Rockland County Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink, where to stay, and more in Rockland County, New York.


Introduction to Rockland County

Rockland County is a stunning destination situated in Downstate New York, United States. It’s a land of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its pristine scenic views, outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and museums, Rockland County is a perfect spot for travel enthusiasts. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, family, or group of friends, Rockland County offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Rockland County

There are plenty of places to explore and learn in Rockland County. Here are the top places you should visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nyack Walking Tour: Experience the historic Nyack streets, and learn about the Victorian houses, art galleries, and antique shops.

  • Historic Haverstraw: Visit the town of Haverstraw, which has the highest concentration of historic buildings in the county, dating back to the eighteenth century.

  • Edward Hopper House Art Museum: Visit the childhood home of Edward Hopper, one of the greatest American painters of the twentieth century.

  • Bethlehem Art Gallery: Explore unique artwork from local and established artists at this art gallery in Cornwall.

Natural Attractions of Rockland County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bear Mountain State Park: Hike the Appalachian trail with a backdrop view of the Hudson River.

  • Tallman Mountain State Park: Relax by the beach and marina or hit the hiking trails this park offers.

  • Rockland Lake State Park: Rent a paddle boat or kayak, go fishing, hiking, or refresh your energy levels in the park’s pool.

  • Buttermilk Falls Park: Take a scenic drive through the park, exploring the beautiful forest and scenic views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rockland County

Rockland County is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the top routes:

  • The Long Path: Hike a portion or the entire 347-mile Long Path, traversing the state from the George Washington Bridge to the Capital of Albany.

  • Ramapo Valley County Reservation: Opt for short or easy hikes or plan an advance to explore the challenging, strenuous trail of Ramapo Valley.

  • Hook Mountain State Park: Tour scenic views of the Hudson river and Tappan Zee bridge on foot or bike while visiting the park.

  • Erie Path: Hike or bike the Erie trail; it stretches for 19 miles from Piermont to Haverstraw, passing through villages, parks, and scenic views.

Best Things to Do in Rockland County: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to experience in Rockland County:

  • Whiskey Tasting Tour: Discover the tastiest whiskey and tour the distillery at the Coppersea Distilling.

  • Kayaking and Paddle Boarding: Rent a paddle board or kayak from various parks, including Gilbert lake and Rockland Lake State Park.

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Observe a stunning bird’s eye view of the Hudson’s river and Hudson Valley by taking a hot air balloon ride with Blue Sky Balloons.

  • Brewery Tours: Experience the taste of craft beers with brewery tours from local craft brewers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rockland County

Here is our week-long itinerary for exploring Rockland County:

Day Activity
Monday Hiking and Picnic at Bear Mountain State Park
Tuesday Explore historic Nyack
Wednesday Kayaking at Gilbert lake
Thursday Visit Edward Hopper House Art Museum
Friday Enjoy a whiskey tasting at Coppersea Distilling
Saturday Hot Air Balloon Morning Ride with Blue Sky Balloons
Sunday Relax by the beach at Tallman Mountain State Park

Food and Drink Scene of Rockland County

Rockland County has a diverse food scene, with various dining options and local favorites. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nyack Farmers’ Market: Experience local produce like fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and baked goods at Nyack Farmers market.

  • Apple Picking: Visit the various apple picking farms and enjoy apple cider donuts, apple pies, and more.

  • Crow’s Nest Farm: Enjoy farm-to-table dining with a view at Crow’s Nest restaurant.

Local Beverages

  • New York Craft Beers: Savor the taste of various local beers from craft breweries like the Defiant Brewing Company.

  • Coppersea Whiskey and Gin: Taste the unique whiskey and gin distilled at Coppersea Distilling.

  • Apple Cider: Taste freshly produced local apple cider at farms like The Orchards of Concklin.

Where to Stay in Rockland County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rockland County offers plenty of accommodations to cater to individual needs and preferences. Here are the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area:

  • The Time Nyack: A trendy and chic hotel centrally located in Nyack, providing easy access to attractions, shopping and dining.

  • Hna Palisades Premier Conference Center: A modern hotel featuring a restaurant, bar, and indoor pool, perfect for business travelers.

  • The Castle at Tarrytown: A luxurious hotel located on 114 acres of wooded property, featuring various amenities like spa, fitness center, and indoor pool.

  • Homewood Suites by Hilton: This hotel is the perfect place to stay for families with self-catering facilities and free WiFi.

What to Buy in Rockland County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rockland County has various local products and souvenirs to offer. Here are some top choices:

  • Hudson Valley Wine Trail: Take home a few bottles of Hudson Valley’s wine at various wineries and vineyards.

  • Craft Beer from Defiant Brewing Company: Don’t forget to grab a six-pack of local beer from Defiant Brewing Company.

  • Fudge from Goody King: Select your favorite flavor of fudge, taffy, or licorice from Goody King.

Local Culture and Customs of Rockland County

Rockland County has a rich culture and customs. Locals are friendly and welcoming. Take note of the following:

  • Be Respectful: Respect local traditions and customs while in Rockland County.

  • Dress Appropriately: Wear appropriate clothing depending on the occasion and weather.

  • Observe Quiet Hours: Ensure that you observe quiet hours, especially at night.

Best Time to Visit Rockland County

The best time to visit Rockland County varies depending on what you would like to experience. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities and festivals, while fall is ideal for enjoying splendid foliage. Winters provide an opportunity for enjoying hot drinks, cozy fireplaces, and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rockland County

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when visiting Rockland County:

Do:

  • Respect the Environment: Ensure that you leave the environment in good condition and properly dispose of your litter.

  • Explore the Area: Take the time to visit Rockland County’s attractions and explore outdoor activities.

  • Join Local Festivities: Experience local festivities and traditions to gain a deeper understanding of the culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Avoid littering and respect the environment.

  • Ignore Local Traditions: Respect local traditions and avoid acting in ways that may be disrespectful.

  • Be Disrespectful: Always be polite and respectful when interacting with others.

Safety and Health

Here are some tips on staying safe and healthy while visiting Rockland County:

Safety in Rockland County

  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be vigilant of your surroundings, especially at night.

  • Use Licensed Taxi Services: Only use licensed taxi services and avoid walking alone at night.

  • Be Cautious of Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife while exploring outdoor activities.

Health in Rockland County

  • Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated in the hot weather and avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion.

  • Wear Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

  • Bring Medication: Bring prescribed medication if you have any underlying health conditions.

Getting to Rockland County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rockland County offers various transport options:

Airports Near Rockland County

The top airports near Rockland County are:

  • LaGuardia Airport: The airport is located 30 miles away from Rockland County and is a 45-minute drive.

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport: The airport is located 50 miles away from Rockland County and is over an hour’s drive.

Bus Stations Near Rockland County

The two main bus stations near Rockland County are:

  • The Port Authority Bus Terminal: From the terminal, you can take a bus to various areas in Rockland County.

  • Coach USA Bus Company: Coach USA provides bus services to various places in Rockland County from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Other Options

Various car rental agencies, including Avis and Hertz, are available for car rental services.

How to Get Around in Rockland County

Here are some of the primary modes of transportation in Rockland County:

  • Bus: The Rockland County Department of Public Transportation provides bus services throughout the county.

  • Taxi: Licensed taxi services are available in the county.

  • Car Rental: Car rental agencies are available in Rockland County.

Where to Go Next from Rockland County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can visit after exploring Rockland County:

  • New Paltz: Explore the town’s unique art galleries and shops.

  • West Point Military Academy: Visit one of the most prestigious military academies worldwide.

  • Storm King Art Center: Explore the beautiful and unique sculptures at the Storm King Art Center.

Conclusion

Rockland County is an ideal destination with its fantastic blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks. From hiking and biking to whiskey tasting and hot air balloons, there is much to experience in Rockland County. So pack your bags, grab your camera and enjoy the beauty and culture of Rockland County!



    Monsey
    Nanuet
    Nyack
    Stony Point