If your bags are packed and your travel reservations are made, it’s time to start thinking about how to spend your time in New York State. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of America, New York caters to travelers of all demographics and interests.
We’ve compiled some of the most beloved places to visit in New York State so you can pinpoint how to make the most of your trip and treat yourself to diverse experiences that speak to this state’s undeniable charm and character.
New York State will impress those who are eager to spend some time between the trees, deep in the valleys, or at the top of peaks.
Finger Lakes National Forest is New York State's only national forest, and it’s a fantastic place to go if you’re interested in hiking, fishing, camping, or participating in any other type of outdoor activity, such as horseback riding, birdwatching (grassland birds, shrubland birds, and forest birds abound here), or snowshoeing. Located on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in New York State’s picturesque Finger Lakes region, Finger Lakes National Forest gives tourists numerous opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful and worthwhile ways.
Inclined to visit a new and innovative park that opened to the public as recently as 2021? If so, Little Island should appear on your list of places to visit in New York City! Located within Hudson River Park, which is nestled along Manhattan’s west side, Little Island is comprised of a pier with an incredibly distinct exterior that offers tourists stunning views of the New York City skyline. The park’s maritime botanic garden features 35 species of trees, 65 species of shrubs, and 270 varieties of grasses, perennials, vines, and bulbs. Little Island was also designed to include two performance venues that host cultural events that promote community engagement and foster an appreciation for the arts. If you’d like, you could coordinate your trip to coincide with an upcoming event that you find compelling.
Whiteface should be included on your list of places to visit if you’re seeking an adrenaline rush. Skiers and snowboarders flock to this mountain’s slopes during the wintertime, while hiking and biking enthusiasts like to put their boots down or their tires on the ground, respectively, during the warmer seasons. No matter what time of year you visit Whiteface, we recommend traveling on Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway (put 646 Route 431, Wilmington, NY 12997 in your GPS), which will take you directly to the summit and give you gorgeous views of the Adirondack Park. Should you prefer not to drive to the summit, consider taking a Whiteface Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride, which will transport you from the base of Whiteface Mountain to the peak of Little Whiteface—it’s a 15-minute ride that you’ll be glad you took.
The beaches, lakes, and rivers throughout New York State are suitable for laid-back excursions as well as heart-pumping adventures.
If you’re staying in or near New York City and need a break from the honking horns and constant flow of traffic, you might want to hop on a ferry at Bay Shore and make your way to Fire Island. It’s here where you’ll find a welcoming coastal town called Kismet. If you want to lounge on the white sand beach, play tennis at one of the nearby courts, or give your children an opportunity to play on the playground or build sandcastles, Kismet Beach is bound to offer you a quiet, enjoyable getaway along the shore.
The Iroquois people lived on the high falls of the Genesee River in the early 1800s. This river—a tributary of Lake Ontario that stretches 160 miles—features some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you can find in all of New York State. If you’re enamored by the thought of putting not one, not two, but three waterfalls on your list of places to visit in New York, we recommend spending a day in Rochester. The Lower, Middle, and High Falls are all within walking distance of each other; this makes for a unique and convenient opportunity to marvel at three distinct waterfalls that are in such close proximity.
Just 10 miles north of Syracuse is Oneida Lake, which lies wholly within New York State. This lake is a premier destination for people who love to spend time on or near the water. Renting a kayak, pontoon, fishing boat, jet ski, or similar watercraft is easy. We recommend packing a picnic and catching a sunrise or sunset over the lake, which would be a perfect way to unwind after a day spent paddling, fishing, swimming, or participating in any other water-based activities that appeal most to you.
Beyond the most popular places to visit—such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, and 9-11 Memorial & Museum—you’ll find a plethora of places in New York State to explore and admire.
Name a famous band or artist, and chances are they’ve played at Madison Square Garden. The world’s most successful bands and musicians have graced the stage at this massive indoor venue, which is located in New York City (Midtown Manhattan, to be exact). Regarded as “The World's Most Famous Arena,” this is one of the most exciting places to visit if you’re open to being part of a crowd of up to 20,000 fellow fans. Want to catch a sporting event instead? Good news: Madison Square Garden is home to the NBA basketball team, the New York Knicks, and the NHL ice hockey team, the New York Rangers.
Literature lovers will appreciate stopping by the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, which is the last home in which the famous writer lived before his death in 1849. This lovingly preserved cottage, which was built in the early 1800s, is a New York City and New York State landmark that’s operated by The Bronx County Historical Society. Located in the Bronx’s scenic and welcoming Poe Park, this cottage will be a thrill for those who appreciate Poe’s works and his ongoing legacy as one of America’s most influential writers.
The Hayden Planetarium is part of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Individuals, couples, and families who are fascinated by space will be delighted by all the immersive exhibits and special events they’ll find on the planetarium’s daily schedule. State-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge software make it possible to better understand the solar system and galaxies that exist far beyond our own. Like all museums, it’s a pleasure to explore it at your own pace and allow your own personal interests to inform how you navigate the inside of this expansive, spherical-shaped building.
We hope this list of places to visit in New York State helps you shape and solidify your itinerary. No matter what areas you go to and what sights you prioritize, you’ll be enamored by this captivating, dynamic state on the East Coast. We encourage you to embrace every opportunity you get to explore, learn, and be inspired by New York and the myriad natural treasures and man-made amenities it holds.
If you’re ready to book your next trip to New York, GOV+ can help you skip the lines at the airport and complete a TSA PreCheck application in just a few minutes.
