When the sun is shining, and the wind is breezy, it’s the perfect time of year to take a road trip. Depending on what kind of car you’re driving, generally speaking, people can travel around 300 miles on one tank of gas. For today’s trip, we’re focusing on the northern Catskill region, a trip that has roughly three and a half hours of driving time, and covers 134 miles. Since the trip is only 134 miles, this gives travelers some wiggle room to add in extra stops like discovering more of what’s along the Hudson River, shopping in the town of Woodstock, or even adding in an extra scenic drive to the Ashokan Reservoir. The options for the best road trips in New York are amazingly endless.

With the entire trip mapped out for you, right here, you’ll be able to experience a beautiful and scenic drive through the Catskills. Bringing you to waterfalls, historic sites, nostalgic locations and even a couple delicious restaurants, you’ll want to start packing your bags as soon as possible.

Ready to see what you’ll discover on this charming road trip? Check out these 10 amazing places you can visit on one tank of gas:

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1. Saugerties Lighthouse: 168 Lighthouse Drive Saugerties, NY 12477
kanbaatar/TripAdvisor
Start off your trip in Saugerties at the historic and charming Saugerties Lighthouse. Built in 1869, the lighthouse has undergone restorations and even serves as a Bed & Breakfast! That's right, here you'll find two available rooms at the lighthouse that will give you an unforgettable stay. From the parking lot, you'll take a half-mile walk to get to the lighthouse where you'll also find picnic areas by the water. Even better? The incredibly scenic spot is open year-round from sunrise until sunset.

To find out more about rates and reservations, click here.
2. Opus 40: 50 Fite Road Saugerties, NY 12477
northernneckinn/TripAdvisor
One of New York's most fascinating sculpture parks, Opus 40 is something you can really only appreciate once you see it in person. Here you'll find a quarry that has been worked into an amazing piece of art by Harvey Fite, surrounded by sculptures that will amaze you. Harvey Fite spent nearly 40 years of his life working on Opus 40, leaving behind something truly incredible for visitors to experience.

To read more about the history of Opus 40 and why it's so magical, click here.
3. Phoenicia Diner: 5681 NY-28 Phoenicia, NY 12464
Erin O./Yelp
Daina A./Yelp
At some point on this trip you may feel hungry, understandably so, you will find yourself wondering where exactly you should eat. The answer? The Phoenicia Diner. Nestled in the mountains, this delightful diner has all the American classics that you could ever want. Open everyday during the summer from 7AM to 5PM, we highly suggest trying something in the breakfast family.

To check out the Phoenicia Diner menu, click here.
4. Kaaterskill Falls: 42.189862, -74.074178
Dewan A./Yelp
Continuing on with the pattern of keeping you outside in the gorgeous summer weather, your next stop is Kaaterskill Falls! One of New York's highest waterfalls, this stop will bring you along the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway! Be ready for winding roads with gorgeous scenery. From the parking lot, you'll walk along the road until you see Bastion Falls and from there you're just a half-mile from Kaaterskill Falls!

Interested in taking a waterfalls road trip around the Catskills? Click here!

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5. Spruceton Inn: 2080 Spruceton Road West Kill, NY 12492
Paulawl/TripAdvisor
Looking for a place to stay? A cheaper alternative to the Saugteries Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast, is the picturesque Spruceton Inn. Surrounded by the mountains and open fields, this spot is the perfect place to stay.

Interested in checking out other amazing and affordable places to stay in New York? Spruceton Inn made our list, click here!
6. Windham Vineyard: 11 Mt View Estates Road Windham, NY 12496
Jason H./Yelp
You probably aren't use to thinking of the Catskills as your go-to region in New York for wine. But, we're here to show you one major reason this area is actually a hidden gem in the wine world. Windham Vineyard is run by an incredible staff and has delicious wine that will have you drinking out of your glass quicker than you had originally anticipated. For this part of the trip we suggest a good old game of rock, paper, scissors to determine which road trip member will be playing the role of designated driver! The vineyard is currently open on Saturdays from 1PM to 6PM and Sundays from 1PM to 5PM.

