10 Best New York Towns For First-Time Visitors
If it's your first time through New York, then you might be tempted to hail a Yellow Cab to Times Square, scarf down a street-stall hot dog, and catch a Broadway play. All great choices, but there's much more to this massive state than Manhattan can accommodate.
Just north of The Big Apple, the timeless towns of Hudson Valley unfurl. To the east, Long Island awaits. And making the leap to Upstate New York, the Adirondack Mountains, Finger Lakes, and Great Lakes all leave an indelible impression. With such focus on one city, it's easy to forget just how diverse and expansive the Empire State actually is. So without further ado, these are ten of the best New York towns for first-timers to visit.
Lake George
Known as the "Birthplace of the American Vacation," Lake George is a perfect introduction to Upstate New York, and more specifically, the Adirondack Mountains. Sitting at the southern tip of its titular lake and backdropped by Prospect Mountain, the town of Lake George offers both breathtaking scenery and wholesome outdoor recreation in spades. Those drawn to the water can board the country's oldest continuously-operating tour boat with the Lake George Steamboat Company, get a shoreline paddleboard session in, or simply kick back on the freshwater beaches (there are four in the immediate vicinity to choose from).
Those keen to tackle a terrestrial challenge can lace up their boots and hike to the summit of Prospect Mountain, where you'll be met with sweeping views of the deep green surroundings, or, in the fall, an autumnal collage. Of course, you'll also have the option to wade deeper into Adirondack Park, which, at over 6 million acres, is the largest publicly protected area in the Lower 48 (so you might need to double back for a few more visits!). However you explore the area, your intrigue will be invariably captured by the expansive Fort William Henry (as shown in The Last of the Mohicans) in the heart of town. So be sure to take a tour of the circa-1755 compound between activities.
Montauk
From one of the state's westernmost reaches to its easternmost point, New York newbies would be remiss not to stop in Montauk. Whether you're recreating scenes from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, or simply wish to wade far into the Atlantic Ocean, this coastal village is as inspiring as it is accessible. The apex of the Long Island Peninsula can be reached from the core of The Big Apple in three hours by car, or a similar duration aboard the Long Island Rail Road (jump on at Jamaica Station). Once there, surfers and sailors, boaters and beachcombers, and historians and honeymooners all converge on this special spot. Some solid intro activities consist of visiting one of Montauk's seven state parks (including, of course, the circa-1796 Montauk Point Lighthouse), joining a whale-watching tour, feeling the wind in your hair and spray of the crashing whitecaps as you stroll the miles of sandy beaches, and dining on some of the freshest seafood imaginable at The Plaza.
Lake Placid
This spritely resort village and two-time host of the Winter Olympics (1932 & 1980) is another ideal first-timer's destination within the Adirondacks. Situated on the shore of not only the namesake body of water but also the idyllic Mirror Lake, Lake Placid is a mecca for hiking, paddling, skiing (backcountry, nordic, or on the slopes of Whiteface Mountain), and all sorts of other classic outdoor activities, but also tailors to adventurous families with its toboggan chute, sleigh rides, and zipline. Perhaps your introduction to Lake Placid will coincide with one of its crowd-pleasing annual events, such as the Lake Placid IRONMAN competition (July), the Lake Placid Film Festival (late October through early November), or the Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series (free concerts every Tuesday night, July through August). But even on a regular day, it's a pleasure to pass the time and devour some meals in downtown Lake Placid.
Niagara Falls
Way out in western New York, pinched between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, roars the largest waterfall by volume and width (and it's pretty dang high too) in North America. Niagara Falls is actually a collective title given to three sets of waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the tallest of them all (reaching 176 feet), Horseshoe Falls. On either side of this dramatic section of the Niagara River both New York, and Ontario, Canada have erected namesake tourist cities. Granted, Niagara Falls, New York has been fairly dubbed a bit tacky by some, but if this is your first time through this part of the Great Lakes Region, then glimpsing Niagara Falls is practically mandatory. If you hone in on Niagara Falls State Park, then it will surely bring good vibes and misty rainbows. Here, in the oldest of America's state parks, you can climb high onto the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, board the Maid of the Mist tour boat for an up close soaking, or hike along the gorge to the Rainbow International Bridge, or over to Goat Island for a better view of Horseshoe Falls.
Sleepy Hollow
The hamlet of Sleepy Hollow is less than an hour north of NYC on the Hudson Line. Here, the lore of Washington Irving’s titular story about the headless horseman curiously combines with opulent estates and the four-season serenity of the Hudson Valley. And while the popular Tim Burton movie adaptation was filmed elsewhere, this Mount Pleasant enclave leans into the affiliated aesthetic - especially this time of year, when thousands of Jack O'Laterns illuminate the woods, period actors regale audiences with spooky tales, and haunted hayrides and actual headless horseman plop around town. Whether or not your visit coincides with Sleepy Hollow’s fall festivities, be sure to scout the Rockefeller Estate and the anachronistic grounds of Rockefeller State Park, and sift through the impressive mausoleums at the local 90-acre cemetery.
