Due to the practically limitless number of things to see and do in New York, it is difficult to select a small selection of top attractions to represent the entire state. New York State is brimming with fascinating sites to see, from the ancient to the modern
Undoubtedly the most visited tourist destination in the state, New York City is home to several well-known landmarks, eateries, and retail establishments. Several of the biggest attractions in the city, including Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and many others, are located in the borough of Manhattan.
There are numerous vacation options available all year long in upstate New York, as locals refer to pretty much anything north of the city. The main attractions in New York during the summer are its numerous lakes and mountains, as well as its attractive tiny villages.
Due to the abundance of ski slopes, five-star hotels, and lodges that provide wonderful vacations, winter is another popular time to come.
With the help of our list of New York State's attractions and vacation spots, you can plan the ideal getaway at any time of year.
1. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is the most recognizable structure in the country and represents hope to millions of immigrants traveling to Ellis Island.
The National Park Service maintains a ferry that picks up passengers at Battery Park and makes continuous loops throughout the day so that visitors can travel to both sights.
The statue is the first stop, where guests may enjoy free views of both the monument and the skyline of New York City. Tickets for entry to the pedestal or crown are also available, though crown passes are sold out at least six months in advance.
Make sure to browse the museum's displays, statues, and historical markers while you stroll through the statue's base.
The ferry arrives at Ellis Island next, where there is a museum on the ground level of the main structure, a work of art in architecture that was formerly used as the primary hospital and processing facility from 1892 until 1954. Tourists can explore the quarantine wing's top level rooms and view some of the original bunks and amenities used by people trying to start new lives.
Within are moving exhibitions that, one person at a time, portray pivotal periods in American history through walls of images, documents, and human narratives.
Visitors should allocate at least a half-day to both destinations if they want to enjoy visiting there, but if they are rushed for time, they should think about taking the ferry to see these New York City monuments from a variety of perspectives.
2. Niagara Falls
One of North America's natural beauties, Niagara Falls welcomes millions of tourists each year. There are actually three waterfalls in the park: Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, which is situated near the boundary between Canada and the United States. The largest and biggest is Horseshoe Falls, which plunges 167 feet from a 2,700-foot-wide ledge.
Take the renowned Hornblower boat excursion into the Horseshoe Falls basin or climb the observation tower for the best panoramic view of all three falls. It is among the most well-liked activities in Niagara Falls. The visitor center features a gift store, a number of dining establishments, a theater where a 40-minute documentary on the history and mystique of the falls is shown, park information, and tour tickets.
The park also lights up the falls at night and holds stunning fireworks displays on certain occasions.
The falls become a frozen spectacle in the winter, with huge icicles, freezing fog, and ice-coated trees and railings. The mist plume rising off the falls can be seen from as far away as the CN Tower in Toronto on clear, calm days, reaching far into the sky.
3. central park
Central Park is a sizable area with plenty of sights and activities to keep you occupied for days, if not longer, despite the fact that it could seem on a map as a tiny patch of green within the grid of Manhattan streets.
Skating rinks, beautiful gardens, and amazing architecture are just a few of the attractions found in Central Park.
The Mall, an attractive, broad walkway shaded by the arching limbs of centuries-old American elms, begins with Bethesda Terrace, which is well-known for its magnificent Bethesda Fountain. Several quiet areas are available for visitors to unwind, including the formally designed Conservatory Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, and the renowned Chess & Checkers House.
Children will adore the sea lions, penguins, and other creatures in the Central Park Zoo, and the younger ones will want to ride on the antique carousel. Of course, there are also plenty of playgrounds and wide, lush grass in the park to keep kids occupied for hours.
Between 61st and 63rd Streets, in the middle of the park, is Heckscher Playground, which has a sizable sprinkler area for the benefit of young children on sweltering summer days. It was built in 1926 and provides plenty of open room for children to run around as well as slides, a huge sandbox, and climbing structures.
An excellent stone slide may be seen in the Billy Johnson playground close to the zoo. Bring a newspaper or, even better, the pizza box top to slide on because it will make the ride go by much more quickly.
A number of ponds are also available to improve the ambiance. Bring a picnic, and as you eat, take in the sights.
Horse-drawn carriage tours in Central Park offer the most romantic way to explore the city.
4. Time Square,
The attractions and activities in and around Times Square could keep you busy for weeks, but even a quick trip to see the larger-than-life excitement is worthwhile. At the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, the center of Times Square, huge screens advertising everything from the most recent movies and television shows to special performances will captivate you.
Artists, entertainers, and tourists are all over the pedestrian areas taking in the city's clamor and the tantalizing aromas emanating from the food trucks that line the sidewalks. A trip here wouldn't be complete without dining at Sardi's Restaurant and seeing a show in the renowned Theater District.
