Upstate New York makes for a fantastic weekend escape on any budget. Whether searching for a quick getaway within two hours of New York City or something more exotic, many options won’t break the bank. You have many to choose from, from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks.

You can make a week of it and hit most spots on a Road Trip from NYC to Toronto.

New York State is Vast

New York State is large and much more than just New York City. It offers diverse landscapes, from the stunning natural beauty of the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains to the serene shores of the Finger Lakes and the majestic Niagara Falls.

Additionally, the vibrant cultural scene in cities like New York City and charming small towns like Hudson provides a rich blend of history, art, and community that adds to the state’s unique allure.

Here are the best 12 getaways in New York State this summer.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of New York’s most popular tourist sites, yet a trip there won’t break the budget. Many lookouts are free and offer great views. Free summer fireworks shows and scenic hiking routes are also available. You can also purchase discount passes at major attractions.

The Discovery Pass offers up to a 35% discount on the Observation Tower, Maid of the Mist, Discovery Center, Cave of the Winds, and Aquarium of Niagara. Unlimited rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley, a three-mile guided state park tour.

To cool down if the temps are hot, walk along the falls and you will get a delicious spray.

Albany

The state capital of New York is home to numerous attractions, one of which is a breathtaking park. On its eighty acres, Washington Park offers visitors peaceful walkways, ponds, wooded glens, monuments, memorials, and statues. As a bonus, the Park Playhouse hosts free professional theatrical shows throughout the summer (plus thousands of gorgeous tulips in May). 

The 42nd story of the Corning Tower offers breathtaking views of the Catskills, the Adirondacks, and the Hudson River Valley. At the same time, tours of the Capitol Building and the walking paths of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve are all popular attractions.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, New York, is located in the center of the Hudson Valley and is well-known for its seasonal horse racing and over 20 public thermal springs. Most come directly from the ground, are naturally carbonated, and have distinct flavors. 

Trying them out on your own is a great way to save money without sacrificing enjoyment. Saratoga Spa State Park features beautiful parks and gardens, a farmer’s market where you can buy fresh, locally grown produce at affordable prices, and two public swimming pools.

Check out some other fun things to do in Saratoga Springs.

Hudson

Charming Hudson sits along a beautiful section of the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley. It has a lovely downtown filled with shops showcasing the work of local artisans, antique stores, stores selling homemade furnishings and home decor, and restaurants serving locally sourced fare, such as the James Beard Award-winning Fish & Game. 

There are beautiful hills to climb and trails to stroll, and you can also learn about one of America’s earliest and most influential landscape artists at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site.

Rochester 

Rochester, New York, is a wonderful place to visit for many reasons, including its beautiful landscape, recreational opportunities, and fascinating historical sites. Between April and September, you can attend a Major League Baseball game at Frontier Field for cheap to see the Rochester Red Wings. 

Free parks totaling 12,000 acres offer historical, natural, zoological, horticultural, and geological attractions and a mini-golf course for some friendly competition. Ontario Beach Park, located on the northwest side of Lake Ontario, is a great place to spend a sunny day enjoying the water, sand, sun, and a century-old carousel.

New Paltz

New Paltz is a great weekend escape from New York City if you want to spend some time in nature engaging in one of the various outdoor activities available. The four-hour hike to the end of Lemon Squeeze, one of the best in the state, rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valley. 

After that, picnic by the Mohonk Preserve lake with some excellent sandwiches from Main Street Bistro. You can also go apple picking at Dressel Farms or bird viewing at Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spend the Fall in the Hudson Valley and get in some great leaf-peeping.

Phoenicia

Phoenicia, nestled in the Catskill Mountains along Esopus Creek, is home to some of the best fly fishing on the East Coast, thrilling rapids for tubing in the summer, and some of the most beautiful fall foliage in all of New York. 

The 56-foot towering Katskills Kaleidoscope is the largest in the world, and it is well worth a look. Experiencing a Kaleidoshow, a multimedia presentation doesn’t have to break the bank. Mount Tobias, located just to the southeast of town, welcomes visitors for free scenic hikes and other experiences.

Strolling around the downtown area is entertaining, as numerous museums, galleries, and small shops sell everything from classic antiques to the latest contemporary knickknacks.

The Hamptons

Visiting the Hamptons in the summer is an incredible experience, especially if you love beach vibes and cool activities. Just be aware that the Hamptons are spendy in the summer. It has become a refuge for New Yorkers who want to escape the city, so accommodations are filling up fast.

