12 AMAZING Places to Visit in Upstate New York in 2025

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Upstate New York completely won me over the first time I drove through the Adirondacks. Between Letchworth State Park’s massive waterfalls and the raw power of Niagara Falls, this region packs some seriously jaw-dropping natural wonders. When you add in the charming wineries around the Finger Lakes and historic mansions along the Hudson, there are endless things to do in Upstate New York.

Let me tell you…standing at the edge of Niagara Falls, feeling the mist on my face and watching 750,000 gallons crash down every second, I truly understood why this place draws visitors from across the globe. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping Riesling, or exploring the wilderness, these are my favorite spots that make Upstate New York an amazingly cool destination.

Top 12 Places to Go in Upstate New York At a Glance

Planning a road trip through Upstate New York? Here’s your quick-hit guide to the region’s most unforgettable stops…from waterfall hikes to haunted hamlets. Tap any destination below to jump to its section in the full post.

• Best Riverfront Town Escape: Cold Spring
• Coolest Artsy Getaway: Woodstock
• Most Magical Waterfall Hike: Watkins Glen State Park
• Dreamiest Finger Lakes Village: Skaneateles
• Most Jaw-Dropping Gorge Views: Letchworth State Park
• Best College Town with Nature: Ithaca
• Ultimate Stop for Baseball Fans: Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
• Best Fall Foliage Adventure Base: Lake Placid
• Spookiest Autumn Destination: Sleepy Hollow
• Most Iconic Lake Town Getaway: Lake George

Here’s how I’d do it: road trip from the Hudson Valley up to the Adirondacks, stopping at spots like Cold Spring, Ithaca, and Lake Placid along the way. Ready to plan it out? Let’s dive into each destination below!

1. Ausable Chasm, The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” this massive sandstone gorge is perfect for scenic hikes, rafting, and epic photo ops. You can walk along cliffside trails, cross suspension bridges, and float between canyon walls carved by thousands of years of rushing water.

I recommend exploring the chasm on foot or take it up a notch by rafting or tubing through the narrowest sections. This is where the canyon walls feel like they’re closing in around you (in the best way). This place has been drawing visitors since the 1800s, and it still feels wildly untouched.

If you’re into geology, photography, or just want a unique day outdoors, Ausable Chasm delivers the kind of scenery that makes your jaw drop…and your camera roll explode. It’s a must-see in the Adirondacks for nature lovers!

2. Cold Spring

Situated in Putnam County, Cold Spring is not that far from NYC. In fact, it’s only an hour away, which makes it a convenient stop-over destination if you’re traveling to or from the city.

The first thing you’ll probably notice about Cold Spring is how serene and picturesque this small town is. It’s been that way for a long, as evidenced by the family-owned markets and 19^th-century architecture that has earned Cold Spring a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are a number of wonderful little shops and restaurants here as well as picnic and sightseeing spots in Cold Spring. Opportunities for hiking, golfing, biking, boating, and kayaking abound. Visit the Hudson Highlands for a stunning river view. Or you can explore famous landmarks like Bull Hill, Pollepel Island, Breakneck Ridge Trail, West Point Foundry, and Boscobel House and Gardens.

Feel like working up a sweat? The Storm King State Park climb goes all the way to Beacon Mountain, which is the highest peak in the Hudson Highlands. If you prefer to exercise your mind, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and the Putnam History Museum are also worth your time. The sheer variety of options is more than enough to make Cold Spring one of the best places to visit in upstate NY.

3. Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill Mountains

Tucked into the heart of the Catskills, Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in New York…and it absolutely lives up to the hype. This two-tier waterfall plunges an epic 260 feet, making it one of the tallest in the East. It’s up there with Bish Bash Falls as my favorite waterfalls in the Northeast!

The trail to the base is short but scenic, leading you through lush forest and across rocky ledges to views that feel straight out of a fantasy film. There’s also a cliffside overlook above the falls that gives you a totally different perspective…and both are especially magical during peak fall foliage, when the surrounding mountains explode with color.

It’s the kind of spot that feels ancient and powerful, yet totally accessible for a half-day adventure. Just get there early…Kaaterskill is no secret, and its raw beauty draws crowds for a reason! Nearby, I highly recommend doing a scenic drive on Route 28, checking out the town of Tannersville and Phoenicia with its farm-to-table restaurants.

