New York State Travel Guide

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about New York? Most people will say New York City, the glamorous and bustling city. No other city in the world compares to New York City which makes it to the number one bucket list destination in the state. But there is much more to the state of New York. Use our New York State Travel Guide to help you prepare for the best trips in New York. 

Living in the Hudson Valley, we get to see and experience the beauty of New York every day of the year. Every season brings new thrilling and exciting outdoor adventures. From hiking or skiing in the highlands and mountains, to water activities on the glittering lakes, rivers and waterfalls, visiting the lovely small towns, and driving along the scenic roads.

We would love to show you our top 25 things to do in our home state. Also find in-depth information about the best time to go, unique travel tips, how to get around and important foods to try. After your trip to New York, you will definitely understand the state's anthem: 'I love New York'!

Quick Facts:
Capital: Albany
State Abbreviation: NY
State Size: 27th largest state - 54,556 square miles
National Parks: None
Highest Point: Mount Marcy
Lowest Point: The point where New York meets the Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
Bordering States: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont
International Border: Canada

Every season has a lot to offer in the Empire State, depending on the adventures you want to experience. If you are looking for pleasant temperatures and less crowds, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) might be your months to visit New York.

Our all time favorite season to see New York is the fall to view the spectacular fall foliage. Here are some more highlights for the different seasons for your trips to New York:

Winter -  Experience one of New York's awesome winter getaways to enjoy adventures in the snow at Lake Placid, Niagara Falls, and the Hudson Valley area. Don't like the snow? Then visit New York City or Albany during Christmas time and wandering through the Christmas markets and enjoy wonderful light displays.

Spring - With the moist and lush conditions of the spring, comes the peak flow for most of the waterfalls in New York. Head to the west to see all the grand waterfalls in Letchworth State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and more. Want to admire the Niagara Falls? Wait a little longer and visit in the summer to make the best out of your trip.

Summer - Looking for outdoor summer fun? Travel to the northern part of New York to the Adirondacks or Thousand Islands to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping and more.

Fall - There is not a place in New York that you won’t see amazing fall foliage but for the best experience visit the Adirondacks or the Catskills. Don’t want to miss the best time to enjoy fall foliage in New York? Be sure to check out the weekly New York fall foliage reports.

Whether you're looking for a weekend trip to the most famous city in the world, thrilling outdoor adventures in the mountains for the day, or planning a road trip through the state, New York has it all.

We put together a list of our 25 favorite nature spots to admire, cities and towns to visit, adventures to do and road trips to take in our home state to add to your New York State travel bucket list! Let's start exploring this New York State Travel Guide!

Nature to Admire

Explore the best natural wonders of New York State from thundering waterfalls, to mountains full of outdoor adventures, and mesmerizing lakes to relax by. Get ready to plan a trip to New York!

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is located on the United States and Canadian border and consists of 3 noticeable waterfalls: American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

Together these 3 waterfalls create the highest water flow rate in the world. Experience the falls up close on a boat tour or the Cave of the Winds trail. Don't miss visiting the Canadian side for the most stunning panorama of the falls.

Are you up for a hike? You will love the Devil's Hole Trail. Overlooking the lower whirlpool of the Niagara Falls, you will get a unique perspective of the Niagara River.

2. Watkins Glen State Park

Located in the Finger Lakes Region, Watkins Glen State Park is arguably one of the most famous state parks in New York. Take a 1.5 miles hike (one way) on the Gorge Trail leading you through the gorge to a series of 19 waterfalls, which will sure leave you speechless. Hike back along the Rim Trail to get a grand overlook of the mesmerizing gorge.

3. The Adirondacks

Did you know? The Adirondacks is the largest continuous park in the United States. It covers roughly 600 million acres, which is about 1/5th of the entire New York State.

The Adirondacks has some of the best outdoor recreation activities for every season. Hike up Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York, get wet on a rafting trip in Ausable Chasm, or find some of the best ski resorts in the state.

4. Letchworth State Park

This state park in the northwestern part of New York is noted as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The powerful Genesee River runs through the gorge cliffs over three waterfalls surrounded by a dense forest.

