New York State Parks

Location:

Salamanca, NY

Highlights:

If you’re craving fresh air, lakeside views, and forested trails, you’ve got to check out Allegany State Park. It’s one of those rare places where you can relax by the water one minute and hike up to stunning scenic overlooks the next.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, families, hikers, cyclists, and anyone seeking a scenic and activity-filled outdoor getaway in New York.

What we Love:

Tudor-style architecture, lakeside beach vibes, boat and bike rentals, panoramic views, and unique rock formations.

• Explore the Red House Area, a hub for biking, boating, swimming, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, all centered around serene Red House Lake.
• Visit the historic Administration Building to discover a gift shop and natural history museum with local insights.
• Climb the Stone Tower for sweeping views of mature forests and rolling hills.
• Wander through Thunder Rocks, a quirky “bedrock city” of ancient formations perfect for climbing and photographing.

Cost:

$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; annual and multi-day passes available

Distance from Buffalo:

It’s about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive south from Buffalo, making it an easy day trip or weekend escape.

How to Get to Allegany State Park:

From Buffalo, take I-90 W to NY-219 S. Follow signs for Salamanca, then connect to ASP Route 1 to enter the Red House Area.

Address:

2373 ASP, Rte 1, Salamanca, NY 14779
Phone: 716-354-9121

Location:

Bear Mountain, NY

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city into the mountains, Bear Mountain State Park delivers year-round beauty and fun. It’s one of those places where you can hike, skate, picnic, or just soak up stunning views in one visit.

Recommended For:

Families, hikers, day-trippers from NYC, outdoor lovers, and anyone craving mountain air and riverside scenery.

What we Love:

Panoramic views from Perkins Memorial Tower, seasonal ice skating, the hand-carved Merry-Go-Round, and a charming lakeside lodge.

• Hike through mountain trails, or enjoy cross-country skiing and biking on scenic routes near the Hudson River.
• Explore the Trailside Museums and Zoo for educational fun amid forested surroundings.
• Cool off in the swimming pool, or enjoy river and lake fishing during the warmer months.
• Visit the Merry-Go-Round with hand-painted scenes and animals, or take in the views from Perkins Memorial Tower.
• Skate on the outdoor rink from late October to mid-March.

Cost:

$10 per vehicle for parking; additional fees may apply for pool and skating

Distance from New York City:

Just over a 1-hour drive north of NYC, making it perfect for a day trip.

How to Get to Bear Mountain State Park:

From NYC, take the Palisades Parkway North to Exit 19 or follow Route 9W North directly to the park entrance.

Address:

Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Phone: 845-786-2701

Location:

North Babylon, NY

Highlights:

Looking for an easy outdoor day trip with lakeside views and space for the whole family? Belmont Lake State Park is a peaceful Long Island gem where you can picnic, pedal boat, hike, or just relax under the trees.

Recommended For:

Families, casual bikers, walkers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a low-key escape on Long Island.

What we Love:

The lakefront trails, easy boat rentals, abundant picnic areas, and the family-friendly vibe.

• Walk or ride the 7.6 miles of scenic trails circling Belmont Lake and tracing Carll’s Creek—perfect for all seasons.
• Rent a rowboat or pedal boat for a leisurely cruise around the lake in summer.
• Ride horses through the Babylon Riding Center for a unique park experience.
• Gather with family or friends at one of the many shaded picnic spots or open fields for sports and play.

Cost:

$8 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; seasonal Empire Pass available for multiple visits

Distance from New York City:

Around a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from NYC, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Belmont Lake State Park:

From NYC, take I-495 E (Long Island Expressway) or Southern State Parkway to Exit 38. Follow signs for Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon.

Address:

Southern State Pkwy Exit 38, North Babylon, NY 11703
Phone: 631-667-5055

Location:

Fair Haven, NY

Highlights:

Need a classic lakeside camping escape with big skies and sandy beaches? Fair Haven Beach State Park is one of those hidden gems where you can hike bluff-top trails, swim in clear lake water, and cozy up in a cabin all in one trip.

Recommended For:

Campers, swimmers, families, beach lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring upstate New York.

What we Love:

Stunning shoreline bluffs, 1,500 feet of sandy beach, peaceful cabins in the woods, and access to both Lake Ontario and Little Sodus Bay.

• Swim in the designated, lifeguard-protected beach area along one of Lake Ontario’s finest stretches of shoreline.
• Camp in electric or non-electric sites nestled among woodlands, or book a rustic cabin for more comfort.
• Fish or boat on Little Sodus Bay or Lake Ontario for a peaceful day on the water.
• Hike trails with panoramic views from the bluffs or explore the rolling wooded terrain for quiet nature immersion.