• Read also: My Favorite Photo Spots in the Catskills

4. Woodstock

This eccentric town in upstate New York was put on the map in 1969 when it served as the host and namesake for the most famous music festival in entertainment history. Since then, Woodstock has become something of a mecca for rock ‘n’ roll aficionados. Many of the locals are also proud of their home’s artistic heritage, decorating their properties with memorabilia and tributes to the bygone age.

Hippie nostalgia isn’t the only thing Woodstock has to offer, though. It’s also home to some of the most interesting and unique of New York’s upstate attractions. For example, where else would you ever expect to find a genuine Tibetan Buddhist monastery like Karma Triyana Dharmachakra? Here you can meditate, learn more about Buddhism, or just marvel at the ornate artwork and architecture.

After you’re finished becoming one with the universe, enjoy a mile-long hike along the gorgeous Kaaterskill Falls. Alternatively, take in a live show at the beloved Bearsville Theater. Don’t forget to stop by the Mower’s Saturday Market on the weekend to hunt for handmade crafts and vintage goodies. After all that, rest up at the luxurious Glo Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage, or stop at Sunfrost Farms for some tasty refreshments.

5. Watkins Glen State Park

Situated at 1009 N. Franklin St. in Watkin Glens, Watkins Glen State Park is easily among the most popular places to visit in New York’s upstate area. This New York state park gets pretty jam-packed with tourists, particularly during the summer, and it’s not hard to see why.

At Watkins Glen, visitors can enjoy a scenic stroll alongside the crystal-clear waters of Glen Creek. Here, you’ll view phenomenal cliffs reaching up to 200 feet in height as well as almost 20 different waterfalls. Of these, make sure you keep an eye out for the impressive Cavern Cascade. Trust me when I say it’s an unforgettable sight.

During certain times of the year, visitors can take a shuttle from one side of Watkins Glen Gorge canyon to the other. Explore the park’s natural beauty from the safety and comfort of a sleek modern transport.

Still, for experienced hikers, there’s nothing quite like roughing up the steep hiking trail that spiderwebs across the landscape. Make sure to bring your walking boots, because you’ll definitely be getting a workout.

6. Skaneateles

Widely known as the “Gem of the Finger Lakes,” Skaneateles is a postcard-perfect town. It’s located in the heart of upstate New York, just four hours from New York City. However, it might as well be a whole other planet, thanks to its tranquil ambiance and proximity to Skaneateles Lake.

Skaneateles Lake is itself a famous tourist hotspot, due to its quiet splendor and ample camping, boating, and fishing opportunities. Those who love the great outdoors will also want to check out nearby Carpenter Falls, Emerson Park, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Erie Canal Park, and the Bahar Preserve. I also highly recommend checking out Seneca Lake nearby, another of my favorite Finger lakes to visit!

Treat your senses to a fragrant tour of the Lockwood Lavender Farm. Savor a tasting at Anyela’s Vineyards (famous for its exquisite Finger Lakes wine). Or, spend an afternoon observing the incredible collection of painting at the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. However you’re looking to spend your vacation, Skaneateles is one NY upstate attraction that’s sure to please. I recommend staying in a beautiful lake house to experience the best that upstate NY has to offer.

7. Letchworth State Park

Over the years, Letchworth State Park has earned itself the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.” And just like the “other” Grand Canyon, it’s something that has to be seen to be believed. Letchworth Park is one of my personal favorite places to visit in upstate New York. Ultimately, I predict it will be one of yours, too.

The park is over 14,000 acres in size and 17 miles in length. It follows the course of the Genesee River through a deep gorge and three equally breathtaking waterfalls. What’s more, these waterfalls are perfectly positioned to catch the sunshine, making colorful rainbows a common sight. Don’t forget to bring your camera in order to snag some souvenir snapshots.

Adventure enthusiasts can experience the Genesee River up close and personal by taking a kayak ride along its rushing waters. Or you can get an aerial view of the entire park while riding in a hot air balloon. Letchworth State Park is awe-inspiring from any angle!

8. Ithaca

Famous for having more than 100 waterfalls within ten miles of its downtown area, the city of Ithaca is one of the most striking places to visit in upstate New York. But natural beauty isn’t all this top-notch vacation destination has to offer. It’s also renowned for its vibrant local culture and historic importance.

