Weekend getaways in NY to discover hidden treasures of the Empire State

New York is one of the most beautiful and cultural cities in North America. This city is so huge and diverse that it never ceases to amaze even those who have lived here for many years. However, many other picturesque places outside this metropolis are also worth visiting. Here we will talk about the 20 best places for a vacation in New York in 2023.

Niagara Falls

One of the most amazing places on the planet that is best to visit in the state of New York. It is located on the border of the United States and Canada, making it a truly international marvel. The waterfall rises 167 feet (51 metres) and commands attention with its incredible beauty and power.

You will find a variety of restaurants, stores, and various entertainment on the plateau above the waterfall. But the best part is that you can challenge yourself by diving in the Maid of the Mist as boats that approach the falls themselves and deliver an exhilarating experience. And if you just want to enjoy the beautiful view, take a stroll along the Nature Walk, enjoying the clean air and the beauty of nature.

Niagara Falls is a wonderful New York getaway that will be remembered for a lifetime. It is a destination for travellers of all ages and must be seen in person to experience the incredible energy and power of nature.

Saranac Lake

A wonderful weekend destination for a NYC getaway. The lake is located in the town of Saranac Lake, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Locals call it the "heart of the Adirondacks" for a reason: you can swim and play water sports in the summer and hit the slopes in the winter.

It's also a great place for fishing. Saranac Lake has a rich fish fauna, including trout, bass, and pike.

There are also many stores selling original souvenirs.

Saranac Lake is a great place for a quiet and peaceful adventure in the northern state. If you're looking for beautiful nature, exercise opportunities, and great views, this is the perfect place.

Fire Island

This is a place that never leaves its guests indifferent. The island is located on the southern coast of New York State and stretches for 30 miles. Fire Island is known for its white sand, which can be enjoyed all day long while immersed in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fire Island is a place that is famous for its nightlife and special carefree atmosphere. There are plenty of vacation homes, restaurants and bars, as well as various entertainment options waiting for you here.

Take a tour around the island to see the beautiful beaches, lighthouses, villages, and parks. And for activity lovers, you can go kayaking or take part in water sports.

Fire Island is where the bustling city ends and unique nature with beautiful views begins. This is where you can spend the best weekend getaways in New York on the Atlantic Ocean.

Catskill Region

The Catskill Region is stunning in its natural beauty and variety of activities. You'll find scenic rivers, deep lakes, and majestic mountains.

If you love adventure, Catskill offers plenty of opportunities for extreme recreation. You can try wild rafting on the Delaware River, skiing on the mountain slopes, and hiking on forest trails.

For those who love a relaxing vacation, Catskill offers to enjoy spa treatments, visit Pepacton Reservoir with mesmerizing views, relax in the parks and enjoy the fresh air.

You can also learn more about the history and culture of the region by visiting Washington Irving's Sunnyside, where the famous American writer lived and worked.

Catskill is one of the best New York getaways for people of all ages and interests. It's a place where you can combine enjoying nature, learning new things, and outdoor activities.

Finger Lakes Wine Region

If you love wine and beautiful nature, you should visit the Finger Lakes Wine Region in New York State. It is home to 11 lakes and 100 wineries that produce a variety of wines. Here you can learn about the traditions and secrets of winemaking, take part in tastings and master classes, and enjoy the views of vineyards and lakes.

Here you'll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can sample local cuisine made from fresh produce and delicacies. And for history and architecture buffs, there's the chance to check out the Victorian-style homes that give the region its special charm.

The Finger Lakes wine region is the perfect choice for a getaway NYC vacation that will give you unforgettable experiences and emotions.

Adirondack National Park

If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature, then choose this park for a weekend getaway in NY.

It is a huge park surrounding the Adirondack mountain range, where you can find everything you need for an active and interesting vacation.

Go fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, or hiking on different trails that are all available in the Adirondack Park. You can stay in a campground or cabin in the woods and enjoy the quiet and starry skies. You can also visit museums and monuments that will tell you about the culture and history of the region.

The Adirondack National Park is where you can see a different side of New York State and have an unforgettable experience.

New York State Capitol

New York State's most beautiful historic landmark, built in 1867, is a symbol of American democracy and culture. You can admire its majestic architecture, which combines medieval and renaissance elements. You can also learn more about state history and politics by joining one of the Capitol tours.

