Looking for the most amazing places to see and things to do in Upstate New York? We are so excited to share with you all of our favorite spots from our years of exploring the state of New York on road trips, weekend getaways, and day trips from our home in Brooklyn!

From cool towns to natural wonders, New York has become one of our favorite places to travel, which is good news for us since we have easy access to everything here!

Outside of New York City, Upstate New York offers towns that have some of the dining, shopping, and cultural scenes full of cool museums, great restaurants, cultural and historic landmarks, and so much more!

Not to mention the state is chocked full of waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and everything that makes for a perfect camping trip or cabin getaway any season of the year!

Plus there are so many historic sites in the state of New York, some are mentioned below on their own or within the towns and destinations we recommend below! And a few of these might be wandering into Western New York territory, but if I am being honest, they are close enough to be thrown in the mix IMO.

So whether you’re planning a road trip around Upstate New York, looking for a weekend getaway, or need that little push of New York travel inspiration to help you decide where to go and what to do, we got you!

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Where to go in Upstate New York

Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Calling all baseball lovers! And charming town lovers, one of the best things to do in Upstate New York is to visit Cooperstown.

This charming town draws thousands of visitors each year from around the world because of its connection to baseball history and sites like the Baseball Hall of Fame, or Doubleday Field, and the birthplace of baseball!

For everyone else, this includes me, Cooperstown is also a charming town with Americana-style Main Street lined with a variety of shops and eateries that’s fun to take a stroll down. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the baseball sites but I didn’t drive out of the way to specifically come here for that like a baseball super fan!

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit one of the reasons I wanted to come to Cooperstown was to visit Ommegang Brewery for their ridiculously good Belgian-style brews which is located just outside of town! Another great reason to visit.

During the summer, some of the best things to do in Cooperstown include the variety of outdoor and lake activities on Otsego Lake. This is also one of our favorite places to visit in the fall, with its amazing foliage. Head to Lakefront Park to book a Glimmerglass Queen Tour Boat and enjoy the fall colors from the lake!

Corning

Another one of our favorite towns in New York to visit is Corning, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region.

Fans of Corning Ware and Corelle dishware will recognize Corning as the home of both brands! And for those who watch Netflix’s Blown Away series and the art of glass-blowing will also love it here!

This is where to go in Upstate New York for not only glass making but to learn about the history of glass at the stunning, state-of-the-art museum, Corning Museum of Glass!

Fun fact, one of Scott’s images of the Finger Lakes was on display in the museum!

The museum features glass art in every shape and form it’s inspired through the ages, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern sculptures. Plus, hands-on workshops where you can create your own glass treasures!

Okay, beyond the museum there are tons of other cool things to do in Corning, especially wandering down the charming Market Street for great restaurants and shops! And this is a great base for exploring all the wonderful things to do in the Finger Lakes too, including wine tasting!

Lake Placid & Whiteface Mountain

Nestled high in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is one of our favorite winter getaways in Upstate New York.

The town hosted the Olympic Games not once, but twice and is known for its convenient locale near Whiteface Mountain. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Upstate NY, this is the perfect combination of adventure, history, and relaxation.

You’ll love the downtown stretch of Lake Placid, with its cool vibes, shops, and restaurants. One of the must-do things to do in Lake Placid is to visit all the Olympic sites and exhibits, or skate at the skating oval!

All year round, the rustic inns lining the lake make for the coziest romantic getaways. And skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will want to check out Whiteface Mountain, which is considered one of the best ski mountains on the East Coast.

Watkins Glen State Park

One of the most magical places to visit in Upstate New York can be found in the Finger Lakes at Watkins Glen State Park. This dreamy waterfall trail feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

This state park is definitely bucket list-worthy and one of the most memorable things to do in Upstate New York. We’ve now been several times and anytime we are in the area, we will make an effort to go here as it’s just that stunning.

It features winding trails with stone bridges through stunning water-carved rock formations through a gorge. Not to mention, there are several other Finger Lakes waterfalls within driving distance from here you can check out too if you want more!

