• Best tourist destination: Niagara Falls
• Underrated hidden gem: Jamestown
• Best for families: Sylvan Beach
• Best for couples: Windham
• Best for solo travelers: Beacon

New York might be best known for the city that never sleeps, but there’s a whole state to explore beyond the Big Apple. Home to the Finger Lakes, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Catskill Mountains, upstate New York is a haven for outdoor adventure and boasts some of the East Coast’s most stunning landscapes. But it’s not all swimming, skiing, and sightseeing—there’s also charming villages, lauded museums, thriving wine regions, and renowned performing arts scenes.

Whether you want to catch a Broadway-caliber show in a small town, follow a waterfall-watching itinerary, or just relax by a lake, these are 21 of the best places to visit in upstate New York.

Niagara Falls

You can’t visit upstate New York and not stop at Niagara Falls, home to the iconic cascades themselves. In Niagara Falls State Park—the oldest state park in America—you can sail close to the falls on boat tours or descend into the gorge to stand at the foot of Bridal Veil Falls and get doused with spray (don’t worry, you’re given a poncho).

But the falls aren’t the only thing worth visiting in this border town, which sits across the Niagara River from its Canadian counterpart. Thanks to its proximity to the neighboring nation, Niagara Falls was a key stop along the Underground Railroad, which you can learn about at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Housed in an 1863 Customs House near the old International Suspension Bridge, the center’s award-winning permanent exhibit chronicles how heroes like Harriet Tubman led people to freedom across the river.

Jamestown

New York City isn’t the only town in this state that’s famous for comedy. As the birthplace and hometown of Lucille Ball from “I Love Lucy,” Jamestown—which is situated at the southern end of Chautauqua Lake—celebrates its biggest star by being a destination for anyone interested in the history and art of comedy. Pop into the National Comedy Center museum, where you can tour exhibits, play comedy games, and catch live shows. At the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, enter the world of “I Love Lucy” through recreated sets, costume displays, and other props and memorabilia.

While Jamestown is definitely good for a few laughs, there’s other art to be found here as well. Drive roughly half an hour up the lake to the renowned Chautauqua Institution, a unique cultural center and educational campus, to experience its jam-packed summer schedule of concerts, dances, lectures, plays, and operas. Visitors can attend one-off events, or stay on campus at the Athenaeum Hotel for full immersion in what the institution calls its “exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life.”

Sylvan Beach

With its sandy beaches, warm water, and old-timey attractions, the village of Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake offers a classic upstate summer vacation. Families can ride roller coasters and play games at the seasonal Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, enjoy events like Pirates Weekend and Canal Fest, and try all sorts of watersports from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding.

Another great way to enjoy Oneida Lake is by staying at The Cove at Sylvan Beach. Each lake house rental comes with a private pontoon boat to use during your stay, making it easy to get out on the water.

Windham

Take a three-hour road trip from New York City to this mountain town, which is known as the “Gem of the Catskills” and welcomes adventurers with its multitude of endorphin-producing activities. At Windham Mountain Club, year-round fun can be found in the form of hiking, fly fishing, or mountain biking in summer, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. Surrounded by forests on all sides, the area is also a foliage lover’s dream come fall.

The charming Main Street holds inviting boutiques, bistros, and galleries for non-outdoorsy diversions. As for where to stay, book a room at the Wylder Windham. A Catskills classic since 1880, the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award-winning property on the Batavia Kill River features a pickleball court, heated pool, wood-fired sauna, and activities like s’mores bars and beer tastings.

Beacon

Beacon is a fitting name for this city along the banks of the Hudson River. As the home of Dia Beacon, this community draws art aficionados from all over to view the museum’s celebrated contemporary art collection, as well as catch special exhibits and installations. While the museum is exceptional, it’s not the only reason to head up the Hudson from NYC.

The magnetic Main Street boasts many other galleries, as well as coffee shops, breweries, and antique stores. Balance out all the art and culture with some outdoor pursuits like trekking to the top of Mount Beacon or going on a boat tour to Pollepel Island (known locally as Bannerman Island), which Indigenous communities believed was haunted by hostile spirits.

Conesus Lake

Located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Conesus Lake is the westernmost of the area’s 11 elongated waterways. Crowds flock here each summer for swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as the annual “Ring of Fire” tradition. Dating back to when the Indigenous Seneca Nation would light fires along the shore, the custom now takes place on the evening of July 3, with thousands of flares illuminating the lake’s periphery in a glowing ring as fireworks explode overhead.

On top of outdoor adventure—which includes hikes like the Conesus Inlet Trail—discover the area’s thriving art scene along the Inspirations Trail. Spanning nine villages across Livingston County, this 90-mile self-guided route takes you to numerous colorful murals and public art installations for photo opportunities and fun sightseeing. At the end of the day, head to the tiny hamlet of Lakeville for a refreshing beer at little Lake Brewing, one of 12 craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries along the Livingston Libation Loop, or grab a glass of wine at Deer Run Winery.

