New York is often referred to as "the city that never sleeps". People from all over the world head there to experience the never-ending craziness, Broadway shows, expensive shopping, and wonderful sites! With all of that going on, it's easy to forget that the state has so much more to offer than that.
As it turns out, New York State and the surrounding area is full of gorgeous, amazing natural wonders that will help you forget all about the insane, stressful life you live back in the city. Head to Fire Island for a beach day, or go ziplining through Hunter Mountain.
When it comes to exploring New York, your options are endless. Next time you're in the mood for an adventure, plan to visit one of these amazing spots.
@highfallsgorgeGo for a ride on the Cape May Whale Watcher
@capemaywhalewatcherembedded via
Time from New York: 2 hours and 30 minutes
If you love animals as much as I do, you'll jump at a chance to go on this insane Whale Watching Tour! It's a great date idea, or the perfect way to spend a day with your family and friends.
Go ziplining at Hunter Mountian
@timeoutnewyorkTime from New York: 2 hours
If you're after an adrenaline rush, look no further! Ziplining is a ton of fun, especially if you and your friends all get together to plan a trip! There's plenty of different height options for people of all comfort levels to enjoy.
Have a photoshoot in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
@tatiana_angelTime from New York: 45 minutes
The Planting Fields Arboretum State Park is yet another gorgeous spot to add to your bucket list.It's got over 409 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, greenhouses, and woodland paths for you to check out and take photos of!
Go canoeing down the Nissequogue River
@fawruhTime from New York: 1 hour
There's no better way to spend a day in the sun than on the water! Head to the Nissequogue River and spend the day kayaking or canoeing with friends. While you're paddling, you may come across up to 40 different species of snapping turtles and other water-dwelling creatures.
Go for a hike through Hudson Highlands State Park
@mdervinaTime from New York: 1 hour and 10 minutes
It's no secret that New York is the city that never sleeps, so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all, why not head to Hudson Highlands? The park is full of beautiful lush scenery and a ton of hiking trails that are waiting to be explored.
See outside and inside a giant mushroom
@comejoinmyjourney_embedded via
Time from New York: 5 hours
The so-called "Mushroom House" was in fact designed to look like the Queen's Anne lace flower. But we both know its a mushroom. This place is amazing on the outside and amazing on the inside. You can even rent it to spend an evening under the, uh, top of a mushroom.
Go on a bike tour of Long Island Wine Country
@northforkfoodietourembedded via
Time from New York: 1 hour and 45 minutes
I know a lot of people who love biking, and I know a lot of people who love wine, so why not get the best of both worlds?! With East End Bike Tours, you can enjoy a luxury guided bike tour through the North Fork Vineyards of Long Island Wine Country!
See the state from up high
@jaysurisTime from New York: 5 hours
Don't let that sign intimidate you—well, maybe a little. But if you can make it up to Whiteface Mountain you are not doing to be disappointed. Lake Placid is also gorgeous year round. Plus, unlike a lot of other trails, the one to Whiteface is easily accessible by car.
Have a picnic in the beautiful Greenwood Gardens
@thehappilyeverafterembedded via
Time from New York: 45 minutes
Have you ever seen something so beautiful?! The Greenwood Gardens are beyond lush, and were just opened to the public back in 2013. You can explore on your own, or join in on a 45 minute guided walking tour.
Go biking in Minnewaska State Park
@kpandaTime from New York: 2 hours
Minnewaska State Park is another beautiful spot in New York State and is home to over 22,000 acres of beauty. There are over 50 miles of trails, rock climbing, and lakes, among other things just waiting to be explored.
Explore the Grounds for Sculpture
@pattttty_dTime from New York: 1 hour and 20 minutes
If you love contemporary art, this park full of amazing sculptures will quickly become your new haven. The 42 acres of gorgeous scenery is also home to peacocks, an indoor gallery, and a delicious restaurant.
Bike across the George Washington Bridge
Time from New York: 30 minutes
Don't skip leg day! Get one of the most incredible views that the city has to offer while you bike across the George Washington Bridge. It's particularly beautiful at dusk and dawn, but we wouldn't complain about the view any time of day!
Have a beach day at Fire Island
@mikayla_duttonTime from New York: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Beach days are a summer essential, and with Fire Island being so close, there's no reason not to go! You can enjoy soaking up the sun on 31 miles of sand or splash around in the water at multiple beaches.
Get in touch with nature at the Mohonk Preserve
@suneriTime from New York: 1 hour and 30 minutes
The Mohonk Preserve is the side of NY you don't often hear about. People often head to the state for the massive buildings and Broadway shows, but there's so much greenery and lushness to be explored!
Visit the Phillip Johnson Glass House
@martino.stierliTime from New York: 1 hour and 15 minutes
The Phillip Johnson Glass House, built in 1949, is a piece of architecture that's definitely worth a visit! The 47-acre estate is home to various other sculptures and houses that you can check out and snap photos of.
Get a history lesson in Sleepy Hollow
@fromanmarkTime from New York: 30 - 45 minutes
Sleepy Hollow is a little town that's full of history, and it's just waiting to share it with you. They've got a farm and mill dating back to 1750, as well as a restaurant which offers amazing craft beer and pub grub.
