Discover diverse activities in New York State, from the scenic trails of the Adirondacks to NYC's vibrant arts scene. Explore top destinations for hiking, cultural events, dining, and more in this guide.
New York State is vast and varied, with a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, cultural significance, history, and entertainment. Here's a comprehensive list of activities and places to consider when visiting the Empire State:
Outdoor & Nature Activities:
Hiking: The Adirondack High Peaks offer challenging hikes, while the Hudson Valley has scenic trails like Breakneck Ridge. Letchworth State Park offers views of its stunning gorges.
Camping: Adirondack Park provides both backcountry and established campsites. Watkins Glen State Park has family-friendly campgrounds.
Biking: The Erie Canalway Trail runs from Buffalo to Albany, great for long-distance rides. For mountain biking, check out Ellicottville.
Fishing: Lake Ontario and its tributaries are popular for salmon. The Catskill Mountains offer pristine trout streams.
Boating: Lake George in the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes, such as Seneca and Cayuga, are hotspots for boating.
Rock Climbing: The Gunks in the Hudson Valley is renowned for its climbing routes.
Bird Watching: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in the Finger Lakes is a migratory stopover.
Horseback Riding: Lake Placid offers scenic trail rides.
Swimming: Jones Beach State Park on Long Island or Lake Welch Beach in Harriman State Park.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid or Hunter Mountain in the Catskills.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Mendon Ponds Park near Rochester.
Ice Skating: Rockefeller Center in NYC or Mirror Lake in Lake Placid.
Snowmobiling: Tug Hill Plateau receives heavy snowfall, making it perfect for this activity.
Wildlife Viewing: The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington lets you encounter local wildlife.
Cultural & Artistic Activities:
Museum & Gallery Hopping: NYC's MoMA or The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Buffalo's Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Theater: Broadway in NYC for world-class performances.
Music: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts at the original Woodstock site.
Dance: New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.
Crafting Workshops: Glassmaking at Corning Museum of Glass in the Southern Tier.
Historical Reenactments: Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain stages battles from the Revolutionary War.
Recreational & Leisure Activities:
Spa Days: Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson Valley offers a luxurious retreat.
Golfing: The public course at Bethpage State Park on Long Island has hosted U.S. Open Championships.
Wine & Beer Tasting: Finger Lakes region, especially around Seneca and Keuka Lakes for wineries.
Farm Visits: Apple-picking at Masker Orchards in Warwick.
Shopping: Fifth Avenue in NYC or antique shops in Cold Spring.
Dining: NYC's diverse dining scene offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to local ethnic enclaves.
Reading: The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Manhattan.
Photography: Capture the fall foliage in the Catskills or the skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Events & Festivals:
Film Festivals: The Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.
Cultural Festivals: The West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn.
Parades: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC.
Agricultural Fairs: The New York State Fair in Syracuse.
Educational Activities:
Workshops & Classes: Culinary classes at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.
Lectures & Talks: Frequent guest speakers at 92nd Street Y in NYC.
