No, we aren’t talking about the top places to see in New York City. We are going to list the top ten places to visit in the State of New York. Of course, NYC is one of them but there is so much more to Empire State.
New York state is home to the largest city in the US with New York City. It is also home to four of the ten most visited tourist attractions in the world in 2013. Those places being Grand Central Station, Niagara Falls, Times Square and Central Park.
New York is a great place to visit but if you get a chance to visit in the fall you will be in for quite the treat. New York has some epic fall colors much like the rest of the Northeast. But anytime of year is a great time to visit. You just might want to stay away from the Buffalo area in the winter. Unless you like driving through feet of snow.
If you get a chance be sure to check out some of the East Coast Bucket List Worthy Locations. Some of them will even appear on this list.
New York City
Might as well get this one off the list right away. You all knew NYC would make a list of the top places to see in the Empire State. How could it not. With places like Central Park, Time Square, One World Trade Center, Ghostbusters Firehouse (8 Hook & Ladder), Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, and so much more.
New York City doesn’t lack places to visit. They really have something for everyone. Movie buffs, music buffs, foodies, history buffs, LGBTQ. You get the point.
It would take you weeks to take in everything NYC has to offer. Start off with a day trip or a weekend trip especially if you live in the Northeast. The city is just a short train ride from Philadelphia and even Boston, Baltimore and even Washington, DC. One thing I would suggest against doing is driving into the city. It is a nightmare no matter where you are coming from. The traffic and drivers in New York City are like no one you ever had to deal with before.
The Wild Center
Ever wondered what it would be like to look out from a bald eagle nest? How about walking suspended between trees? The Wild Center in the Adirondacks is the place for you.
Rediscover how amazing the outdoors can be. Hang out all day on a spider’s web or exploring a 4 story tree house. The Adirondacks are an amazing place to visit.
At the Wild Center in Tupper Lakes, NY gives you a chance to see it like nowhere else. You don’t want to miss that.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen won third place in USA Today’s Best State Parks in the United States. That’s huge when you consider there are over 6,000 state parks in the US. The big draw to this state park is the waterfalls.
Walk along the two mile trail and you will see 19 waterfalls while you walk past 200 foot cliffs. I don’t know about you but there is something about the sound of waterfalls. It just has a calming effect.
Baseball Hall of Fame
That’s right the Baseball Hall of Fame is located in New York State. See how the game came to be and all the stars that have made the game what it is today.
You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it either. Just take a walk down Main Street in Cooperstown and you will feel like you have been transported back in time.
Dundas Castle
Dundas Castle is an abandoned castle near Roscoe, New York. While you can’t just freely walk the grounds you can get permission. This place just looks like it belongs over in Europe not in America. Definitely not in New York.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located in the Catskill Mountains. Pretty much anywhere within the Catskills are worth a visit. However, Minnewaska Park has something unique to offer.
The Ice Caves are a fun and exciting place to visit. Of course, you will need to bundle up. You can’t see ice in the summer. So you have to plan a visit to the Ice Caves in winter.
Walk over the Hudson
Are you looking for that one experience none of your friends have done? Look no further than the walk over the Hudson.
This 1.28 mile pedestrian bridge is the world’s longest elevated one. The Walk over the Hudson converted an old railroad bridge into what it is today. The views are amazing and the walk is easy and relaxing.
National Soaring Museum
This one isn’t for those that are scared of heights or flying. A visit to the museum is a great time for all. But are you looking for a little more to your museum experience and is not part of a simulator?
At the National Soaring Museum you can take a 15-20 minute sailplane ride. Soar high in the air as you slowly glide back to earth in this unique one of a kind experience. It will leave you breathless.
Niagara Falls
A visit to Niagara Falls is a must. Just seeing it in person will leave you breathless. The power of the waterfalls are simple incredible. It’s like nothing you have seen before.
If you are brave enough check it out in the winter. If the winter is cold enough there will be ice everywhere. It’s like it’s own winter wonderland. If planning a visit in the summer be prepared for crowds.
Boldt Castle
Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island in the thousand island area of New York. Just a visit to this area is amazing but this place is incredible. If you have a thing for old stone structures this is the place for you.
Boldt Castle is only open from May to October so if you miss that window you have to wait till the following year but it will be worth it.
A visit to New York State is filled with so many possibilities. From the beaming lights of New York City to the Rushing waters of Niagara Falls. There is no shortage of amazement and thrills. These are just ten incredible places to visit but there are so many more. A whole top 100 list can be done just in New York City.
Have you ever spent time in the Empire State? Let us know in the comments below. We really look forward to hearing from you and giving us suggestions on what to do and where to go next. Remember to follow us on social media and share this article and others on your accounts. It really helps us out.
Kozmo Photos 