21 Must-See Hidden Gems in New York State

Picking the best places in New York State feels like trying to narrow down your favorite songs – there’s just too much good stuff to choose from. From the bright lights of Manhattan to the quiet corners of the Adirondacks, New York serves up an incredible mix of city buzz and natural wonders. You could spend weeks exploring NYC’s neighborhoods alone, but venture beyond the Big Apple and you’ll find everything from thundering waterfalls to peaceful wine country, historic small towns to wild mountain trails.

We’ve searched high and low across the Empire State to bring you spots that showcase all sides of New York. Our picks range from famous landmarks to hidden gems, considering not just how these places look in photos, but the authentic experiences they offer and the stories they tell about New York’s rich heritage.

Think of this list as your road map through New York State – whether you’re craving big city energy or seeking quiet moments in nature, these 21 destinations will give you a true taste of what makes New York special. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite corner of the state.

Niagara Falls, New York

Ever watched 600,000 gallons of water thunder over a cliff every second? That’s just another day at Niagara Falls, where three massive waterfalls create North America’s most powerful natural display. Located on the border between New York and Canada, this natural wonder draws millions of visitors who hop aboard the Maid of the Nest boat tour to feel the cool mist on their faces or explore the Cave of the Winds walkways. Beyond the falls, the surrounding town offers classic American charm with its old-school diners, hiking trails, and the oldest state park in the US. Visit at night to see the falls lit up in a rainbow of colors, or come in winter when ice formations create a magical frozen landscape.

Adirondack Mountains

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Adirondack Mountains for their 46 High Peaks, but this vast wilderness region offers much more than just climbing opportunities. The area spans six million acres of protected land, featuring countless lakes, rivers, and dense forests that create a natural playground for every season. In summer, visitors can paddle crystal-clear lakes or explore over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, while winter transforms the landscape into a paradise for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Even if you’re not into extreme adventures, the small mountain towns scattered throughout the region offer cozy lodges, local craft breweries, and museums that tell the rich history of this ancient mountain range.

The Hamptons

Ever wondered where New York’s elite escape when the city gets too hectic? Just a two-hour drive from Manhattan, the Hamptons is where old money meets beachside charm on Long Island’s South Fork. This string of seaside villages has been the summer playground for Manhattan’s wealthy set since the late 1800s, but you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy its long stretches of pristine beaches and charming main streets. The area is packed with farm stands selling fresh produce, art galleries showcasing local talent, and historic whaling towns like Sag Harbor that tell tales of maritime past. You can spend your mornings cycling past grand estates hidden behind tall hedges, afternoons lounging on Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, and evenings sampling local wines at one of the many vineyards that dot the North Fork.

Lake Placid

My first visit to Lake Placid was during the crisp autumn of 2019. Nestled in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, this former Winter Olympics host city sits between Mirror Lake and Lake Placid itself. The charming Main Street and cozy lodges make up the heart of town, while the Olympic facilities still stand proud along the outskirts. The ski jumps pierce the skyline, and the Olympic Center’s ice rinks continue to train future champions. From the top of Whiteface Mountain, you can see the whole village below, where the waters of Mirror Lake reflect the surrounding peaks like a natural looking glass.

Finger Lakes Region

Wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts keep coming back to the Finger Lakes Region, and it’s easy to see why. This collection of 11 long, narrow lakes carved by ancient glaciers stretches across central New York, creating a landscape that’s perfect for both adventure and relaxation. The area has made a name for itself with its 100+ wineries dotting the hillsides, but that’s just the beginning of what you’ll find here. Between kayaking on pristine lakes, hiking through gorges at Watkins Glen, and hopping between charming small towns like Skaneateles and Hammondsport, you could spend weeks exploring and still not see it all. While summer draws the biggest crowds, I’d argue that fall is the sweet spot – when the weather cools down and the surrounding forests put on a spectacular show of color.

Thousand Islands

Visitors flock to the Thousand Islands region for its maze of waterways and scattered landmasses dotting the St. Lawrence River between New York and Canada, but the area offers much more than just boat rides. The collection of over 1,800 islands features everything from small rocky outcrops to larger inhabited islands with historic mansions and castles like Boldt Castle on Heart Island. In summer, the waters come alive with fishing boats, kayakers, and island-hopping tours, while the surrounding towns like Alexandria Bay and Clayton provide spots for antiquing, waterfront dining, and learning about the region’s rich history at local museums. Whether you’re into maritime adventures or prefer relaxing with a glass of local wine, the Thousand Islands region delivers year-round appeal with its mix of water activities and small-town charm.