Cost:

$8 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; campsite and cabin fees vary by season and type

Distance from Syracuse:

About a 1 hour and 10 minute drive northwest of Syracuse, making it a great weekend getaway.

How to Get to Fair Haven Beach State Park:

From Syracuse, take NY-370 W or NY-104A W to Fair Haven. Follow signs to the park entrance at State Park Road.

Address:

14985 State Park Rd, Fair Haven, NY 13064
Phone: 315-947-5205

Romantic New York State Parks

Location:

Fire Island, NY (access via Patchogue)

Highlights:

If you're craving a wild stretch of coast where nature, history, and peace collide, Fire Island National Seashore is the perfect escape. It’s where you’ll find crashing waves, maritime forests, and charming lighthouse views just a short boat ride from the mainland.

Recommended For:

Beach lovers, bird watchers, hikers, families, history buffs, and anyone needing a break from city life.

What we Love:

Sunken Forest’s mystical boardwalks, the Fire Island Lighthouse, peaceful beaches, and the rare glimpse into New York’s only designated federal wilderness area.

• Visit historic sites like the Fire Island Lighthouse and immerse yourself in its maritime legacy.
• Explore Sailors Haven and the Sunken Forest, a rare ancient forest thriving just steps from the ocean.
• Relax on pristine beaches that offer everything from solitude to social fun, depending on where you land.
• Hike and spot wildlife along the dunes and marshes, and enjoy ranger-led programs in summer.
• Access different sections of the park via seasonal ferries or private boats from mainland departure points like Patchogue and Sayville.

Cost:

Park admission is free; ferry or boat transport fees apply depending on destination and season

Distance from Patchogue:

Most ferry-accessible sites are a 20–30 minute boat ride from the terminal in Patchogue.

How to Get to Fire Island National Seashore:

Drive to 120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY for ferry access. Parking is available near terminals; ferries depart to various Fire Island sites like Watch Hill and Sailors Haven.

Address:

120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: 631-687-4750

Location:

Rome, NY

Highlights:

If you're into Revolutionary War history and hidden gems, Fort Stanwix is a must-see. It’s a place where history comes alive through powerful stories, living reenactments, and peaceful trails right in the heart of Rome.

Recommended For:

History buffs, families, educators, heritage travelers, and anyone interested in Revolutionary War sites.

What we Love:

The immersive living history programs, the stories of the Oneida Carrying Place, and the rare glimpse into a fort that never surrendered.

• Start at the Willett Center to get a foundational overview before walking through the reconstructed fort grounds.
• Walk three short interpretive trails, including one that traces the historic Oneida Carrying Place trade route.
• Explore exhibits and the museum, which interpret the Siege of 1777 and broader colonial and Indigenous histories.
• Experience hands-on living history programs where costumed interpreters bring the 18th century to life.

Cost:

Free admission

Distance from Syracuse:

Around a 50-minute drive east of Syracuse via I-90 or NY-49.

How to Get to Fort Stanwix:

From Syracuse, take I-90 East to Exit 33 for Verona, then NY-365/NY-26 to Rome. Follow signs to downtown and Fort Stanwix National Monument.

Address:

112 East Park St, Rome, NY 13440
Phone: 315-338-7730

Location:

New York City & Sandy Hook, NJ

Highlights:

If you want beaches, history, and wildlife all without leaving the metro area, Gateway National Recreation Area is an amazing patchwork of nature and heritage. It’s one of those rare places where you can hike dunes in the morning, tour historic forts by noon, and be back in the city for dinner.

Recommended For:

Urban adventurers, families, history lovers, bird watchers, and anyone craving a quick coastal getaway.

What we Love:

The diversity of landscapes—from forts to forests to beaches—plus the year-round recreation, easy access from NYC, and peaceful spots like Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

• Explore historic forts like Fort Tilden and Fort Wadsworth, where you can walk through tunnels and look out over the harbor.
• Relax at ocean beaches like Riis Park and Sandy Hook, ideal for summer swimming and sunbathing.
• Hike or bird-watch at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a serene natural area amid the bustle of Queens.
• Enjoy fishing, windsurfing, boating, and biking across the park’s many recreational access points.
• Visit Floyd Bennett Field, once NYC’s first municipal airport, now home to campgrounds and aviation history.

