New York State is one of the most desirable and luxurious vacation spots globally and has a lot of gifts to offer. But what makes it so dramatic?
Made up of innumerable hidden gems and countless rich things to offer- NY State is a dreamland. Be it enjoying the mesmerizing scenic beauty of the Lake George ambiance whilst parasailing or the lovely Long Island mandatory horse riding- New York State is not a place, but emotion too!
Do you wish to envision how majestic nature can be? Adirondacks is the perfect sample for your tasting. Letchworth State Park, which is also stated as the โEastern Grand Canyon,โ has New York State as its home.
Are you just a scenery admirer? The pretty as a picturesque view of Catskills villages will fill your heart with joy.
Enjoy lavish dining with some state of the art wine collection in the Hudson Valley. Too much calm and quiet? Experience the city of dreams- New York City right here.
We have concluded a list of all the top things to see and do in York City, which will give you some insight as to how to plan your next vacation.
10 Best Places To Visit in New York State
1. Adirondacks
Adirondack Loj is the campground and the gorgeous sceneries surrounding Lake George. The High Peaks Trailheads are also close, which will enable you to opt for short nearby hikes.
The grounds are vast and full of things to see. Whiteface Mountainโs Atmospheric Sciences Center provides some of the best North American views. The Lake Placid Complex is quite charming too if you want to go for some thrilling views.
Whiteface Lake Placidโs Cloudsplitter provides an experience of a lifetime with one of the most riveting North American gondolas. Want to see how the top of the world looks like? One visit to the top of one of the 46 High Peaks will make you feel like an emperor!
Enchanted Forest Water Safari that is situated in the Old Forge is a must-visit if you are going with family. Fort Ticonderoga, situated at the confluence of Lakes George and Champlain, is an ideal place to visit if you are interested in history.
Apart from the beauties, there are lots of museums with ample options for viewing some of the best arts and crafts. Lake Placidโs Olympic Center, the Adirondack Experience, Tupper Lakeโsย Wild Center are some of the best museums you can check out.
Want to splurge a bit and stay at a place that has been stated as a five-star category even by Forbes? Choose to stay at ย The Point that is located on Saranac Lake. Not only the views but also the ambiance is perfect for a vacation mood.
2. Long Island
When in New York State, visiting Long Island is a must for all new tourists. The enchanting scenic beauty along with local lip-smacking dishes and a wine collection that has been labeled as one of the top 10 of the whole world- Long Island must be doing something right!
Restaurants, seafood, beaches- Long Island is even perfect for a peaceful and tasty weekend gateway. Long Island can be divided into four regions, which will ease your travel worries- North Shore, South Shore, North Fork, and South Fork.
2.1. North Shore
The North Shore is filled with estates that are opulent along with villages presented beside the harbor-front.
2.2.ย South Shore
The South Shore is filled with estates and racetracks. Belmont Park and Jones Beach are two iconic sights to see on the South Shore.
2.3. North Fork
The North Fork should be visited for its memorable natural beauty. Vineyards and exotic farmlands are the prime attraction.
2.4. South Fork
Want to go on a marvelous adventure? The South Fork should be your go-to location. Biking, fishing, hiking, swimming are the ideal things to do. Montauk and Hamptons are some prime places.
Montauk Lighthouse has some gorgeous mind-blowing views of the ocean. Old Westbury Gardens is a Gold Coast mansion that will surely blow your minds away. Bethpage State Park is a must-try if you want to try some golf.
Heckscher Museum of Art, Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, Parrish Art Museum, and Sands Point Preserve are some good museums to visit.
A visit to New York State is not even worth it is salt if you do not pay a visit to a ranch. ย Deep Hollow Ranch is one such exotic place that lets you ride on horseback in those white sandy beaches on a beautiful sunset.
3. Hudson Valley
Resplendent scenes, notable ancient households, distinctive treasurable sights- Hudson Valley is indeed a site to replenish your soul in the heart of New York State.
The presence of the Culinary Institute of America is the reason behind the flourishing restaurant business. Five-stars, Michelin- stars, and other celebrity chef-owned restaurants, provide some of the best palatial eating spots of New York State.
The legend of Hudson Valley has spread wide and far through its beer fests, food fests, and diligent gardens. Hudson Valley is blessed with one of the award-winning top ten gardens- Innisfree Garden. Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers is another glamorous garden.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival at Boscobelis a must-visit. Another fest that tops the list is the Caramoor Summer Music Festival. You must check out DM Weilโs Gallery in New Paltz if you want to accompany art with some blissful piano sounds.
Walkway Over the Hudson has some foreign-looking views and also happens to be the worldโs longest pedestrian bridge. Climb some rocks at the Shawangunk Ridge. Try out your hand at kayaking in Hudson River Expeditions.
The Sunnyside at Tarrytown represents a 19th-century manor site, which can be quite good for your Instagram posts! Tour Orange County Choppers, located in Newburgh, is the manufacturer of several expensive American Chopper Motorcycles and is open to the public too.
Spend a few days enjoying at Bavarian Manor Inn that is attached to a German restaurant. Conde Nast Traveler stated this as the best resort.