Don’t feel like hiking? From your car, you can see breathtaking beauties like Montour Falls, Aunt Sarah Falls, and Hector Falls.

Afterward, we recommend enjoying all the wonderful things to do around Seneca Lake. including a scenic boat tour. Not to mention there are several wineries (being in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country), cool towns, and more!

Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm in the Adirondack region is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Upstate New York for outdoor lovers. It’s a stunning canyon gorge with towering cliffs with the Ausable River cutting through it, creating breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty unlike anywhere else!

So this is one of the more unique things to do in the Adirondacks, and we’ve only been in the winter when you can snowshoe around.

The summer is the most popular time to visit because you can enjoy several more activities here from hiking, rafting, tubing, bouldering, and more!

Niagara Falls

One of the top tourist attractions in the United States (and North America) is Niagara Falls! Without a doubt, this is also one of the best natural wonders of New York!

You should definitely plan around spending time on both the United States and Canadian side of the falls. The Canadian side offers plenty of incredible hotels with views of the falls and many of the attractions surrounding the falls.

The US side offers a fantastic park with incredible, close-up views of the waterfall. Until Scott and I went recently, I hadn’t been since I was a child. It made my knees tremble looking at the top of the falls and seeing the sheer volume and force of the water plunging over the top.

During the warmer months, you’ll want to take a Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close experience with the falls! Niagara Falls is also one of our favorite leaf-peeping spots in Upstate New York in the fall.

There are great walking trails throughout the park and on Goat Island that offer great views of the falls. And for even more sightseeing, the historic Observation Tower is a must-visit spot.

Hudson

The town of Hudson is probably one of our favorite towns in the Hudson Valley near NYC! If you love great antique shopping, excellent food, and historical sites you’ll find plenty of stuff to do in Upstate NY right here.

Start on Warren Street, which is Hudson’s charming downtown area. You can enjoy an easy 1-mile stretch lined with clothing boutiques, the coolest record shop, bookstores, and one-of-a-kind eateries.

I’m always looking for vintage treasures when we travel, and antique shopping alone is one of the best things to do in Hudson! Hands down, The Antique Warehouse is an essential stop and if you’re like us, you’ll need at least a few hours to really explore!

Warren Street also features its share of antique stores that will not disappoint.

If you’re a fan of cool-looking lighthouses, one of the cutest is located in Hudson in the Hudson River. Or if you love old mansions, you’ll love the Olana State Historic Site nearby, another one of our favorite things to do in Hudson Valley. This 19th-century estate is a special piece of Hudson River Valley history that you can tour on the weekends.

Lake George

Another one of our favorite places to visit in Upstate New York in the Adirondacks region is Lake George. While this is one of the most famous summer lake vacation spots in New York, Lake George is stunning in the fall during fall foliage.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake George, in the fall it’s a MUST to do the scenic fall foliage boat rides. In the winter, less things are open, but the town does invite the winter tourists looking for an Adirondacks winter getaway including skiing at West Mountain.

No matter when you go, Lake George is a blast, with all the local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. If the weather’s good, there are also a surprisingly fun number of mini-golf in the area! And if you love American history, there are some fascinating 18th-century forts nearby including Fort William Henry in town!

Montauk

Located at the northern tip of Long Island, often referred to as “the end of the world,” Montauk is a dreamy Hamptons getaway.

Some highlights include the misty Montauk Point Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse in New York!), the gorgeous beaches, and local spa resorts if you’re looking to splurge.

There’s also a cool downtown area, where you’ll find the Montauk Brewing Company and other great restaurants!

During the summer, there are tons of amazing things to do in Montauk, between the plethora of seafood restaurant options and beaches with their exciting surfing scene.

Or visit Camp Hero State Park, which will fascinate everyone, from outdoor lovers and World War II enthusiasts to conspiracy theorists as well! (the conspiracies are said to be the inspiration behind the plot of Stranger Things!)

