New York State’s number-one attraction is obvious: the Big Apple, one of the world’s great cities, is rightly celebrated for its cinematic scale and world-class culture, its multicultural feel and dynamite dining scene. But there are more things to do in New York than discovering its eponymous metropolis. From the wineries of the Finger Lakes to the beaches of Long Island, from the thunder of Niagara Falls to the splendor of the Hudson River Valley, the Empire State serves up just as much natural wonder as it does urban thrill.
Fall is an excellent time to visit New York State. In the Adirondacks and Catskills, the leaves are ripe for peeping. In the Finger Lakes, it’s harvest season. And in the Big Apple, events like the New York Marathon are making the city buzz even more than usual. But summer is also enchanting—if you can stand the heat. Whether you escape to Fire Island and the Hamptons or prefer to stay in NYC for Fourth of July events, Pride, and the US Open, there’s so much to do in New York in the summer.
Transit options abound for those navigating New York City, from hopping on the subway to hailing one of those iconic yellow cabs. From Grand Central Station, Amtrak and local train services link the city with northerly destinations, while Greyhound and Megabus services offer passage to cities like Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. It’s also possible to hop on a short-haul flight to state highlights like Niagara Falls for a quicker trip.
New York City may be known for its cultural scene, but one of the state’s best art destinations is located north of the city, in the Hudson Valley. The Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre sculpture park that offsets its artworks against the beauty of the landscape. For any visiting culture lovers, it’s worth making a pilgrimage.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 303 | Tours 2,363 | Reviews 210,718 |
The Statue of Liberty is New York State’s number-one attraction. Not just symbolic of the Big Apple but of the United States—and American democracy—itself, the statue has been a fixture of the New York Harbor since 1886. The statue (and neighboring Ellis Island) are accessible by ferry.
...MoreNew York State has a wealth of beauty spots, and some of its loveliest locales include the Adirondack Mountains, the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson River Valley, and the Finger Lakes region. Montauk’s idyllic beaches are picture-perfect, while the thundering might of Niagara Falls is hard to compete with.
...MoreFour days is just enough time if you want to visit New York City’s highlight attractions, explore its dynamic neighborhoods, attend a Broadway show, and indulge in its eclectic dining scene. If you wish to see more of New York State, however, at least one week is recommended.
...MoreOctober is one of the best months to visit New York State. Early in the month, it’s still warm enough for comfortable outdoor hikes and excursions; later the state’s mountain ranges and nature reserves erupt into a riot of fall colors. The month’s festive feel is another bonus.
...MoreJuly is the hottest month in New York State, with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C). However, temperatures can quickly rise when a heatwave strikes; particularly in the concrete jungle that is New York City, the heat and humidity can be extreme. Record highs have hit 106°F (41°C).
...MoreBeyond New York City, New York State is famous for natural wonders like Niagara Falls; major hubs like Buffalo, Albany, and Ithaca; and upstate ski resorts in the Catskill and Adirondack mountains. It’s also renowned for the beachy scenery of Long Island and the charming towns of the Hudson Valley.
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