Watkins Glen State Park

Have you ever walked through a gorge carved by glaciers over thousands of years? That’s what awaits at Watkins Glen State Park, where 19 waterfalls tumble down moss-covered cliffs along a two-mile trail. Located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, this natural wonder lets you weave through caverns and under cascading water on stone pathways built in the 1930s. The Rainbow Falls Bridge offers one of the park’s most photographed views, where you can stand beneath a waterfall while looking out at the lush glen. During summer months, you can join guided tours through the gorge or explore the park’s Olympic-sized pool, while fall brings a display of red and gold leaves that reflect in the crystal-clear streams below.

Fire Island

Ever taken a ferry to a car-free paradise? That’s what you’ll find at Fire Island, a thin barrier island just off the coast of Long Island. This 32-mile stretch of sandy beaches and weathered boardwalks feels worlds away from the bustle of New York City, despite being just 60 miles from Manhattan. The island’s laid-back communities, from Ocean Beach to Cherry Grove, each have their own personality, where beach houses peek out from behind sand dunes and kids pedal bikes down narrow wooden walkways. You can spot deer wandering through beach plum patches, climb to the top of Fire Island Lighthouse for sweeping Atlantic views, or simply kick back on one of the quietest beaches in New York State.

Lake George

Looking for a perfect summer escape? Lake George is where upstate New Yorkers head when they need a break from city life. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, this 32-mile-long lake is lined with sandy beaches and dotted with over 170 islands waiting to be explored. Families gather here to swim in the clear waters, take boat tours past historic mansions, or stroll through the charming village filled with ice cream shops and local restaurants. The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails with lake views, and the nearby Fort William Henry Museum lets you step back into America’s colonial past. You can rent a cabin by the water, stay in one of the classic lakeside resorts, or camp under the stars – Lake George does summer vacations the way they’re meant to be done.

Saratoga Springs

Known for its natural mineral springs and horse racing heritage, Saratoga Springs draws visitors year-round to experience its unique blend of history and recreation. The famous Saratoga Race Course, operating since 1863, brings horse racing enthusiasts to town each summer for thrilling competitions and trackside festivities. Beyond the racetrack, the city’s Congress Park offers a peaceful escape with its classic architecture and mineral spring fountains, while the Saratoga Spa State Park lets visitors sample the healing waters that first put this town on the map. Even in winter months, the area stays lively with a robust arts scene centered around the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, where you can catch everything from classical concerts to modern dance performances.

Hudson Valley

Take a scenic drive along the Hudson River to explore the charming towns and historic sites of the Hudson Valley. This peaceful region offers everything from apple picking at local orchards to touring grand estates like the Vanderbilt Mansion. Art lovers can spend hours at Dia:Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed in a former factory, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike through the Mohonk Preserve. For a unique evening out, catch a movie at one of the region’s vintage drive-in theaters, or enjoy farm-to-table dining at restaurants that source ingredients from nearby Hudson Valley farms.

Letchworth State Park

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park sits about an hour south of Rochester, stretching along 17 miles of the Genesee River. The park’s defining feature is its deep gorge, where the river drops over three major waterfalls, each with its own personality. Like most places in upstate New York, it changes completely with the seasons – summer brings hikers and campers to its 66 miles of trails, while fall paints the gorge walls with red and gold maple leaves. What makes Letchworth different from other state parks is how the river carved its way through 600-foot cliffs over thousands of years, leaving behind a landscape that feels more like something you’d find out west. The park still shows traces of its history too, from old railway bridges to stone buildings that tell stories of the Native Americans and early settlers who once called this land home.

Montauk Point

Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk Point feels like it’s at the edge of the world. Much like other coastal towns in New York, it has beaches, seafood restaurants, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. But unlike its flashier Hamptons neighbors, Montauk maintains an authentic, laid-back charm that hasn’t changed much since its fishing village days. Just walk past the iconic lighthouse, still guiding ships as it has since 1796, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its prime location between the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, Montauk has long been a haven for fishermen and surfers, and you’ll find weather-worn fishing boats next to cozy seafood shacks that serve the morning’s catch.

