As one of the most-visited states in the U.S., you can bet that there are lots of interesting things to do in New York state. Sure, everyone knows about NYC and Niagara Falls – and those places are well worth visiting – but there are other hidden gems that you must see.
During the three years we lived in Philadelphia, there were many opportunities to tour some of the finest locales in New York. The diverse regions each offer unique profiles and charm, from the Catskill Mountains to the northern Thousand Islands down to the lovely shoreline further south.
This guide provides 15 top places to explore in the state if you wish to experience the best New York has to offer. You may enjoy a luxurious mountain retreat or looking to hike to some of NY`s lesser known waterfalls. Whatever your interest, you`ll have trouble deciding which New York activities to try first!
Table of Contents
1. New York City, one of the best places to visit in New York
Without a doubt, the best location to visit in New York is New York City. If you’ve never been to the Big Apple before, all the sights and attractions here might be overwhelming. We have a complete guide about things to do in New York City, but for now, I’ll tell you some of the highlights.
Some iconic New York tourist attractions such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and Times Square are definite must-sees. For entertainment, taking in a Broadway show or a concert at Madison Square Garden are excellent choices. Those seeking magnificent views of the city should check out the observation decks at landmarks including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center.
NYC offers many historic sites and excellent museums, and each of its five boroughs has its own unique atmosphere. If you need more ideas, our guide covers everything you need to know.
- Top-rated accommodations near Times Square: The Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square West features a rooftop terrace and well-appointed rooms with light-blocking window treatments, allowing for restful sleep amid the area`s activity. Pod 51 offers an affordable alternative in the same vicinity. Our guide on accommodation options across New York City may reveal other neighborhoods fitting your preferences or budget.
2. Ithaca and the Finger Lakes, two lovely places to visit in upstate New York
If you’re looking for attractions located in the upstate region of New York, make Ithaca one of your stops. This city is part of the Finger Lakes area of 11 narrow inland lakes in northwestern New York. Cayuga Lake is the closest one to Ithaca, and it’s the longest of the lakes, spanning 39 miles. The lake is also within the American Viticultural Area, a designated grape-growing region for wine production, so you can find dozens of vineyards, wineries, and distilleries in the area.
Moreover, Ithaca is home to many educational institutions as it is a college town, housing cultural attractions such as the Sciencenter, Museum of the Earth, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and Cornell Botanic Garden.
Nature lovers also appreciate the wealth of parks and hiking spots in the region. For example, the Finger Lakes Trail branches into secondary routes, and Buttermilk Falls State Park has ten waterfalls, including its namesake falls, as well as a beach, campground, playing fields, and nature trails. Nearby, are the Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls State Parks, two other famous places in New York I’ll talk about later.
You can submit a claim for reimbursement for a delayed Spirit flight if the delay is longer than three hours. More specifically, you can request a full refund here, but generally no additional compensation.
3. Niagara Falls, another must-see in New York for families
This list would not be complete without highlighting Niagara Falls, one of the most widely recognized attractionsin New York. This popular site continues into Ontario, Canada, but the New York aspect of the falls is equally picturesque.
Situated around 20 miles from Buffalo, the NY aspect of Niagara Falls incorporates the Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and American Falls. Spectators can witness the immense energy and rush of this all-natural marvel from multiple vantage points, like Terrapin Point alongside the Niagara River or Prospect Point.
For those seeking adventure, consider taking a boat trip to the falls aboard the prominent vessel Maid of the Mist, or traversing near the base of the Bridal Veil Falls at the Cave of the Winds attraction. We participated in this half-day excursion incorporating both sites and found it to be a wonderful experience. Just be certain to bring protective covering.
Taking a stroll along the Niagara River Gorge and visiting Old Fort Niagara are worthwhile pursuits. Additional information about both sides of the falls and where to stay can be found in our guide to things to do in Niagara Falls.
- Recommendedlodging: The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is an excellent hotel with amazing views, a gym, an indoor pool, and hot tub, a sauna, and massage services. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day exploring Niagara Falls.