Cost:

Most areas are free; some locations (like Sandy Hook beach parking) may charge seasonal vehicle fees

Distance from Manhattan:

Ranges from 30 to 90 minutes depending on site—Staten Island and Jamaica Bay units are the closest.

How to Get to Gateway National Recreation Area:

Sites are spread across NYC and NJ. Use public transit or drive to your preferred unit: Fort Wadsworth and Great Kills on Staten Island, Floyd Bennett Field and Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn, Riis Park and Jamaica Bay in Queens, or Sandy Hook via NJ Parkway.

Address:

210 New York Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: 718-354-4606

New York State Parks for Families

Location:

New York, NY (Upper Manhattan)

Highlights:

If you’re in the city and want to explore presidential history in a stunning setting, General Grant National Memorial is an iconic and peaceful stop. It’s the kind of place that’s both impressive and contemplative, offering a moment of reflection in the heart of Manhattan.

Recommended For:

History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, families, students, and anyone looking for a meaningful detour in NYC.

What we Love:

Its commanding riverside presence, the fascinating gallery exhibits, and the powerful sense of legacy surrounding Ulysses S. Grant’s life and leadership.

• Tour the largest mausoleum in North America, where President Grant and his wife Julia are interred.
• Explore two reliquary rooms and a thoughtfully preserved memorial structure.
• Visit the Visitor Center to view exhibits on Grant’s life and watch the short documentary film “Ulysses S. Grant - A Legacy of Freedom.”
• Stroll through the surrounding memorial grounds along scenic Riverside Drive.

Cost:

Free admission

Distance from Midtown Manhattan:

About a 20-minute subway or car ride north, located in Morningside Heights near Columbia University.

How to Get to General Grant National Memorial:

Take the 1 train to 116th Street – Columbia University and walk west to Riverside Drive and 122nd Street. Alternatively, drive or take a rideshare for convenient drop-off nearby.

Address:

Riverside Dr and W. 122nd St, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 646-670-7251

Location:

Barker, NY

Highlights:

If a lighthouse stay and peaceful shoreline trails sound like your kind of retreat, Golden Hill State Park is absolutely worth the detour. It’s one of those spots where history, water views, and cozy camping all come together beautifully.

Recommended For:

History lovers, lighthouse fans, campers, anglers, families, and winter recreation seekers.

What we Love:

The rentable Thirty Mile Lighthouse, year-round scenic beauty, and the quiet trails that hug Lake Ontario’s shoreline.

• Tour the historic Thirty Mile Lighthouse, or better yet—book a stay and spend the night in this restored gem.
• Enjoy shoreline hiking, fishing, and boating with panoramic views of Lake Ontario.
• Camp in a peaceful setting with wooded and waterfront sites perfect for tents and RVs.
• Explore winter trails on snowshoes or snowmobiles, and don’t miss seasonal summer events and picnics in the park.

Cost:

$7 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; camping and lighthouse rental fees vary

Distance from Niagara Falls:

About a 1 hour and 10 minute drive northeast of Niagara Falls, NY.

How to Get to Golden Hill State Park:

From Niagara Falls, take NY-31 E to NY-425 N, then merge onto Lower Lake Road toward Barker. Follow signs for the park entrance.

Address:

9691 Lower Lake Rd, Barker, NY 14012
Phone: 716-795-3885

Location:

New York, NY (Governors Island)

Highlights:

Want a quick city escape with skyline views, art, and history all in one place? Governors Island is just a ferry ride away and packed with charm—from historic forts to vibrant summer events and free guided tours.

Recommended For:

History fans, NYC locals, weekend explorers, art lovers, and anyone craving a car-free island day trip.

What we Love:

Castle Williams and Fort Jay tours, picnic lawns with views of the Statue of Liberty, art installations, and the peaceful vibe just minutes from Lower Manhattan.

• Tour military landmarks like Castle Williams and Fort Jay—both steeped in U.S. Army history dating back to 1794.
• Join free guided tours (first-come, first-served for up to 35 guests) to deepen your understanding of the island’s past and present.
• Relax on the lawns or rent a bike and explore seven miles of car-free paths and hidden corners.
• Enjoy rotating cultural events, performances, pop-ups, and seasonal food vendors from spring through fall.

Cost:

Admission is free; ferry rides range from $0–$4 round trip, with select weekday morning rides free

Distance from Lower Manhattan:

Just an 8-minute ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street.

How to Get to Governors Island:

Take the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan. Weekend and seasonal departures are also available from Brooklyn and other parts of NYC.

Address:

10 South St, New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-825-3054