Are you planning a trip to Upstate New York this year? Some of the most gorgeous, historic, distinctive, and all-around best places to visit upstate New York. These one-of-a-kind attractions in upstate New York will undoubtedly provide an outstanding vacation experience.
Upstate New York is not comparable to New York City. Traveling from the metropolis to the upper state New York area nearly feels like entering another dimension. The calm woods country replaces the congested traffic, urban buildings, and constant noise with a nice, friendly ambience. The immense natural splendour of New York state is revealed through its charming little towns and gorgeous woodlands. Rustic New York State cabin and treehouse rentals have taken the place of the towering hotels.
Even today, much of places to visit in upstate New York remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, who are unaware of the hidden treasures that await them in their own backyard. The truth is that there are several breathtakingly gorgeous sites scattered throughout upstate New York. The places listed below emphasise the pleasure and beauty of the upper state New York region.
Places to visit in upstate New York
Top 10 Places to Visit in Upstate New York: Hidden Gems + Attractions
Are you a lone traveller seeking peace and quiet away from the rush and bustle of everyday life? Are you part of a family or group of friends looking for fun and adventure? In any case, upstate New York has a lot to offer. From tranquil towns and peaceful natural vistas to thrilling outdoor activities, the list below has it all. There are a plethora of interesting entertainment alternatives available, including a terrifying setting straight out of a classic American ghost story.
Upstate New York lacks the urban elegance of New York City, but it makes up for it with domestic charm, friendly locals, and breathtaking nature. All of this and more makes the area one of America’s best kept secrets. I hope this list of my favourite things to do and places to visit in upstate New York motivates you to go.
Places to visit in upstate New York
1. Cold Spring
Cold Spring is located in Putnam County, not far from New York City. It’s about an hour distant, making it an ideal stop-over location whether you’re travelling to or from the city.
The first thing you’ll notice about Cold Spring is how peaceful and gorgeous it is. It has been the case for a long time, as indicated by the family-owned markets and 19th-century buildings that have earned Cold Spring a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cold Spring has a number of great tiny stores and eateries, as well as picnic and sightseeing areas. Hiking, golfing, biking, boating, and kayaking are all popular activities. Visit the Hudson Highlands for a breathtaking perspective of the Hudson River. You can also visit well-known attractions such as Bull Hill, Pollepel Island, Breakneck Ridge Trail, West Point Foundry, and Boscobel House and Gardens.
Do you want to break a sweat? The Storm King State Park hike takes you all the way to Beacon Peak, the highest point in the Hudson Highlands. If you want to think, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and the Putnam History Museum are both worthwhile stops. The sheer number of possibilities makes Cold Spring one of the top places to visit in upstate New York.
Places to visit in upstate New York
2. Woodstock
This eccentric town in upstate New York shot to fame in 1969 when it hosted and named the most famous music festival in entertainment history. Woodstock has since become somewhat of a paradise for rock ‘n’ roll fans. Many people are likewise proud of their city’s creative legacy, decorating their homes with mementos and memorials to a bygone era.
Nevertheless, hippie nostalgia isn’t the only thing Woodstock has to offer. It also has some of New York’s most interesting and unique upstate attractions. Where else would you expect to find an authentic Tibetan Buddhist monastery such as Karma Triyana Dharmachakra? You can meditate here, learn more about Buddhism, or simply admire the magnificent artwork and architecture.
After you’ve finished connecting with the universe, take a mile-long trek down the stunning Kaaterskill Falls. Or, see a live performance at the famous Bearsville Theater. Don’t forget to visit the Mower’s Saturday Market on weekends to look for handcrafted goods and vintage treasures. After that, unwind at the magnificent Glo Spa with a peaceful massage or visit Sunfrost Farms for some delectable refreshments.
Places to visit in upstate New York
3. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park, located at 1009 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glens, is easily one of the most popular destinations or places to visit in upstate New York’s area. It’s easy to see why the park is so popular with travellers, especially during the summer.
Visitors visiting Watkins Glen can take a lovely walk along the crystal-clear waters of Glen Creek. You’ll see spectacular cliffs rising up to 200 feet in height as well as nearly 20 different waterfalls. Keep a watch out for the magnificent Cavern Cascade among these. It’s a memorable sight, believe me.
Visitors can take a shuttle from one side of the Watkins Glen Gorge canyon to the other during certain times of the year. Enjoy the natural beauty of the park from the safety and comfort of a sleek modern vehicle.
Still, nothing beats roughing up the steep hiking track that spiderwebs across the countryside for expert hikers. Bring your walking boots, since you’re going to get a good exercise.
Places to visit in upstate New York
4. Skaneateles
Skaneateles, sometimes known as the “Jewel of the Finger Lakes,” is a picture-perfect village. It’s in the centre of upstate New York, four hours from New York City. It could, however, be on another planet, as indicated by its serene ambiance and proximity to the placid blue waters of Skaneateles Lake.
Skaneateles Lake is a popular tourist destination due to its peaceful beauty and abundance of camping, boating, and fishing options. Outdoor enthusiasts should also visit nearby Carpenter Falls, Emerson Park, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Erie Canal Park, and the Bahar Preserve.
A fragrant tour of the Lockwood Lavender Farm will wow your senses. Anyela’s Vineyards offers tastings (famous for its exquisite Finger Lakes wine). Spend a day at the John D. Barrow Art Gallery seeing the magnificent collection of paintings. Whatever you want to do with your vacation, Skaneateles is a New York upstate site that is sure to please.