4. Lake Placid (The Adirondacks), one of the best things to see in New York
Speaking of road excursions from NYC, it’s also worth visiting Lake Placid. Situated in northern New York’s Adirondack Mountains, this village is a must-see in New York if you’re seeking the ideal winter getaway.
Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, so it has all the winter sports sites and facilities expected. Here, you can try bobsledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and other thrilling events. If you’re visiting with children, check out the Lake Placid Olympic Museum or the toboggan slide.
There are plenty additional activities to engage in here, so if you love the outdoors, Lake Placid is one of New York`s finest destinations. Enjoy 288 skiable acres and 90 trails at Whiteface Mountain, take a scenic auto ride or snowshoe hike amid the woods, or stroll along Main Street and drop into a pub or eatery for a warm meal and drinks.
With its crisp mountain air and majestic snowy peaks, Lake Placid is a historical place you must visit. That said, the surrounding Adirondacks are worth a tour, too. While you’re here, check out one of the wineries, ADK Treetop Adventures rope course, or High Falls Gorge, a nature park with walking trails past waterfalls, rapids, and the AuSable River.
If you enjoy hiking, some of the most popular routes surround Avalanche Lake (6.8 miles), Cascade Mountain (4.8 miles), and Mount Jo (1.8 miles).
- Suggestedlodging: Stay at the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, a lakefront hotel with dining, an indoor pool, gym, tennis courts, and putting green. It also caters to pets and families.
5. Visit Watkins Glen State Park, one of the top things to do in New York
Watkins Glen State Park is another beautiful location in the Finger Lakes region, in the village of Watkins Glen. It’s a stunning state park, particularly if you visit New York during the autumn season.
Spanning over 770 acres, the park is renowned for its narrow gorge, plunging to a depth of 400 feet. Cut by a stream, the gorge produces several waterfalls that provide an amazing backdrop while hiking. No doubt, the lovely waterfalls, rushing rapids, and stone steps traveling over and beneath the water make this one of the finest parks in New York state.
There are a few routes here, although I propose the Gorge Trail, which passes near the stream, gorge, and various waterfalls. It also connects to the Finger Lakes Trail, which I mentioned earlier. If you want to extend this experience in New York state, Watkins Glen has tent and trailer camping sites.
- Suggestedlodging: The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel has lovely rooms with private bathrooms and showers, seating areas, and lake views. You can also enjoy the resort’s on-site restaurant, bar, and gym.
6. Letchworth State Park, another thing to do in New York State
If you enjoy Watkins Glen, then you should also explore Letchworth State Park. Waterfalls and gorges are abundant here, and the park has even been termed the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The park spans a huge area of over 14,400 acres across two counties in western NY. At first glance, the sweeping views, sprawling forests, and wide gorges will take your breath away by their beauty and majesty.
Similar to Watkins Glen, there are waterfalls present here, and while there aren’t as numerous, they’re larger in size. The three main waterfalls are the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, which originate from the Genesee River. Visitors can find all three in the southern section of the park, in Portage Canyon. The Middle Falls stand as the tallest, measuring 107 feet.
You will not want to miss out on exploring the hiking routes and scenic viewpoints found here, as they offer some of the finest views in New York. There are over 60 miles of trails to discover, and among the lookout points worth seeing, I suggest the Inspiration Point Overlook, which is located approximately a half-mile from the Visitor Center.
In addition to hiking, activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, cycling, and tubing or skiing during winter months can be done in the park. It has multiple playground areas, swimming pools, and campsites for visitors to use, though the historic Glen Iris Inn is often a preferred place to stay. Also, when weather allows, hot air balloon trips are provided within the park boundaries, creating quite an experience that is highly sentimental for visitors exploring New York state.
- Recommendedaccommodation: The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mount Morris is a lovely mountain lodge with free Wi-Fi and activities like hiking, nature trails, boating, and swimming. The hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness center, barbecue facilities, and a scenic garden.
7. Go to Lake George, one of the best things to do in New York
Looking for activities to engage in in northern New York state? Then travel to Lake George, a vast lake surrounded by peaks and forests at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. Known as the Queen of American Lakes, the elongated Lake George extends over 32 miles and contains over 170 islands, like Sagamore, Turtle, and Vicar Islands.