The Hamptons are famous for their beautiful sandy beaches where you can swim, surf, or chill out with friends. Places like Main Beach in East Hampton and Cooper’s Beach in Southampton are super popular and perfect for catching some rays. Plus, there are tons of fun events like outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and art shows that make the summer even more exciting.

Beyond the beaches, the Hamptons have some cool spots to explore. You can visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which offers amazing ocean views, or check out the trendy shops and cafes in towns like Sag Harbor and East Hampton.

If you’re into nature, there are fantastic hiking trails and parks where you can enjoy the outdoors. The Hamptons is a great place to spend your summer with its relaxing beach days and fun activities.

Thousand Islands

Visiting the Thousand Islands in New York during the summer is a fantastic adventure. This area is known for its beautiful scenery, with over 1,800 islands across the St. Lawrence River. You can take boat tours to explore the islands, see historic sites like Boldt Castle, and enjoy the clear, blue waters. The summer weather is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, making it an excellent spot for outdoor fun.

Besides the water activities, there are plenty of other things to do. You can visit the Thousand Islands State Park for a picnic or hike along its trails. The small towns in the area, like Alexandria Bay, have charming shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors to explore. With its natural beauty and fun activities, the Thousand Islands is a beautiful place to visit in the summer.

Make sure to bring your passport because part of the Thousand Islands is in Ontario, Canada, and you will want to be sure to have an excuse to visit Canada.

Ithaca 

The town of Ithaca is located near the southern end of Cayuga Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, which is also home to verdant woodlands and rolling vineyards. The famed Ithaca Falls may be found in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, while the Taughannock Falls can be seen in the nearby Taughannock Falls State Park, one of the top state parks in New York. 

The seasonal weekend market is always a good time. It features a wide variety of wares, foods, and entertainment, including crafts, fruit, baked products, street food, wine tastings, and live music. 

Tourists can also hop between the moon, the sun, and other celestial bodies as they follow the starry route on the Sagan Planet Walk, an enormous-sized model of the solar system that children find engaging.

Check out my post on Ithaca in the Fall.

Lake George

Lake George is the town’s focal point, with lovely beaches and pure water in which to swim. Rent a lakeside cabin for a weekend getaway. Usher and Shepard’s parks are free. Shepard’s Amphitheater hosts free concerts almost every summer night.  

Bring a cooler, blanket, and chairs to spend the day here—Hike Sleeping Beauty Mountain for incredible vistas. In town, window shopping and people-watching along Canada Street are fun. Taqueria Paloma serves affordable food.

Lake George is one of the most popular summer getaways in New York State.

Geneva

Geneva is a small town in the Finger Lakes region bordered by lakes, wineries, woodlands, and farmland. It has a rich farming past, and many brewers, vineyards, and restaurants grow their products or source them locally. Seneca Lake State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. 

Picnic, swim, hike, or bike the trails, and let the kids play at the playground. Johnston House and Rose Hill Mansion provide affordable access to history buffs. Several breweries and wineries offer cheap tastings with live music.

Narrowsburg and the Upper Delaware River Valley

Heaven for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and black bears, the Upper Delaware River Valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some of the best fly fishing in the northeast while watching for soaring bald eagles along the Delaware River. Although spring is the best time to fish for rainbow and brown trout, you can catch smallmouth bass here all year. 

Glamping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, or even canoeing are available here, and scenic drives offer stunning autumn vistas. Narrowsburg, a village beside the river, is a great place to spend a day because it has something for everyone: restaurants and stores to suit practically any budget and hiking and historical attractions. 

New York City

New York City is busy in the summer with locals getting out to enjoy the weather. Iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square are bustling with energy.

Central Park transforms into a green oasis perfect for picnics and outdoor concerts, while waterfront areas like Brooklyn Bridge Park offer stunning views and recreational activities. Summer also brings street festivals, parades, and markets.

The city’s cultural scene thrives with outdoor events and performances.

Museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History host special summer exhibitions.

Broadway theaters and music venues feature captivating shows and concerts, including the SummerStage series in Central Park. New York City in the summer offers an unforgettable experience.

Plan your Next Adventure Now

Getaways in New York State in any season will give you a memorable vacation experience. You can spend your day sightseeing at distilleries and discovering wine trails to go on a hike or skiing. Get the ball rolling on your trip today by selecting a destination close to everything you want to do in upstate New York.

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