New York State is far more than just the bustling metropolis of New York City. Beyond the iconic skyline lies a region brimming with natural beauty, historical charm, and vibrant culture. Upstate New York offers a diverse range of experiences, from majestic mountains and serene lakes to captivating small towns, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking unique adventures. Explore the rich history, indulge in local arts and wineries, and witness breathtaking landscapes, including the world-renowned Niagara Falls.
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For those planning their next getaway, Upstate New York presents a treasure trove of destinations. Here are some of the best places to travel in New York State, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.
Conesus Lake
Conesus Lake, the westernmost of the Finger Lakes, is a popular summer destination. Every year, crowds gather for the spectacular “Ring of Fire” tradition on July 3rd, where flares illuminate the lake’s perimeter as fireworks light up the night sky. The nearby village of Lakeville is home to Little Lake Brewing, a highlight on the Livingston Libation Loop, a trail showcasing local wineries, cideries, and craft breweries. Art enthusiasts should explore the Inspirations Trail, a 90-mile self-guided route through nine villages, adorned with vibrant street murals and diverse art installations.
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Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a charming village renowned for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a must-visit for sports enthusiasts. Beyond baseball, the Fenimore Art Museum, located on land once owned by James Fenimore Cooper, offers an impressive collection of American art. Opera aficionados can enjoy the Glimmerglass Festival, a celebrated summer opera event. For adventure seekers, Howe Caverns, located a short drive east, provides thrilling caving and spelunking experiences, making it New York State’s second most visited natural attraction.
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Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a natural wonder featuring a dramatic gorge carved by the Genesee River over millennia. Visitors can witness stunning waterfalls cascading down shale, limestone, and sandstone cliffs, reaching heights of 550 feet. The park is also home to the Autism Nature Trail, the first of its kind in the US, offering eight sensory stations along a one-mile loop designed for individuals on the autism spectrum, making nature accessible to everyone.
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Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an iconic natural landmark, drawing visitors from around the globe. Beyond the majestic falls, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center offers a profound historical experience. Located in an 1863 Customs House near the former International Suspension Bridge, the center highlights Niagara Falls’ crucial role in the Underground Railroad, providing safe passage to freedom in Canada. The museum’s award-winning exhibit, “One More River to Cross,” tells powerful stories of courage and resilience.
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Jamestown
Jamestown, situated at the southern end of Chautauqua Lake, is famously the hometown of Lucille Ball. Comedy lovers will appreciate the National Comedy Center museum, dedicated to the art of comedy. For intellectual enrichment, the Chautauqua Institution, a short drive north, hosts summer programs with renowned speakers, performers, and events focused on human values and personal enrichment, offering a unique cultural experience.
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Ellicottville
Ellicottville, a charming village nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, south of Buffalo, is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly skiers and snowboarders, who flock to Holiday Valley Resort. This resort boasts 60 slopes and trails for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and transforms into a mountain biking and hiking destination in the warmer months, providing year-round adventure.
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Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls, located at the northern tip of Cayuga Lake, is steeped in history and believed to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Film buffs can visit the dedicated museum. More significantly, Seneca Falls is celebrated as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement in the US, hosting the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the annual Convention Days in July commemorate this pivotal history. Visitors can also enjoy wine tasting along the scenic Finger Lakes wine trails.
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Skaneateles
Skaneateles, an affluent town meaning “long lake” in Iroquoian, is a central New York gem known for its stunning fall foliage and award-winning wineries. Cyclists are drawn to the 32-mile trail circling the lake. Starting Thanksgiving weekend, the town hosts the Dickens Christmas celebration, a festive event featuring live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, and costumed Dickensian characters, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
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Lake George
Lake George, nestled in the Adirondack region, offers surprising scuba diving opportunities. Certified divers can explore 18th-century shipwrecks, including North America’s oldest intact warship, at the lake’s bottom. This popular summer destination can get crowded, but it also provides winter activities like snowshoeing and a family-friendly carnival in February, making it a year-round destination for places to travel in New York.
