10 Most Breathtaking Towns In New York
With more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, 7,500 lakes and ponds, and three major mountain ranges, New York State is bursting with natural beauty. Its history is equally compelling, featuring Revolutionary War forts and well-preserved 18th-century villages. With so many remarkable sites, deciding where to visit can feel overwhelming. Here are ten incredible towns to explore first, from the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks, offering you a look at some of New York’s most breathtaking destinations.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a beautiful town in New York’s Adirondacks, offering ample opportunities to hike and explore the mountains. Travelers looking for a mountain hike can head to Ampersand Mountain, a 5.4-mile round trip that climbs to the summit, rewarding visitors with 360-degree views of the High Peaks Wilderness. For a short but steep trek, drive just under an hour to Azure Mountain. The hike is almost 2 miles round trip, with the final stretch climbing sharply to the summit. After a day in the mountains, head back into town to explore some of the local shops or galleries. The Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery is a must for art lovers, featuring work from talented local artists.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is located along the northernmost shores of Skaneateles Lake, making it a scenic and peaceful place to spend a few days. Travelers can pass a sunny afternoon at Clift Park, a lakefront spot featuring gardens, a small swimming area that opens into turquoise waters, and a gazebo. Right in front of the park, visitors will find The Sherwood Inn, a charming and historic hotel whose roots date back to the 19th century. From October 24th through 26th this year, travelers can stop by town for the annual Fall Fest Weekend. The festival’s activities in previous years included a trick-or-treat parade, fall-themed drinks, historic cemetery tours, and much more fun for the whole family.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is home to one of the most notable forts of the Revolutionary War: Fort Ticonderoga. Sitting between the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, the site spans 2,000 acres where visitors can explore historic grounds, view exhibitions, and even catch special events hosted at the fort. To add more history to your itinerary, visit the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum and Visitors Center, which dives into the town’s important role in the manufacturing industry. Finish the afternoon with a round of golf at the Ticonderoga Golf Course, located among rolling hills and suitable for players of all levels.
Penn Yan
Penn Yan sits at the tip of Keuka Lake, right in the heart of one of the Finger Lakes’ best wine regions. Naturally, there are plenty of wineries to visit in the area. Keuka Spring Vineyards is a great one to add to your itinerary, featuring an open-air cafe and a scenic outdoor pavilion where you can sample some of their award-winning wines. Prejean Winery is another area favorite, family-owned and operated for three generations. Travelers wanting to take advantage of Penn Yan’s waterfront location can arrange a rental with Shoreline Rentals, which has kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available to rent, as well as bikes for those who prefer dry land.
Cold Spring
With cobblestone streets and a scenic spot along the Hudson River, Cold Spring offers a beautiful change of pace, just an hour and a half north of New York City. Before starting your day, grab a coffee and an organic pastry from Cold Spring Coffeehouse, located on Main Street. Afterward, get ready to immerse yourself in nature at the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, which covers more than 6,000 acres and has an extensive trail network. Heading back into town, you can enjoy some souvenir shopping at one of Cold Spring’s many boutiques, such as Poor George, which sells clothing, accessories, housewares, and more.
New Paltz
In New Paltz, travelers will find an incredibly well-preserved historic village that dates back to the 1700s. Now registered as a National Historic Landmark District, visitors can stroll along Historic Huguenot Street, visiting landmarks like historic stone homes, a reconstructed church from 1717, and the community’s original cemetery. Antique lovers can also stop into some of the town’s vintage stores, such as the Antiques Barn, which has an impressive collection of pottery, glass, jewelry, and other vintage items. For a bit of exercise, head to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, which extends for nine miles, connecting Lloyd to New Paltz.
Lake George
If you are after the perfect lakeside vacation, Lake George has an endless list of aquatic activities for you. Travelers can take to the water with the Lake George Steamboat Company, a historic operator that has been running cruises and boat tours in the community for over two centuries. To explore the lake at your own pace, consider a rental with Kayak Lake George, which has single kayaks, tandem boats, and paddle boards available. Conclude the afternoon with a meal at The Lagoon, where you can enjoy a wood-fired pizza or mouthwatering burger on the restaurant’s lakeside patio.
Saratoga Springs
If you are looking for a vacation that seamlessly combines art with nature, you will find it in Saratoga Springs. The town is home to Saratoga Spa State Park, a national historic landmark filled with attractions. Inside the park, visitors will find the Saratoga Spa Golf Course, which includes both an 18-hole and a 9-hole executive course. Saratoga Springs also boasts 21 public mineral springs, such as Charlie Spring near the entrance of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The center itself hosts a wide range of musical performances and events, making it a wonderful spot to spend an evening.
Geneva
Geneva is another breathtaking, lakefront town with a rich wine scene. Travelers can start off their exploration of the area at Seneca Lake State Park, which overlooks the water and has amenities like splashpads, a marina, and picnic tables. Afterward, stop by Belhurst Castle for lunch and a wine pairing at this historic estate, whose grounds date back to the 18th century. Three Brothers Wineries and Estates is another wonderful place to visit for a wine tasting, home to three wineries, a brewery, and a cafe, all on a single stunning property.
Lake Placid
Surrounded by 46 Adirondack peaks, Lake Placid has countless opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. Travelers craving an action-packed weekend can hike Mount Skylight, the fourth-tallest peak in the Adirondacks, featuring an elevation gain of just about 5,000 feet. A trip out to the Scott and Wallface Ponds is a great way to experience Lake Placid’s backcountry, featuring a 13-mile round-trip route that winds among and between MacNaughton and Wallface Mountains. To reset and relax after one of these challenging hikes, grab a craft beer at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, which has been serving microbrews and great food since 1996.
Final Thoughts
With so much to explore in New York, it can certainly be a challenge narrowing down your options. These 10 towns offer a small preview of the state’s incredible variety, featuring a range of itineraries, including lake-centered adventures, winery tours, and historic landmarks. You will find plenty of impressive local restaurants along the way, too! Regardless of your interests, each destination promises experiences that are sure to leave you breathless.