An affluent summer colony, Lake George has long attracted famous visitors; the Rockefeller, Roosevelt, and Vanderbilt families have all vacationed here. It’s not difficult to see why, since the area offers all kinds of activities, from hiking and paddling to birdwatching, biking, and mountain climbing.
That said, this is also among the ideal destinations to visit in the northern region of New York State during winter when one can ice skate, ski, snowboard, and snowshoe around the frozen body of water. Moreover, the town of Lake George is home to family-friendly attractions like sports facilities, amusement parks, stores, and museums.
Therefore, no matter what time of year you come to Lake George, you won’t be let down!
- Suggestedlodging: You can`t fail with a room at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake George, which provides on-site conveniences like a restaurant, bar, lounge, and indoor pool. The mountainside resort is also near shopping, hiking, and skiing.
8. Taughannock Falls State Park, a fun thing to do in New York State
Another New York tourist attraction you should visit is Taughannock Falls State Park. If you’re in Ithaca, the park is about a 20-minute drive away, so you shouldn`t miss it.
The 750-acre park’s namesake waterfall, Taughannock Falls, is the tallest dropping waterfall in the northeastern U.S. Its 215-foot plunge is over 30 feet higher than Niagara Falls, making it one of the most spectacular things to see in New York. Besides the Taughannock Falls, the park also highlights the smaller Upper and Lower Falls.
The best way to witness this amazing natural spectacle is by taking one of the hiking routes. The Gorge Trail is less than a mile long, takes you past the Lower Falls, and ends at the base of Taughannock Falls. The North Rim Trail is approximately twice as long and offers views of the Upper Falls and Taughannock Falls.
In addition to exploring the hiking trails and natural areas here, you can also go camping or swimming along the shores of Cayuga Lake. Activities like sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating are popular during winter months in this location. As mentioned previously, the state park is near Ithaca, so you can take advantage of attractions in that city as well.
- Suggestedlodging: Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca, which was pointed out earlier. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Taughannock Falls State Park.
9. Thousand Islands, another place to add to your New York bucket list
The Thousand Islands (yes, like the salad dressing), represents one of the most interesting locations to visit inupstate NY. This archipelago contains over a thousand islands: 1,864 to be precise. The islands range in size and sit in the St. Lawrence River, which straddles the border between New York and Ontario, Canada.
Collectively, the Thousand Islands area was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2002, even though there are particular Canadian and U.S. islands that are noted. For example, Wolfe Island, the biggest of the islands, is situated in Ontario, while Just Room Enough Island in the U.S. is considered the globe’s smallest inhabited island, at 3,300ft2.
Other significant islands include Ironsides Island, home to one of the biggest colonies of great blue herons in New York, and Carleton Island, home to the old Fort Haldimand, which was constructed by the British in 1779 during the American Revolutionary War.
For first-time visitors, it`s advisable to select a specific community in the Thousand Islands, such as Alexandria Bay, NY. A famous New York sight, it includes Heart Island, where the renowned 120-room Boldt Castle can be seen.
The nearby Wellesley Island is also worth a visit, as it contains a state park and many outdoor activities like camping, hiking, nature walks and swimming. If crossing the border is part of your plans, utilizing the Thousand Islands International Bridge is a convenient choice.
- Suggestedlodging: The Riveredge Resort Hotel in beautiful Alexandria Bay, NY, is the perfect place to unwind after a complete day. It’s less than a 10-minute stroll from Boldt Castle, plus it has spa bathtubs and a gym with a hot tub.
10. Saratoga Springs, a beautiful attraction in upstate New York
Saratoga Springs is a renowned location in New York that is known for its mineral waters, which are reported to possess therapeutic qualities that enhance digestive health and improve skin. This has made Saratoga Springs a popular resort town, although you’ll find significantly more to do here.
