9 Picture-Perfect Towns in Upstate New York

Upstate New York’s prettiest towns were shaped by ice, water, and work. Glaciers carved the Finger Lakes, leaving Ithaca’s gorges and Watkins Glen’s waterfall corridors as ready-made scenery. Adirondack winters turned Lake Placid into an Olympic stage, and Lake George into a shoreline of viewpoints and beaches.

Each place on our list earns its “picture-perfect” label differently: through geology, legacy, and a walkable main street that keeps you outside longer, in every season here!

Ithaca

Lakes, waterfalls, and gorges! Natural beauty is easy to come by in the post-card-perfect town of Ithaca, New York. Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a quality glass of vino. While in town, spend a few hours wandering Buttermilk Falls State Park which is home to a gorge, hiking trails, boardwalks, camping sites, and places to swim. The park also features a sparkling waterfall that cascades down a bed of jagged rocks. Of course, seeing just one waterfall in a town that’s home to over 150 of them simply will not cut it. For more waterfall fun, head to Robert H. Treman State Park. Here, those willing to hike the trails will discover 12 waterfalls including the towering 115-foot Lucifer Falls. After a day of admiring the burbling water, visitors can check out the Ithaca Farmers Market-a long-running staple for locals and tourists alike. Finally, take a peaceful walk through the Cornell Botanic Gardens where visitors will find a wide range of seasonal plants.

Skaneateles

Ithaca may be located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, but Skaneateles, New York has long been touted as “The Jewel of the Finger Lakes.” And for good reason. This charming upstate town is sprinkled with cozy bed and breakfasts, sparkling lake views, and a myriad of annual events that draw in thousands of tourists each year. While visiting Skaneateles, taking a trip out on the water is a must. This is made easy with local guided tours such as the one offered by Midlakes Navigation. After a couple of hours on the water, novice hikers will want to explore the Charlie Major Nature Trail-a roughly one-mile stretch that follows an abandoned railway. Along the way, expect to see glimpses of the old railroad, charming footbridges, and forested areas. Those traveling to this area in August will be in town for the annual Skaneateles music festival-a tradition that’s lasted over 40 years and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Lake Placid

Those who prefer thrill-seeking adventures to laid-back vacations will find the adrenaline rush they need in Lake Placid, New York. Surrounded by the picturesque Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is well known, not just for its natural beauty, but for its deep ties to the Winter Olympic Games. It should come as no surprise that the town is a hot spot for skiing, snowboarding, and a range of other thrilling activities. Those looking to dive headfirst into fun will want to start the trip with a visit to the Olympic Jumping Complex. No matter what time of year it is, visitors will find an array of activities here including towering ski jumps, sky gondolas with a birds-eye view, and zip lines that reach up to 30 miles per hour. If that’s too much of a thrill, try slowing things down a little at The Wild Center. Here, nature lovers can see local wildlife from a whole new perspective on the wild walk. With lookout points that reach 30 feet into the air, a series of high-up rope bridges, human-sized spiderwebs, and a four-story tree house, the wild walk is a memorable experience for the whole family. Speaking of high-up places, visitors may also enjoy trekking up Mt. Jo or hiking up to the scenic High Falls Gorge.

Lake George

Another beautiful town worth visiting in the Adirondack Mountain area is Lake George. Named after the lake it sits on, Lake George is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages. Between family-friendly activities such as themed mini-golf to adult-friendly outings at the town’s award-winning distillery, there is truly something for everyone here. Those who are looking for quiet days spent admiring the views, take a drive along the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. The 5.5-mile stretch offers designated areas along the way where travelers can stop and take in a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. On clear days, it is possible to see the high peaks of Canada’s Laurentian Mountains from these viewpoints as well. In the summer months, plan to relax beachside at Million Dollar Beach where sand and swimming are abundant. Or take a more active route and see Lake George’s natural beauty from a pedal-operated rail car with Revolution Rail. Those traveling with young kids will want to make stops at places like Magic Forest and Goony Golf.