Get lost in Avalon Park
@hannah.monellTime from New York: 1 hour and 20 minutes
If you want to add some Boho vibes to your IG, an impromptu trip to Avalon Park with your camera is just what you need! The park consists of 84 acres of flora, fauna, and a ton of nature trails for all the outdoorsy folk to enjoy.
Have a relaxing beach day in Montauk
@rosacrespoTime from New York: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Everyone knows Montauk as a relaxing little beach town, so it should definitely be on your summer road trip radar. Try your hand at surfing, work on your tan, or grab some tasty food truck eats!
Take a walk through the Old Westbury Gardens
@yo0karyTime from New York: 45 minutes
If you're feeling stressed, a walk in the park may be just what you need. Take a stroll through the Old Westbury Gardens with a friend or by yourself. There are over 200 acres of diverse gardens, woodlands, lakes, and ponds.
See some cute critters at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary
@thedodoTime from New York: 2 hours
This animal sanctuary looks like heaven on Earth if you ask me. Catskill is 110 acres of space for animals of all sorts that have been rescued from cruelty. The center also provides info to the public on how to care for farm animals, which is super important.
Grab some fresh fruit from the Blue Hill Market
@dzinermomTime from New York: 50 minutes
There's no denying that fresh fruit is best in the summer, but it's even better when it comes fresh from the farmer's market! The Blue Hill Market, just 50 minutes outside of NY has the best selection of fresh fruits and veggies, among other things.
Enjoy some wine at the Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard
@a_vintners_taleTime from New York: 1 hour
If you're looking for a sign to treat yourself, this is it. The Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard is known as one of the most respectable vineyards in Long Island. They've also got a Bed and Breakfast on their property, in case you're ready to doze off after your tour.
Take your dog out to Bear Mountain State Park
@nikkicriscuoloTime from New York: 1 hour
If you love hiking, imagine how much your dog would! Next time you and your furry best friend are up to the challenge, take the drive out to Bear Mountain State Park and conquer a hike. The views at the end will be totally worth it.
Pay a visit to the Philadephia Museum of Art
@fraumichTime from New York: 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you're a big city person, why not hop the border over to Philadelphia? There's so much to do and see, including vintage thrift stores, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a ton of restaurants.
Relax in the tranquil Sayen Gardens
@cthdogservicesTime from New York: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Even just looking at photos of the Sayen Gardens feels so relaxing, so imagine actually spending some time hanging out there! The gardens are full of thousands of gorgeous flowers, as well as some romantic gazebos where you can relax by yourself or with loved ones.
Go on a cruise on the Captain Lou Fleet
@mchezTime from New York: 1 hour
Summer is here, so take advantage of it. Hop on Captain Lou Fleet to enjoy a four hour long fluke-fishing excursion, or just enjoy the views. Nearby, there's also plenty of amazing seafood restaurants, brewhouses, and cafes to try.
Go on a nature walk through the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
@jennantarTime from New York: 45 minutes
Another really great spot to catch a glimpse of wildlife in NY would have to be the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum. The 16 acres is not only the home of many beautiful wild animals, but also has hiking trails, plants, and many other amazing natural wonders.
Experience the nightlife of Atlantic City
@morgan_almodovarTime from New York: 2 hours
Whether it's your 21st birthday or your just in the mood to hit the town and have some fun, Atlantic City is a great spot! While the city is known for its gambling, there's also have a ton of fun bars and clubs to go dancing and grab drinks.
Spend a day exploring the Storm King Art Centre
@aoife_walsh_xTime from New York: 1 hour
Another great, artsy spot worth visiting is the Storm King Art Centre. You can bring your bike along to admire all the art while riding or you can simply take a walk in the park! You'll find works from over 100 different artists spanned over 500 acres.
Check out the Denning's Point Distillery in Beacon
@courtscheffyTime from New York: 1 hour and 20 minutes
We've heard that Denning's Point is one of the best spots in Beacon, and from the looks of it, we were told right! They offer tours and tastings of their whiskey, bourbon, gin, and vodka every Friday and Saturday night, so next time you're making plans, you know where to go.
Spend the day at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Centre
@colormaestroTime from New York: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Yet another spot to meet some cool animals is the Long Island Aquarium! It's themed around the Lost City of Atlantis, which is pretty cool as is, but throw in a ton of cute sea creatures and you're bound to have the best day ever.
Spend the day at the Queens Zoo
@alyguichayTime from New York: 1 hour
There's never a bad time for a trip to the zoo! The Queen's Zoo is just one hour outside of the city and is home to so many amazing animal species! The best part is, if you hate crowds, it's less likely to be crowded than Central Park's!
See the canyon
Via NY State Parks & Historic Sites | Facebook
Time from New York: 5 hours
Calling itself the "Grand Canyon of the east," Letchworth State Park is gorgeous everywhere you look. There's not just one but three waterfalls to see. So there's no reason to stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
See another bucket list state park
@hikingmomma_Time from New York: 4 hours and 20 mins
Just south of Syracuse, lies the treasure that is Watkins Glen State Park. This park tops Letchworth with 19 waterfalls! The park also connects to the state's massive system of paths—almost a 1,000 miles of connected paths.