- Rachel Gould
- Art & Design Editor
- Updated:
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an afternoon escape from the city, New York State provides a wealth of scenic towns and villages to visit. With rich histories and booming culture surrounded by pristine countryside for walkers, hikers and explorers, there’s something for everyone in these ten stunning locations throughout upstate New York.
Cold Spring
With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, Cold Spring in Putnam County is a popular weekend getaway for New York City residents. The village center is quaint, featuring restored 19th century buildings and independently-owned shops. Cold Spring is the perfect place for a quiet stroll, with shopping, restaurants and charming bed and breakfasts as well as hiking, biking, boating, golfing and kayaking at your fingertips.
Cold Spring, NY, USA
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Breakneck ridge to Cold Spring during the fall season, Cold Spring NY © Ruben Martinez Barricarte / Shutterstock
Ithaca
The city of Ithaca is a popular destination, widely known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving local culture. Dine in Ithaca’s one-of-a-kind restaurants, wander in and out of galleries, attend live musical events and explore the nearby gorges and the shores of Cayuga Lake. Home to a notable population of university students, Ithaca possesses a diverse community full of history and culture.
Ithaca, NY, USA
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Rainbow Falls, Ithaca NY © Eduard Moldoveanu / Shutterstock
Lake Placid
Located in Essex County in the Adirondack Mountains, the village of Lake Placid was listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of the ‘6 Forgotten Vacation Spots’ in North America. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, Lake Placid is a popular destination for snow skiers as well as hikers and bikers. The village was founded in the 19th century and maintains much of its original small-town charm.
Lake Placid, NY, USA
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Lake Placid view from top of Whiteface Mountain in fall © Alexsvirid / Shutterstock
New Paltz
The town of New Paltz, located in Ulster County, is sited approximately 80 miles from New York City and 70 miles south of Albany. Largely characterized by its student population, New Paltz is home to boutique shops and restaurants. The town offers countless outdoor activities and features several cultural and historical points of interest, to include the Huguenot Street Historic District and the Elting Memorial Library.
New Paltz, NY, USA
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Saratoga Springs
Ranked one of the top 10 places to live in New York State, Saratoga Springs is a picturesque city located north of Albany. The area was settled by English colonists in the 17th century and played an important role in the Revolutionary War. Today, Saratoga Springs is best known for horse racing, but prospers culturally from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center as well as the New York City Ballet’s and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s summer residencies.
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
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Saratoga Springs © Jerry Feist
Skaneateles
Located along Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County, the village of Skaneateles exudes natural beauty all year round. From charming inns and B&B’s to its historic downtown district with unique restaurants to try and one-of-a-kind shops and galleries to peruse, Skaneateles is a popular place for tourists, offering something for everyone.
Skaneateles, NY, USA
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Lake front Church with Steeple and clock tower. Skaneateles Lake, Finger Lakes Region, Upstate New York © Brett Rabideau / Shutterstock
Sleepy Hollow
Less than an hour from Manhattan, this legendary village was made famous by Washington Irving’s celebrated tale. Having preserved much of its historical charm, Sleepy Hollow is home to several points of interest including the Philipsburg Manor House, the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where famed historical figures such as Andrew Carnegie, Brooke Astor and Elizabeth Arden are buried. In close proximity to Tarrytown and scenic walking trails throughout the Hudson River Valley, Sleepy Hollow offers the ideal combination of nature and culture.
Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA
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18th century Philipsburg Manor reflecting off the frozen pond. Sleepy Hollow NY © Jeffrey T. Kreulen / Shutterstock
Tarrytown
Located only 25 miles north of New York City, Tarrytown is sited on the eastern shore of the Hudson River. Steeped in local history with original Dutch settlements dating back to the 17th century, Tarrytown is an ideal destination for New Yorkers looking to escape the city for a day. Points of interest include Lyndhurst – Jay Gould’s Gothic-revival estate, Sunnyside – home of famed American author Washington Irving, and Castle Hotel & Spa, a 19th century Norman-style castle on the Hudson River.
Tarrytown, NY, USA
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Tarrytown © June Marie
Watkins Glen
Best known for its close proximity to bucolic Watkins Glen State Park, the village of Watkins Glen lies at the intersection between Seneca Lake and the Chemung River. Watkins Glen is perhaps most widely known for its ties to auto racing throughout the 20th century, and continues to attract tourists each year with summer festivals and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing.
Watkins Glen, NY, USA
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Watkins Glen © Kathryn Yengel
Woodstock
One of upstate New York’s cultural meccas, Woodstock is best known for its legendary music festivals throughout the 1960s. Today, Woodstock remains a historical and cultural haven for visitors. A popular place of congregation for artists due to its natural beauty, Woodstock was a leading site of the Hudson River School in the 19th century, followed by the Arts and Crafts Movement in the early 1900s. The founding of Byrdcliffe Art Colony further defined Woodstock’s cultural influence. With a plethora of natural and cultural landmarks, Woodstock is a must-visit town.
Woodstock, NY, USA
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Row of residential mailboxes at winter in rural Woodstock, NY © Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock