1.The Adirondack Mountains - Located in the northeastern region of New York State, The Adirondack Mountains are home to over 6,000 square miles of wild forests and pristine lakes. There is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy here, from fishing and boating on the lake to kayaking, mountain biking and hiking in the woods. Visitors can explore remote islands on Lake George or experience some of New York's largest mountains such as Whiteface Mountain. For those who are looking for a bit more relaxation, you can also take advantage of cabin rentals or luxury resorts which offer a range of amenities from spa services to restaurants and dance floors.
2.Niagara Falls - Located on the border of the U.S. and Canada, Niagara Falls is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places to visit in New York State. The powerful combination of three distinct waterfalls—the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls—make a spectacular sight. Niagara falls are also accompanied by colourful gardens, walking paths, and boat tours that take visitors close to the base of the falls. Don’t forget to admire the nighttime illumination radiating throughout Niagara Falls!
3.The Thousand Islands - This region of upstate New York showcases endless miles of lush, green landscape and majestic rivers. Visitors to The Thousand Islands will find spectacular natural beauty and a wide variety of thrilling outdoor activities that promise an adventure-filled vacation. The area offers stunning views, excellent family-friendly attractions, exciting outdoor adventures, local wineries and farm tours with plenty to explore for all ages.
4.The Catskills - Explore the beautiful landscape and charming small cities of the Catskills region in New York State. Located in the southeastern part of the state, The Catskills have a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from skiing and snowmobiling to fly-fishing and boating. The region is also home to numerous state parks including several inside the iconic Catskill Forest Preserve which includes over 700 miles of marked trails perfect for hiking, camping or simply savouring the beauty of nature.
5.The Finger Lakes - Visit the Finger Lakes which is home to beautiful glacial lakes and dozens of wineries. It’s a great destination for sightseeing, wine tours, camping, hiking, water sports and fishing. The largest of the 11 Finger Lakes is Seneca Lake, with its many inlets lined with vineyards. This lake is one of the best for swimming, boating or fishing. It’s connected to nearby Cayuga Lake by the gorgeous scenic Cayuga-Seneca Canal. Here you can find hiking trails along its length as well as plenty of places to kayak and canoe.
6.The Hudson Valley - The Hudson Valley region of New York offers an array of interesting places, sites and activities for travellers. From historical homes to legendary music venues and sporting arenas, there’s something for everyone in the area. A tourist could easily spend a few days exploring the historical and cultural institutions along the Hudson River valley or visiting some of the region’s most prominent art galleries.
7.New York City - Situated at the southern tip of upstate New York, the city is arguably the most famous city in all of America. Most people recognize the bustling capital as a global hub of commerce, transportation, culture, art, fashion and entertainment. The city is often abuzz with tourists and locals alike flocking to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park and more. Those who are looking for a more culturally-rich experience should visit any one of NYC's many esteemed museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art.
8.Syracuse - It is a great place to visit for those looking for a weekend getaway. Serving as the main gateway to central and Upstate New York, Syracuse has a rich history and features comforts of more urban areas. While visiting Syracuse tourists can experience energising nightlife, explore the local culture and take in beautiful sights around one of the oldest continually occupied cities in the US.
9.Ithaca - It is one of the best locations to visit in New York State due to its unique historical, outdoor and cultural attractions. Found in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca draws millions of visitors each year. Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city brims with natural and educational resources for travellers. In addition to downtown retail, restaurants and nightlife, visitors can explore several notable sites located near Ithaca such as Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls State Park, Cornell Plantations and Buttermilk Falls State Park.
10.Saratoga Springs - There are many things to do in Saratoga Springs including outdoor activities such as hiking and biking on its many trails or kayaking around the lake and river. You can also visit historic sites to explore such as Congress Park where you can learn about the history of American trotting horses and The National Museum of Racing which showcases racing memorabilia from throughout the U.S. Saratoga Springs is also known for its nightlife with various bars along Broadway offering live music hour after hour.