But we recommend visiting Montauk during the less-crowded shoulder seasons, which is also nice. We visited in April and it was really nice to enjoy not only Montauk, but all the other cool things to do in the Hamptons without the crowds!

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park should be on your bucket list if you love waterfalls. It’s a stunning park along the Genessee River in the Finger Lakes region featuring a few of the largest and most dramatic New York waterfalls.

It boasts around 50 different waterfalls, 66 miles of hiking trails, and the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.”

Come here if you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Upstate New York during the summer or fall. That’s when this breathtaking park shines!

There’s also kayaking, guided walks, horseback riding, fall foliage hikes, and much more. And May through October, you can see the park in a whole new way on a hot air balloon ride over the falls.

Winter offers its own magic, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities (though a lot of trails close this time of year).

And if you plan your trip in the spring through summer, you can book a stay at the Glen Iris Inn right at the waterfalls! This is something that’s been on our to-do list for awhile now! One of these years we will do it!

The Roxbury Experience

The town of Roxbury is set in the rugged Catskill Mountains and has been the inspiration of artists, nature lovers, and winter athletes for two centuries. But one of the coolest things this area is known for is The Roxbury Experience!

One of the most memorable places to visit in Upstate New York is the quaint town of Roxbury at the Roxbury Motel, a themed hotel that is worth basing an entire getaway around!

The Roxbury is made up of two very different sites: a renovated motor lodge in town with themed rooms and an elegant 19th-century estate a few miles away that has incredible themed cottages as well as rooms in the historic, original Inn at the Roxbury at Stratton Falls.

Stay at the Roxbury Motel for campy (but also elegant) themes, like “The Final Frontier” and “Tony’s Dance Floor!” We stayed at “Cinderella’s Gown” and “Dracula’s Fangs,” both of which were INCREDIBLE and unforgettable!

At the Roxbury at Stratton Falls, has an actual waterfall that’s gorgeous to visit along with the spa and a few wooded walking trails.

Hawk’s Nest

Let’s get one thing straight. Upstate NY has no a shortage of scenic drives and one of the most dramatic is for sure the Hawk’s Nest Lookout drive. You’ll find the stone overlook along Highway 97, a winding road with hairpin turns that follows the Delaware River. 

We’ve mentioned it as a stop if you’re exploring the towns and villages speckling the Catskills because it’s worth going out of your way to experience!

Whether you need a break from the summer heat or want to enjoy a scenic fall foliage drive, the curving highway drive through the mountains presents amazing views of lush mountain forests and the river below.

Plus, Hawk’s Nest gets its name because of the hawks and eagles that make their nests here in the early fall. As they migrate south, this is where to go in Upstate New York to see the birds of prey in all their glory.

The Site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival

If you want to visit the original Woodstock Music Festival Site, you won’t go to Woodstock, NY. No, you’ll go to Bethel, about 50 miles southwest! While Woodstock is surely one of the coolest towns to visit in the Catskills, it’s much further from the actual festival site despite the name, that’s another story but essentially the festival was meant to be in Woodstock, and it wasn’t.

The infamous 1969 festival was held in a field at a dairy farm in Bethel, and today you can visit the plaque commemorating the event along with visiting The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which includes a museum dedicated to this legendary event!

One of the best things to do in Upstate New York, this art complex honors the memories of the 1960s and the impact the Woodstock Music Festival had on the era. The indoor and outdoor exhibits are moving and memorable.

After exploring Bethel, you’ll be hungry, so stop at Kev’s BBQ! Their award-winning ribs must be experienced. Kev’s is open May through mid-November, offering picnic-style dining from their food truck.

Beacon & Bannerman Castle

Art, antiques, good food, nature, and a castle on the Hudson River? Yes, please! Set on the banks of the Hudson River, the walkable town of Beacon is the perfect weekend getaway.

The art museum Dia: Beacon is a must, the amazing hiking trails out of town are mind-blowing, and downtown Beacon is so cute full of charming shops, restaurants, and historic storefronts!