A visit to the New York Capitol is one of the best NY getaways to immerse yourself in the past and present of this fascinating state.

Hamburg Fairgrounds

A great place for a good weekend getaways in NY. It is the largest entertainment event that lasts for 10 days and attracts thousands of visitors.

You can enjoy rides for all ages, sample a variety of food and drinks, see animals and visit local artisans. You can also learn more about the culture and history of New York State by visiting museums and monuments. The Hamburg Festival is a family-friendly event that will give you an unforgettable experience and emotions.

Ski Resorts

If you want to spend a weekend getaway in NY for skiing or snowboarding, you should visit one of the ski resorts. You can ski on different slopes suitable for your level and preferences, while enjoying the winter nature, climbing the mountain elevators, and looking at the beautiful views. Equipment rentals are available at the resorts, as well as places to relax and have fun, such as cafes, restaurants, and stores. You can also have fun snowmobiling, ice skating, or take part in competitions and other sporting events. Here are a few of the most popular ski resorts in New York State:

• Hunter is a resort near Catskill with 250 acres of ski trails and views of the Catskill Mountains.
• Bitter Lake is a resort in Upstate New York with beautiful surroundings and a great selection of trails.
• Whiteface is the highest mountain in New York State with many ski and snowboard trails of varying difficulty.
• Gorges is a large resort in the Adirondack Mountains with 100 ski runs and beautiful surroundings.
• Ridge is a new resort near Rochester with a variety of ski runs for all levels of skiing.

New York State ski resorts are the place to enjoy the beautiful winter nature, improve your skiing and snowboarding skills, and spend time with family and friends.

New York State Museum

If you want to spend an interesting and educational weekend, you should visit the New York State Museum. It is the largest historical museum in the state and is located in Albany.

Here you can see more than 16 million exhibits that tell about the culture, history, and science of the state. You can visit different exhibits:

• White Mountains is about the Adirondack mountain range;
• Masters of Arts and Crafts is about the state's crafts;
• Cultivating Sports Traditions is about sports in New York State.

You can also look at collections of clothing, furniture, tools, and musical instruments.

The New York State Museum is one of the best weekend getaway ideas for New York to learn more about this amazing state and its people.

Harlem (Historic Neighbourhood)

This is a neighbourhood in Northern Manhattan that is known for its history and culture. Here you can see many attractions related to the African American community, such as the Apolwo Theater, where famous musicians and artists have performed, or the Harlem Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the neighborhood.

Enjoy beautiful architecture, diverse food, and live music in the genres of jazz, rhythm, blues, and more. Harlem is one of the best weekend getaway ideas for NYC for you to experience the spirit of this unique neighborhood.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

If you are looking for a vacation in New York with golf, then you should visit Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. It is one of the most prestigious and famous golf clubs in the world, founded in 1891.

Here you can visit the best golf courses in the world, which often host major tournaments such as the US Open Championship. You can also enjoy the luxury and comfort of a clubhouse, relax in world-class restaurants, go to the beach, visit museums or galleries, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a place that combines the game of golf with recreation and entertainment.

Treehouse Resort and Spa

If you want to spend your getaway NYC vacation in a unique and luxurious place, then you should visit Treehouse Resort and Spa.

It is a resort where you can stay in treehouses surrounded by greenery and rivers. You can enjoy spa services, take nature walks, eat at cafes and restaurants, or barbecue outdoors.

Various sports are available here:

• fishing;
• boating;
• hiking or horseback riding.

The treehouses have everything you need for comfort, including a bed, toilet, shower, electricity, and air conditioning/heater.

Treehouse Resort and Spa is the place to be for an unforgettable vacation in the northern part of the state.

O-kay Festival in Vernon (Oktoberfest in Vernon)

If you want to spend a vacation in New York in October, you should check out the O-kay Festival in Vernon. It's a festival that transforms Vernon into a Bavarian village where you can sample traditional food and beer, listen to live music, and participate in contests.

You can enjoy:

• brezel;
• sausage;
• baked cabbage and pickles.

You can also order German beer or sweet punch.

The festival features musical groups in national costumes playing German music and songs. You can also take part in different contests such as tug of war, heavy ball throwing, box running, and other Bavarian games.