In addition to the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, a mandatory visit is the Saratoga Spa State Park. This locale is home to numerous mineral springs endowed with healing properties, as well as a hotel complex with swimming facilities. Notable hiking trails take in the Gideon Putnam Trail, Five Mile Trail and the Geyser Loop passing Geyser Creek featuring the impressive Geyser Island Spouter spring emitting water jets reaching 15 feet high.
If you don’t want to immerse yourself in a natural spring, you can go to one of the numerous lavish spas in town. Downtown Saratoga Springs is filled with beauty parlors, spas, shops, and museums, and it’s a popular destination for performing arts.
Nearby, you can find vineyards and golf courses that help round out your upstate New York trip. Additionally, Lake George, another important New York attraction I mentioned earlier, is only 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs.
- Suggestedaccommodation: Stay at The Saratoga Hilton, a modern lodging with lush gardens, a gym, an interior pool, and a restaurant. It’s also very nearby to downtown.
11. The Hamptons, a luxurious thing to do in NY
A trip to the Hamptons, one of the main attractions in Long Island, is an essential experience in New York during summer. This luxurious summer colony attracts New Yorkers and inhabitants from nearby Connecticut and Rhode Island. The historic seaside communities of the Hamptons offer lavish provisions and beautiful beaches, so it’s no wonder coming here is a top activity to do outside NYC.
The oldest and largest village within the Hamptons is Southampton. Along with attractive beaches, Southampton houses the historic Tudor House and Garden, Medieval Merchant’s House, and the SS Shieldhall, a preserved steamship of sizable scale.
Sag Harbor is another noteworthy area in the Hamptons, straddling the boundary of Southampton and East Hampton. If you want a blend of nature and culture, East Hampton is a strong choice. Known as an artists’ colony, this village has welcomed dozens of famous artists, including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol. Moreover, East Hampton has several state parks, like Montauk Point State Park and Lighthouse.
As I noted above, the Hamptons are in relatively close proximity to NYC (around two hours travel time), so if you`ll be visiting the city, take into account this day trip to the Hamptons. It tours multiple beautiful areas in Southampton and Sag Harbor, making it a smart choice to see numerous places worth visiting in New York on a single outing.
- Recommendedlodging: The Southampton Inn is one of the best places to stay in the Hamptons, thanks to clean and modern rooms along with comfortable amenities. Savor a meal in the courtyard or dining room, enjoy free transportation to Cooper’s Beach, or relax by the on-site pool.
12. Robert H. Treman State Park, a place with more activities in New York
Promoting twelve waterfalls and nine miles of hiking trails, Robert H. Treman State Park is another significant historical site in New York that I advise exploring. This stunning place is near Watkins Glen and Taughannock Falls state parks, so if you required an additional motive to visit the Finger Lakes region, here it is.
Robert H. Treman State Park’s waterfalls were molded during the last Ice Age, and this geological occurrence also developed the valleys and gorges found throughout the park, most notably, Enfield Glen. This narrow ravine is a focal point for the park’s hiking routes, which also pass a historic gristmill, Enfield Creek, and lovely waterfalls.
Two of the most renowned cascades within the park grounds are the 115-foot, multi-tiered Lucifer Falls, and the Lower Falls, whose base serves as a refreshing swimming location. The two-mile Gorge Trail leads east from the entrance of the park to the Lower Falls. You can continue along the Gorge Trail and connect to the Rim Trail, crafting a loop of approximately five miles that provides two different perspectives of Lucifer Falls. I recommend both hiking routes as undoubtedly they represent two of the finest outdoor activities in New York state.
Along with the hiking trails, the park presents picnic spots and campsites where visitors can linger and admire the striking scenery defined by natural stone formations and flowing water.
- Recommendedlodging: Again, I recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca. Its central location makes it a great choice, plus the hotel has facilities where you can unwind, exercise, dine, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
13. Catskill Mountains, the best place to visit in New York for scenic views
For visitors to the town of Ye, the Volcán de la Corona Restaurant and Grill is considered the premier dining establishment on Lanzarote. The surrounding landscape is a popular area for hiking excursions in Lanzarote, and numerous trekkers stop at this restaurant to replenish their exhausted bodies.