To find out more about this vineyard, check out their Facebook, here.

Editor's Note: Since this article was originally published, the Windham Vineyard has sadly closed down for business.
7. Zoom Flume: 20 Shady Glen Road East Durham, NY 12423
Zoom Flume/TripAdvisor
What many consider to be New York's best water park, this place is great for all ages. Zoom Flume also has the world's largest water park zip line, nearly 800 feet long!

To check out more of New York's water parks, click here.
8. The Catskill Game Farm: 400 Game Farm Road Catskill, NY 12414
America's Forgotten Places/YouTube
Take a trip down memory lane and see what the Catskill Game Farm looks like now, 10 years after closing its doors. This coming fall will mark 10 years since the zoo closed, leaving many curious as to what has been done with the property. In 2012, new owners purchased the property and have hopes of turning the old giraffe house into a Bed & Breakfast. The rest of the property would serve as an RV Campground, including a museum to honor the memory of the zoo.

To see what the abandoned zoo looks like now and to find out how you can take a guided tour at The Old Game Farm, click here.
9. Thomas Cole National Historic Site: 218 Spring Street Catskill, NY 12414
Jennifer S/TripAdvisor
Time for some fascinating history! Also referred to as Cedar Grove, this historic site of New York pays homage to the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, artist Thomas Cole. Not only is the entire site filled with interesting history and eye-catching works of art, the surrounding scenery is also something you'll find yourself drawn to.

To find out more about visiting this historic site, click here.
10. Barnwood Restaurant: 14 Deer Lane Catskill, NY 12414
Larry1778/TripAdvisor
Barnwood Restaurant/TripAdvisor
The plan to have your road trip end with a savory meal is the right plan indeed. Technically, you'll pass this location on your way to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, so if you find yourself feeling hungry beforehand, you can switch up these last two plans. Generous portions and flavorful food will easily win you over, filling you up for your car ride home! This restaurant is home to delicious barbecue, American dishes and yes, pizza.

To check out their full menu, click here.

Who else is now feeling full of hunger and wanderlust? Are you ready to check out some of the best road trips in New York? To learn about more of our exciting New York road trips that we’ve mapped out for you, click here.

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More to Explore

best road trips in New York

Jackie Ann | March 16, 2020

Are there any food-related road trips in New York?

New York has many iconic dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From sweet to savory, the Empire State has claimed many different dishes as their own including bagels, pizza, wings, cheesecake and many others. For a finger-licking good wing road trip, head over to Buffalo where it all started. Anchor Bar is known as the creator of this tangy dish, so start there. Afterwards, you can try the wings at Wing Kings, Gabriel’s Gate, and Mister Pizza Elmwood and see which ones you like the best.

What are the best day trips in New York?

New York has such a diverse landscape. From the concrete jungle of New York City to the rolling mountains of upstate, there’s plenty to see and do on just one tank of gas. Driving through the Lakes of the Adirondacks is one of the most beautiful road trips you could take in New York, filled with gorgeous mountain scenery, this is one trip the whole family will love. Route 4 will take you on quite the scenic route through the Adirondacks, offering beautiful views of the Hudson River, Champlain Canal, Lake George, and Lake Champlain.

What are the most popular attractions in New York?

New York is one of the most visited states in the country, and for good reason. From the Statue of Liberty to the Adirondacks, the state appeals to both nature lovers and history buffs alike. One of the most popular tourist attractions in New York State is Niagara Falls, which spans the border between the United States and Canada. Comprised of three separate falls, these cascading waterfalls are some of the most impressive in the world. The largest of the falls, Horseshoe Falls, is the most powerful waterfall in North America.

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Featured Addresses
168 Lighthouse Drive Saugerties, NY 12477
50 Fite Road Saugerties, NY 12477
5681 NY-28 Phoenicia, NY 12464
2080 Spruceton Road West Kill, NY 12492
11 Mt View Estates Road Windham, NY 12496
400 Game Farm Road Catskill, NY 12414
218 Spring Street Catskill, NY 12414
14 Deer Lane Catskill, NY 12414
20 Shady Glen Road East Durham, NY 12423