With tours leaving from Beacon, Bannerman Castle is truly a gem to visit! If you love unique Hudson Valley history, you’ll love exploring this interesting 18th-century Scottish-inspired castle that served as a military surplus warehouse sitting on top of Pollepel Island in the Hudson River.

April through October, you can choose from a boat or kayak tours. Once there, you can explore the wooded paths around the castles, as well as learn about the castle ruins themselves, which is a fascinating story! We went this last fall and it was such a memorable experience!

Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls, a town packed with historical stuff to do in Upstate NY. History lovers will find countless things to do here. Seneca Falls is best known as the birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement and modern feminism, and also as the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life!

There are all the moving women’s rights sites, including the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Wesleyan Chapel in the Women’s Rights National Historic Park. And you can explore the charming It’s a Wonderful Life Museum before taking a walk on the famous bridge from the movie.

Plus, Seneca Falls is set between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake and offers access to exploring the whole Finger Lake region!

Hop Around the Hamptons

Located on eastern Long Island’s South Fork, the Hamptons offer visitors a string of darling (and luxurious) beachfront towns and villages to explore.

While the Hamptons can be visited every season of the year, it should be no surprise that the towns of the Hamptons are hopping during the summer!

Some essential stops include the charming town of Sag Harbor, a former whaling village. It’s full of fascinating historical sites, a top-notch dining scene, and one of the prettiest Main Streets we’ve seen!

We also recommend visiting East Hampton at the end of the summer for its white-sand beaches, local art galleries, and dining and shopping opportunities on Main Street.

Southampton is another must-see destination, with even more amazing shopping and the original Tate’s Bakeshop! Take a drive along Billionaire’s Lane, and while you’re here, you’ll want to go wine tasting and check out the gorgeous white-sand beaches.

Ithaca

The catchy slogan for Ithaca is, Ithaca is Gorges! And it’s no wonder why boasting 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius in the heart of the Finger Lakes! Beyond the incredible waterfalls in Ithaca, you’ll find as well as the beautiful Cayuga Lake, and the lovely downtown that’s home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University.

Some of our favorite things to do in Ithaca (there are a lot) include hiking trails to see one cascading waterfall after another at Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park.

Further out, take a scenic drive a few minutes along Cayuga Lake to see the 250-foot waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park. And that’s just a few of our favorites!

Just make sure in between chasing waterfalls that you spend time exploring downtown and enjoying the amazing dining and drinking scene here!

Fort Ticonderoga

If you’re looking for historic sites and things to do in Upstate New York in the Adirondacks, consider a visit to Fort Ticonderoga. Set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Champlain, this area along the New York/Vermont state line is ripe with American history.

Fort Ticonderoga is a beautifully preserved 18th-century fortress built by the French that saw both the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War. It was seized at different times by the English and then Americans. The fort is open seasonally, offering guests a variety of experiences, including different tours, demonstrations, events, and more.

Today, the fort is in a very rural area (and offers amazing views of the lake!). The greater area around Lake Champlain and nearby Plattsburgh offers a variety of fun things to do throughout the year.

New Paltz

Another amazing Upstate New York destination for American history is the 300-year-old town of New Paltz. Start your exploration in the cute downtown area. The hilly Main Street is lined with colorful 19th-century storefronts featuring fun shops, antique stores, fusion restaurants, ancient delis, and more!

Make your way down to the historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District that dates to the 1600s. You can explore the 7 houses, the church and graveyard, and the Esopus Munsee Wigwam that make up the district. There’s a visitors center and some of the homes are open as museums.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to at least visit the stunning Mohonk Preserve and explore the trails (or stay at the famous Mohonk Mountain House). New Paltz is also a good place to head out on a hike into the rugged Minnewaska State Park.

Rochester

Rochester is a bustling city on the banks of Lake Ontario that offers visitors tons of the best stuff to do in Upstate NY. We were blown away during our first trip, which made us come back for more of the amazing things to do in Rochester. Dare I say it’s one of the most underrated cities in the US?

