Hudson Valley Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Hudson Valley. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour

• Private Tour of The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in New York

• Farm Tour at Clover Brooke Llama/Alpaca/Goat Farm

• All-Inclusive VIP Wine or Beer Tour in Hudson Valley

• Storm King & Cold Spring Day Tour - Kids 50% Off

You can visit the Hudson Valley for free, although many of its attractions cost money. But if you’re based in New York City and don’t want to deal with taking a bus or the train, consider booking a guided tour or Hudson River cruise that includes transportation. These tours start around US$50 per person for a half-day tour and US$200 per person for a full-day tour.

Yes, the Hudson Valley is worth experiencing, especially in the fall when the foliage peaks. Between the rolling hills and Hudson River views, it's no surprise that the valley has served as an oasis for some of America's most prominent families. Tour their former historic estates, go apple picking at a family-owned orchard, or hunt for a souvenir at the many boutique galleries and antique shops.

Per one customer who booked the Private Tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in New York, "Very interesting history regarding this house. The interior and exterior are extraordinary, to say the least. The architecture is impeccable!"

Most upstate New Yorkers will tell you that fall—when the foliage takes center stage and there are a ton of autumnal things to do—is the best time to visit the Hudson Valley. Area hikes showcase hills bathed in red and gold, and towns like Sleepy Hollow celebrate Halloween in style.

If you only have one day in the Hudson Valley, go to Hudson, the little city with lots going on. Aside from urban activities like browsing Warren Street’s vintage shops and eating out, there’s easy access to the Hudson River for cruises that show off the best Hudson Valley scenery.

Yes, a car is ideal for getting around and exploring the Hudson Valley. Public transit options may link up some of the bigger towns, but it would be tricky to access the smaller hamlets and remote wooded areas of the Hudson Valley without your own vehicle.

On an urban front, towns like Hudson, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock are interesting places to put on a must-explore list. In the countryside, Bear Mountain State Park offers varied terrain for all outdoors lovers, while hiking Bull Hill (aka Mt. Taurus) near Cold Spring is easily accessible for New Yorkers.

Yes. Hop on the Hudson Line of the Metro-North Railroad to follow the east side of the river between New York City (Grand Central Terminal) and Poughkeepsie, stopping at destinations including Cold Spring and Peekskill. Another fast option is the Amrak Empire Service from Penn Station to Hudson.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done experiencing the Hudson Valley. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Ellis Island

• Central Park

• Niagara Falls

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York.