Cooperstown

Baseball enthusiasts will likely know this quaint upstate village as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Cooperstown has plenty to keep fans of America’s Favorite Pastime happy, from visiting Doubleday Field and hunting for memorabilia to checking out the Cooperstown Bat Factory. But “America’s hometown,” as it’s affectionately called, has much more to offer beyond bats and bleachers.

View different expressions of American art, from Indigenous crafts and artifacts to folk art, at the stately Fenimore Art Museum, built on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper. Catch extravagant productions at the Glimmerglass Festival, which lures opera lovers from far and wide each summer, and peruse galleries and art studios around town. Drive an hour east and you can go caving at Howe Caverns, the biggest cavern in the Northeast, which has walking tours, guided spelunking adventures, and, depending on the season, underground yoga classes.

Letchworth State Park

With its rocky cliffs and natural splendor, it’s easy to see why Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Carved out over centuries by the Genesee River, the park’s impressive gorge boasts three main waterfalls, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, which cascade over shale, siltstone, and sandstone cliffs from heights of up to 600 feet. At various viewpoints throughout the park, like Great Bend Overlook, you’re treated to elevated vistas of the waterfalls, river, and the gorge’s towering walls.

Along with chasing waterfalls, you can go hiking on the park’s 66 miles of trails, cool off on whitewater rafting excursions, and even take a hot air balloon tour for aerial views. There’s also an Autism Nature Trail, the first of its kind in the country. Designed for people on the autism spectrum, the one-mile loop is dotted with eight marked sensory stations for connecting with nature in inclusive, accessible ways.

Ellicottville

About an hour south of Buffalo by car, this quaint village in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains exudes charm, as evidenced by the well-preserved and restored homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century. Take a stroll around the photogenic downtown area—the village spans just one square mile, so you’re mere minutes from everything—to admire the architecture and check out the town’s cafes, breweries, shops, and restaurants.

It’s also where western New York sports enthusiasts and skiers go to mountain bike, hike, or slalom down the 60 trails and slopes at neighboring Holiday Valley Resort. Nearby Allegany State Park is another great spot to get outdoors, with hiking, camping, and leaf peeping in the fall.

Seneca Falls

Situated at the northern end of Cayuga Lake—the longest of the Finger Lakes—Seneca Falls has two major claims to fame. For one, this historic spot is believed to be the inspiration for the town of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Along with a museum dedicated to the film, Seneca Falls celebrates its cinematic association with an annual festival each December, featuring parades, appearances by cast members, film screenings, and holiday concerts.

Most notably, though, this was the site of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848—the first convention for women’s rights and the birthplace of the women’s rights movement. Each July, the town commemorates the occasion with the Convention Days event at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. You can also toast to the suffragettes while wine tasting along one of the many nearby Finger Lakes wine trails, like the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Skaneateles

Meaning “long lake” in Iroquoian, this affluent upstate town is another popular spot in the Finger Lakes for wine tasting, watersports, and catching the changing colors in fall. If you’re planning to be in the area for the “It’s a Wonderful Life” festival in Seneca Falls, you can make a holiday road trip out of it with Skaneateles’ Dickens Christmas celebration. Starting around Thanksgiving and running until Christmas, this annual event features live entertainment, horse and wagon rides, and a cast of Dickensian characters roaming the streets.

With numerous launch sites, a sailing club, and a yearly antique and classic boat show, boating is a popular way to enjoy the water here. But the region is also a favorite among avid cyclists, who come to pedal the paths and roads around the lake. Whether by car or bike, follow the Loop the Lake route to visit different points of interest like parks, waterfalls, hiking areas, vineyards, restaurants, and shops.

Lake George

From leaf peeping in the fall to sailing in the summer, this idyllic lake and its waterfront town in the Adirondacks draw crowds throughout the year to enjoy the great outdoors. But, it’s also where you’ll find one of the most unique things to do in upstate New York: scuba diving.

Reaching depths of up to 200 feet, Lake George is one of the few New York state lakes where you can go scuba diving. Certified divers can explore a variety of 18th-century shipwrecks along the lake bottom, including the Land Tortoise, North America’s oldest intact warship. Above the waves, vacationers can also enjoy the lake with boat cruises—including sailing on The Mohican, America’s oldest continually operating tour boat—and other watersports. While the crowds can get thick in summer, there’s plenty of winter fun to be had as well, including ice fishing and a family-focused carnival every February.

Saranac Lake

The Adirondack Mountains have beckoned to city dwellers for centuries, including tycoons like the Guggenheims and Vanderbilts, who owned rustic yet luxurious compounds known as the Great Camps. At The Point—a former Rockefeller Great Camp—you can get a taste of the Gilded Age luxury lifestyle with all-inclusive stays that harken back to that time, complete with black-tie dinners.

Along with the affluent, this area in the Adirondacks also attracted people looking to improve their health. In the late 1800s, the nearby village of Saranac Lake was home to one of the first sanatoriums in the United States, where those suffering from tuberculosis came to recover in the fresh air and peaceful environment. Today, visitors can experience Saranac Lake’s restorative nature for themselves with outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and boating, along with in-town diversions like shopping, dining, and browsing art galleries.