Experience the park by taking a stroll along the gorge on one of the many hiking trails, spend the night in a cabin, or take a hot air balloon ride over the park.

5. Thousand Islands

You may be thinking, "Thousand Island" isn't that a salad dressing? Yes, it is! The "Thousand Island" dressing is actually named after the beautiful area where it was first prepared. 

The Thousand Islands are made up of over 1,800 little islands in the St. Lawrence River lying between the United States and Canadian border. Find your favorite island on a boat tour, admire the stunning international architecture, or enjoy some outdoor recreation in the "Venice of America."

6. The Catskills

Looking for a mountainous retreat? Just a short 2 hour drive from New York City, in the southern part of New York State, you will find the Catskills. Head there to find various hiking trails with stunning mountain views, cute little towns like Phoenicia, or the thunderous Kaaterskill Falls.

7. Hudson Valley Region

The Hudson Valley is made up of the counties surrounding the Hudson River, stretching from the Albany area all the way down to New York City. From scenic drives, tasty wineries, outstanding restaurants, and stunning hikes you can be sure to find your perfect escape in the Hudson Valley. 

Some of the very popular hiking trails in the region you can find in:

• Minnewaska State Park
• Mohonk Preserve 
• Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Cities and Towns to Visit

Did you know that no other place in the world has more languages spoken than New York City? Experts believe that due to the rich history of immigrants there are at least 600 different languages spoken in the city. When you are looking for cultural and architectural experiences, New York City's opportunities are endless.

But it is not the only exciting option. There are many charming small towns which offer great exhibits, museums, and outdoor recreation to visit on your trips to New York.

8. New York City

What is a trip to New York without visiting New York City, right? It is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Admire the easily recognizable skyline, go back in time at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, get entertained at Broadway and enjoy the culturally diverse atmosphere.

Be sure to take a ride on the New York City subway for an ultimate city experience. Plus it is an easy way to get around.

Read more: 20 Must Visit Places in Manhattan

Visiting in the wintertime? Experience the Holiday magic like no other place in the United States. See the famous Rockefeller Tree lit up in the Rockefeller Center, browse the window displays in Saks 5th Avenue and Macy’s, or head to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights to see an extraordinary lights display. January and February are the cheapest months to visit New York City but be aware that it can get unbelievably cold in the city.

Read more:  Ultimate list of things to do in NYC in the winter

9. Lake George

Lake George is a very popular gem within the Adirondacks. It is a 32 mile long lake with fantastic mountain scenery. If you are looking for a perfect weekend getaway, Lake George is the place. Enjoy awesome outdoor adventures, check out the annual Oktoberfest, stroll around and go shopping in the village, or relax in an Adirondack chair at the waterfront.

10. Saratoga Springs

This city is best known for the historic Saratoga Racetrack, home to thoroughbred horse racing. But even when horse racing is not your thing, you have to visit to bathe in the phenomenal mineral waters in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Book your appointments in advance to enjoy all the spa opportunities, America's first resort has to offer.

11. Lake Placid

Located in the upper part of the Adirondacks, Lake Placid may be best known for hosting the Winter Olympics of 1932 and 1980. Learn more about Lake Placid's interesting winter sports history in the five Olympic sites: The Olympic Center, Olympic Sports complex, Mt. Van Hovenberg, Whiteface Mountain, and the Olympic Jumping Complex. 

It is one of New York’s best winter destinations but brings a lot of fun all year long.

12. Albany

New York’s capital city is a vibrant place filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and urban culture. Take a stroll through downtown to experience the rich history of Albany. Don't forget to head down to the Hudson River to get a grand view of the city.

13. Cooperstown

Looking for a small rural town feel paired with big cultural experiences? Cooperstown is not just home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it also hosts the notable Farmers Museum and Fenimore Art Museum. After you're done with your cultural experiences, head to Cooperstown Main Street for a unique dining and shopping experience.

Adventures to Do

There are so many unique adventures in New York State to add to your trips in New York. Whether you are looking for some thrilling outdoor sports, relaxing activities which makes you forget the world around you, or delicious local foods and drinks, there will be something for everyone!

