Rockland County, New York, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty in the Hudson River’s western portion.
It spans over 516.3 square kilometers of land and is the southernmost county of Hudson’s western shores.
It’s home to over 340,200 residents, making it one of the densest counties outside the Big Apple.
Many Manhattan locals love to spend their weekends in this county since it’s roughly 25 kilometers or 15 miles northwest of Manhattan Island.
It boasts thousands of acres of unspoiled natural beauty since it’s a designated Preserve America community.
Amazingly, one-third of its total land area is considered a parkland.
Furthermore, Rockland County is home to gorgeous sceneries, which you can see through its lakes, rivers, forests, mountains, and rolling hills.
You can explore its rugged but gorgeous terrains leading you to some stunning places you haven’t seen.
So, grab the opportunity to explore this place by reading this post about the things to do in Rockland County, New York.
Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com
The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is a one-of-a-kind infrastructure that allows motorists and pedestrians to cross easily and enjoyably.
You can see this bridge in Tarrytown.
Also known as the Tappan Zee Bridge, this twin-cable-stayed bridge cross the Hudson River from the Tappan Zee section from Tarrytown to the City of Nyack.
The entire bridge spans 4,989 meters in length.
It opened in 2017 after a four-year construction.
Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com
Today, it’s one of the most traversed bridges by motorists and pedestrians since it has a dedicated bike and pedestrian path.
The path extends from both Tarrytown to Nyack.
Crossing the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge lets you appreciate the breathtaking scenery through the dedicated path.
Besides sightseeing, you can enjoy hiking, jogging, and biking at this gorgeous bridge.
Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com
The Trailside Museums & Zoo is an amazing place to bring your family for an outdoor adventure.
You can visit this place along Seven Lakes Drive in Bear Mountain State Park on the Hudson River’s western bank.
This place is a favorite summer destination for families and groups, mainly for its wetland forests, botanical gardens, nature center, and zoo.
Some animals you’ll come across at its zoo are native to the area, such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects.
Besides that, plant lovers are guaranteed to have a great time by visiting its botanic garden, home to thousands of plant species.
Suppose you’re itching for a more adventurous activity.
In that case, you can enjoy a self-guided nature hike to various scenic locations.
So, remember to include the Trailside Museums & Zoo into your itinerary for an unforgettable outdoor adventure with nature.
The Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center is an excellent place to get acquainted with Rockland County’s history and excellent artwork.
You can visit this museum along N. Broadway Street in the City of Nyack.
Historically, the house was the birthplace of the famous American painter Edward Hopper.
Today, it’s one of the county’s most famous historical attractions.
At the same time, it’s a haven for art lovers since the house displays a vast collection of Hopper’s previous works and masterpieces.
You can enjoy tours inside the museum to see Hopper’s famous works up close.
It includes the 1927 Automat, 1929 Chop Suey, and the 1952 Sunlight in the Cafeteria.
Of course, many more of Hopper’s artworks await you when you tour this museum.
So, start your Rockland County travel adventure at Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center.
Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com
The Stony Point Battlefield is a significant historical landmark detailing a part of the American Revolutionary War.
You can visit this historical location along Battlefield Road in Stony Point.
Historically, this place is where the 1779 Battle of Stony Point took place.
That historical battle was won by Brigadier General Anthony Wayne against the British.
Colin D. Young / Shutterstock.com
Today, you can retrace the pivotal events during the battle on this battlefield, which has a historical landmark.
You can dive deeper into the history of the battle by visiting its museum, which is filled with plenty of historical artifacts from the actual battle.
Overall, the Stony Point Battlefield is an excellent place to visit, especially if you want to learn more about Rockland County’s rich history.
Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com
Rockland Lake State Park is a massive outdoor attraction covering numerous Rockland County towns.
You can visit this state park along Rockland Lake Road in the hamlet of Valley Cottage.
The entire state park spans over 1,133 acres.
It covers parts of Valley Cottage, the neighboring Congers hamlet, and Clarkstown town.
The state park on the ridge of Hook Mountain boasts a massive 25,000 square feet swimming pool.
The pool is equipped with all the exciting features you can imagine.
It has two huge water slides, spray grounds, diving boards, and other features for kids and even kids at heart to enjoy.
It also has a picnic area with barbeque grills, a boat launch dock, and a wonderful view of the Hudson Valley.
If you don’t fancy getting wet, you can still enjoy playing its 18-hole golf course or a tennis game at one of its courts.
Rockland Lake State Park is also a premier fishing destination, making this place the perfect outdoor destination.
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com
Nyack Beach State Park is one of the county’s most popular outdoor destinations.
You can visit this gorgeous beach along N. Broadway Street in Upper Nyack.
The entire beach state park spans over 61 acres, consisting of a beachfront, riverfront pathway, and parking area.
You’ll enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, and picnicking at this beach.
However, birdwatchers love to return to this place not for its typical beach activities but to see up-close raptors.
Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com
The beach state park, which happens to be part of the Hudson River Greenway, is one of the area’s most excellent spots to view free-roaming birds of prey.
In fact, this area was declared a Registered National Natural Historical Landmark to protect its local wildlife.
So, remember to bring binoculars and a camera when visiting Nyack Beach State Park.
A bald eagle or hawk could fly before you while swimming at this amazing place.
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com
Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock.com
The Bear Mountain Bridge is another fascinating bridge worthy of checking out, mainly for its history and stunning scenery.
You can see this bridge within Bear Mountain State Park.
It’s also part of the US 6 and US 202 Highways connecting various towns in two separate counties.