Places to visit in upstate New York
5. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park has gained the moniker “Grand Canyon of the East” over the years. It, too, must be seen to be believed, much like the “other” Grand Canyon. Letchworth Park is one of my favourite spots and places to visit in upstate New York to visit. I predict it will eventually be one of yours as well.
The park spans over 14,000 acres and is 17 miles long. It follows the Genesee River through a steep gorge and three equally stunning waterfalls. Furthermore, these waterfalls are perfectly positioned to catch the sunlight, resulting in magnificent rainbows. Remember to bring your camera if you want to take some memento photos.
Adventurers can get up close and personal with the Genesee River by taking a kayak journey over its rushing waters. You may also obtain an aerial perspective of the park by travelling in a hot air balloon. Letchworth State Park is breathtaking from every aspect!
Places to visit in upstate New York
6. Ithaca
Ithaca is one of the most striking places to visit in upstate New York, with over 100 waterfalls within ten miles of its downtown area. Yet natural beauty isn’t the only thing this top-tier holiday spot has to offer. It is also well-known for its strong local culture and historical significance.
A number of significant figures in American history have left their imprint on Ithaca, as indicated by tourist attractions like as the Harriet Tubman Residence, the John Johnston House, and the Phelps Mansion Museum, among others. If you don’t feel like going back in time, why not take a step forward at The Sciencenter, which has a walking scale model of the solar system?
Feeling peckish? Visit one of the nearby orchards and cideries, such as South Hill Cider and The New York Cider Company, to sample some handcrafted candy apples, donuts, and other treats. Try one of the several bars and eateries that cater to students from neighbouring Cornell University and Ithaca College.
Cayuga Lake is one site that should not be missed. Ithaca is located on the southern bank of this glacial lake, which is 435 feet deep and the longest in the Finger Lakes region. According to legend, the gorgeous lake is home to “Old Greeny,” a Loch Ness-like sea monster. Will you be the one to solve Cayuga’s puzzles?
Places to visit in upstate New York
7. Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
If baseball truly is the ultimate American activity, the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is without a doubt one of the most important destinations to see in upstate New York, especially if you’re a sports lover.
The Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1939, honours the accomplishments of almost 300 of the world’s best baseball players. The three-story museum features interactive exhibitions and a real mountain of baseball history and trivia, as well as numerous precious pieces of memorabilia.
More than 40,000 antiquities and 140,000 baseball cards are among the items in the museum’s collection. It’s no surprise that the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum draws an estimated 260,000 visitors each year. Keep in mind that it is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Places to visit in upstate New York
8. Lake Placid
Lake Placid, tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains, truly lives up to its name. If you want to unwind and forget about your worries for a few days, there are few finer spots an places to visit in upstate New York.
Lake Placid, which shares its name with the 2,170-acre body of water that it borders, retains 19th-century architecture from its days as an iron-mining town. These centuries-old monuments are not only visually spectacular, but also convey a sense of heritage and casual hospitality that many visitors find relaxing.
Is peace and quiet not your thing? That’s fine; adventurers will find enough to enjoy here as well. After all, Lake Placid is one of the country’s best winter sports destinations. It has hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, as well as the 2000 Goodwill Games and the 1972 Winter Universiade.
Nearby Whiteface Mountain is the seventh tallest mountain in New York, making it ideal for skiers and snowboarders. The location also has one of the country’s only 16 bobsled runs. Whatever type of winter sports you enjoy, Lake Placid is the place to be.
Places to visit in upstate New York
9. Sleepy Hollow
Depending on the time of year you’re on the East Coast, a detour to Sleepy Hollow may be very worthwhile. Undoubtedly, Washington Irving’s renowned ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was inspired by this village.
As Halloween comes in the fall, Sleepy Hollow takes on a slightly mysterious ambiance. The region’s naturally lush and colourful flora contributes to this. Visit the famous Sleepy Hollow Cemetery after trick-or-treating. See the Headless Horseman Monument, which honours the town’s eerie native fame.
To have a nice time in Sleepy Hollow, you don’t have to be in a creepy mood. There are plenty additional upstate New York attractions worth visiting. Consider, for example, Kykuit, the sumptuous mansion of American business giant John D. Rockefeller. This estate features perfectly maintained terrace gardens, a large sculpture gallery, multiple stone fountains, and even a vast on-site golf course.
At the 1,700-acre Rockefeller State Park Preserve, you may also ride in a carriage or on horseback. You can satisfy your sweet craving at the adjacent Rockland Bakery, admire the beauty of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, or relax and tan at Nyack Beach. The options are limitless.
Places to visit in upstate New York
10. Lake George
Lake George, New York, with a population of just over 3,000 people, is one of the quietest, most laid-back areas in the whole Northeast. Still, if you’re seeking for entertaining things to do and places to visit in upstate New York, you’ll have more fun than you think.
Lake George, located in the midst of the Adirondack Mountains, is only 30 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. The entire region is bordered by lush old-growth forests and towering peaks.
The Fort William Henry Museum and Restoration site is almost as old as the region’s natural characteristics. The fort was built by British colonists in 1775 and was famously featured in the Oscar-winning film “The Last of the Mohicans.” This makes it an appealing tourist destination for both history and film aficionados.
Additional attractions in Lake George include the Adirondack Winery, Magic Forest, the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, and Million Dollar Beach. Lake George has it all, from excellent adult beverages to scary creatures to fun in the sun.
