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...

What are the best day trips in New York State? I've mostly focused on Upstate in this post because I already wrote about my favorite day trip from NYC. I think that some of the best ideas for a day away are Hudson Valley, Woodstock, Canandaigua, Corning and Ellicottville. I also loved Cazenovia, Troy and of course Manhattan (if you don't live there!).

1. Woodstock, NY

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 are murals splashed with color, live music spilling from venues, and mountain trails just minutes from downtown. There is 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.

2. Canandaigua, NY

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8. 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.

9. Manhattan

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 even if you just have a day here.

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. This is 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.

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.

Manhattan’s the kind of place that overwhelms and inspires, reminding you why it’s often called the greatest city in the world.

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. I've taken so many trips here, in the spring, summer, fall and winter, and it never gets old. On most trips I stay on the U.S. side but a few times my husband and I walked over to the Canadian side.

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. You can experience it as pure exhilaration on a boat ride or as reflective calm while walking on 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.

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.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. I'll help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences, anything from great sunsets to the best places to stay. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USAToday. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX with my husband and son. Click for more.

 

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