Long Beach to New Paltz: Drive Guide

On the south shore of Long Island, Long Beach's boardwalk sits on a barrier island that was reshaped by the 1938 Great New England Hurricane, which carved the current inlet. From there, your route to New Paltz crosses the Hudson River at the Tappan Zee Bridge (officially the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge), a 3.1-mile span that opened to traffic in 2017. Covering roughly 100 miles, the drive typically takes about 2 hours without traffic, but weekend congestion on the Cross Island Parkway and I-87 can add 30–45 minutes.

This guide outlines the key stops, road conditions, and practical advice for making the trip enjoyable, whether you're heading for the Shawangunk Ridge or the farm-to-table scene of Ulster County. For deeper planning, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

As you leave the coastal plain, the route climbs gently into the Hudson Highlands, where the Palisades and Hook Mountain offer dramatic views of the river. The Shawangunk Ridge, a quartzite conglomerate formation, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? No—but it is a National Natural Landmark, known for its sheer cliffs and rare pitch pine barrens. This ridge forms the western boundary of the Wallkill Valley, where New Paltz sits.

In New Paltz, the historic Huguenot Street—a National Historic Landmark District—features stone houses from the 1700s, and the town's commercial strip along Main Street is lined with local bookstores, boutiques, and the famous McGarr's tavern.

Off the main highway, just 10 miles west of the Thruway exit 18, lies the Mohonk Preserve, a 6,500-acre sanctuary with 40 miles of carriage roads—perfect for a quick hike. For a hidden gem, take Route 213 east to the rail trail at the Wallkill Valley, which offers a flat, scenic path that's less crowded than the Gunks.

The main route uses the Southern State Parkway west to the Cross Island Parkway, then I-495 West to the Throgs Neck Bridge, and I-87 North from the Bronx. After crossing the Hudson, the highway follows the western shore of the river, passing through Rockland and Orange Counties before reaching Ulster County. Road quality is generally good, with the exception of occasional potholes on the local roads in New Paltz after winter.

Fuel prices along the route are typically 10–15 cents per gallon higher in New York City and the immediate suburbs than in the mid-Hudson Valley, so consider filling up in Orange County. The average fuel cost for a standard sedan (25 mpg) over 100 miles is about $12 at current rates.

• Route: Southern State Pkwy W → Cross Island Pkwy → I-495 W → Throgs Neck Br → I-87 N
• Total distance: ~100 miles
• Highway tolls: $9.00 for the Tappan Zee Bridge (E-ZPass)

The drive is suitable for families, with several safe, kid-friendly stops. At the Tappan Zee Bridge, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge has a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path, but it's not accessible from the highway—so plan a detour if you want to walk it. For children, the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers offers interactive exhibits, though it is a slight detour from the direct route. Rest areas on I-87 are located at mile markers 22 (South Nyack) and 48 (Salisbury Mills), both with restrooms and vending machines.

Pet-friendly options include the Rockland Lake State Park, where dogs are allowed on leashes, and the Rail Trail in New Paltz, which welcomes well-behaved canines. Remember to carry water and waste bags.

To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 60-90 minutes; the Thruway offers 11 service areas between the Tappan Zee and New Paltz. The climate varies: coastal Long Beach is humid subtropical, while New Paltz is more continental, with cooler summers and significant autumn foliage. This transition is visible as you cross the Hudson, where the vegetation shifts from oak-hickory to maple-beech.