A number of important figures from US history left their mark on Ithaca, as evidenced by such enriching tourist attractions as the Harriet Tubman Home, the John Johnston House, and the Phelps Mansion Museum, among others. If you don’t feel like taking a step into the past, though, why not take one towards the future at The Sciencenter, which features a walkable scale model of the solar system?

Feeling famished? Sample some homemade candy apples, donuts, and other goodies at one of the local orchards and cideries, such as South Hill Cider and The New York Cider Company. Or try one of the many, many bars and restaurants catering to students at nearby Cornell University and Ithaca College.

One attraction you absolutely cannot skip is Cayuga Lake. Ithaca sits on the southern shore of this 435-feet-deep glacial lake, the longest in all the Finger Lakes region. Folklore suggests that the picturesque lake is “Old Greeny,” a Loch Ness-esque sea monster. Will you be the one to uncover Cayuga’s mysteries?

9. Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

If baseball really is the quintessential American pastime, then there’s no doubt that the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum makes the city of Cooperstown one of the most important places to visit in upstate New York, especially if you’re a sports fan.

Founded in 1939, the Hall of Fame commemorates the achievements of over 300 of the greatest baseball players in the world. Countless priceless items of memorabilia are on display in the three-floor museum, which includes interactive exhibits and a veritable mountain of baseball history and trivia.

Items in the museum collection include more than 40,000 artifacts and more than 140,000 baseball cards. It’s no wonder that the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum attracts an estimated 260,000 every year. Take note that it is open every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

10. Lake Placid

Tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains, the peaceful village of Lake Placid truly lives to its name. For years, it’s been one of my favorite East Coast lakes for vacation, and that says a lot, given how many there are! If you’re looking to unwind and forget your stresses for a few days, you would be hard-pressed to find any better places to visit in upstate New York.

Sharing its name with the 2,170-acre body of water that it borders, Lake Placid still has 19th-century architecture from its days as an iron-mining town. These generations-old structures are not only visually stunning, but also communicate a sense of tradition and easygoing friendliness that many tourists find soothing.

Peace and quiet not quite your scene? That’s okay; adventure seekers will find plenty to love here, too. After all, Lake Placid is one of the premier winter sports destinations in the entire United States. In addition to hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, it has also been the site of the 2000 Goodwill Games and the 1972 Winter Universiade.

Nearby Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest mountain in the state of New York, making it a veritable catnip for skiers and snowboarders. The area is also home to one of only 16 bobsled runs in the country. No matter what kind of winter sports you’re into, Lake Placid is the perfect place for you.

11. Sleepy Hollow

Depending on what time of year you find yourself exploring the East Coast, you may be particularly well-served by taking a detour in the direction of Sleepy Hollow. Yes, the same town that inspired the famous ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. 

During the fall season, as Halloween approaches, Sleepy Hollow takes on a vaguely mystical ambiance. This is bolstered by the region’s naturally lush and colorful foliage. Take a break from trick-or-treating to visit the historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Or visit the Headless Horseman Monument, which pays tribute to the town’s ghostly homegrown celebrity.

You don’t have to be in a spooky mood to have a good time in Sleepy Hollow, mind you. There are plenty of other upstate New York attractions worth checking out. Take Kykuit, the opulent estate of American business icon John D. Rockefeller, for instance. This property boasts meticulously maintained terrace gardens, an extensive sculpture gallery, several stone fountains, and even a massive on-site golf course.

Alternatively, you can ride in a carriage or on horseback at the 1,700-acre Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Satisfy your sweet tooth at nearby Rockland Bakery, marvel at the architecture of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, or kick back and get a tan at Nyack Beach. The possibilities are endless.

12. Lake George

With a population of just over 3,000 people, the town of Lake George, New York is one of the quietest, most laidback areas in the entire Northeast. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for cool things to do in upstate New York, you’ll find more fun here than you’d expect.

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is just 30 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. The whole area is surrounded by dense old-growth forests and majestic peaks.

Almost as old as the region’s natural features is the Fort William Henry Museum and Restoration site. Built by British colonists in 1775, the fort was famously seen in the Oscar-winning film “The Last of the Mohicans.” That makes this an alluring tourist spot for both history and movie buffs.

Other Lake George highlights include the Adirondack Winery, the Magic Forest amusement park, the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, and Million Dollar Beach. From tasty adult beverages to scary monsters to fun in the sun, Lake George has it all.