The state of New York is full of surprises, and for road trip enthusiasts, every new place is a reminder of the diverse culture and beauty of its cities, towns and landscapes. Mountains, beaches, big cities, small towns; New York has it all, which is a big part of what makes it such a special state. If you’re looking for your next destination, here are a few hot spots throughout the state that make for a stellar weekend of exploration.

Minnewaska State Park and Preserve, located in the heart of the Shawankgunk Mountain Ridge, is a short 23 miles from Poughkeepsie and is one of the most beautiful natural land preserves in the state.
Doug Kerr Creative Commons
Hike to your heart's content in this gorgeous wilderness.
Doug Kerr/Creative Commons
The village of Lake Placid is tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. It's the perfect home base for anyone looking to hike, mountain bike, and ski come wintertime.
Onasill Bill/Creative Commons
If you're looking for more of a city adventure that also has access to outdoor activities, Ithaca might be your best bet. It's located in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes Region.
Brian Glanz Flickr

Related Stories

Take This Road Trip Through New York's Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience

Take This Road Trip Through New York's Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience

 This Road Trip To New York's Most Majestic Castles Is Like Something From A Fairytale

This Road Trip To New York's Most Majestic Castles Is Like Something From A Fairytale

 This Adventure-Filled New York Road Trip Will Take You To 5 Little Known And Unforgettable Destinations

This Adventure-Filled New York Road Trip Will Take You To 5 Little Known And Unforgettable Destinations
Check out the stunning waterfalls in the area, or spend a day exploring the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Johann H/Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor (management)
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more charming town than New Paltz, which was first established as a French settlement in 1678. The town is home to a vibrant downtown, the historic Huguenot Street and is located right across the river from the Mohonk Preserve.
Kat Silberger Creative Commons
Beacon has become a hugely popular destination for New York City residents looking for a fun day trip, and Beacon's arts community draws tourists from all over the state. Art galleries, a robust selection of restaurants, live music, and the area's great hiking trails make Beacon worth the trip. Plus, it's only a 90-minute train ride from New York City.
Andrew W/Tripadvisor

This is just a start to get your wheels turning, because there are countless parks, lakes, nature preserves and cities full of character and beauty that make New York great. From the Adirondacks to just outside New York City, there’s something for everyone.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, USA
Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Ithaca, NY, USA
New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
Beacon, NY 12508, USA