Taking a family vacation? There are several family-friendly attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, which features magnificent waxworks, interactive exhibitions, and a glass-walled viewing platform that extends over the pavement.
There are an incredible number of both large and little shops in Times Square, and no trip is complete without a stop at M&M World, where you can't help but smile. Walking distance from the square, the Empire State Building, another New York City landmark, is open until 2am and offers stunning views of the city below.
5. The Finger Lakes,
The long, narrow lakes in the area west of Syracuse, according to Iroquois belief, were created by the imprint of the Great Spirit's fingers. The region of the Finger Lakes is home to numerous lakes that provide a variety of outdoor activities in a breathtaking setting.
Around the lakeshores of the major lakes are charming villages and Finger Lakes resorts, the majority of which are extremely busy in the summer. The Seneca Lake, Keuka, and Cayuga trails offer some unique opportunities for exploring the region.
The living history museum Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes and The Rockwell Museum, which houses a range of artwork, are both located in Corning. The Harriet Tubman House, the Seward House Museum, Willard Chapel, and the Fingerlakes Mall are just a few of the attractions in Auburn. The Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park and the Finger Lakes Museum nearby Branchport are additional attractions.
One of the best things to do in the Finger Lakes is to visit the falls at Watkins Glen State Park, fly over Letchworth State Park in a hot air balloon, or go on an adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort.
6. Lake Placid
The Winter Olympics have twice been held in Lake Placid, a renowned winter sports destination at the base of Whiteface Mountain. Lake Placid, which is surrounded by hills and lakes, is a popular tourist destination today.
Although skiing is likely what makes the town most well-known internationally, the town is also a well-liked summer vacation spot. The main tourist strip in Lake Placid is lined with a variety of distinctive stores and eateries. Throughout the rolling countryside and along the coastlines, there are lovely resorts.
In addition to the lake that bears the name Lake Placid, the town's main attraction is the breathtaking Mirror Lake. This lake is among the most beautiful in New York State because of its surroundings.
7. Lake George
The town of Lake George is situated near the southern tip of the same-named lake, which is 32 miles long. In the summer, the village is a popular vacation spot, with the lake itself serving as the primary draw.
The lake's many islands have been turned into campgrounds, and motorcycle riders particularly enjoy the region.
On Beach Road, Million Dollar Beach offers volleyball courts, picnic areas, and swimming. Another entertaining way to explore the lake is on a sightseeing cruise. A high scenic location for a view of the lake and surrounds is provided by Prospect Mountain.
The Fort William Henry Museum and Lake George Battlefield Park are two nearby historical attractions.
8. Storm King Art Center,
When visiting Storm King Art Center, which is named for the adjacent mountain that provides views of the Hudson River, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. One of the most captivating sights in New York State, this spectacular outdoor sculpture collection is spread across 500 acres of bucolic countryside, and you'll want to wander through it all.
A non-walker? Not to worry. The majority of the large sculptures may be seen from a tram that is located on site, however if you want the most comprehensive information on each item, you can download the site's app. To make the most of your vacation, schedule your visit for a nice day since this is an outdoor site.
TONIGHT! The fireworks to mark the end of the COVID-19 restrictions in New York State and honor frontline workers will begin tonight at 9:15 p.m. at 10 different places throughout the state. The locations are here: https://t.co/FXgoogaJwu pic.twitter.com/mVrFERwj47
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) June 15, 2021
The grandiose pieces of art displayed around the fields and hills of this one-of-a-kind exhibition vary periodically, and the artwork has a different appearance depending on the time of year. This implies that each time you visit, you can expect a fresh experience. And we assure you that just one visit is insufficient.
Every Wednesday through Monday, Storm King is open from 10 am until 5:30 pm. The final entry is at 4. Plan your journey appropriately. It will take at least two hours to tour the region, and more if you want to pause and take in the stunning artwork. On-site dining options include healthful lunches, beverages, and snacks that might help you avoid feeling peckish while traveling.
9. Cooperstown
Central New York State's Cooperstown is located near Otsego Lake's southernmost point. It is most known for being the location of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where fans of the sport may pay homage to its luminaries and peruse artifacts.
The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum is a pleasant follow-up to the Hall of Fame, and while being somewhat smaller, it is enjoyable to pose with baseball's greatest players in a casual setting and watch their "baseball bloopers" film in the little cinema.
The Fenimore Art Museum and the Alice Busch Theater, which hosts the Glimmerglass Festival, an annual international opera event, are two cultural landmarks in Cooperstown. Also, there are historical monuments like Hyde Hall, which was originally a sizable colonial mansion, and The Farmer's Museum, which recreates life on Lippitt Farmstead and in a historic town.
