2025's Most Underrated Towns In Upstate New York

Vacation season is underway, and if you are anything like us, you are already daydreaming about your next big trip. You likely already know that Upstate New York is filled with vacation destinations, but if you are hoping to skip the crowds this year, you might consider exploring some of its most underrated towns. These seven spots offer a quieter experience without sacrificing appeal, featuring summer concerts in the park, lakeside inns, and scenic motorcycle routes lined with waterfalls. If you are ready to skip the usual spots, these lesser-known corners of Upstate New York are worth the detour.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the only city that travelers will find in Montgomery County and is home to an impressive range of attractions. There are over 50 restaurants in town, with the Rustic Loft Pub & Grill being a great option if you are craving a rustic and cozy atmosphere. Dishes on the menu include half-pound burgers, chicken wings, prime rib French dip, and meatloaf. Travelers hoping to enjoy Amsterdam’s outdoor spaces can head to the MVGO & Riverlink Trail, a one-mile loop hike and bike trail that passes over the historic Erie Canal and leads into the gorgeous Riverlink Park. Golfers will also love the Municipal Golf Course, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones, an iconic course designer, and features 18 holes.

Westport

Although Westport is home to just 250 residents, it has numerous energizing events and live performances throughout the year. Theater fanatics can attend a play at the Depot Theater, which is housed in a 1876 train station, with upcoming performances including First Date, Radiant Vermin, and Million Dollar Quartet. For some live music outdoors, check out the schedule for the Ballard Park Summer Concert Series, which begins on July 10th and takes place each Thursday. Even if you will not be in Westport on Thursday, Ballard Park is a beautiful place to explore, sitting right along the shores of the Northwest Bay. In August, the town hosts the annual Essex County Fair, which offers agricultural events, thrilling rides, live shows, and local artisans.

Alexandria Bay

Located in the 1000 Islands region of Northern New York, Alexandria Bay is a haven for boaters and anglers. Travelers wanting to spend the afternoon fishing can arrange a fishing excursion with one of the town’s local charters, such as Reel Command Fishing Charters, where they can fish for Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. If you want to explore the waters at your own pace, consider renting a boat from Mac’s Boat Rentals, which has a fleet of 18 different boats to choose from. Cavallario's Steak House & Seafood is a great place to unwind at the end of the day, a family-owned and operated classic steak house that has been in the community since 1962. Dishes include salmon, stuffed shrimp, and prime rib.

Catskill

Between its paddle waterways, motorcycle routes, and breweries, Catskill has a relaxing activity that every traveler will enjoy. About a half-hour drive west of town, visitors will reach the Batavia Kill, a 21-mile-long tributary that is popular among whitewater kayakers, with rapids that range from Class II to V+. If you are a motorcyclist, you have several routes surrounding towns with beautiful views. Route 23A through Greene County is a fantastic option, passing by numerous waterfalls, including the highest cascading falls in the state: Kaaterskill Falls. After a day of either kayaking or motorcycling, head back into town to grab a beer at one of Catskill’s many breweries, such as Subversive, an American farmhouse brewery that specializes in the production of its own malts.

Skaneateles

Located on the northernmost edge of Skaneateles Lake, Skaneateles is one of the most beautiful towns in Upstate New York for a lakeside vacation. Travelers can cool off from the summer heat at Clift Park, which has a medium-sized swimming area along the lake with crystal clear waters. Right behind the park, visitors will find the Sherwood Inn, a historic property that first opened as a tavern in 1807. Today, it features more than 40 antique-style rooms for guests to enjoy. If you will be visiting Skaneateles in the fall, make sure to check out the annual Duck Dash, a quirky event that offers duck races, activities for the kids, music, and food and drink.

Cooperstown

Affectionately nicknamed “America’s Hometown”, Cooperstown is famously home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Exhibits throughout the museum include the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery, the Art of Baseball, and Baseball at the Movies, among many additional exhibits. If you are a baseball player yourself, make sure to visit Cooperstown Bat Company on Main Street, which has been making professional-quality bats since 1981 and is the third oldest bat company in the country. Travelers interested in exploring the town’s art scene can spend a morning at the Fenimore Art Museum, which showcases several rotating exhibits and hosts workshops and lectures throughout the year.

Lake Placid

Sitting among the 46 peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is full of hiking trails, lakes, and campsites. Travelers hoping to spend the day on the water can head over to Mirror Lake, which is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. For hiking, there are miles of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to more challenging. Travelers seeking a moderately challenging hike should consider the hike up Whiteface Landing, a 6.5-mile trail round trip that has a stop along the route to swim in the waters of Lake Placid. If you prefer to spend the night in comfort, you may enjoy lodging at the Lake Placid Lodge, which features 30 upscale rooms and suites with amenities like stone fireplaces, mountain and lake views, and hand-carved wooden beds.

Final Thoughts

Upstate New York is full of travel destinations—so many, in fact, that narrowing down the options can be a challenge. These seven towns, each with low populations and rural locations, offer the chance to explore the state’s beauty and history in a more relaxed setting. Travelers who prefer to spend their vacation next to the lake can kick back and relax at Skaneateles, while baseball lovers can discover the sport’s history at Cooperstown. Regardless of your interests, these seven towns provide the perfect experience!