From the skyscraper shadows to whispering forests, New York State is full of unexpected beauty. Beyond NYC’s buzz lies a patchwork of landscapes—towering waterfalls, quaint villages, scenic drives, and historic estates—each offering its own kind of magic. Dive into this handpicked list of 12 sublime spots that make the Empire State endlessly enchanting.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Located on the Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska is a hiker’s paradise with expansive views and varied terrain. Its cliffside carriage roads offer sweeping vistas of the Hudson Valley. There are waterfalls to discover, sky lakes to swim in, and forests to wander. It’s the kind of place that invites exploration and rewards you with picture-perfect moments.
Ausable Chasm
Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm is a dramatic sandstone gorge perfect for adventure lovers. You can hike along the rim, float through the chasm on a rafting tour, or take a lantern-lit night walk. The rock formations and rushing water create a raw, natural spectacle. It’s one of the oldest natural attractions in the U.S. and still one of the best.
Hudson Valley Towns (Beacon, Kingston, Hudson)
The Hudson Valley blends small-town charm with big artistic energy. Beacon is home to Dia:Beacon, a massive contemporary art museum in a former factory. Kingston offers colonial history and riverside dining, while Hudson is a haven for antique lovers and foodies. Each town has its own vibe, but all share a love for culture, creativity, and scenic views.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Stretching 70 miles along the Delaware River, this scenic byway is perfect for a leisurely drive. You’ll pass charming river towns, dramatic cliffs, and rolling farmland. It’s also a favorite for birdwatchers, especially during eagle migration season. Stop for a riverside lunch or explore one of the small towns that dot the rout
Lake Placid
This storied town hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and the Olympic legacy is still very much alive. Visitors can try bobsledding, visit the Olympic Museum, or ride the gondola up Whiteface Mountain. In the warmer months, mirror-like lakes and forest trails take center stage. Whether you’re into sports or just want to relax, Lake Placid delivers.
Niagara Falls
One of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world is in New York state: Niagara Falls. It is a powerful and magnificent sight to see, and one you don’t want to miss while you’re visiting the state of New York. There are two sides to Niagara Falls, but you’ll need a passport to hop over to the Canadian side.
Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region of New York is nature’s paradise and, even more importantly, it’s also a wine lovers’ dream. The area gets its name from the long narrow lakes that form the structure of the area. There are tons of fun and unique things to do in the Finger Lakes. There are 11 lakes all together, plus many gorges and waterfalls nearby to admire, along with unlimited outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating. But enough about nature.
Long Island
New York City is a major travel destination for many domestic and international travelers, but Manhattan isn’t the only place to see in New York City. While you’re there, why not check out all the things to see and do on Long Island. Long Island is a densely populated strip of land along the east coast of New York, not far outside the city. The island is connected to the mainland by a number of bridges.
The Catskills
Located in southeastern New York, The Catskills offer year-round outdoor activities. It’s packed with top ski resorts for winter, beautiful lakes and hiking trails in summer, as well as golf resorts that are open all year. All of these options makes the Catskills one of the top places to visit in New York. The Catskills are made up of four different counties: Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster. Each has its own charm and personality.
Allegheny Mountains
The Allegheny Mountains, or the “Alleghenies,” as they’re also known, are a mountain range in the eastern United States, with beautiful thick forests, mountain peaks, and rugged terrain that’s great for hiking. While the Allegheny Mountains span a large area, with parts in multiple states, one of the most popular areas for visitors in New York is Allegany State Park in the western part of the state.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley is known as “The Home of the High Peaks,” because it has the highest concentration of high peaks in one region. If you’re a hiker or rock climber, you’ll love the opportunities available here, ranging from extreme to family-friendly. The town of Keen is part of the Adirondack Park, and includes 15 of the 46 High Peaks, including Mount Marcy, New York’s highest mountain, and the rest of the Great Range.
Lake George
Lake George is located at the southeast base of the Adirondack Mountains, in the north eastern part of New York State. It’s a gorgeous lake region that beckons visitors from all around during the summer months, when activities like hiking, swimming in the lake, and enjoying a stroll around the town are in full swing.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.