Hudson River Tours and Activities
44 Reviews
An inspiration for artists, a scenic escape for New York City dwellers, a vital artery for commerce, and a designated American Heritage River, the Hudson River plays a crucial role in many facets of New York State life. The river is a magnet for locals and visitors, attracting pleasure cruisers, campers, history buffs, and hikers alike.
The Basics
The Hudson River runs for 315 miles (507 kilometers) from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City before finally emptying into the Atlantic. Though easily accessible from other cities such as Albany and Kingston, most visitors encounter the Hudson during trips to New York City. You can see the river from many of west Manhattan’s top attractions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; and the High Line, an elevated park set along a disused railway track.
Cruises on the Hudson depart from piers on Manhattan’s west side. Choose between dinner, sightseeing, or sunset city cruises, or opt for longer cruises that travel beyond the boundaries of the Big Apple to destinations in the Hudson Highlands, such as Bear Mountain. Most Hudson River cruises feature on-board commentary about the area’s history and architecture.
For a unique perspective on the winding waterway, take a helicopter ride, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the river, the Manhattan skyline, and the George Washington Bridge. Seasonal fall foliage helicopter tours showcase the rust-red and golden leaves of the Hudson Valley’s woodlands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hudson River is a magnet for sightseers who want to soak up views of both NYC and the peaceful Hudson Valley countryside.
- Bring an extra layer, as it can feel colder out on the river than on dry land.
- Some Hudson River cruises can accomodate wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Within New York City, you can experience the Hudson River all along the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Hudson River Greenway, a traffic-free walking and cycling path beginning at Battery Park (ride the 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green station) in Lower Manhattan. The route runs through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and Fort Washington Park.
Departing from Grand Central Station, the Metro-North Hudson Line train brings passengers into the Hudson River Valley, running along the east bank of the river as far as Poughkeepsie.
When to Get There
Hudson River sightseeing tours run year-round, with open-air sightseeing decks in summer and enclosed, heated interior decks in winter. The Hudson Greenway is best enjoyed in spring, summer, or fall. Go early in the day for the quietest experience. The Hudson Valley is at its prettiest during the fall apple-picking season.
The Famous Hudson Valley Fables
It was acclaimed writer Washington Irving who helped put the Hudson River Valley on the map, with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, which was published serially throughout 1819 and 1820. The most well-known stories in the series were “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Fans of Irving’s work can visit the author’s old home, Sunnyside, near Tarrytown.
Address: New York, USA
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Hudson River
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New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing
249
See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park, to name just a few, plus Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and much more. Then continue up the Hudson River to see even more of Manhattan. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
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From
$284.00
From
$284.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island
125
See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and Central Park, to name just a few, plus Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and much more. Then continue to see Brooklyn, Staten Island and more. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
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From
$374.00
From
$374.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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New York City Private Night Tour with Driver-Guide
1
Experience New York City after dark on a tour with a private driver-guide. Meet your driver in Manhattan then head across the Hudson River for unforgettable nighttime views of the city skyline. Continue to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, cruise vibrant neighborhoods and bustling streets, and stop to photograph the city’s most famous buildings. Enjoy New York City’s evening sights in a comfortable 2015 minivan that accommodates up to six passengers.
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From
$375.00
per group
From
$375.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Helicopter Charter from Manhattan(4-5 People)
Autumn in the Hudson Valley is famous for its fall foliage, and the yearly changing of the leaves is a popular overnight trip for locals and travelers alike. But you can actually see the marvelous colors in less than a day with this private helicopter tour, where you're whisked from Manhattan to the Hudson Valley to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the leaves. Along the way, enjoy views of the Hudson River, the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, Bear Mountain, and more.
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From
$5,000.00
per group
From
$5,000.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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New York City 4th of July Fireworks Luxury Boat Tour
1
Experience NYC's Fourth of July fireworks from a unique point of view on a private boat tour along the Hudson. It promises to be an intimate evening with maximum six passengers. Pass by famous monuments, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Freedom Tower. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne and any other refreshments you choose to bring. Remember your experience with a professionally edited video given to you after the tour.
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From
$775.00
From
$775.00
Couple's Private Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Helicopter Charter from Manhattan
Take in the bright autumn colors of the Hudson Valley on a fall foliage helicopter tour. Conveniently departing from the Midtown Manhattan heliport of your choice, this private 1-hour charter is narrated live by your pilot. After leaving New York City airspace you’ll fly above the historic Hudson River region.
Landmarks include: Lyndhurst Mansion, Palisades, Castle-on-Hudson, Kykuit (Rockefeller Estate), Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Indian Point Energy Center, Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain, US Military Academy at West Point* and the infamous Sing Sing Prison.
*West Point subject to temporary airspace restrictions
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From
$2,400.00
per group
From
$2,400.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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