Best Day Trips in New York State
From rushing waterfalls to charming small towns and scenic mountain escapes, New York State offers endless possibilities for memorable day trips. Having explored much of the Empire State while living there for 10 years, here are some of my favorite destinations worth sharing.
1. Woodstock, NY: Painted Signs, Pine Light, and a Town that Hums
Woodstock, New York, radiates a creative spirit that feels both timeless and alive. Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, it’s a town where art, music, and nature weave seamlessly together. Every corner hums with history, from the legacy of the 1969 festival to the galleries, cafés, and studios that line its streets today.
There’s a vibrancy here that’s unmistakable — murals splashed with color, live music spilling from intimate venues, and mountain trails just minutes from downtown. What stood out most was the blend: a walkable, eclectic center brimming with culture, paired with the quiet escape of streams, forests, and rolling hills all around.
Woodstock manages to feel both worldly and grounded. It’s a gathering place for artists and dreamers, but also a peaceful retreat where the Catskills rise in every direction. The mix of creativity, history, and natural beauty makes it a destination that invites you to linger and look closer.
In one day, we:
- Explored Woodstock’s main street, browsing galleries, record shops, and artisan boutiques
- Stopped by the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum to take in local art
- Visited the iconic Woodstock Village Green, a hub of community life
- Grabbed a casual lunch at a cozy café with live music in the background
- Hiked nearby trails in the Catskill Forest Preserve for fresh mountain air
- Ended the day at the Bearsville Center, enjoying dinner and a show steeped in music history
2. Canandaigua, NY: Roses, Stone Paths, and the Quiet at Sonnenberg
Canandaigua, New York, felt like a lakeside retreat wrapped in charm and Finger Lakes beauty. With its clear waters, rolling vineyards, and historic downtown, it’s the kind of place where lake life and small-town warmth meet in perfect balance. Every view seemed to shimmer, from the docks stretching into Canandaigua Lake to the hills that frame the horizon.
There’s a leisurely rhythm here — boats drifting across the water, families strolling along the pier, and the hum of conversations spilling from cafés and wine bars downtown. What stood out most was the variety: a destination where you can soak up nature, explore history, and indulge in food and wine, all within a short walk or drive.
Canandaigua carries both elegance and ease, with its lakeside sunsets, historic architecture, and surrounding vineyards that give it a distinctly Finger Lakes flavor. It’s a place that feels both restorative and inspiring, inviting you to slow down while still offering plenty to discover.
In one day, we:
- Strolled through historic downtown Canandaigua, browsing shops and cafés
- Visited the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion for a step back into Gilded Age grandeur
- Walked along the Canandaigua City Pier, lined with colorful boathouses
- Stopped at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates
- Enjoyed a lakeside lunch with fresh, local flavors
- Ended the day watching the sunset over Canandaigua Lake, a perfect Finger Lakes backdrop
3. Corning
Corning, New York, blends artistry and history in a way that feels both inspiring and approachable. Known as the “Crystal City,” it’s a place where glassmaking traditions shine, innovation thrives, and a charming downtown invites you to linger. Tucked in the Finger Lakes region, it’s a small city with a surprisingly big cultural heartbeat.
There’s an energy here that feels creative yet grounded — from the glowing glassblowing demonstrations to the tree-lined streets filled with shops, cafés, and galleries. What stood out most was the balance: a town steeped in craft and history that still feels fresh, welcoming, and full of discovery around every corner.
Corning carries both sophistication and warmth, with world-class museums, a walkable historic district, and a setting surrounded by rolling hills and wine country. It’s the kind of place where you can dive into art and heritage by day, then relax with local flavors and Finger Lakes charm by night.
In one day, we:
- Explored the Corning Museum of Glass, watching live glassblowing and wandering its world-class collections
- Walked the Gaffer District, lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and cozy cafés
- Stopped into the Rockwell Museum to see art that tells America’s story
- Enjoyed lunch at a local bistro with Finger Lakes ingredients
- Crossed the Centennial Sculpture Bridge for river views and public art
- Ended the day with wine tasting at a nearby Finger Lakes vineyard, just minutes from town
4. Ellicottville
Ellicottville, New York, felt like a mountain town with a playful spirit — equal parts outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Tucked into the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, it’s a place where ski slopes and hiking trails meet a lively main street filled with restaurants, shops, and après-ski energy.