Catskill Mountains

Experience nature at its finest in the Catskill Mountains, a peaceful escape just two hours from New York City. The mountains offer over 700,000 acres of forests, streams, and hiking trails where you can spot local wildlife or fish for trout in crystal-clear waters. In winter, head to Hunter Mountain or Windham for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings opportunities for camping, mountain biking, and swimming in natural pools. Stop by the charming mountain towns like Woodstock or New Paltz, where you’ll find local art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts perfect for a weekend getaway.

Cooperstown

Ever dreamed of stepping into baseball heaven? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Cooperstown, a charming village tucked away in upstate New York that’s home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Beyond the crack of bats and displays of baseball history, this lakeside town offers visitors a perfect slice of small-town America, complete with local breweries, the famous Fenimore Art Museum, and the enchanting Glimmerglass Opera House. You can spend your mornings paddling on pristine Otsego Lake, known as the “Glimmerglass” in James Fenimore Cooper’s novels, then wander through the Victorian-era Main Street where local shops and cafes transport you back to a simpler time.

Ithaca

If you’re looking for a place where natural beauty meets small-town charm, Ithaca needs to be on your radar. This college town, home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake and is famous for its “Ithaca is Gorges” slogan – a playful nod to the 150+ waterfalls that dot the landscape. The surrounding area feels like nature’s playground, with hiking trails weaving through places like Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park. It’s not just about the outdoors though – the downtown Commons area has become a hub for local food, craft beer, and live music, making it clear why so many students end up staying long after graduation.

Storm King Art Center

Located just an hour north of New York City, Storm King Art Center offers visitors a unique blend of art and nature across 500 acres of rolling hills and woodlands. The outdoor museum displays over 100 large-scale sculptures from famous artists, perfectly placed throughout the landscape to create an ever-changing experience as you walk the grounds. While many come to see the massive steel works by Alexander Calder and the towering pieces by Mark di Suvero, the destination is equally loved for its miles of walking paths and seasonal changes – from spring wildflowers to fall foliage. You can explore the grounds on foot or rent bikes to cover more territory, and the center regularly hosts special exhibitions, guided tours, and outdoor concerts that make each visit different from the last.

Whiteface Mountain

Many visitors trek to Whiteface Mountain for its Olympic legacy as host of the 1980 Winter Games, but this Adirondack peak offers much more than just skiing history. The mountain rises 4,867 feet above sea level, making it New York’s fifth-highest peak and a perfect spot for outdoor adventures year-round. In winter, skiers and snowboarders can tackle 90 different trails, while summer brings hikers and mountain bikers to explore the dense forest paths. You can even drive up the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway for spectacular views of Lake Placid and the surrounding wilderness, though most outdoor enthusiasts prefer to earn their summit views the old-fashioned way – on foot.

Bear Mountain State Park

Many visitors come to Bear Mountain State Park for its scenic Hudson River views, but this 5,205-acre natural playground offers much more than just pretty water vistas. Located just an hour north of New York City, the park features winding trails that lead to the top of Bear Mountain, where hikers can spot the Manhattan skyline on clear days. In fall, the park bursts with orange and red foliage, drawing leaf-peepers and photographers, while winter transforms it into a destination for ice skating and cross-country skiing. The park’s historic Perkins Memorial Tower and rustic Bear Mountain Inn provide glimpses into the area’s past, but you’ll find plenty of modern amenities like picnic areas, a zoo, and swimming pools to keep the whole family entertained year-round.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is a spot I recommend to anyone looking to escape the bustle of New York City. Stretching 120 miles along the New York-Vermont border, this freshwater lake offers visitors a perfect mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm. You can spend your days kayaking or fishing in the clear waters, hiking the surrounding trails, or exploring the historic lighthouses that dot the shoreline.

Mohonk Mountain House

I first visited Mohonk Mountain House on a crisp autumn weekend in 2019. Perched high in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains, this Victorian castle resort stands like something from a fairytale, overlooking Lake Mohonk’s crystal-clear waters. The 150-year-old property spans 40,000 acres of forest and well-maintained hiking trails, with the main building’s tower reaching toward the sky like a wooden sentinel. The resort’s famous Sky Top observation point offers sweeping views of the Hudson Valley below, while the property’s award-winning spa provides a perfect retreat after a day of mountain exploration. What makes this place special isn’t just its architecture or location – it’s how the resort has maintained its old-world charm while offering modern comforts to today’s travelers.