New York City is bustling with entertainment, food, art, and energy. However, there is so much more to the state of New York than just the world-famous city that bears its name. The spectacular Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors each year. New York has played a central role in the nation’s history and many monuments and museums remind visitors of that history and provide a glimpse into the past. Here are the best places to visit in New York
» New York City
The five boroughs that make up New York City have more attractions, amusements, sites, and landmarks than one can imagine. Perhaps the best shopping in the United States can be found here, with luxury clothing shops, technology, phenomenal books, toys, and homewares. Art lovers flock to New York for its countless museums and galleries that seem to lie along almost every street.
There are enough cultural events to keep any visitor busy, including iconic Broadway Shows. Of course, no trip to the Big Apple would be complete without a visit to the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. With fantastic food, events, attractions, and more, visitors had best plan to stay awhile
» Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a village in the Adirondack Mountains located near the lake of the same name and is one of the best places to see in New York. The beautiful Adirondack Mountains have nearly endless sites, activities, and attractions to entertain visitors with hiking trails passing near lakes and through the mountains.
»Lake George
Lake George is a town in the Adirondacks, which are named after the lake of the same name. Visitors who come to enjoy the lake will find no shortage of water sports and activities. From laidback sight-seeing cruises to adrenaline-packed parasailing or jet-skiing, Lake George has it all. Other outdoor attractions include zip lining at the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, tubing and rafting trips, or visiting the Six Flags park, Great Escapes.
Thousand Islands
Thousand Islands is a popular outdoor destination on the border of New York State and Ontario, Canada. The area’s peaceful bays and miles of shoreline make for a vacationer’s paradise. While most of the islands are privately owned, many are public and feature many popular attractions, landmarks, and amusements including historic lighthouses, castles, and museums.
Outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and diving are readily available. The area boasts scores of hotels, campgrounds, and golf courses while boat tours are one of the most popular ways to take in the islands. Visitors who take the tours will be afforded the chance to visit many islands as well as hear the rich history of the area. Keep reading for more great places to see in New York.
Places to Visit in New York: Buffalo
Buffalo is a city on the eastern shores of Lake Erie in western New York that offers a wide range of activities for any type of visitor.
Art galleries and museums such as the Albright-Knox Gallery, the Buffalo Museum of Science, and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park provide visitors with a range of cultural and educational opportunities. Families will have plenty to do at Buffalo Zoo, the botanical gardens, and the city’s many parks. Buffalo is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether it be fishing at Unity Island or taking in the lovely panoramic views and beautiful sand beach at Woodlawn Beach State Park.
» Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is home to a group of 11 long, narrow lakes in Central New York. Famous as the state’s wine-producing region, the Finger Lakes area features over 100 wineries and vineyards. The Finger Lakes isn’t just for adult tourists, though, and family-friendly activities abound, including museums such as the Glenn H. Curtis Aviation Museum and the world’s largest museum of play – the Strong National Museum of Play.
Many tourists come to the area for the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, boating, fishing, and much more in the area’s state parks and other outdoor areas.
Albany
Albany is located on the west bank of the Hudson river and is the capital city of New York. Visitors can tour many of the city’s mansions and historic buildings such as the New York State Executive Mansion, the Ten Brock Mansion, and Schuyler Mansion. Cultural attractions include visiting the Institute of Art and History and taking in a live performance at the historic Palace Theatre.
The USS Slater is a historic WWII-era ship that offers hour-long guided tours for tourists interested in military history. Outdoor activities nearby include hiking scenic trails at John Boyd Thacher State Park and fishing at the Washington Park Lake.
Places to go near me: Ithaca
Ithaca is a city in the Finger Lakes region and a good jumping-off point for exploring the lakes, wineries, waterfalls, and more that make up the area. Ithaca has a notable college town feel to it as it is home to Cornell University as well as two smaller colleges.
Ithaca boasts several museums, including the family-friendly Sciencenter children’s museum, which offers a hands-on learning environment for kids. State parks such as Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls offer visitors an opportunity to explore the outdoors, take a hike, or go for a swim. Interestingly, the Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca is the North American seat of the Dalai Lama.
Places to Visit in New York: Rochester
Rochester is a city in western New York and a thriving cultural destination full of great art, culture, and food. Several historic homes are open for touring, including the home of civil rights activist Susan B. Anthony.
The city’s many green spaces include golf courses, waterfalls, an arboretum, and hiking trails. The Memorial Art Gallery displays stunning art exhibits from medieval times to the 20th century. The Seneca Park Zoo is a popular family destination and includes an African Safari. Spend a day at the Seabreeze Amusement Park for more fun for the entire family.
Montauk
The Long Island town of Montaukis a laidback seaside town where visitors can relax and take in their surroundings. Seal watching is a popular reason tourists come to Montauk as these entertaining creatures frequent the shores of Montauk Point State Park.
Hither Hills State Park has access to ocean swimming as well as a 40-acre pond and sites for camping. Second House is an interesting historical cottage that was built for shepherds in the 1900s. Visitors can visit the cottage and a 1797 lighthouse to add a touch of history to their trip. The beaches, wine, golf, diving, museums, shopping, and more make Montauk a popular weekend trip from New York City.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls which have the combined highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world and a drop of more than 165 feet. The three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls straddle the border between the United States and Canada.
Technically, Horseshoe Falls lie mostly in Canada while the smaller Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls lie entirely in the United States. Visitors to the falls can take part in the Maid of the Mist boat ride, which takes passengers to the area of the rapids just below the falls. Visitors can also use walkways along Prospect Point Park to view the falls. Every night, the falls are illuminated, which makes for an impressive display.
Syracuse
Syracuse is New York’s fourth largest city and is located in upstate New York. Visitors can learn about the history of the city, region, and the ingenious Erie Canal at the Erie Canal Museum. The Milton J. Rubinstein Museum of Science is perfect for families and features hands on exhibits and tours.
For outdoor fun, guests can go ice skating at Clinton Square or relax at one of the city parks such as Thornden and Elmwood Parks. Both Onondaga Lake Park and Hiawatha Lake offer opportunities to enjoy activities on and near the water while the nearby Clark Reservation State Park features impressive cliffs, a beautiful lake, and guided nature walks.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a bohemian, laid back college town well known for horse-racing, the performing arts, and the nearby springs. The Roosevelt Baths and Spa at Saratoga Spa State Park is the only place where you can still take in the springs.
The state park also includes golf courses, a large swimming pool, trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, ice rinks, picnic areas, and the well-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Visit from July to September and take in a horse race at the country’s oldest thoroughbred track – the Saratoga Race Course. The downtown features restaurants and local shops to explore after a day soaking in the baths or cheering on your favorite horse.
Robert Treman State Park
Robert Treman State Park is a natural park with the impressive Enfield Glen gorge as its centerpiece. Hiking trails lead visitors past 12 waterfalls, including a 115-foot waterfall called Lucifer Falls. Hikes feature impressive views of the gorge and the surrounding scenery. The park offers several accommodation options, including tent and RV camping as well as cabin rentals.
Several lifeguarded swimming areas are available, including a pool beneath a waterfall. Amenities and activities at the park include playgrounds, a swimming beach, picnic tables, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can reserve sheltered pavilions for private parties and events. Address: 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, Phone: 607-273-3440
Cooperstown
Baseball fans flock to Cooperstown because it is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as well as Doubleday Field, the ball park that is said to be the birthplace of baseball. The city also has a fair share of other museums, including the Farmers’ Museum, which is a living museum that shows life on a 1840s farm, and the Fenimore Art Museum.
Fun for the whole family awaits at the Cooperstown Fun Park, which features laser-tag, go-carts, bumper boats, mini golf, and a full arcade. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit to take in beautiful foliage as well as visit the Fly Creek Cider Mill, which makes old-fashioned apple cider and a variety of sweet treats.
Cold Spring
The downtown area features boutique and local shops that sell antiques, clothing, and more. Coffee houses and restaurants supply a wide range of refreshments and many feature outdoor dining and live entertainment. The park along the river’s edge is a popular place for visitors to unwind after a long week’s work.