There’s a buzz here that’s contagious — friends gathering around firepits, skiers heading up the lifts, and families exploring the boutiques and cafés downtown. What stood out most was the mix: a destination that delivers year-round fun, from powder days in winter to festivals, biking, and hiking when the snow melts.
Ellicottville carries both excitement and coziness, with its resort-style amenities set against a backdrop of rolling hills and forested peaks. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the day outdoors and the evening savoring the warmth of a small but spirited community.
In one day, we:
- Strolled through downtown Ellicottville, browsing unique shops and local eateries
- Hit the slopes at Holiday Valley Resort for skiing and mountain views
- Hiked trails around Holiday Valley and Allegany State Park for fresh air and forest scenery
- Relaxed with a cozy lunch by the fire at a village café
- Ended the day soaking up the small-town energy at a local pub with live music
5. The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County
The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County live up to their name — a landscape of rolling hills, deep forests, and hidden valleys that feels both wild and welcoming. Tucked into Western New York, this region offers a blend of outdoor adventure, small-town character, and cultural richness that makes it feel like a true escape.
There’s a timeless quality here — winding country roads, overlooks where the horizon stretches endlessly, and trails that lead to waterfalls and quiet groves. What stood out most was the variety: charming villages with warm hospitality paired with thousands of acres of natural beauty, from state parks to ski slopes.
The Enchanted Mountains carry both ruggedness and tranquility, with opportunities to hike, ski, paddle, or simply sit back and soak in the scenery. It’s the kind of place that invites exploration, but also reminds you to slow down and savor the moment.
In one day, we:
- Drove scenic byways through the Enchanted Mountains, stopping at overlooks and small towns
- Hiked trails in Allegany State Park, New York’s largest state park
- Explored the village of Ellicottville, with its mix of shops, cafés, and mountain-town energy
- Visited the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum to learn about the region’s heritage
- Ended the day watching the sunset over the hills, the mountains glowing in soft evening light
6. Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is a place where nature feels both dramatic and immersive. Carved over thousands of years by the Ausable River, its towering sandstone cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and winding trails create a setting that’s equal parts adventure and wonder. It’s not just a destination — it’s an experience of the raw beauty that defines upstate New York.
There’s an energy here that pulls you in — the roar of the river echoing through the canyon, the play of sunlight across ancient rock walls, and the thrill of stepping onto bridges and trails that cling to the cliffs. What stood out most was the range: a natural attraction that can be as thrilling or as peaceful as you want it to be, offering everything from adrenaline-filled rafting to quiet riverside walks.
Ausable Chasm carries both grandeur and intimacy, with sweeping canyon views balanced by mossy paths and shaded nooks along the water’s edge. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how powerful and timeless nature can be, while still being remarkably accessible.
In one day, we:
- Walked the Inner Sanctum Trail, winding along the base of towering cliffs
- Crossed scenic bridges with panoramic views of the Ausable River
- Took a float tour through the chasm, drifting between sandstone walls
- Explored waterfalls cascading into hidden pools along the gorge
- Stopped at the visitor center for history on the chasm’s geology and preservation
- Ended the day with a drive along nearby Lake Champlain, where the mountains meet the water
7. Cazenovia
Cazenovia, New York, feels like a lakeside village where history and natural beauty intertwine. Nestled in the heart of Central New York, it’s anchored by sparkling Cazenovia Lake and framed by rolling farmland, historic architecture, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. It’s a place where both elegance and simplicity quietly shine.
There’s a rhythm here that feels restorative — sailboats skimming across the lake, tree-lined streets with 19th-century homes, and a downtown alive with cafés, boutiques, and galleries. What stood out most was the harmony: a destination that offers both refined charm and laid-back ease, making it equally perfect for wandering, dining, or simply soaking up the view.
Cazenovia carries both sophistication and warmth, with its lakefront setting, historic college campus, and access to nearby trails and waterfalls. It’s the kind of town that feels timeless yet fresh, inviting you to slow down while discovering something new at every turn.
In one day, we:
- Strolled through downtown Cazenovia, exploring local shops and cafés
- Walked the shoreline of Cazenovia Lake, watching sailboats and sunsets
- Visited the Cazenovia Public Library & Museum with its unique natural history collections
- Stopped by the historic Lorenzo State Historic Site to explore its gardens and lake views
- Enjoyed a farm-to-table lunch at a village restaurant
- Hiked trails at nearby Chittenango Falls State Park to see its cascading waterfall
8. Brickwork & Bright Ideas in Troy, NY
Troy, New York, felt like a river city where history and creativity come together in surprising ways. Perched on the banks of the Hudson, it’s a place of grand 19th-century architecture, thriving markets, and a growing arts scene that keeps its old industrial spirit alive in new forms. It’s a city that wears its history proudly while leaning into fresh energy.