4. Central New York State
Miniscule rolling hills, fun-filled activities, gorgeous extensive farmlands- Central New York State is a place to get in touch with your mind and soul.
Cooperstown, which is stated as the ideal American dreamy village, has the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, which showcases every sports loversโ dreams! The Farmersโ Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum are some of the best museums in New York State.
You donโt have to be in Paris to enjoy an Opera. The Glimmerglass Festival is a world-class opera fest that is set beside a lake. Cooperstown Beverage Trail and Saranac Brewery are a must-do if you are into craft beers and a wine list curated by experts.
Golf-enthusiasts can find their way around Turning Stone Resort & Casino, while art lovers must look out for the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. Family and kids love Howe Caverns High Adventure Park as they can learn the pre-historic era rock and soil formations in a fun way.
Chittenango Falls State Park portrays a gigantic 167 ft tall waterfall, which is another family attraction. Central New York State is such a compact complex place that will fulfill your every desire and is bound to have something for everyone no matter what their taste is!
5. Catskills
Novelists, Photographers, Painter- artists of all sorts seem to draw or write about Catskillsโ inspirations. Explorers use Catskills as a weekend mountain gateway in the bosom of New York State.
The main attraction of Catskills- Catskill Mountain Railroad is an open-air ride. Feel the wind rushing against your face while you enjoy the splendid views. If you opt for walking, choose Hudson River School Art Trail to look through ancient iconic 19th-century pictures of the artist- Thomas Cole.
Catskill Preserve is the ideal hiking trail or route to bike against the mountain wind for miles. The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway has dramatic views of quaint vistas and rural areas. Want to try out your hand at some legendary fishing? Willowemoc Creek is your place for that!
Belleayre Mountainโs Music Festival is a spot for aspiring singers and musicians with some expert performances. KTD Monastery and ย Bethel Woods Center for the Arts are a must-visit if you are into old classical songs, arts, and culture.
New York Zipline Adventure Tour of Hunter Mountain is a recent addition, which also happens to be the highest zipline in North America, so do not forget to give it a try.
The Trailblazer Festival situated in Hunter Mountain gives you a taste of the country. Notable journalists like Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, and Luke Bryan have all headlined it as a prime attraction.
6. New York City
What is New York State without the infamous New York City? โThe City Of Dreamsโ has views that are unforgettable and treasures that you wonโt find anywhere else around the globe.
Some of the meager examples of how majestic the architecture can be are The Empire State Building, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and Brooklyn Bridge. It is full of grandeur and royal restaurants to savor your taste buds.
The tallest building of the entire Western Hemisphere- Observatory is a good place if you want to catch a glimpse of a 360-degree view of the city. The panoramic views of One World Trade Center is a gorgeous thing to crush on.
A picture with the Statue of Liberty is sure to enrich your Instagram profile. Snug Harbor Cultural Center is a landmark located on Staten Ferry Island that has exotic horticulture.
Governor Cuomo and the State Comptroller has indeed turned New York City into a palace of dreams by giving importance to the tourism industry, health care, and maintaining the magic of the place like its new!
7. Greater Niagara
Niagara is the highest star in New York State. It might be your umpteenth time visiting the great Niagara, but the two lakes are an ageless beauty. Apart from tropical fishing, paddle-boat boating, and crystalline beaches- outdoor activities like hiking and swimming are also possible.
World-class art, culinary treats, magnificent views- Niagara is a treat for both your eyes and soul. The vantage spots of Niagara Falls State Park are beyond words. It also happens to be Americaโs oldest State Park.
Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and the Niagara Scenic Trolley are just some of the mesmerizing Niagara Falls activities that help you experience the thundering waves of the icy waterfalls and embrace the prepossessing scenic beauty.
The Eastern Grand Canyon- Letchworth State Park is that gorge that extends through 17 miles throughout the Niagara. Some of the cliffs are almost 600 ft, and the waterfalls dazzle and sparkle like magic!
The lights illuminate Niagara Falls all night. Canal Fest of the Tonawandas is a regional festival that showcases the historic canal stories. ย Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises portrays some new locks and shows how they work.
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra that even won the Grammys, and Sheaโs Performing Arts Center, are great places to enjoy some concert. Burchfield-Penney Museum and Albright-Knox Art Gallery are some of the best art museums in New York State.
If you are interested in American history, do check out the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site. Larkin Square is the place to check out when your hunger takes control, as it is filled with food trucks and food stalls.
8. Finger Lakes
The heart of New York State has been blessed with 11 lakes that presumably look like fingers. The region enclosing it, however, has other gorgeous gems too. Fine vineyards, sun-kissed forests, dazzling waterfalls, and gorges are to name a few features.
Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls, and Letchworth are quite renowned for swimming and other outdoor actions. Owasco Lake and Great Lake Ontario are some of the prettiest lakes that gives crystal clear waters for swimming.
The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail and ย Finger Lakes Wine Festival are some of the great fests to enjoy local delicacies. If you want to brush up on your local history knowledge- Ganondagan State Historic Site is a good option.
The Seneca-Cayuga Canal is proof that tranquility exists even in the hustle and bustle of New York State. If you want to spend even a night of your life like a royal monarch, try to get a room at the Belhurst Castle.