14. Hike Part of the Appalachian Trail

If you want to get the whole New York experience, you have to hike some of the state's breathtaking trails. So why not combine it with exploring one of the most famous hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail, which goes from Maine to Georgia. This can be done by climbing up Anthony's Nose. It's a 3.5 mile trail (one way) in the Hudson Valley Area. Make it to the overlook, and you get rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge. 

Want to hike more of the Appalachian Trail? 88 miles out of the 2,181 miles travel in New York, there are plenty of opportunities to hike on New York's stretch of the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

15. Camping in One of the State Parks

With 180 State Parks and a lot of other outdoor recreation areas, New Yorkers love to go camping. Whether you like to sleep in a comfortable bed in your RV, a charming cabin in the woods, or in your sleeping bag under the stars, there is no better way to be that close to nature.

During the summer months, you may even be lucky enough to see the magical beam of the lightning bugs flying around in the woods.

16. Go Snowboarding or Skiing Down the Mountains

Hit the slopes and enjoy the snow filled New York winters at one of the state's top ski resorts. Lake Placid is one of the best destinations to have some winter fun. Ski or snowboard down Whiteface Mountain, ice skate on Mirror Lake, or strap on your snowshoes and hit the trails.

Gore Mountain has the largest ski resort with 110 ski trails for every level. After you're done on the slopes, enjoy the local cuisine and grab a cold beer at the Paradox Brewery.

Here are some other great destinations to go skiing and snowboarding in the Catskills:

• Hunter Mountain
• Windham Mountain 
• Belleayre Mountain

17. Experience the Fall Foliage

Take in the views of the breathtaking fall foliage through New York State on a scenic drive or get more in-depth on a breathtaking hike. For the most magnificent colors, go leaf peeping in the Adirondacks and Catskills. 

There you will find thousands of hiking trails for every level. Make sure to climb up a mountain to see the vibrant change of colors from above. Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Trail, a 7.1 mile out and back hike, is a good option, especially because you don't have to hike the whole trail to see what the fall foliage has to offer.

The best time to see the beautiful fall colors is from the last week of September to the third week in October. 

18. See a Concert at Bethel Woods

Are you into music and art? Then don't miss your opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Woodstock Festival in Bethel Woods. The first Woodstock Rock Festival, held in 1969, was a great escape from the protesting in the USA due to the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.

Nowadays, you can still escape your busy daily life by swinging around to the best concerts on historic grounds.

Also check out other events the Bethel Woods Center for Arts has to offer and visit the museum to learn more about the story of Woodstock and the 60's.

19. Hop from Winery to Winery

The Finger Lake area is also known as New York’s largest wine producing county and it is a lot of fun to hop from one winery to the next. Your wine also comes with a view, since most of them are centered around the Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuaga Finger Lakes. How many of the more than 100 wineries, breweries and distilleries will you visit?

Another great option to taste wines, can be found in the Hudson Valley Area. The 80-mile long Shawangunk Wine Trail includes 15 wineries with world class wine. Purchase the Hudson Valley Wine Tasting Passport to enjoy free tastings in all of them or visit seasonal events, like the Wreath Fineries to get into the Christmas mood.

20. Go Apple Picking and Visit an Orchard

With New York City's nickname 'The Big Apple' you can already guess that apples play an important role in the state. Surprisingly, New York is just the second largest producer of apples, which makes all the apple related activities not less exciting.

Apple picking in the orchards is one of our all time favorite fall activities. Sample the different kinds of apples right there and enjoy some (hard) apple cider after your hard work of picking apples.

The Angry Orchard is a hard cider company, located in the Hudson Valley. Visit their location in Walden, NY to join their classic tours and learn more about the process of making hard cider. The best part is, Angry Orchards always tries to create new kinds of ciders and you can test them for free! Don't miss your chance!

21. Treat Yourself with A Spa Day in the Mohonk Mountain House

Check out this award winning spa in one of the most impressive American resorts, the Mohonk Mountain House. The National Historic Landmark resort is a victorian castle, nestled in the mountains of the Hudson Valley in front of a lake.

Can it get any better? You can also spend a night at the resort and get pampered with an all-inclusive package which includes three meals of the farm-to table cuisine, tours of the property, nightly entertainment, wellness classes and more. 

