Things to Do in New York State
New York State is filled with some of the best things to do in the Northeast. It's one of my favorite destinations for culture, history, and natural beauty.
New York State stretches far beyond the skyline of the city. While I lived there for 10 years, I followed winding backroads and Hudson River curves, crossed bridges into science centers, and walked through gardens that felt like open-air poems. The state surprises you at every turn, with its scale, its history, and its love of both quiet nature and big ideas.
From world-famous attractions to hidden gems, New York delivers the best mix of big-city excitement and small-town charm, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip unforgettable.
Whether you’re marveling at the best views of Niagara Falls, exploring the unique energy of New York City, or discovering the underrated beauty of the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes, this state has something for everyone. That’s why New York is consistently ranked among the best destinations in the U.S.
The best part is the variety: bustling cities, peaceful lakes, mountain escapes, and historic sites. Think enjoying the best Broadway shows, hiking unique trails in the Catskills, and visiting underrated wineries in the Finger Lakes. These details are what make New York State both unique and home to some of the best experiences in the country.
With destinations spread from the city to the countryside, it’s easy to plan the best kind of trip whether you’re after outdoor adventure, cultural highlights, or relaxing getaways. New York State truly offers the best opportunities for every type of traveler.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how New York delivers the best of everything: New York City’s endless attractions, the unique natural beauty of Niagara Falls, the underrated charm of the Finger Lakes, and the outdoor adventures of the Adirondacks. Each one feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite reasons to keep exploring New York State.
Which New York experience will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of culture, scenery, and unforgettable moments, these things to do deliver.
Best Things to Do in New York State:
Walking with Wonder at Cornell Botanic Gardens
From downtown Ithaca, it was just a 10-minute drive (3 miles uphill) to the Cornell Botanic Gardens, a living museum tied to Cornell University since 1944. The gardens and natural areas now span more than 3,600 acres, with 12 specialty gardens and 40 acres of cultivated landscapes. I strolled through the historic F.R. Newman Arboretum (100 acres) with its heritage trees and themed groves, then visited the Lewis Education Center (free admission) to learn about the site’s role in conservation and teaching.
The Cornell Botanic Gardens felt like a campus secret that the whole world should know about. As I stepped into the gardens just outside downtown Ithaca, I was immediately surrounded by layered hills, native plants, and a sense of total calm. I paused under a red maple and thought, "This is what breathing room feels like."
The gardens cover over 3,500 acres, but even the cultivated sections close to the Nevin Welcome Center were enough to slow me down. I wandered through the herb garden, the wildflower trail, and the ornamental grasses swaying in the breeze. Paths wound gently through meadows and forested nooks, and everything felt lovingly tended but never overdone.
After a long, slow walk, I headed into town for lunch at Coltivare, a farm-to-table bistro with a cozy, minimalist vibe. I ordered the seasonal grain bowl with farro, roasted squash, feta, and a lemon-tahini dressing, light but grounding, just like the gardens themselves.
Where I Stayed: I checked into the Statler Hotel ($195) on Cornell’s campus. With views over the rolling landscape and access to campus paths, it felt both elevated and welcoming. That night, I sat by the window with a cup of tea and thought, "There’s something beautiful about a place that teaches by simply growing."
Cornell Botanic Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Vibe: Peaceful, expansive, educational
- Highlights: Herb and flower gardens, native plant walks, wild areas
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for full bloom and easy walking weather
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily dawn to dusk; Welcome Center open 10am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the Mundy Wildflower Garden, it’s a tucked-away gem
Play & Poise in Rochester
From Buffalo, it was about a 1-hour 15-minute drive east (75 miles via I-90) to Rochester, a city of roughly 210,000. Known as the birthplace of Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb, the city’s industrial past still shapes its identity.
“I didn’t expect to feel so light here,” I thought, standing beneath a giant Etch A Sketch inside The Strong. Rochester had energy, but not the loud kind. It was the kind that welcomed curiosity, offered beauty, and nudged you to look closer.
The morning began in a whirl of color and sound at The Strong National Museum of Play ($25), where laughter echoed from floor to floor. Grown-ups leaned into nostalgia, while kids darted between giant board games and butterfly gardens. I wandered through exhibits about video games and childhood, feeling the lift of remembered joy.
We stayed at the Strathallan Hotel & Spa ($185), a historic hotel in the arts district.
What I Loved Most: The contrast between the wide-eyed wonder of The Strong and the hush of the ballet theater later that evening, two sides of imagination in one day.
My highlights? Dinner before the show at Brown Hound Downtown, tucked inside the Memorial Art Gallery. I ordered their roasted mushroom tart with chèvre and caramelized onions. The scent was earthy and sweet, the crust warm and buttery. I sat by the window as twilight settled in. Later, at the Rochester City Ballet, I watched dancers carve silence into movement. The lighting, the grace, it all felt precise and dreamlike. I left with my shoulders relaxed and my mind a little quieter.
