Come Dream in the Never-Sleeping City.
Welcome to New York City. But things do change, even for frequent visitors. The Oculus is fully open, reservations are no longer required as they were at the 911 Memorial, the World Financial Center is now Brookfield Place, and too many attractions are closing while too many are opening. You can discover frank and objective assessments and recommendations about many of them here on the pages of VisitNewYork.com, the official website of the Associated Visitors Bureaus for visitor information.
Gotham is an easily manageable destination for first-time visitors who may be concerned about its size and the difficulty of navigating the city; if you have heard that the locals are cold or that the city is too large, it may be from someone who simply wanted to find a way to tell you that they have been there without boasting.
In a day or two, you may be directing newly arrived tourists down the numbered avenues that go north and south and the numbered streets that run east and west (the odd-numbered streets go west toward the Hudson, and the even-numbered ones go east toward the East River).
Best Places to Visit in New York State
Adirondacks
There are hundreds of settlements, lakes, valleys, and trails spread across the approximately 6 million acres of upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Hikers can explore the region’s more than 2,000 miles of trails, skiers can shave snow on Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, and water enthusiasts may canoe or kayak on Saranac Lake or go boating on Tupper Lake. Additionally, visitors should plan on spending some time at historical sites like Fort Ticonderoga and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, as well as tasting local brews and wines.
Niagara Falls
There are hundreds of settlements, lakes, valleys, and trails spread across the approximately 6 million acres of upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Hikers can explore the region’s more than 2,000 miles of trails, skiers can shave snow on Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, and water enthusiasts may canoe or kayak on Saranac Lake or go boating on Tupper Lake. Additionally, visitors should plan on spending some time at historical sites like Fort Ticonderoga and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, as well as tasting local brews and wines.
The Finger Lakes
Travelers looking for a tranquil haven with beautiful surroundings will find the Finger Lakes region to be a romantic New York escape. Popular activities in this region of northwest New York include hiking and boating at nearby state parks, wine tasting at the vineyards along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and skiing at the nearby resorts. Known for their breathtaking fall foliage, the Finger Lakes are a great place to visit all year round because of their abundance of quaint towns and seasonal attractions.
New York City
For good reason, New York City is a top destination on many tourists’ bucket lists because it is a center of culture, the arts, cuisine, and sightseeing. The Big Apple has plenty to offer everyone. You may take a cuisine tour of Manhattan’s various neighborhoods, see a Broadway production, explore the renowned Empire State Building, stroll the High Line, visit the dozens of museums, and shop till you drop along Fifth Avenue. Remember to take a stroll through the famous Central Park and stop by its must-see attractions, such as the Conservatory Garden and Central Park Zoo.
Lake George
This village in New York’s expansive Adirondack mountain region, which is home to “The Queen of American Lakes,” is a popular destination for tourists. Try your hand at water sports like parasailing, water skiing, kayaking, and more, or swim in Million Dollar Beach’s pristine Lake George waters. Adventurers can walk to the top of Prospect Mountain for stunning views, while history buffs can refresh their knowledge of the French and Indian War at the Fort William Henry Museum, which is located away from the lake. Families will also enjoy the several mini-golf courses and amusement parks in the area.
Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands region is made up of more than 1,800 islands, despite its name. An open-air boat cruise is the finest way to observe this huge region, which also extends into Canada. Along with narration about the real-life pirates who once roamed the islands’ waters and the Gilded Age tycoons who once called the area home, a picturesque cruise here will take you past lighthouses, mansions, and castles. When you’re ready to get back on land, you can fish in Mary Island State Park or stroll the trails in Wellesley Island State Park.
Bear Mountain State Park
Situated in the Palisades region of New York, on the western banks of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park provides expansive views of the Hudson Valley and the surrounding highlands. Hikers can traverse lakes, gorges, and valleys on the park’s forested trails, which include a section of the Appalachian Trail. In addition, the park has a zoo, a swimming pool, a hand-painted merry-go-round, and a seasonal outdoor ice rink, making it a fun place for the whole family. (Note: Parts of this park are still closed due to storm damage sustained in July 2023. Please check the park’s website for the current operating status.)
Sleepy Hollow
Famous for its short novel “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” published in 1820, this small town is located approximately 30 miles north of New York City and is a must-see on any itinerary for the Hudson Valley. Visit Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, first, and then Tarrytown, which is close by, to see the magnificent Lyndhurst Mansion. Take a lantern-lit guided tour of the renowned Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in the twilight. If you are considering a fall vacation, make reservations for your lodgings well in advance, as this town gets flooded with tourists around Halloween.
The Catskills
Nature lovers are drawn to the 98 peaks of the Catskill Mountains in southeast New York. Of Catskill Park’s 700,000+ acres, about 40% are set aside as “forever wild,” which means you’ll have access to expansive areas perfect for outdoor recreation. There are many of chances to ski and snowboard in the Catskills throughout the winter. In the meanwhile, summer is ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including zip line, boating, hiking, and hunting. You can enjoy the comforts at one of the best resorts in the area or explore the art scene in the Catskills, which was the birthplace of America’s first art movement, the Hudson River School.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East due to its striking gorge, is a little-known destination for nature-loving tourists. Trekking some of Letchworth’s 66 miles of hiking routes will allow you to see several of the park’s hundreds of rivers and three sizable waterfalls. There are also many of chances to do whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, biking, and even hot air ballooning in the park. If you would rather engage in winter activities than summer ones, come when the weather cools down so you can go snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.