10. The Thousand Islands
Thousands of tiny islands dot a 50-mile section of the St. Lawrence River. The islands are situated along a granite shelf that runs between them and the Canadian Shield and the Adirondack Mountains in the United States. It is a region with outstanding natural beauty all year round, but autumn, during the foliage season, is exceptionally brilliant.
Boat cruises amid the maze of islands, which are available from mid-May to mid-October, offer views that constantly change as well as glimpses of vacation houses ranging from the most basic log cabins to the most opulent summer mansions. The magnificent Boldt Castle, built in 1900, is one of the Thousand Islands' most breathtaking sites.
11. The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks are a picturesque range of hills in northern New York State covered in forest, with many of lakes and outdoor activities. The hills, which are a portion of the Canadian Shield, are nearly 5,000 feet tall.
Mount Marcy has the highest summit and is 5,345 feet tall. New Yorkers enjoy taking vacations in the Adirondacks. Hiking, canoeing, and relaxing in Adirondack resorts and lakeside cottages are popular activities for visitors.
This place is beautiful to photograph in the fall because of the stunning display of New York autumnal hues.
12. The Catskills
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The Catskills are another well-liked location in New York State to enjoy nature. Your mental batteries will love the wild landscape of undulating hills and tranquil lakes. In one of the numerous excellent resorts in the Catskills, you can be as active as you like by engaging in activities like biking, canoeing, and hiking, or as leisurely as you like by lounging by the pool, sleeping, or visiting the spa.
The Catskills become a snowy wonderland in the winter, attracting skiers from all over the world to some of the best ski resorts in New York.
13. Park Letchworth State
Three waterfall clusters can be found in Letchworth State Park in the breathtaking Genesee River Gorge. The gorge, which is lined with steep cliff walls and is encircled by forest, is frequently referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
The biggest waterfall, Middle Falls, has a 107-foot plunge and is lit up at night from May through October. For good reason, it's regarded as one of New York's top waterfalls! Upper Falls, which drop just around 70 feet, are equally mesmerizing. It is bordered by breathtaking granite cliffs, and the photogenic Portage High Bridge spans it.
The park has a wide variety of amenities available, including cabin and camper rentals, hikes, swimming, a playground, and concessions. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dedicated snowmobile paths are all wintertime activities.
The hot air balloon rides that soar above the spectacular scenery and provide views that are unmatched are undoubtedly among the most memorable activities in Letchworth State Park. For the most magnificent display of Mother Nature's greatest color show, reserve one during the fall.
14. Buffalo's Darwin D. Martin House Complex
In 1904, during the height of his Prairie House era, Frank Lloyd Wright was hired by Darwin and Isabelle Martin to construct a multi-structure complex. Several people believe it to be his best effort of this kind.
The house is open to the public and may be toured on a Basic Tour or an In-Depth Tour with guides who can point out specifics and deepen visitors' comprehension of the building. It is one of the best things to do in Buffalo. The estate is being rebuilt in parts that have been destroyed throughout time.
15. Watkins Glen State Park,
The Finger Lakes State Parks contain Watkins Glen, which is situated at the southernmost point of Seneca Lake. The valley is two miles long, descending 400 feet overall over 19 waterfalls, and passing 200-foot cliffs that the water has eroded.
isitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and even swimming in the Olympic-sized pool at the park in addition to observing the gorge from its rim walks. The park provides picnic spaces for day visitors as well as campsites for tents and RVs. During certain seasons, guided excursions of the gorge are offered.
16. Rochester's International Museum of Photography and Cinema and George Eastman House
The 1905 completion of the 50-room George Eastman residence also saw the addition of a stable, garage, barn, five greenhouses, and numerous gardens. The Rochester home was meticulously recreated to look as it did in the early 1900s using Eastman's photos, as well as letters and notes that helped with the process.
Anybody with a passion for photography would enjoy visiting the magnificent International Museum of Photography and Cinema, which is situated on the property. Also, the museum often hosts a number of traveling exhibits and films. Check out their website to learn more about upcoming events.
17. Kingston,
About two hours north of Manhattan, in the Catskills, sits the sleepy shoreline community of Kingston. It's a well-liked destination for weekend getaways in New York, with lots of entertaining things to do, especially in the summer.
This sleepy village comes to life in the bright weather with outdoor concerts, festivals, and other enjoyable activities. Take a boat, go for a bite to eat on a patio on the Hudson River, or visit one of the numerous museums nearby.
If you enjoy all things maritime, the Hudson River Museum is especially interesting, while train enthusiasts will enjoy spending a lot of time at the Trolley Museum of New York.
Spare some time to indulge in some retail therapy in the quaint stores Uptown, but be sure to also take some time to stroll through the Stockade Historic District. You'll want to remain longer in this area because it has eight blocks of fairytale-like buildings and so much charm.