrafted goods, and plants. It’s the perfect way to pack your picnic basket before getting to the park.
6. Poets’ Walk Park
Red Hook, Dutchess County
Inspiring poets and non-writers alike, this 2.2-mile loop trail off River Road is an intriguing place for a leisurely stroll. If you wish, you can sit on a bench along the way to enjoy all the goodies you packed for a snack. Once you reach the top, you will see the Hudson River peeking out in the distance.
“It’s really beautiful, especially in the afternoon when you can see the sunset,” said Miki Wang, a resident who frequents Poets’ Walk Park often.
Expect a beautiful entrance, Wang says, made with a wooden structure, and that it’s just like its name – “very poetic.” There’s a rustic pavilion bridge. It’s an easy, but slightly hilly walk that has water views and is open year-round.
“The highlight is the view and how you can see the other side of the river,” said Wang. “It helps you clear your thoughts as you hear the birds sing. It’s the perfect spot to get inspiration from the nature around you.”
Nearby market we love: The Locavore Market in Red Hook is an upscale neighborhood grocery market with coffee, local products and craft beer, all sourced within 100 miles. It’s an ideal one-stop shop before you head to the park.
7. Marist College Campus
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County
On the banks of the historic Hudson River, the Marist College campus boasts picturesque views. It’s a great location for a nice stroll, including through its Fern Tor Nature Preserve. Later, visitors can pop a squat with their blanket at Longview Park and see some of the prettiest views of the river, including of the nearby Walkway Over the Hudson.
Nearby market we love: Skip making your sandwich at home for this one. The nearby Rossi and Son’s Deli is world-famous, home to some of the best deli sandwiches in the area. A favorite is the Number Four.
8. Bowdoin Park
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County
If being near college students isn’t your first choice, we understand. Not too far away in Poughkeepsie is this 301-acre park on the banks of the Hudson River. There are multiple pavilions that can be rented out for larger groups. Besides that, there are dedicated picnic areas, a playground area, a seasonal splash pad, soccer fields, softball fields, and a sand volleyball court.
This is the location for someone who is looking to make their picnic a full-day event, dedicated to outdoor sports, too.
Nearby market we love: Adams Fairacre Farms, the Hudson Valley super farm market with multiple locations, has one in Poughkeepsie where you can pick up any last-minute snacks to pack your picnic baskets with.
9. Kingston Point Beach
Kingston, Ulster County
Save this one for your mid-summer picnic. Kingston Point Beach is the only location on the list that allows for swimming in the Hudson River. It has a kayak and boat launch, playground and pavilion, too. Across the road is a fenced dog area for those with furry friends. Additionally, there is a new nine-hole disc golf course.
While locals love this spot today, it’s been a must-see for visitors as an oasis for a city for over a century. The Kingston Rotary Club led the way in the 1980s to restore this beautiful steamboat-era park in order to provide a new generation of visitors with an enjoyable visit. Kingston Point has over 87 acres of open space, and Kingston has designated a two-acre portion of the park as Rotary Park at Kingston Point.
Nearby market we love: Fletcher & Lu on Broadway in Kingston is a delicatessen inspired by old-world traditions, with a focus on sausages, artisan cheeses, fresh pasta, rotisserie chickens, smoked fish and other prepared and carefully selected goods. Bring your picnic to the next level with a stop in here first.
10. The Saugerties Lighthouse
Saugerties, Ulster County
This won’t be your typical grassy picnic, but it is one that we recommend nonetheless. The walk to it is an attraction in itself. The building now serves as a bed-and-breakfast, with a long waiting list for its two bedrooms. A series of wooden decks overlook the Hudson. That’s where you’ll find several large picnic tables and an amazing view of the river.
Visitors can also see Amtrak trains go past on the opposite bank. There are no garbage cans, so remember the carry in, carry-out rule.
Nearby market we love: It’s a substantial but interesting drive east from Woodstock through Saugerties to the lighthouse. Stock up before you go at Woodstock’s Sunflower Market, an independent store with sustainable, organic, grass-fed food on its shelves.
Join the family! 