Watkins Glen

Over 200 miles away from the famous Adirondack Mountains, lies the small town of Watkins Glen. Known for having beautiful waterfalls and easy access to the surrounding Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen is a nature lovers' paradise. Far from city lights and traffic, this calm and quiet town is home to a handful of serene places such as the Watkins Glen State Park. Here, visitors can partake in a range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, hunting, and snowshoeing in the winter months. The park also features 19 rushing waterfalls and among them-a gorgeous gorge. After a few hours in the park, ambitious outdoor enthusiasts can take the roughly 13-mile drive to the Finger Lakes National Forest where hiking, fishing, and camping are all on offer. Want to enjoy the great outdoors without too much physical exertion? No problem! In the warmer months, visitors can take a casual ride on Captain Bill’s dinner and sightseeing cruises.

Alexandria Bay

Anyone interested in exploring New York’s Thousand Islands should plan a getaway to Alexandria Bay. Located in the center of the Thousand Islands, this quaint upstate town is filled with fun boat tours, old castles, and bodies of pristine water that stretch as far as the eye can see. Start the trip off strong and swing by Scenic View Park. Here, guests can wander along the riverwalk and soak up views of Casino Island and the surrounding water. For the romantics in the group, a trip to the famous Boltd Castle is a must. Built by millionaire George C. Boldt, the Boldt Castle was intended to be a physical reminder of how dearly he loved his wife. However, when his wife suddenly died in 1904, Boldt canceled all construction and abandoned the castle as-is, claiming that he just couldn’t picture the castle without his wife there. Today, the castle, which is only accessible by boat is enjoyed by hundreds of curious tourists each year. Those looking for a more low-key activity will enjoy the fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities available at Grass Point State Park.

Corning

Frequently referred to as the Crystal City, Corning is equally renowned for its beauty and historical significance. Ideal for lifelong learners and history enthusiasts, Corning boasts historic landmarks, an iconic glass museum, and a town square recognized by Travel and Leisure as one of “America's Most Beautiful Town Squares.” During your visit, the Corning Museum of Glass is an essential destination. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore 3,500 years of glass-making history and participate in glass crafting experiences. Additionally, the Little Joe Tower-a charming structure dedicated to the town's glass-making heritage—merits a visit. Subsequently, explore the Gaffer District, which offers an array of sights, activities, and culinary options. Conclude your visit with further museum explorations, including the Rockwell Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of American art, and the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, where visitors can view preserved historic buildings such as a blacksmith's shop, a schoolhouse, various cabins, and gardens.

Cold Spring

Cold Spring, New York, is an ideal destination for a day trip, situated along the banks of the Hudson River. The town presents visitors with numerous tranquil outdoor activities and a historic downtown area featuring unique shops such as the Cold Spring Antique Center. Individuals seeking outdoor exploration are encouraged to visit Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. This predominantly undeveloped park functions as a sanctuary for several specialized habitats. It offers hiking trails, fishing and hunting locations, and bald eagle observation sites distributed across its territory. Additionally, the West Point Foundry Preserve serves as an outdoor museum that showcases the town's historical significance. For those desiring a physical challenge, hiking up Bull Hill is recommended, whereas visitors seeking relaxation and the soothing sounds of nature should consider visiting Dockside Park.

Hudson

Hudson, New York, is a vibrant destination known for its antiques, museums, and 18th-century architecture, making it a favorite among architecture enthusiasts. First-time visitors will also discover the area's natural beauty. A key outdoor site is the Olana State Historic Site, where visitors can stroll the 250-acre property, join guided tours, visit the museum, and walk along the Hudson River Skywalk. A must-see is the stunning Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, which appears to float on the water. Lighthouse tours are usually offered on Saturdays from June through October.

In Conclusion

These picture-perfect New York towns are a glaring reminder for travelers that there is far more to New York than just New York City. Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, these upstate towns provide peaceful getaways for anyone looking to spend some time in nature.