There’s a character here that’s distinct — cobblestone streets leading to historic brownstones, bustling Saturday markets filling the air with music and conversation, and murals splashed across brick walls that once housed factories. What stood out most was the contrast: a city deeply rooted in its past, yet buzzing with a modern, creative edge.
Troy carries both grit and charm, with its riverside setting, cultural institutions, and a downtown that feels walkable and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can wander historic streets by day and find yourself in a lively restaurant or concert by night.
In one day, we:
- Explored historic downtown Troy, with its 19th-century architecture and boutique shops
- Visited the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, one of the region’s best
- Stopped into the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, famed for its acoustics
- Walked along the Hudson River waterfront for views and fresh air
- Enjoyed lunch at a local gastropub showcasing farm-to-table flavors
- Ended the day with craft drinks at a downtown brewery while live music played
9. Manhattan Holiday Glow
Manhattan feels like the heartbeat of New York City — a place where energy, culture, and history collide on every block. Skyscrapers rise above bustling avenues, world-class museums sit beside leafy parks, and every neighborhood carries its own rhythm and story. It’s a destination that’s endlessly dynamic yet full of moments of quiet discovery if you know where to look.
There’s an intensity here that’s unmatched — the rush of yellow cabs, the glow of Times Square, and the serenity of Central Park all within minutes of each other. What stood out most was the variety: a city where you can admire centuries-old landmarks in the morning, explore cutting-edge art in the afternoon, and end the evening with food and music from every corner of the world.
Manhattan carries both grandeur and intimacy, with iconic sights that live up to their reputation and hidden corners that surprise you at every turn. It’s the kind of place that overwhelms and inspires, reminding you why it’s often called the greatest city in the world.
In one day, we:
- Walked through Central Park, from the Mall to Bethesda Terrace
- Visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore its vast collections
- Stopped for lunch in a neighborhood café on the Upper East Side
- Wandered the streets of Greenwich Village, filled with charm and history
- Crossed the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset for skyline views
- Ended the night in Times Square, lights blazing in every direction
A downside? Crowds thickened quickly near Times Square. The crush made it hard to linger without being swept along in the tide of shoppers and sightseers.
10. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, New York, is one of those places that lives up to its legend — a natural wonder where sheer power and beauty converge. Standing at the edge of the falls, you feel the thunder of millions of gallons of water rushing past, a reminder of nature’s force and grandeur. Yet beyond the spectacle, the surrounding parks and viewpoints create moments of quiet awe that balance the roar with serenity.
There’s a drama here that’s unforgettable — mist rising into rainbows, boats drifting toward the base of the falls, and trails that bring you up close to the rushing water. What stood out most was the range: you can experience it as pure exhilaration on a boat ride or as reflective calm while walking shaded river paths just upstream.
Niagara Falls carries both energy and tranquility, offering a destination that’s as much about feeling as seeing. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave, a reminder of nature’s ability to both humble and inspire.
In one day, we:
- Stood at Prospect Point for sweeping views of the American Falls
- Walked the Niagara Falls State Park trails designed by Frederick Law Olmsted
- Took the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride into the spray at the base of the falls
- Ventured onto the Cave of the Winds boardwalk, where the falls thunder just feet away
- Stopped for lunch overlooking the river, with mist drifting in the distance
- Ended the day at Terrapin Point on Goat Island, watching sunset light the falls in gold
Conclusion
What struck me most about these New York day trips was their variety — from the lakeside calm of Canandaigua to the canyon walls of Ausable Chasm, the creative heartbeat of Woodstock to the mountain-town buzz of Ellicottville. Each place carried its own rhythm, its own story, and its own way of slowing time just enough to savor the moment.
Together, they paint a portrait of a state that’s endlessly diverse: small towns rooted in history, landscapes that shift from waterfalls to vineyards to mountains, and communities that welcome you in with both charm and character. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, or simply a change of pace, there’s always a corner of New York waiting to surprise you.
In the end, these day trips reminded me that escape doesn’t always mean going far. Sometimes it’s just a drive away — a chance to pause, explore, and return home with a new perspective.
Booking Checklist
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.