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Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains, has long attracted city dwellers, including prominent families like the Guggenheims and Vanderbilts, who built grand “Great Camps” here. The Point, once a Rockefeller estate, now offers luxurious all-inclusive stays, reminiscent of that era, complete with formal black-tie dinners. The village itself is nestled amidst mountains and lakes, featuring charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a refined and relaxing getaway.
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Ithaca
Ithaca, a vibrant college town, is also a natural paradise, boasting stunning gorges, parks, and Taughannock Falls, even taller than Niagara Falls. The city offers a wealth of activities, including a botanical garden, boat tours, wine trails, and the self-guided Discovery Trail, highlighting local history, astronomy, and earth science. Ithaca also claims to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, adding a sweet note to its list of attractions.
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Watkins Glen and Montour Falls
Watkins Glen, located at the southern end of Seneca Lake, is renowned for its auto-racing history. The Watkins Glen International track has hosted prestigious races, from Formula One to NASCAR. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the largest wine trail in the Finger Lakes region, stretching along the lake and offering numerous tasting experiences. Nearby Montour Falls also provides scenic waterfall views and small-town charm.
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Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a popular vacation destination for its classic charm and diverse attractions. Visitors can enjoy a day at the historic Saratoga Race Course or explore Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark. The town also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Spa Little Theater, offering cultural experiences for every taste.
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Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands region, along the St. Lawrence River on the US-Canadian border, is a stunning archipelago of around 1,800 islands. Visitors flock here in summer and fall to admire picturesque lighthouses and grand mansions, including the iconic Boldt Castle. Mainland towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent offer charming experiences, and Sackets Harbor, a New York State Heritage Area, provides historical insights, making it one of the most scenic places to travel in New York.
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Pittsford
Pittsford, an affluent community on the Erie Canal, offers idyllic upstate New York charm. Downtown Pittsford is popular in summer for its antique shops and boutiques. Schoen Place, overlooking the canal, offers dining options, and Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery is a must-visit for homemade ice cream. Nearby attractions include Mendon Ponds Park and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, providing diverse entertainment options.
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Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm, in the eastern Adirondacks near Lake Champlain, is a dramatic two-mile-long sandstone gorge formed 500 million years ago. It’s perfect for waterfall enthusiasts, especially Rainbow Falls, and offers hiking and adventure trails in the Adirondacks. The North Star Underground Railroad Museum, a short drive north, tells powerful stories of slaves seeking freedom in Canada, adding historical depth to the natural beauty.
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Beacon
Beacon, on the Hudson River, gained prominence with Dia Beacon, a renowned contemporary art museum. Its Main Street is now a vibrant hub of galleries, shops, cafes, breweries, and antique stores. Outdoor activities include hiking to the summit of Mount Beacon and boat tours to Pollepel Island, also known as Bannerman Island, with its mysterious history and local legends, making Beacon a cultural and scenic destination.
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Windham
Windham, in the Catskill Mountains, is an adventure-oriented mountain town, about three hours from New York City. It’s popular for skiing and snowboarding at Windham Mountain. The charming Main Street features boutiques, bistros, and galleries. The Wylder Windham hotel offers amenities like a pickleball court, heated pool, and weekend wine tastings, providing a comfortable and engaging mountain retreat.
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Buffalo
Buffalo, despite its winter reputation, is an evolving tourism destination. Key attractions include the restored Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, a historic carousel on the waterfront, and the expanded Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly Albright-Knox Art Gallery). These cultural and historical sites showcase Buffalo’s revitalization and growing appeal as a place to travel in New York state.
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Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach, on Oneida Lake near the Finger Lakes, is a classic upstate New York summer vacation spot. Visitors can enjoy an old-fashioned amusement park, kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing lakeside with local wines. Cove at Sylvan Beach offers cottage rentals, each with a private pontoon boat, perfect for enjoying the lake and summer activities, rounding out the diverse places to travel in New York State.
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Upstate New York offers a rich tapestry of experiences, catering to diverse interests and travel styles. From natural wonders to historical sites and cultural hubs, these destinations provide compelling reasons to explore beyond New York City and discover the beauty and charm of the wider state.
