Places to Visit in New York State

Saratoga Springs is a laid back college town well known for horse-racing, the performing arts, and the nearby springs. The RRoosevelt 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.

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.

Home of the 1980 Winter Olympics, you can take in some Olympic history at the Olympic Museum and visit the Olympic Sports Complex. Summer activities include kayaking or canoeing at Mirror Lake, going on a boat tour of Lake Placid, and rafting or tubing along a local river. Shopping options include a wide range of local and boutique shops where visitors can shop for the perfect gift or souvenir from their time in Lake Placid.

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 kayaking, 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. The town’s many relaxing spas can help you relax and unwind after a long day enjoying the lake. Should the weather not be ideal for enjoying the outdoors, Lake George is also home to several performing arts and live music venues as well as interesting museums.

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.

Buffalo is a city on the eastern shores of Lake Erie in western New York that offers a wide range of activities and beaches 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.

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 around the Finger Lakes. Visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, boating, fishing, and much more in the area’s state parks and other outdoor areas.

Albany is located on the west bank of the Hudson river and is the capital city of New York. You 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 in Albany 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.

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. Among all the things to see and do, 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.

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.

The Long Island town of Montauk is 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.