As you can infer, the Catskills are one of the top places to visit in the northern part of New York State during the winter period. Check out one of the ski resorts, like Hunter Mountain, and enjoy activities for example Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. For something calmer, drive along the scenic Catskill Mountains Byway and appreciate 52 miles of scenery.
The Catskills provide many things to do in New York in the summer months too. Catskill Park is a popular area for camping, mountain biking, and watersports like tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. If you enjoy hiking, you’re in luck, because there are dozens of routes throughout the region. Some of the premier hikes include Giant Ledge, Devil’s Path, and the Catskills Scenic Trail. The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower Loop is a challenging yet rewarding hike, and you can climb the fire tower for even better views.
There is significantly more to see and experience here, ranging from cultural activities to extreme sports. You can also visit the surrounding towns of Phoenicia, Saugerties, and Woodstock, or explore the nearby waterfalls, one of which will be discussed next.
- Highly recommended accommodation: Check into the Catskill Mountain Lodge, a charming lodging with spacious rooms, private bathrooms, two seasonal pools, and outdoor firepits. Enjoy the hotel’s rustic theme and take advantage of ski passes to the nearby ski resorts.
14. Visit Kaaterskill Falls, another breathtaking thing to do in NY
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the major waterfalls in the Catskill Mountains deserving attention for those in the region. This two-tiered waterfall has a collective 260-foot drop, classifying it as one of the tallest and oldest cascades in the eastern United States. Its splendor has long fascinated nature enthusiasts and visual artists, often becoming the theme for works by Hudson River School painters.
Now, you can see the falls from above or below, though the upper trail is much simpler. This accessible trail is wide and flat, and there is a wooden viewing platform where you can observe the immense beauty of the cascades up close. Here, you can get a better look at the first drop, which is the higher of the two and leads to a large pool.
While exploring the area, take notice of Hunter Mountain in the distance when viewing the falls from above. If time allows, it is worth visiting the township of Hunter, NY, which is considered one of the nicest weekend escapes from NYC.
Even from photographs, Kaaterskill Falls is evidently one of the most beautiful places to visit, and trekking to the falls constitutes an excellent outdoor activity in New York state. While here, Bastion Falls, a 70-foot waterfall at the Kaaterskill Falls Trailhead, can also be seen.
Finally, while this place is highly-rated, the path to the lower falls can be quite hazardous, so always remain on the marked trail.
- Recommendedlodging: The Catskill Mountain Lodge is also near Kaaterskill Falls, so after extensively hiking in nature, you can return to this charming, rustic lodge.
15. Fire Island National Seashore, another fun place in New York to visit with kids
Finally, the Fire Island National Seashore is a great New York attraction for families, and a unique place to experience the surf, sand, and sun. Spanning 30 miles from Long Island to the Great South Bay, this shoreline is home to over a dozen private communities.
To access Fire Island, take the ferry or drive along the Robert Moses State Parkway. The latter option will drop you right off at one of the best beaches near NYC, the Robert Moses State Park. Here, you can visit the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse and walk along the Sailor’s Haven boardwalk trail. This 1.5-mile path leads you through the Sunken Forest, an ecological treasure showcasing some of the most unique flora and fauna in the region. It’s a well-known birdwatching location, so keep an eye out for egrets, herons, raptors, red-winged blackbirds, sanderlings, and warblers.
Towards the eastern end of the shoreline, you’ll arrive at Watch Hill and its rustic campground, as well as the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. Another hidden gem, this expansive natural vicinity is a lovely place to see waterfowl and white-tailed deer.
Naturally, the entire coastline offers ample opportunities for recreation such as boating, hiking, sailing, and swimming. Therefore, exploring New York beaches in summer cannot be surpassed for things to do.
- Suggestedlodging: Stay at Robbins Rest Retreat, an ocean-facing vacation residence with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a balcony, patio, and fully equipped kitchen.
That concludes this guide to the top locales to explore in New York State! Lastly, here is a downloadable map to help you easily pinpoint all the places on your New York bucket list.
Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment if you have any questions or other NY attractions you’d like to share. I look forward to responding. Until then, have an awesome trip!