The city of Rochester is packed with culture, whether you’re coming for their Fringe Fest in the fall or visiting all the museums like the George Eastman Museum to learn about the founder of Kodak. You’ll also want to spend at least a half day at the Strong Museum of Play, reserving a good portion of that time to play games in the National Video Game Hall of Fame!

There are also historic figures tied to Rochester and sites including Susan B. Anthony and the father of the Civil Rights Movement, Frederick Douglass.

There’s also the historic Erie Canal to explore, whether on land along the Erie Canal Towpath or by booking a river cruise.

And we recommend a visit to the Genesee Brew House, which offers great brews and amazing views of High Falls. You’ll need a weekend getaway here to get it all in!

Phoenicia

You’ll find the charming, little town of Phoenicia high up in the Catskill Mountains. It’s an awesome Catskills getaway any time of the year with a surprising range of things to do in Upstate New York.

A must-visit is the Phoenician Diner. This unassuming eatery offers out-of-this-world breakfast and brunch options (including cocktails) made with fresh, local ingredients. After one of the best meals of your life.

Then drive to downtown Phoenicia and take a stroll down Main Street to explore the antique stores and Catskills Outfitters before heading out to ski or hike for the day.

Phoenicia is also a favorite launching point for us to explore the rest of the Catskills. It’s worth the drive nearby to the Emerson Kaleidoscope, the world’s largest kaleidoscope! And there are even more cute rural towns in the area to visit, like Woodstock, Hunter, and Tannersville.

Great Camp Sagamore

This next pick for where to go in Upstate New York is a personal favorite. Tucked away in the Adirondacks region is Great Camp Sagamore, this historic lodge dates back to 1895 and involves the likes of the Vanderbilts!

We visited during the pandemic and didn’t get to go inside, but we did enjoy the absolutely stunning lake loop trail. It’s a pretty easy trail but it traverses through the forest and the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout the trail. It was honestly just so beautiful and we both agreed it was one of our favorite walks we’ve done in nature together!

It’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re stopping for a few hours or plan on staying a weekend. May through October, you can take educational tours of the 27 different buildings at Great Camp Sagamore, all designated National Historic Landmarks.

And overnight guests can enjoy the lodge’s private rooms or cottages, meals at the dining hall, and more.

.Plus, there are other cool outdoorsy things to do nearby, like Owl’s Head Mountain and visiting the town of Long Lake.

Kingston

When looking for stuff to do in Upstate New York, there’s no shortage of cool towns to visit and one of the best is without a doubt, Kingston in the Hudson Valley!

Whether you like hunting down historical landmarks, scoring vintage finds and shopping at local boutiques, checking out street art, and more – the town of Kingston offers it all!

Fun fact, Kingston was New York’s first capital in 1777!

Don’t miss the moving Sojourner Truth plaque at the Ulster County Courthouse, where the abolitionist won her son’s freedom from enslavement. Or tour the Senate State Historic Site, where the first New York Senate met in 1777 after the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

If you’re a fan of scenic vintage train rides, hop aboard the Trolley Museum. Or enjoy all of Kingston’s many vintage stores and antique shops, each brimming with unique finds. And when you get hungry, there are a variety of fabulous cafes, bars, and restaurants serving up excellent ambiance and fresh, local cuisine.

Cold Spring

Another charming town, located in the Hudson Valley and worth a visit is Cold Spring. Here, you’ll find really cool shops and restaurants up and down pretty Main Street.

Take a stroll along tree-lined streets featuring 200-year-old, ivy-covered storefronts, white picket fences, and potted flowers. Take your time taking in the scenic mountain views while you peruse gift shops, cozy pubs, curated boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants.

And if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Upstate New York, you’ll want to take the opportunity to explore Hudson Highlands State Park! The 8000-acre park boasts miles of scenic hiking trails for all skill levels and panoramic views of the Hudson River along the way.

Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown

Especially if you’re heading out from NYC and you’re looking for places to visit in Upstate New York, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are a must! We love them both, especially in the fall for festive activities.

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow are a dynamic duo, especially when autumn hues color the landscape. Start in Tarrytown by exploring the charming Main Street, decked out in seasonal décor. And this is the place to come to see Gilded Age mansions, like Lyndhurst Mansion and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside.

Next, you might be saving the best for last when you head into Sleepy Hollow! Yes, this is the legendary setting of Washington Irving’s tale by the same name. Come during the month of October to embrace the spooky spirit of the town with a visit to the iconic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Or seek out all the Headless Horseman Sculpture.  

Tannersville

For more classic things to do in Upstate NY, you can’t beat Tannersville. There’s excellent shopping and tons of outdoor activities nearby, all deep in Rip Van Winkle territory!

One of our favorite things to do here is to hike Kaaterskill Falls, with its breathtaking cascading falls surrounded by lush forests not to mention this is one of the most popular things to do in the Catskills. And not far away, the cute downtown area of Tannersville has tons of personality. There are colorful storefronts, unique shops, and fun cafes to explore.

Tannersville draws outdoor lovers and winter sports enthusiasts because of neighboring Hunter Mountain. Tackle the slopes in winter or enjoy scenic hikes in the warmer months. All the while, you’ll take in the legendary beauty of the Catskills, which inspire the whimsical world of Rip Van Winkle.

Bonus Places to Visit in Upstate New York

We’ve shared some of the best things to do in Upstate New York that we’ve experienced. Now check out these places that we hope to soon check off our bucket list!

Boldt Castle & Thousand Islands

We love the idea of the opulence at Boldt Castle amidst the stunning Thousand Islands in the St Lawrence River. This Upstate gem, known for its Gilded Age elegance, offers a captivating glimpse into history. Exploring the lavish halls and elaborate gardens, all framed by breathtaking river views make it one of the best things to do in Upstate New York.

Howe Caverns

If you’re seeking unique things to do in Upstate New York, head underground at Howe Caverns, a gorgeous subterranean wonder in Upstate NY. Discover rock formations and underground waterfalls that must be experienced to be believed, making it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable adventure.

Herkimer Diamond Mines

How cool would it be to unearth treasures at Herkimer Diamond Mines? Known for its crystal-clear quartz crystals, it’s where to go in Upstate New York for a hands-on gem-mining adventure. It’s perfect for romantic couples and families alike!

Eternal Flame Falls

Technically in western New York, you’ll find the enchanting Eternal Flame Falls. Nestled in a lush forest, this hidden gem is one of the top things to do in Upstate New York. We hope to witness the magical sight of the perpetually burning flame set behind a waterfall.

Green Lakes State Park

What a dream to dive into nature’s beauty at Green Lakes State Park. The twin emerald lakes, surrounded by lush landscapes, offer a serene escape. With hiking trails and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York for outdoor lovers.

Chittenango Falls State Park

Chittenango Falls State Park is said to be a visual feast, showcasing a 167-foot waterfall cascading over ancient bedrock. One of the best places to visit in Upstate New York, it provides a scenic day in the woods for waterfall hunters like us!

Upstate New York Bucketlist (Post Summary):

• Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame
• Corning
• Lake Placid & Whiteface Mountain
• Watkins Glen State Park
• Ausable Chasm
• Niagara Falls
• Hudson
• Lake George
• Montauk
• Letchworth State Park
• The Roxbury Experience
• Hawk’s Nest
• The Site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival
• Beacon & Bannerman Castle
• Seneca Falls
• Hop Around the Hamptons
• Ithaca
• Fort Ticonderoga
• New Paltz
• Rochester
• Phoenicia
• Great Camp Sagamore
• Kingston
• Cold Spring
• Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown
• Tannersville
• Boldt Castle & Thousand Islands
• Howe Caverns
• Herkimer Diamond Mines
• Eternal Flame Falls
• Green Lakes State Park
• Chittenango Falls State Park

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