9. Capital-Saratoga
Quaint farms, peaceful, tranquil lakes, and huge architecture make the Capital-Saratoga a must-visit during your New York State trip.
Americaโs ancient racecourse- Saratoga Race Course is the prime attraction here. Sports Illustrated ranks this place among the best 10 sports venues in New York State and in the entire world. You can even try out your luck in gambling at one of the worldโs finest casinos- Saratoga Casino.
Look into some jazz and rock concerts at the infamous Saratoga Performing Arts Center. If you like racing and want to know a bit about its history, do check out the National Museum of Racingโs Hall of Fame.
Downtown Broadway, which happens to be a street in Capital-Saratoga, is one of the most luxurious streets of New York State, as mentioned by Travel+Leisure. Check out Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and the Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany if you are into amazing music.
Enjoy some fine baseball games of the Valley Cats at the Bruno Stadium. Certain travel and cruise companies offer majestic cruises on the Hudson River- Dutch Apple Cruises is the best of the lot.
Try out your spirits and beers at the world-renowned award-winning Saratoga Brewery- Druthers Brewing Company. The pub has other branches in different places in New York State. Donโt forget to try out their rum and whiskey, which are said to be inspired by 19th-century styles.
For relaxing and treating yourself to a day of a spa- Roosevelt Baths & Spa situated in the Gideon Putnam Resort is ideal.
10. Thousand Islands-Seaway
A recreational paradise- Thousand Island- Seaway has something for both indoor and outdoor personalities.
The quaint New York State spot that gifts some views full of splendor. Waterfalls, rivers, dazzling coastlines, state parks- everything lies within this place. Ideal for camping, swimming, hiking, trekking- Thousand Islands will help you get in touch with nature again.
Clayton Island Tours is an amazing company that plans trips around the islands in a speedboat and basically gives you a tour of the entire content. Boldt Castle, Fort Ontario, and Singer Castle are some of the historical architectures that will blow your mind away.
Eisenhower Lock & Visitor Center is an excellent place to check out if you want to know how the locks and river work in harmony. If you are interested in trying out some water sport activities- Black River Canyon white-water rafting is a must.
Get into an amazing festive mood and learn more about the water life and pirate during the Cape Vincentโs French Festival that takes place in July. All these events and things make it a beautiful and enjoyable serene spot.
When in Thousand Island, New York State, try to reside in one of the cottages that give a lakeside view or a resort. The scenes will touch your soul and will encourage you for a second-time visit.
New York State: PIZZAS!
While Italy might have been the genesis of Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas, New York State is renowned worldwide for its brand of pizzas.
A vacation to New York State is thoroughly incomplete without a few pizzas. A perfect list has been curated by pizza experts who live and breathe pizzas, and you must check them out!
1. OโScugnizzo Pizzeria
Being the oldest pizza shop in central NY and the second oldest in the entire New York State- OโScugnizzo Pizzeria has a lot of living up to its name, and it sure does.
After 100 years of service, the pizza it serves is perfect indeed!
Recommendations: Tomato Pie with freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
2. Pizzeria Posto
The quaint pizzeria in Hudson Valley has quite the wooden oven when it comes to baking their delicious pizzas. The oven they use was specially brought in from Italy and reassembled here.
The Pizzeria is renowned for creating some magical, unique flavors.
Recommendations: Mirandi (has plenty of pistachios), Mama-Mia ( fennel sausage, smoked onions, and lots of mozzarellas), Dessert includes Baba Louie that is a dessert pizza wrapped in gooey hot Nutella.
3. Di Fara
Finally, a pizzeria located in the heart of New York City- Di Fara is a pilgrimage spot of New York State Pizza lovers.
Situated in Brooklyn, many states this as the best available pizza in all of NY. Domenico DeMarco, the pizzeriaโs sole owner, has been running the business with the same success since 1965. He ships the materials from Italy and grows the sensational herbs just outside the pizzeria window!
Recommendations: Locals as well as tourists, highly love each and every pie.
4. Caffรฉ Rustica
A hidden gem just across the street from Lake Placid- Caffรฉ Rustica is a must when you are visiting the area. Chef Kevin Gregg, a renowned figure in the American culinary business, runs this place independently.
Recommendations: People try out many pizzas that taste like they were flown out of Italy just five minutes ago. The pizzas created in the wooden oven are especially delicious.
It is extra beneficial for you if you are into different kinds of meat as most of the pizzas are topped with a wide variety of different sausages and meats.
5. Little Vincentโs
Long Islandโs Little Vincent is one of the big names in the pizzeria world! The delicately prepared thin yet crunchy crusts along with dripping cheese and sauces win the hearts of all.
The specially prepared cold cheese is a table-turner for Little Vincent. It is a unique and brilliant trick they have in their sleeves that turns the entire game around. The hotness of the fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza and the cold cheese diffuses in such a way that indulges our taste buds.
Recommendations: Any pizza topped with the infamous cold cheese.
Herein we conclude our entire things to do and try out in New York State. When are you planning your next visit? Let us know down in the comment section!
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Last Updated on by Sathi