New York State

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.

I took this photo of flowers at a local market on our NY day trip

Best Day Trips in New York State

What makes these New York State day trips truly unique to me is their variety: you can explore the Hudson Valley’s best wineries and historic towns, hike in the Adirondacks or Catskills, chase waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, or enjoy a quick coastal escape on Long Island.

I took these photos of Manhattan, NYC on a beautiful morning while we lived there

Things to Do in Manhattan, NYC

The "City That Never Sleeps" lives up to its reputation for travelers, offering a wide variety of diverse tourist attractions throughout its five boroughs.

Beaches Near New York City

From Coney Island to Orchard Beach, there’s a stretch of sandy beaches and cooling waves that reaches the entire length of Manhattan.

I took this photo of blossoms on a weekend getaway from NYC

Best Weekend Getaways from NYC

In this post, I’ve shared my favorite weekend getaways I enjoyed while living in New York City for 10 years. I love these scenic drives, cozy inns, and charming small towns that aren't too far or too hard to get to. Each trip feels unique, giving you plenty of favorite spots to revisit or discover anew.

I took these photos of NYC in the spring while living there for 10 years

Best Places to Visit in New York State

I love how New York State offers the best mix of big-city energy, small-town charm, and stunning natural beauty. From world-famous landmarks to underrated gems, every corner of the state has something special to offer.

Things to Do in the Hudson Valley, New York

For me, the Hudson Valley is one of the best places in New York because it combines natural beauty, unique culture, and unforgettable moments that always make me want to come back.

Things to Do in Brooklyn, NYC

Brooklyn is one of my favorite parts of New York City, and every time I visit my sister-in-law and her family, I discover something new that reminds me why it’s one of the best boroughs to explore.

My photo of a yellow taxi in Times Square

New York City Elevation

New York City has a very low elevation of just 33 feet (10 m) above sea level.

My photo of Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan

New York Time Zone Guide

I often get questions about the New York Time Zone (yes, there's just one!) and here are the details.

Things to Do in Naples, New York

Naples is a charming small village in Ontario County, New York, in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region known for grape-growing and excellent wineries. Here's the things I loved and I think that you will too.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son, and I spent 5 years on the road. Our mission? Discovering the best places to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway in the USA that every person can go on and enjoy! We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.