Just want to admire the stunning landscape and hike the scenic trails? You can also get a day pass to enjoy all the outdoor activities. The Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze trail is a really fun hike, which brings you up rocks to view the the iconic resort from above.

Road Trips to Take

In New York

Road trips in New York are one of the best ways to experience the beauty of New York State. Driving on New York's scenic byways, will make you want to stop frequently to take in the outstanding landscape around you. Take your time traveling and bring your favorite road trip playlist to make your road trip in New York even more fun.

22. Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway

This 52 mile long road will have you traveling through the heart of the Catskill Region. One of the best times to travel this route is during the stunning fall foliage. The picturesque color filled mountains will be sure to captivate you along the way. But don’t let that stop you from taking a few pit stops in some of the cute little towns, like Mt. Tremper and Phoenicia. 

23. Finger Lakes

What better place to take a New York road trip than through the outstanding Finger Lakes region, which is made up of 11 different lakes. It is hard to choose just 1 “must do” road trip in this area because no matter where you are, you will be rewarded with perfect views. So just get in your car, drive, and see where it takes you.

24. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

A 70 mile scenic drive that runs parallel to the magnificent Delaware River. Hands down one of the best sections along the drive is, the “Hawk’s Nest.” It is a popular place for motorists to pull off the road and take in the spectacular views overlooking the river.

Did you know? This section of the road has been featured in numerous national television commercials. If you have some more time, rent a raft or a kayak for a couple of hours and float down the Delaware River.

25. Route 20

In total, Route 20 is 3,365 miles long and travels through 12 states. It starts in Boston, Massachusetts and ends in Newport, Oregon when it connects to U.S 101. Not only is it America’s longest road, but it is New York’s longest highway at 372 miles from the border of Massachusetts to the border with Pennsylvania. 

Get your chance to travel on what was once originally Native American trails.

Getting overwhelmed with all of the best places to visit in New York State? This map will give you an overview of where our top recommendations to visit are located. Be sure to save this Google Map for your trips to New York as your New York State Travel Guide! 

If you plan to just stay within New York City, then renting a car is not necessary. It is much more efficient to travel around the City by utilizing public transportation, which is extremely easy to use. Click here for the Subway, bus, and train maps.  Make sure to find out about transit fees for public transportation before you start your trip. When you just spend a few days in New York City, we recommend purchasing a pay-per-ride MetroCard. Find out everything you need to know here.

Don’t like using public transportation or you need to travel faster? Ride sharing is a great alternative in New York City. Grab a ride with a Taxi service, Uber, or Lyft. 

Renting a car

If you plan on seeing more of New York's beautiful landscapes, then renting your own passenger car is best. It is the easiest and quickest way to bring you to all the top places.

Car rental agencies are easily found at and near all the major airports and bigger cities in New York. If you are looking to save money on a car rental, it may pay to look at car rental agencies that are outside of the airport services. 

International Airports

When you travel from far away, there are five major international airports with a great infrastructure to fly into. Depending on where you want to plan a trip to New York, you can choose from:

John F Kennedy International Airport
JFK Airport is one of the most popular airports to service the New York City area. It is located in Queens, New York. Each passenger terminal AirTrain directly links to the New York City Subway system, providing easy access to all of New York City. Find out more about public transportation at JFK, here.

Laguardia International Airport
Also located in Queens, Laguardia is another popular airport in New York City. This airport is much smaller than JFK International Airport, but in closer proximity to Manhattan. For more information regarding accessible public transportation at Laguardia, click here.

Albany International Airport
Want to see New York’s capital city? Then fly right into the center of it all at Albany International Airport. Albany has 2 major interstates that are easily accessible. If you are looking to travel east or west, hop on interstate 90 which runs from Seattle, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts. Not heading east or west? Then use interstate 87 to travel to the north to the Canadian border or south to New York City. 

Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Want to visit the west of New York? Then the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is for you. Located near the American border with Canada, you can easily combine your New York trip with a fun visit to Canada. Interstate 290 helps connect the areas surrounding Buffalo. From here you can get to interstate 90, interstate 190 (which provides a direct route to Niagara Falls and Canada), and interstate 990. 

