In New York’s Catskill region, vacationers can find so many fantastic things to see, eat, and do. It can get overwhelming when planning a trip, especially when confined to only twenty-four hours because there really is a week’s worth of activities available in this popular tourist destination!
With a morning hike, lunch and waterslides at a waterpark, and shopping, dinner, and a show at Woodstock, this comprehensive guide for a day in the Catskills encompasses the absolute musts of this famous and exciting region!
Morning: Overlook Mountain
Begin the day with an early hike up to the picture-worthy sights of Overlook Mountain. Featuring a steady incline on a wide dirt road, the hike is rated as moderate. After the hike, the summit of Overlook Mountain provides astonishing views of the Ashokan Reservoir and the Hudson Valley- perfect for that next Instagram picture! Hikers can also see ruins of an old mid-century hotel, a tucked-away plane crash, and the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower, which guests can climb to enjoy even more breath-taking views of the Catskills region.
Tip: At the top of the mountain, there are some picnic tables that visitors can eat at, so be sure to bring lunch or a snack while taking a breather!
- Distance: 5 miles
- Time: Average 3.5 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
Late Morning And Lunchtime: The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
After the hike, guests can cool off at this state-of-the-art, family-friendly indoor waterpark. It would be best if visitors stayed the night at the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the amenities, as they offer both day passes and half-day passes.
The waterpark has so many different waterslides to choose from, as well as a surfable wave. The resort also has a few different restaurants to choose from, so this would be a perfect place to grab lunch.
Featuring a brand new indoor waterpark coupled with high-quality rooms and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, the Kartirite Resort and Indoor Waterpark would be a great stop, especially for families with children!
Pricing:
- Splash Pass: $79.00 - $99.00 (depending on the day)
- Splash Pass Half-Day (3 PM - 7 PM): $49.00 - $69.00 (depending on the day)
Early To Late Afternoon: Woodstock
After cooling off at the Kartrite Waterpark, definitely take the easy drive over to Woodstock. An area that pays homage to historic Woodstock’s cultural and artistic scene, guests can see the world’s largest kaleidoscope before shopping for souvenirs on Tinker Street.
Other Activities To Add To The Itinerary
World's Largest Kaleidoscope
- Address: 5340 Rte 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457
- Pricing: $10.00
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
A true feast for the eyes, guests can take a look through the world’s largest kaleidoscope, standing at a jaw-dropping sixty feet, in this unique and beautiful opportunity. They also have a small gift shop where visitors can purchase their own kaleidoscope to take home.
Shopping On Tinker Street
Strolling Tinker Street, guests can purchase eclectic goods like locally-made pottery, clothing, home goods, and more at unique boutiques and antique shops. There are also bookstores where guests can pick up vintage collectibles! With stores like Candlestock, Sparkle, Vintage Modern, Pondicherry, and more, anyone can find the perfect souvenir to remember a remarkable time in Woodstock!
- Evening and Dinnertime: Peekamoose Restaurant and Woodstock Playhouse
After an afternoon of shopping and walking around Woodstock, it’s time for food, drinks, and a show! While the area is known for its diverse and delicious places to eat, The Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room is certainly a must. End the day with a show at the Woodstock Playhouse!
Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room
Take a short but scenic ride through the Slide Mountain Wilderness to reach the Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room. Guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients presented in mouth-watering meals in a warm and homey atmosphere. With entrees like bacon-wrapped monkfish, housemade chitarra, and oven-roasted Snowdance Farm chicken, the Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room would make an excellent way to satiate hunger after a long day in the Catskills region.
Hours:
- Thursday, Sunday, and Monday: 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 4 PM to 10 PM
- Address: 8373 State Route 28 Big Indian, NY 12410
Woodstock Playhouse
After dinner, head back into Woodstock to catch a show at the Woodstock Playhouse. While the area offers plenty of theaters to suit anyone’s interest, the Woodstock Playhouse has it all. With a repertoire that includes, music, theatre, film, and dance, guests can relax and enjoy a spectacular show to close out their evening in the Catskills.
- Address: 103 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498
- Pricing varies depending on the show
While there is plenty to do in New York’s Catskill region, hitting these highlights will ensure guests get the best out of only one day. By beginning the day hiking up Overlook Mountain and splashing around in the Kartrite Indoor Waterpark, and ending the day eating a good meal and enjoying a great show, this guide is sure to delight any traveler to the area!