Plan your Rochester day trip:
- Drive Time from Buffalo: ~1.25 hours east
- Vibe: Creative, thoughtful, full of contrast
- Highlights: The Strong Museum, Rochester City Ballet, Brown Hound Downtown, High Falls, Memorial Art Gallery
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for festivals and walkability
- Cost: The Strong ~$20 admission; ballet tickets vary; museum parking ~$5
- Hours: The Strong open daily 10am–5pm; ballet performances seasonal, check schedule
White Plains: A Pause Just Outside the City
From Manhattan, it was about a 40-minute drive north (27 miles via I-87) to White Plains, a city of around 59,000 that played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. I stopped at the Battle of White Plains Park (site of the 1776 clash between Washington’s troops and the British), then browsed the White Plains Historical Society Museum (free entry, housed in the Jacob Purdy House, circa 1721).
“This is exactly the pace I needed,” I thought as I stepped onto quiet sidewalks lined with cafés and leafy trees. White Plains felt close to New York, but calmer, like the volume had been turned down just enough.
I strolled through Turnure Park, then browsed shelves at the City Center Barnes & Noble before ducking into a cozy café for lunch. The grilled mozzarella and roasted red pepper sandwich was warm and melty, with a sharp balsamic kick that lingered pleasantly.
Plan your White Plains day trip:
- Train from NYC: ~40 minutes via Metro-North
- Vibe: Relaxed, suburban, walkable
- Highlights: City Center, Turnure Park, shopping, local eateries
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather
- Cost: Budget-friendly; great for a no-fuss day
Letting Curiosity Take the Lead at miSci in Schenectady
From Albany, it was just a 25-minute drive northwest (17 miles via I-90) to Schenectady, a city of about 68,000. Known as “The Electric City” for its ties to General Electric and the American Locomotive Company, Schenectady played a huge role in U.S. industry. I explored the Museum of Innovation and Science ($10 admission), which covers GE’s inventions and space research. Standing next to a vintage GE generator, I thought, "This is what it looks like when invention has roots."
Downtown’s Stockade Historic District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the U.S., dating to 1661. I admired Dutch-era architecture and cobblestone streets.
Afterward, I walked to Ambition Coffee & Eatery on Jay Street for a cozy lunch. I ordered their “Ernest Hemingway” sandwich, turkey, pesto, and mozzarella on focaccia, and a strong cup of coffee. With exposed brick and local art on the walls, it was the kind of café where ideas feel right at home. Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Landing Hotel next to Rivers Casino. It was modern, clean, and within easy reach of everything. That night, I looked out over the Mohawk River and thought, "Schenectady isn’t loud, but it’s got something to say." miSci At a Glance From Buffalo, it was a quick 30-minute drive north (20 miles via I-190) to Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S. (est. 1885). The Cave of the Winds tour ($21 admission) takes you by elevator 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge, where wooden walkways bring you within feet of Bridal Veil Falls.
Cave of the Winds wasn’t a quiet kind of attraction, it was full-on, heart-pounding, water-in-your-face magic. I took the elevator down to the base of Niagara Falls and stepped onto the wooden walkways, where ponchos flap like flags and the air feels electric. Standing on the Hurricane Deck, mist soaking through my clothes, I laughed out loud and thought, "So this is what awe feels like." There’s no real cave anymore, the name’s a holdover, but the experience is anything but lacking. Thunder from the falls, rainbows caught in the spray, and the pure rush of nature doing its thing just feet away. It didn’t feel like watching a wonder; it felt like being inside one. After drying off, I made my way to Third Street Retreat for lunch, a casual spot with big portions and a friendly vibe. I ordered the chicken finger wrap with curly fries and a lemonade. Comfort food never hits quite as well as it does after a brush with the elements. Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Giacomo, a boutique hotel in a restored Art Deco building. My room overlooked the falls, and that night I opened the window just enough to hear the distant rumble and thought, "Mother Nature really knows how to put on a show." Cave of the Winds At a Glance From New York City, it was about a 1.5-hour drive north (75 miles via the Taconic Parkway) to Poughkeepsie, a city of roughly 31,000. Metro-North’s Hudson Line from Grand Central to Poughkeepsie takes about the same time ($21 peak fare).