Stewart International Airport
This airport is much smaller than the other international airports in New York. It is located in Orange County, New York which is in the lower part of the Hudson Valley Region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Hudson Valley without worrying about figuring out transportation from New York City. There are 2 major interstates that easily connect to the airport. Interstate 84 travels east and west and interstate 87 travels north and south. 

We want you to know all the best travel hacks and tricks to plan your perfect trip to New York State. That's why we put together this list with our ultimate travel tips in our New York State Travel Guide:

1. Explore all of New York State

Many travelers forget that New York is much more than just New York City. Of course, New York City is a must, especially for first time travelers, but there is so much more to see. The state of New York has 62 amazing counties and a gazillion outdoor recreation destinations to explore. Why not combine your trip to the city, which never sleeps, with a road trip to the more rural counties to get the full experience.

2. Visit New York during Different Seasons

See New York come alive in every season. Love the winter? Visit one of New York’s outstanding winter destinations and hit the slopes.

Is spring more your weather? Experience the blooming flowers or check out one the popular hiking trails and enjoy the views.

Looking for Summer fun? Get wet in the waterfalls, rivers and lakes around the state.

Want to experience the colors of New York’s fall foliage? Head the mountains in the Catskills and Adirondack Regions.

3. Pack for the Weather

The 4 seasons in New York bring very different weather so be sure to pack appropriately depending on when you are traveling. Winters can be extremely cold and summers can be very hot. New York requires just the right mix of outdoor adventure clothes mixed with some fancy clothes to stroll around tin the city. 

4. Purchase Money Saving Attraction Passes

Planning a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the cities most popular tourist attractions. Unfortunately most of them come with a high price tag. If you want to enjoy a couple of attractions, these City Passes can save you a lot of money:

• New York City Pass 
• The New York Pass
• New York Explorer Pass
• The New York Sightseeing Pass

Every pass includes different attractions, so make sure to compare them to figure out which pass fits best for your unique travel experience in New York. Another great website to look at is Free Tours by Foot which provides great and affordable walking tours all over the city. 

5. Plan Ahead

If you want to see New York, then you need to plan ahead. New York State is much bigger than many people realize and a trip to New York City can easily fill up a week on its own.

Whether your trip to New York leads you to the fabulous New York City or you're road tripping around the state, make sure you have a plan and even some tickets reserved. A great perk of planning ahead is you will most likely save some money when you make online reservations early. 

6. Leave No Trace

Everywhere you travel, it is important to practice the 7 Leave No Trace Principles to protect the outdoors. No matter if you are in local parks, national monuments, or remote areas make sure to be aware of the following:

1. Plan ahead and prepare your trip to minimize damage to the land
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces like rock, gravel and sand
3. Properly dispose of (human) waste ("Pack it in, pack it out!")
4. Leave what you find to minimize site alterations
5. Minimize wildfire impacts and consider taking a stove
6. Respect wildlife and don't disturb them
7. Be considerate of other visitors for everyone to enjoy the outdoors

Trips to New York are not complete until you have tried these New York food favorites. In our opinion, the number 1 must try food is pizza. If you don’t try anything else, you can’t go home without eating the famous New York style pizza. 

• Pizza - You can’t leave New York without grabbing a slice of pizza at a Pizzeria. Love it so much that you want to learn how to making your own slices? Join the Pizza School in New York City to learn how to make pizza like a pro!
• Bagel - Want to feel like a real New Yorker? Get a “BEC” (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese) on a bagel.
• Hot Dog - Grab a good ole “dirty water dog” along the streets of New York City or find a local Hot Dog place to try a New York hot dog.
• NY Style Cheesecake - You won’t want any other kind of cheesecake after trying a true New York style cheesecake. Eat it plain or top it with fruits.
• Apples - New York grows more varieties of apples than any other state. Visiting during the Fall? Give apple picking a try and sample all the different varieties! We also love to drink a glass of apple cider.

Want more in-depth information and the best tips and tricks about New York's best places to visit and adventurous things to do? Check out these posts to get everything you need to plan a perfect trip to New York: