When people hear of New York, most people automatically think of New York City. While there is plenty to do in the city, that isn’t all that the state has to offer by far. If you enjoy anything to do with the great outdoors, beaches, or charming towns, you may be remiss if you only visit the city and skip some of the other beautiful places in New York.
1. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is on the border of Canada and New York. And while it’s at least eight hours away from NYC by train (or an hour by plane) it’s definitely worth the trip for the stunning views. The water rushes at 3,160 tons over the Falls every second, translating into a speed of 32 feet per second! On the United States side, you can book a Maid of the Mist boat tour in the summer months. There is also a botanical garden and winery in the area, so you can easily spend a whole day or weekend in the area.
The Falls have become sort of an odd mix of romantic getaway and cheesy honeymoon spot, so mingled in with the wineries, gardens, and spectacular views, you can also find wedding chapels covered in neon signs.
Most of the attractions are easily within walking distance of each other, but if you are too tired to walk any further, there is a Niagara Shuttle that is free and will take you throughout the whole park.
2. The Adirondacks
If you enjoy being outdoors at all or are interested in the history of the Olympics, the Adirondacks is a place well worth visiting. For anyone planning to visit New York City, you may find yourself having to go a little out of the way, as it is 290 miles north of the big city.
However, if you have the time to take the trip, you will see it is worth it. In the winter months, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including skiing, bobsledding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and more.
In the summer, when the snow and ice have melted, you have great options like white water rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. There is also plenty of space to travel around, with six million acres making up the Adirondacks. The park includes places like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake.
But the great outdoors isn’t all that the Adirondacks has to offer. There are many complexes and museums dedicated to the Olympics and training centers, as both the 1932 and the 1980 Olympics were held here. There is also a historic site dedicated to John Brown, a noted abolitionist.
Also in the area are seasonal festivals, gastropubs, and boutiques as well as campgrounds, bed-and-breakfasts, and even resorts.
3. Rochester
Rochester is another interesting large city, so if you are tired of visiting New York City every time you go to New York, consider checking out Rochester instead. Rochester is located 330 miles away from New York City, so you get to experience a completely different kind of scenery while still staying in the state.
It is a fun city for the whole family, especially children. There are dozens of museums, many of them interactive so children can have fun and enjoy themselves. There are even parks full of lilacs, panoramas, and plenty of art.
If you like zoos, there are several to visit with the family, filled with plenty of endangered animals supporting survival programs. And there are theaters as well, for those that appreciate the arts.
4. Saratoga Springs
For a relaxing vacation check out historic Saratoga Springs in New York. Just below Adirondack Park, it is a short drive from most major cities in the state. Saratoga Springs has plenty to do. There is the horse-racing season at its famous racetrack, a performing arts center, craft beverages, museums, and more.
Saratoga Springs can be visited at any time of year, depending on what you are looking for. There are a lot of outdoor activities, like mini-golf, race karts, amusement parks, and even summer camps for the kids.
And if you are looking to get away from the daily humdrum, you can do that here as well. If you like the adrenaline, there are skydiving, ziplines, and rope courses in Saratoga Springs. There are also plenty of haunted attractions, especially around Halloween, like corn mazes and haunted houses.
Famous for its spas and mineral baths, Saratoga Springs is also a great place to take care of yourself. Enjoy a hot spring immersion, get your nails done, and go to an exercise studio before getting a massage done by a specialist.
Since Saratoga Springs is in the center of the state, there is plenty to do around it as well. You can visit the Adirondacks; Albany; or many other northern locations in the state relatively easily. Book a car or rent a vehicle when booking the trip so you can visit as much as you want.
5. New York City
Of course, if you haven’t been to New York before, you don’t want to miss experiencing New York City. It is still ranked as the number one place to visit in the state, with plenty of culture, fine arts, food, and places to see.
If you like live shows and musicals, you can’t miss Broadway. The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and The High Line shouldn’t be missed if you like historic things or anything to do with architecture.
If you are a foodie, there are tons of food tours throughout the five boroughs and plenty of museums to check out between meals.
You might be surprised to know there is also plenty of nature in the city. There’s Central Park, the Central Park Zoo, and award-winning conservatory and botanical gardens to check out during your trip.
There are plenty of guided tours as well, including sightseeing tours and holiday tours if you are unsure of what to do.
New York City is a big city, and even if you have experience driving around, you may be intimidated by the hustle and bustle of the noisy streets. Taxis are expensive and can be hard to get a hold of. Thankfully, there is another option. Besides expensive ride-share programs and taxis, there is also the option for car service New York. These car services can pick you up from anywhere, including the hotel or airport, and take you wherever you need to go.