Ithaca
Shifting over to west-central New York's famous Finger Lakes region, the college town of Ithaca proudly introduces an Ivy League institution, the vibrant local culture it fosters, and the refreshing scenery of Cayuga Lake (the longest of the Finger Lakes) in conjunction with its verdant surrounding hills. Start by touring Cornell University's ornate, mid-19th century campus, followed by a lengthy meander through the corresponding 4,000-acre, creekside botanic gardens. Then, for a taste of Ithaca's coffee culture (those budding minds need caffeine!), check out any of the dozen or so artisanal cafes. Now thoroughly recharged, join the crowd at Ithaca Commons and see what kinds of boutique/gear shops, restaurants and galleries call out to you. Finally, track down some of the 150+ waterfalls within a 10-mile radius of Ithaca - perhaps by heading up Cayuga's western shore to Taughannock Falls State Park, or dropping down to another local favorite: Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Watkins Glen
Wading one finger west, to the base of Seneca Lake - the largest of the Finger Lakes in terms of volume/surface area - we arrive at the idyllic village of Watkins Glen. Get acquainted with this magnificent water body by walking out to the iconic Seneca Lake Pier House, or better yet, by boarding the 1925 schooner known as True Love for an old-fashioned sailing excursion. Another equally photogenic ecosystem can be found at Watkins Glen State Park, beginning at the opposite end of town. Following the chiseled Gorge Trail, visitors are treated to no less than 19 waterfalls (some as tall as 200 feet) and rim-side lookouts of this lush, mossy, and striated formation. Changing gears a bit, see if your stay coincides with one of the many exciting events held at the historic Watkins Glen International. Beginning with the Watkins Glen Grand Prix in 1948, this historic racetrack consistently delivers high-octane thrills in the middle of an otherwise tranquil setting.
Woodstock
Fixed within the Catskill Mountains on the east side of the Hudson Valley, Woodstock is a world-renowned hippie haven. And though the famous 1969 music festival took place on a dairy farm about an hour away, the town of Woodstock waves its tie-dye flag all the same. Home to one of the oldest art colonies in the country, this Ulster County community is replete with galleries (such as the Artists Association & Museum or Byrdcliffe Guild), and live-music venues (check out Colony - a restored theatre from 1929, the rootsy Bearsville Theater, or the rustic Byrdcliffe Theatre), and for you traveling thespians, the esteemed Woodstock Playhouse, circa 1938. Woodstock's main street (i.e. Tinker Street) is also a treasure trove of vintage shops, sweet treats, crafts, and New Age goodies. So simply queue up your favorite Dylan album and enjoy a slow-paced wander through Woodstock.
Hudson
Further up the eastern shore of the Hudson Valley, but still reachable by train from New York City (about two hours with the Empire Service) is the historic haven of Hudson. Despite being located in excess of 100 miles inland, Hudson was founded as a whaling port (a scheme to avoid detection by the British Royal Navy) and wound up becoming the first chartered city after the Revolutionary War in 1785. As such, Hudson harbors distinct architecture spanning three centuries - from Victorian mansions, to Nantucket townhomes, to neoclassical buildings. All along Warren and Front Street, over 200 independent establishments have gladly taken residence in these eclectic structures. Antique dealers, in particular, thrive in these parts - with over 50 proprietors pushing old treasures in the heart of downtown as well as waterfront warehouses. Speaking of the waterfront, pack a pair of binoculars, or board the Hudson Ferry for a closer look at the red-bricked, circa-1872 Hudson Athens Lighthouse, which floats in the middle of the Hudson River, effortlessly contrasting the verdant summer shoreline, or blending in with the fall foliage.
Saranac Lake
Let's end our first-timer's tour back in the Adirondacks, an hour and a half north of our Lake George starting point. Saranac Lake continues the regional tradition of namesake shoreline communities, though this village is intertwined with all sorts of additional water-bodies: Lake Flower, Lake Colby, Oseetah Lake, Kiwassa Lake, the Saranac River, and plenty of ponds. Now known as the "Capital of the Adirondacks," Saranac Lake gained notoriety during the 1870s "Cure Era," when wealthy New Yorkers sought this therapeutic setting as a treatment for tuberculosis. Efficacy aside, Dr. Trudeau's "cure cottages" certainly showed off Saranac Lake's assets, continuing to entice prominent figures over the years, including the likes of Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, and Albert Einstein. Today, Saranac Lake tailors to paddlers and anglers, hikers (try the grunt up Mount Baker), families (give the Adirondack Carousel a whirl), and community-centric folks (especially come the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival - every February since 1897!).
New Sides to New York
By escaping New York City's orbit, you can experience the heart of the Hudson, the awe of the Adirondacks, the freedom of the Finger Lakes, and the greatness of the Great Lakes. Even though this is one of the most populous states, there are so many small towns immersed in New York's natural bounties and quirkier cultures. But if you're just scratching the surface, then these ten towns are the best places to start.