The O-Kay Festival in Vernon is a fun and relaxing festival where you can feel the atmosphere of a Bavarian festival and enjoy the national cuisine and beer. This is a family-friendly event where kids can play and compete in games and adults can relax and enjoy traditional Bavarian food and drink.

Appalachian Trail

If you want to have a memorable NY weekend getaway, you should try the Appalachian Trail. It is a long-distance hiking trail that goes through 10 states including New York and offers beautiful views of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers.

You can choose any section of the trail that suits your level and interests and enjoy natural attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains or Shenandoah. You can also engage in a variety of sports:

• bicycling;
• fishing;
• kayaking;
• horseback riding.

There are many places along the trail where you can spend the night and eat, as well as socialize with other travellers. The Appalachian Trail is a place where you can test yourself and your endurance, as well as get unforgettable impressions and emotions.

Hudson Region

This is a great place to vacation in New York. Here you can visit different towns and villages that have their own history and culture, such as the Catskills, where you can see local arts and crafts.

You can enjoy nature and outdoor activities by visiting parks and preserves such as Harriman State Park or Bear Mountain State Park, where hiking and camping are available.

By visiting museums and monuments, such as the FDR Presidential Library and Museum or Benson Hearst Castle, you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. Sample local food and drink by visiting farmer's markets, wineries, and breweries. The Hudson region is also suitable for weddings, art, and other types of entertainment. It's a place where everyone can find something fun for themselves and their loved ones.

Kingston

If you want to visit the best places for weekend getaways in NY, you should visit Kingston.

It is a picturesque coastal town that has colonial charm and beautiful nature. Here you can stroll through narrow streets with stone houses, visit local stores and galleries, and taste fresh seafood and beer. You can also enjoy the white sand beach with blue water and see the boats and yachts. Moreover, listen to live music and watch schooner races at various festivals.

The town of Kingston is where you can relax and enjoy the colonial atmosphere and natural beauty.

Fort Ticonderoga

If you want to have a great weekend getaways in NY, you should visit Fort Ticonderoga. It is a historic fort on Lake Champlain that was built in 1755 and played an important role in American history.

Here you can explore museums, exhibits, casemates, and cannons that will tell you about the lives and struggles of soldiers during the Franco-Indian War and the U.S. War of Independence.

Demonstrations of historical reenactments, martial arts and military drills, will help you better understand the colonial American era. Enjoy nature and outdoor activities by visiting parks and preserves such as Adirondack Park, where you can canoe, fish, hike trails, or bike.

Fort Ticonderoga is a place where you can learn a lot about American history, walk through restored buildings, see weapons of the time, and observe the lives of military officers and soldiers. This place is suitable for lovers of history, nature, and sports.

Hamptons Region

If you are looking for the best places for a weekend getaway in New York, then you should visit the Hamptons region. This is a suburban New York neighbourhood on Long Island that is known for its beauty and elegance.

Here you can enjoy beaches, boutiques, cafes, galleries, and festivals. Sample local food and drink, visit historical and cultural sites, play sports or just relax.

The Hamptons region is where you can see beautiful and expensive homes and vacation homes, as well as meet stars and celebrities. Spend a romantic or family vacation enjoying nature, comfort and tranquility, combining spiritual and recreational exploration.

Erie and Champlain Canal Cruises

If you're looking for weekend getaway ideas for NY, you should try Erie and Champlain Canal Cruises water cruises.

This is a unique way to see the beauty and history of the New York and Vermont regions while travelling by boat or canoe on the ancient canals. Museums, exhibits, casemates, and cannons, will teach you about the canals' impact on transportation and the state's economy, as well as the historic sites that can be seen on the cruise.

Enjoy nature and outdoor activities by visiting parks and preserves such as Adirondack Park or Harriman State Park where you can canoe, fish, hike trails, or bike.

The Erie and Champlain Canal Cruises are a place where you can learn a lot about American history, walk through restored buildings, see weapons of the time, and observe the lives of military officers and soldiers. This place is suitable for lovers of history, nature, and sports.

New York State offers many opportunities for those looking for new experiences and discoveries. Now, we have reviewed the most popular places in the state that are packed with culture and history, beautiful natural scenery, and many other entertainment options. They are suitable for tourists with different interests and preferences from adventurers to art and culture lovers. Undoubtedly, a getaway New York State vacation will leave no one indifferent, and everyone will find something different to remember about this amazing region.