Recently one of our followers on Only In New York’s Instagram tagged us in a beautiful shot and shared in her caption that “New York’s nickname should be changed to the “Hidden Gem” state…. nature is boundless here!” – and I couldn’t agree more! No matter how long you’ve been a resident, it always feels like you’re discovering something a new paradise in New York that you never realized existed right here in our backyard.

With that said, why plan an expensive vacation away when there’s still so much to see and do here in your home state? All throughout the Empire State, you can find little pieces of paradise that will make you feel like you’ve been transported down to the Caribbean. So ditch the long flights and keep your money in your wallet, it’s time to think about planning the ultimate staycation to one of these beautiful utopias.

1. Skaneateles - Onondaga County
Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
Jiashiang/Flickr
Head out towards the eastern end of the Finger Lakes Region and you’ll come across one of the most blue bodies of water that you’ll ever find in our state. Visit the small town of Skaneateles that sits along the northern shore of Skaneateles Lake and you’ll have pristine views of the water that will completely captivate you. Head out to the waterfront where Clift Park is in the heart of town and you can even walk out onto the town’s pier, giving you panoramic views of this vibrantly blue and crystal-clear lake in New York. From waterfront restaurants and parks, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy a staycation around Skaneateles Lake.
2. Ontario Beach Park - Rochester
Ontario Beach Park, 50 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY 14612, USA
Bakerfortress/TripAdvisor
Out in Monroe County where Rochester meets Lake Ontario, Ontario Beach Park covers almost 40-acres along the shoreline. Known for being one of the best natural sand beaches within the Great Lakes, the park is a wonderful place to go for a picturesque stroll all year long and to simply hang out by the water. It's a real summer paradise in New York. During the summertime visitors can take advantage of swimming at the beach or even enjoy free concerts that are held here every Wednesday. The ultimate day trip to add to your never-ending bucket list! Learn more about Lake Ontario.
3. Clayton - Jefferson County
Clayton, NY 13624, USA
Nick Normal/Flickr
A small town that’s only home to about 5,000 residents, Clayton is situated up north along the St. Lawrence River. All throughout Clayton, you can find waterfront hotels and beautiful parks that are right along the river, a body of water that’s known for having out-of-this-world hues. A great way to experience this Caribbean-like destination is to go for a glass-bottom boat ride through companies like Clayton Island Boat Tours. Taking you out onto the river, the middle of the boat features a glass bottom that you can look through to see deep down into the crystal-clear water that’s hiding things like amazing wildlife and even shipwrecks right in plain sight. If you need another place to stop in town, you also won't want to forget that Clayton is home to the Antique Boat Museum that offers rides on the river and sunset cruises! Check out more about this picturesque small town in New York.

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4. Coopers Beach - Southampton
Southampton, NY 11968, USA
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
Known for being one of the best New York beaches, Coopers Beach in Southampton will make you feel like you've traveled to another oceanic planet. There are tons of oceanfront places out on Long Island that will make you feel like you're worlds away from it all, but the water and pristine sand here at Coopers Beach isn't comparable to anything else in this area. While you may have to pay more for parking than you would probably care to, it's worth every dollar to spend the day here instead of traveling off to some far away island that will cost you a pretty penny. As you're sitting on the soft beach, you'll have historic mansions at your back and a breathtaking view of the ocean right at your feet. Who could ask for more?

5. Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville

Yes, this state park may be named after Green Lake, but you’ll often find that the water here in the park’s two lakes often looks quite blue! One of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders that you can visit in New York, explorers making their way through this state park can enjoy waterfront hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and even a gorgeous beach at the northern end of Green Lake. A rare body of water that you can only find in a handful of places around the world, there’s nothing else quite like what you’ll find here at Green Lakes State Park. Read more about Southampton.
6. Robert G. Wehle State Park - Jefferson County
Robert G. Wehle State Park, 5182 State Park Rd, Henderson, NY 13650, USA
Sweetglockness/TripAdvisor
Secluded out in the lower half of Jefferson County, the tiny town of Henderson features the breathtaking Robert G. Wehle State Park. Covering more than a thousand acres of land, this beautiful slice of paradise only actually became a state park back in 2004. Formerly a private property along Lake Ontario, now the state park features over ten miles of hiking trails and has over three miles of gorgeous shoreline. A popular place to go camping out by the water, you'll have endless views of Lake Ontario and will be nothing short of amazed of how clear and beautiful the water is up here. Learn more about Robert G. Wehle State Park.
7. Cupsogue Beach County Park - Suffolk County
Cupsogue Beach County Park, 975 Dune Rd, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978, USA
LMPereira/TripAdvisor
A summer paradise in New York that will truly take you away from it all, you'll have to pinch yourself once you arrive at Cupsogue Beach County Park just to make sure that this place is actually real. Located on the very east end of Fire Island, this county park has a nearly 300-acre barrier beach that will leave you surrounded by white sand and coastal paradise that you'll never want to leave. Throughout the year the park has supervised swimming and makes for one unforgettable place to go for a walk on the beach. Learn more about Cupsogue Beach County Park.

Which destination in the Empire State makes you feel like you’re on an exotic island? To plan an adventure to more waterfront paradises, read about how The Hike To This Secluded Waterfall Beach In New York Is Positively Amazing!

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More to Explore

Paradise in New York

Danielle Schwartz | May 05, 2022

Where can I find the bluest water in New York?

If you're a big fan of stunning blue water like the ocean in the Caribbean, you will love this lake. Skaneatales Lake has the bluest water in New York, and the endless opportunities to take pictures mean you'll come home with tons of options that are definitely worth framing. Skaneateles Lake is known as one of the cleanest lakes in New York. One interesting fact is that the bluer the water is, the fewer water-based ecosystems exist within it, which is the case here too. There are great places to spend time and eat at the lake as well as lots of space to relax and enjoy gazing at the water.

Can I camp right on the water in New York?

Yes, there are many places where you can camp right on the beach in New York! Some of the most well-known beach camping destinations include Rollins Pond Campground on the pristine Saranac Lake, Hither Hills State Park in the beautiful Montauk, and Wildwood State Park in the tranquil Wading River. You'll be so amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you that you won't want to leave. Luckily, you won't have to leave in these places. Feel free to spend the night listening to the water lap at the shore and sleeping on the soft sand.

What are the best waterparks in New York?

If the kids are hoping for a water-based adventure full of excitement and pools, you have plenty of choices for them. Take your family on a trip to the best waterparks in New York for a fun-filled day that the little ones won't soon forget. One standout is Splish Splash in Calverton. The slides are simply epic there. You might even want to return to the good old days and try a slide or two yourself!

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