This suspension bridge is considered a historical gem in the area since it’s the New York State Bridge Authority’s oldest structure.
mustapha2019 / Shutterstock.com
It was constructed in 1923 and was opened to traffic in 1923 with a span of 687 meters in length and 110m in height.
Many visitors love to cross this bridge to see the gorgeous sceneries of the surrounding rolling hills with the Hudson River below.
You’ll also learn plenty of historical information about the bridge by strolling through its walkway, which has been open since it was constructed.
Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock.com
The Clover Stadium is a testament to the Rockland County locals’ love of baseball.
You can visit this stadium and baseball park along Phil Tisi Way in the village of Pomona.
This place is where the New York Boulders compete in the Frontier League.
It can accommodate 6,300 baseball fans and has been hosting top-notch baseball games since 2011.
Besides the Boulders, the St. Thomas Aquinas College Baseball Team Spartans also call this stadium their home while competing in the NCAA Division II.
If you’re a huge baseball fan, the Clover Stadium must be on your itinerary to see how Rockland County locals cheer for their home squads.
James Andrews1 / Shutterstock.com
Hook Mountain State Park is a famous outdoor attraction for various activities.
You can visit this state park along N. Route 9W in the City of Nyack.
The entire state park spans over 676 acres.
Since most of the park is undeveloped, expect to see its natural landscape, adding more excitement to various outdoor activities.
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com
The most enjoyable activities at this state park are hiking, birdwatching, and trail running.
It has a 9.3-kilometer loop trail takes you to thick forests, streams, and other locations teeming with local wildlife, particularly birds.
Besides hiking and trail running, many birdwatchers flock to this state park to witness various bird species.
Hook Mountain State Park is home to thousands of birds ranging from dozens of bird species.
Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events – Palisades Mall is an indoor go-kart racing track situated inside a popular mall in West Nyack.
You can test your racing skills at this indoor go-kart racing track with your friends or family and enjoy the experience.
Its racing track offers everyone a technical but fun-filled racing experience regardless of skill level.
So, if you’re searching for a thrilling experience during your Rockland County travel adventure.
In that case, head to the Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events – Palisades Mall.
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com
The Tallman Mountain State Park is a massive outdoor recreational destination in the Hamlet of Sparkill.
This park, part of the Palisades Interstate Park System, covers 687 acres of land allocated for outdoor recreation.
Many visitors from Rockland County and even from other parts of New York love to spend their weekends at this park for various reasons.
It’s a day-use park home to a vast swimming pool, a gorgeous picnic area, and playgrounds.
Veronica Winters / Shutterstock.com
In addition, it has a playing field, a cross-country skiing trail, running trails, tennis courts, and plenty of other amenities.
So, if you’re seeking the best spot in Rockland County for a worthwhile outdoor bonding with your loved ones.
In that case, head to Tallman Mountain State Park.
JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rockland County may not be that known for wines, but Torne Valley Vineyard proves otherwise.
You can visit this vineyard and winery along Torne Brook Road in the village of Hillburn.
This winery, an hour away from downtown Manhattan takes pride as one of the best producers of fine wines in this part of New York.
At the same time, it’s the only fully operating winery in Rockland County.
Its vineyard offers a unique experience whether you’re a wine connoisseur.
It offers not just vineyard tours and wine-tasting sessions but also workshops related to wines.
The vineyard, which was established in 2009, has produced thousands of bottles of the region’s finest wines.
So, remember to include Torne Valley Vineyard as one of the places you’re visiting in Rockland County.
Palisades Climb Adventure Ropes Course is a huge indoor rope and obstacle course attraction.
This place is situated along Palisades Center Drive in the hamlet of West Nyack.
It takes pride in having the world’s tallest indoor ropes obstacle course.
Considering that, it’s a great place to have fun with your family or friends.
Its indoor ropes obstacle course stands 85 feet tall.
It has 75 fascinating challenge elements designed for all ages and skill levels.
Whether you’re a fan of obstacle and rope courses, you’re guaranteed to have a blast swinging and climbing at this awesome place.
So, spend a day at the Palisades Climb Adventure Ropes Course for a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com
Lastly, check out the Letchworth Village in the Hamlet of Thiels.
This place is worth your time if you haven’t had enough mysterious attractions, such as the Tweed Tunnels.
Historically, the village served as an institution housing mentally and physically disabled people, both young and adult, in the early 1900s.
However, it was eventually closed down due to the poor living conditions of the patients there.
Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Today, it’s a popular destination for paranormal investigations and ghost hunting.
If you’re brave enough to wander through its halls, you can join locals or fellow ghost hunters when visiting.
There were plenty of paranormal sightings documented in the area based on those who experienced visiting there.
So, list Letchworth Village in your itinerary if you’ve got what it takes for an unusual adventure.
GeekOnTheWing, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure, head beneath the Tweed Tunnels in Nyack.
Also known as the Clausland Mountain Tunnels, this long and winding series of cemented tunnels were built during the First World War.
Today, its remnants still remain and have become a canvas for graffiti artists and a notorious place for paranormal activities.
This is your go-to place if you’re a fan of unusual things.
The tunnels became home to various urban legends making it popular for many to visit.
Part of the experience of traversing the tunnels is by crawling beneath the roots of a very old tree.
So, satisfy your curiosity by heading to the Tweed Tunnels.
There are dozens of worthwhile things to do in Rockland County, New York, that won’t fit everything in this post.
However, those listed above are the best you can enjoy, especially if you bring friends or family.
Rockland County is full of surprises.
You’re likely returning there for more adventure.
So, start curating your itinerary with this list before packing your things.
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