Ithaca

Not only is Ithaca a top-notch college town, home to esteemed institutions like Cornell University and Ithaca College, but it’s also a natural wonderland. The surrounding forests are filled with breathtaking gorges, parks, and scenic cascades like Taughannock Falls, which, at 215 feet, is three stories taller than Niagara Falls.

There’s an abundance of activities around the city, too, including the free-of-charge Cornell Botanic Gardens, boat tours on Cayuga Lake, wine trails, and a self-guided Discovery Trail that highlights local history, art, and science. Thanks to Ithaca College’s renowned performing arts programs, you’ll find tons of shows and cultural events throughout the year. Rumor has it that the town was also the birthplace of the ice cream sundae. Whether that’s true or not, Ithaca has plenty of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth, like Purity Ice Cream Co., which dates from 1936.

Watkins Glen and Montour Falls

Upstate New York has no shortage of waterfalls, but these two neighboring towns at the southern end of Seneca Lake—separated by a scenic wildlife management area in the middle—are close to some of the most captivating in the region. In nearby Watkins Glen State Park, 19 waterfalls cascade elegantly down a narrow canyon, whose stone bridges and water-carved walls feel like something out of a fantasy book. In Montour Falls, just walking around town brings you face-to-face with multiple waterfalls, including Aunt Sarah’s Falls and Shequaga Falls.

Racing fans will also want to visit the area thanks to Watkins Glen International. From the Grand Prix to NASCAR to Formula One, some of auto racing’s biggest events have been held at this legendary track.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is a popular vacation destination for good reason. There’s something classically old-school about spending a day at the famous Saratoga Race Course—a storied track that has hosted the likes of Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah—or at Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark.

You can dive more into the region’s racing history at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and indulge in some hydrotherapy courtesy of the area’s mineral springs at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. The art scene is solid, too, with impressive productions at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which is home to multiple venues, including an outdoor amphitheater and the Spa Little Theater.

Thousand Islands

Although the name of this border-spanning archipelago in the St. Lawrence River is Thousand Islands, Two Thousand Islands would be more accurate. Over 1,800 islands, big and small, make up this dazzling region along the U.S.-Canada border, which is home to castles, grand mansions, state parks, and lighthouses.

Set sail on a boat tour for an island-hopping itinerary to see the sights—especially one of the most spectacular castles on American soil, Boldt Castle—and learn more about the region’s fascinating history, from being a getaway for the well-to-do to serving as a hideout for pirates. On the nearby mainland, check out towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent. Or stop by Sackets Harbor, which has been designated a New York State Heritage Area.

Pittsford

Located on the banks of the historic Erie Canal, Pittsford charms visitors with its waterfront parks and walkways and historic downtown full of antique stores and boutiques. After a day perusing the shops or taking a cruise along the canal, pick an eatery on Schoen Place to enjoy waterway views while dining, then line up for homemade ice cream at Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery.

You can also pop over to neighboring Mendon Ponds Park for cycling, hiking, and kayaking, or head into nearby Rochester, about 15 minutes away by car, to The Strong National Museum of Play. Great for kids and adults thanks to its mix of interactive and traditional exhibits, this museum is dedicated to “the history and exploration of play,” and boasts fascinating collections like the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Ausable Chasm

Hailed as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is one of America’s oldest organized natural attractions. Since 1870, visitors have flocked to this 500-million-year-old sandstone gorge to marvel at its sheer walls and dramatic scenery. The best way to appreciate the full scope of the gorge is by floating through it on a raft or tube, but there are also hiking trails like the Riverwalk.

While you’re in the area, it’s also worth stopping into the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, which is just a stone’s throw away from the chasm. Here, you can learn more about the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad through stories from slaves seeking freedom across the nearby Canadian border.

Buffalo

Don’t write off Buffalo just because of its infamous winter weather. The city continues to evolve as a tourism destination, with many enticing attractions for art and architecture fans.

For one, design enthusiasts will find several Frank Lloyd Wright-designed properties around town, most notably the Martin House estate. Spanning multiple former residences, this National Historic Landmark is a sublime example of Prairie architecture and is considered one of Wright’s great achievements. Visitors can also ride on a historic carousel, which was restored and outfitted to run on solar power, at the Buffalo Waterfront, and stroll the galleries of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

Lake Placid

This village and lake in the Adirondacks are best known for hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and it continues to be a hub for winter sports. Nearby Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort beckons to skiers and snowboarders with its nearly 300 acres of skiable terrain, and trails in the surrounding countryside transform into snowshoe treks during winter. It’s also worth popping into the Lake Placid Olympic Center, where you can learn about the games at the Olympic Museum, skate on actual Olympic rinks, or join a Stick N’ Puck session to try your hand at hockey.

But Lake Placid also shines during the warm weather months. Swim and SUP in the lake’s refreshing waters, go whitewater rafting, or bike along the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile route linking Lake Placid with nearby communities. After full days on the water or out in the mountains, return to cozy cabins and dreamy vistas at the waterfront, Great Camps-inspired Lake Placid Lodge.