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (formerly the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, $12 admission) was a joyful surprise, small but packed with energy. It’s technically for kids, but I couldn’t help smiling as I wandered through the science exhibits, pretend markets, and build-it-yourself corners. Watching the kids around me connect with physics and food chains and gravity, I thought, "This is the kind of place that sparks a lifelong ‘what if?’" The waterfront location in Poughkeepsie adds a lovely backdrop. Windows overlook the Hudson, and the museum has an open, airy feel. It’s less about flashy tech and more about hands-on learning, the kind that makes parents and kids curious together. After my visit, I walked across the street to Essie’s Restaurant, a cozy spot that blends soul food and fine dining. I had their fried chicken thigh with collard greens and cornbread, plus a spiced iced tea. It was soulful, smart, and totally satisfying. Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, right downtown and walkable to everything. That night, I sat with my journal and wrote, "If discovery has a mood, it’s this." Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum At a Glance From New York City, it was about a 2-hour drive east (90 miles via I-495 and local roads) to Cutchogue, a hamlet of around 3,300 people in the town of Southold. Known for its colonial history, I toured the Cutchogue New Suffolk Historical Council buildings ($5 donation), including the Old House (1649), one of the oldest English-style homes in New York State.
“This feels like the quiet side of Long Island,” I thought, standing beneath a pale blue sky, rows of vines unfolding in measured rows behind me. Cutchogue didn’t need to show off, it leaned into slow drives, soft breezes, and time that wandered like I did. I passed white farmhouses and weathered tasting rooms, the air carrying a mix of sea salt and cut grass. The day moved at vineyard pace: easy, sunlit, intentional. Each stop brought something distinct, but Lieb Cellars gave me that hush, like the world had momentarily paused so I could breathe deeper. My highlights? The cheese board at Lieb was simple but rich: local honey over soft goat cheese, paired with house-made fig jam and crackers that crunched just right. The breeze smelled like herbs, and I could taste late summer in every bite. Plan your Cutchogue day trip: From New York City, it was about a 2.5-hour drive north (150 miles via I-87) to Albany, a city of roughly 100,000 and one of the oldest chartered cities in the U.S. (1686).
“This city doesn’t rush you,” I thought, standing on the steps of the New York State Capitol, its sandstone arches glowing in the late afternoon light. Albany had the weight of history but also the feel of a town that liked its quiet corners, parks, bookstores, pizzerias where nobody was in a hurry. I wandered down State Street, pausing at the edge of Washington Park. The air smelled like cut grass and fountain mist, and the oak trees felt older than anything around me. Albany held itself with quiet pride. What I Loved Most: Sitting on a bench near the lake in Washington Park, watching geese drift by and not needing anything else to be happening. My highlights? Lunch at Paisan’s Pizza, tucked into an unassuming strip but full of locals. I ordered a fresh Margherita slice, thin crust, just crisp at the edge, with warm basil and sauce that tasted like summer tomatoes. It smelled like garlic and fresh dough the moment I stepped inside. I ate at the counter, one paper plate, no frills, just the kind of comfort that sticks with you. Afterward, I browsed Lark Street and circled back to the Empire State Plaza, where the modernist lines caught golden-hour light just right. Plan your Albany day trip: Driving in from the Thousand Islands (about 40 minutes, 30 miles southwest), Watertown made a great base for outdoor fun. I started downtown at the Jefferson County Historical Society ($5 admission), housed in a 19th-century mansion, then stopped by Public Square, the heart of the city with its historic buildings and fountain. Unfortunately Thompson Park Zoo & Conservancy had closed.
“This is the kind of town that doesn’t interrupt you,” I thought as I stood along the Black River, watching the water churn quietly past granite walls. Watertown had a calm to it, wide streets, old brick buildings, and a rhythm that let me slow down without feeling like I’d stopped. I wandered through the historic Public Square, its old theaters and stone churches giving the downtown a quiet dignity. It felt like the kind of place that had known busier times, but didn’t mind the lull. There was charm in its steadiness. What I Loved Most: The unexpected peacefulness of Marble Street Park,green, open, and just a short walk from downtown, with the sound of the river always close by. My highlights? Lunch at The Crystal Restaurant, a local institution with a glowing red sign that felt like a postcard from the 1940s. I ordered the roast turkey sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes. The turkey was tender, the gravy peppery and rich, and everything smelled like Sunday comfort. It was warm, filling, and honest. I sat in a wooden booth, sunlight drifting through the old glass windows, and took my time. Plan your Watertown day trip: By the end of my New York State journey, I realized this place doesn’t just offer variety, it offers perspective. From waterfalls that shook my bones to museums that sparked my imagination, each stop brought something different to the surface. Nature, history, science, and art all wove together into something bigger than the sum of its parts. I left with wind in my hair, mist on my shoes, and the feeling that I’d only scratched the surface of what this state has to share. It’s not just a destination, it’s an unfolding story, and I’m already looking forward to the next chapter. 1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
Feeling the Roar at Cave of the Winds
Playing and Learning at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Cutchogue Calm & North Fork Sips
Capitol Calm & Crisp Crusts in Albany
Riverside Stillness in Watertown
Conclusion
Booking Checklist
