by The ultimate guide to New york’s jaw dropping views
New York isn’t just one kind of awesome—it’s about a dozen. Here’s your sneak peek:
1) Niagara Falls
It’s famous for a reason, after all. First seeing Niagara Falls in person is always memorable. Head to the Observation Tower in Niagara Falls State Park for a birds-eye view that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
Must-do’s:
- Catch sunrise from Prospect Point (coffee in hand, obviously).
- Stick around for the nighttime light show—think Las Vegas, but wetter.
- Hunt down the rare lunar rainbow on Luna Island (yes, it’s a thing!).
- Take a Rainbow Air Helicopter Tour if you’re feeling fancy.
- Wander the Three Sisters Islands for some peaceful, Insta-worthy shots.
2) Adirondack Mountains
If fresh air were a drug, the Adirondacks would be a full-on pharmacy. Whether you’re carving down Whiteface Mountain in winter or hiking the endless trails in summer, this place is basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for outdoor lovers.
Fun tip: Spring brings wild whitewater rafting. And come fall? The leaves turn so fiery it’s like the trees are throwing a block party just for you on a fall getaway from New York.
3) Finger Lakes Region
Wine, waterfalls, and small towns that look like they belong in a Hallmark movie—what’s not to love? The Finger Lakes have it all.
- Soak up the views at Canandaigua Lake.
- Hike the jaw-dropping Watkins Glen State Park, with 19 (!) Finger Lakes waterfalls packed into a two-mile gorge.
- Stroll through historic towns like Geneva.
- Sip your way around Cayuga Lake’s wineries.
- Kayak the Little Lakes if you want to pretend you’re in an outdoor adventure ad.
- Hit up lively festivals in Phelps and Clifton Springs—because who doesn’t love a good pie-eating contest?
4) Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is a layered cake—a little history, a little nature, and a whole lot of flavor. It’s also one of my favorite places in the world.
Back in the day, this place was home to Native Americans. Then, colonial settlers, revolutionaries, and steamboat captains. These days, its rolling hills and small New York towns are packed with:
- Farm-to-table restaurants
- Historic mansions
- And trails that’ll have you daydreaming about buying a cabin
Things you gotta do:
- Hike one of the countless Hudson Valley hiking trails (pro tip: pack snacks).
- Eat your weight in fancy food, courtesy of the Culinary Institute of America grads.
- Cruise along the river at sunset—camera mandatory.
- Explore towns like Beacon and New Paltz where old-school charm meets artsy vibes.
5) Thousand Islands
1,800 little green jewels sprinkled across the blue waters of the St. Lawrence River. That’s how I’d describe the Thousand Islands. It’s a great place for fishing, boating, and sightseeing.
One spot you can’t miss? Boldt Castle on Heart Island. It’s a real-life fairy tale, complete with turrets and love stories—and you can only get there by boat.
Hop on a boat tour to cruise past fancy estates and tiny island hideouts. And if you’re feeling adventurous, walk the Thousand Islands Bridge for views so good, you’ll forget to blink. Bonus: you can wave hello to Canada while you’re up there!
6) Letchworth State Park
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park serves up jaw-dropping cliffs and three epic waterfalls—Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls—that’ll have you snapping a million photos.
If you’re into birds, bring your binoculars. If you’re into cozy nights, book a room at the Glen Iris Inn. And if you’re into learning cool stuff while having fun, hit up the Humphrey Nature Center for year-round programs.
7) National Baseball Hall of Fame
If baseball runs through your veins (or if you just like a good story), Cooperstown is your mecca. The National Baseball Hall of Fame is three floors of baseball glory, packed with artifacts, records, and enough trivia to make you the MVP of your next bar quiz.
Be sure to check out:
- The Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery—the VIP lounge of baseball legends.
- Diamond Dreams: Women in Baseball—proof girls have been swinging bats like champs forever.
- Viva Baseball!—a celebration of Latin American players who’ve rocked the game.
Interactive exhibits and a massive digital archive mean you don’t have to be a stat nerd to have a blast.
8) New York State Museum
If you land in Albany and don’t visit the New York State Museum, you’ll be missing out. This place is New York’s attic—but way cooler and more organized.
Must-see exhibits include:
- Canine Contrasts—everything you never knew you wanted to know about wolves and coyotes.
- Ice Ages—woolly mammoths, glaciers, and landscapes straight out of one of those prehistoric paintings.
- Women Who Lead—celebrating the fierce women who shaped New York.
- Plus, there’s a restored carousel that’s pure childhood magic (no shame in taking a spin!).
And if you’re a history nerd like me? Their Online Resources Portal is a rabbit hole worth falling into.
9) Taughannock Falls State Park
Eight miles north of Ithaca, Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet straight down. It’s taller than Niagara Falls! The Gorge Trail is an easy hike and winds right alongside Taughannock Creek. It’s perfect for families and dogs. Though you’re welcome on it, sans either of the above.
No matter the season, there’s something to do at Taughannock Falls State Park:
- Hiking and running when it’s sunny,
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when it’s snowy.
Picnic tables and jaw-dropping views? Yes, please. It’s the perfect spot for everything from a quick weekend trip to a full-on nature escape.
10)Hudson River Boat Tours
Hop aboard a Hudson River boat tour for sightseeing with plenty of fresh air. Leaving from Kingston, NY, Hudson River Cruises on the Rip Van Winkle II float you past millionaires’ mansions, old lighthouses, and cozy villages. Bonus points: in the summer, they crank up the fun with live music onboard. It’s basically a floating history lesson with a killer playlist.
11) Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is the 363-mile marvel that turned New York into an economic powerhouse back in the 1800s.
Today, you can explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor along hiking and biking trails. This is your spot to stroll or pedal alongside a piece of American history.
12) Lake Ontario
Love fishing, camping, or zoning out by the water? Lake Ontario’s southern shore is for you.
Top spots at this top pick among New York lakes:
- Selkirk Shores State Park: Great for casting a line or setting up camp.
- Southwick Beach State Park: Sandy shores and easygoing trails for maximum chill.
- Golden Hill State Park: Home to the picture-perfect Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse—tour it if you love a good view (and who doesn’t?).
And don’t miss the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego—it’s got 400 years of nautical stories that’ll make you want to captain your own ship.
