8 Most Relaxing Upstate New York Towns
As 2026 unfolds, it feels like a year for the quiet destinations, the kind that let you connect with nature and marvel at the wonders of the world. And in upstate New York, the options are promising. Here, you can explore castles in the Thousand Islands, hit the ski slopes in the Adirondacks, or relax on beaches with crystal-clear water in the Finger Lakes, making any season the perfect excuse to recharge. So give yourself permission to pause and come along to explore this year's most serene destinations.
Alexandria Bay
Situated in northern New York’s Thousand Islands, Alexandria Bay rests along the St. Lawrence Seaway, offering excellent opportunities for both water recreation and hiking. Travelers can explore this breathtaking region on a tour with Uncle Sam Boat Tours, which operates seasonally and has been in operation since 1926. During the tour, the boat takes passengers out on the river to spot iconic riverfront estates and castles.
One of the most renowned castles in the 1000 Islands region is Boldt Castle, a 120-room Rhineland-style castle that visitors can tour starting in May. To explore more of the area’s nature, you can also head out to the Otter Creek Preserve, a 115-acre natural area with nearly two miles of trails that wind through the woods and past the Otter Creek.
Old Forge
If a retreat into the Adirondacks is calling your name, Old Forge is the perfect destination for you. This town, home to fewer than a thousand people, provides access to a couple of notable mountains. Bald Mountain (sometimes called Rondaxe Mountain) is just a few minutes from town and offers a 1.8-mile hiking trail with a 400-foot elevation gain, leading up to the Rondaxe Fire Tower at the summit.
In the winter, you can enjoy a weekend of skiing at the McCauley Mountain Ski Area, which has a 633-foot vertical drop. In town, the environment is just as relaxed as in the mountains. The Fulton Chain Craft Brewery is a wonderful place to bask in this atmosphere, a laid-back brewery that produces its beers with 100% New York State hops. It is also just a short walk from Old Forge Pond, if you want to hit the water after!
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, on the shores of Mirror Lake, is located near the larger Lake Placid, making it another dreamy spot for a few days on the water. If you want to go boating but don’t have your own boat, you can rent from Placid Boat Rentals, which sits between both lakes, providing access to either shore. In the summer, Mirror Lake Public Beach is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, featuring sandy shores, a launch site for canoes and kayaks, tennis courts, and a playground. If you are planning your trip to town during the winter, however, you can opt to visit Mt Van Hoevenberg, the site of the 1932 Winter Games. The mountain has more than 27 miles (44 kilometers) of groomed cross-country skiing trails that weave in and around the forests of the Olympic Sports Complex.
Catskill
Nestled along the Hudson River, with Catskill Creek winding through its center, the village of Catskill serves as a hub for all sorts of outdoor activities. For some birdwatching or kayaking, you can explore the Ramshorn-Livingston Audubon Center and Sanctuary, which is home to 436 acres of tidal marsh, swamp, upland forest, and farm fields. Golfers will have a great time at the Catskill Golf Club, where they can play 18 holes before grabbing a bite at the club’s on-site bistro. Or take a nice stroll along the Hudson River Skywalk, a six-mile out-and-back pedestrian walkway that has tremendous views of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains.
Saranac Lake
Not only is Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, but it also lies near multiple bodies of water, including Lake Flower, Lower Saranac Lake, and Little Colby Pond. Travelers can kick off their trip by hiking up Baker Mountain, where they can appreciate panoramic views of the Adirondacks and water below.
If you want to enjoy the area in the winter, check out the Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center, which has some excellent trails for downhill skiing and snowshoeing. Year-round, visitors can also go horseback riding at Emerald Springs Ranch, which provides appointment-only riding lessons and trail rides for riders of all levels.
Skaneateles
There is no need to travel to the Caribbean this year with Skaneateles nearby. Situated on the shores of Skaneateles Lake, this town encourages travelers to swim in the warm months at Clift Park, a waterfront spot known for its clear, blue waters. Right across from the park, you will find The Sherwood Inn, a historic hotel dating back to 1807, offering rooms with unique, vintage-style furnishings. Just north of town, hikers can also visit the Charlie Major Nature Trail, a scenic trail that crosses a creek and meanders through a forested corridor, passing old millwork structures, dams, and a railroad.
Westport
Overlooking Lake Champlain, Westport offers a leisurely day of coffee sipping and cross-country skiing. The morning begins at JAMBS on Main, a local coffee shop that roasts its coffee in-house. Afterward, prepare to explore the Champlain Area Trails, a network of over 78 miles of trails that are used for cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Those who visit Westport in the summer can also plan some time at the Westport Marina on Lake Champlain, which has boat launches, boat rentals, kayak rentals, waterfront dining, and more.
Lake George
Nicknamed “The Birthplace of the American Vacation,” Lake George has been receiving tourists for over two centuries, largely thanks to its prized lakeshore and Adirondack location. Part of the town’s tourism since 1817, the Lake George Steamboat Company now offers dining and sightseeing cruises, among others, providing a wonderful way to experience the lake.
Travelers can also set up base for the afternoon at Million Dollar State Beach, which is open from the end of May through the beginning of September, providing lifeguard stations, a boat launch, and a boat-washing station. For a mountain hike, head up Prospect Mountain, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and looks out over the lake below.
A Sense of Renewal
Upstate New York is filled with relaxing destinations, and these eight towns are just a few of the best examples. The winter brings plenty of opportunity for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while the summer months promise a season of boat tours, swimming, and mountain hikes. Breweries, coffee shops, and local inns await in town, as well. Regardless of when the trip begins, a sense of renewal is practically guaranteed by the journey's end.
