Finding it difficult to slip away from the chaos of everyday life to spoil yourself with a lengthy vacation? We’ve got the perfect solution for you! Leaving you with the feeling of true satisfaction, here is a list of the best day trips in New York to take this summer that won’t require you to take any time off from work.

1. Experience one of America's best state parks in a whole new way with a hot air balloon ride over Letchworth State Park.
Letchworth State Park, New York, USA
Balloons Over Letchworth/TripAdvisor
Known for being one of the best state parks in not only our state but in our country, Letchworth comes to life in a whole new way during the summertime. If you've already visited this state parked and hiked along it's gorgeous trails, then perhaps this summer you should shake things up a bit and get a dreamy view from above. Balloons Over Letchworth offers hot air balloon rides that take you right over the park's famous waterfalls. This balloon ride is definitely one of the most unique things to do around New York.

Read more about Letchworth State Park.
2. Go on an extraordinary hike that will lead you to abandoned ruins.
Billie Grace Ward/Flickr
Discover something new right here in New York's backyard with an epic hike that will leave you feeling like you're Indiana Jones. All over our state and specifically in our Downstate regions you can find trails that lead you to the remains of plane crashes, abandoned towns and mines and the ruins of fabulous estates that once were.

Learn more about hiking to ruins in New York.
3. Get up in the clouds while you take a seaplane ride over the Adirondacks. If you're wondering, "where are the best getaway spots near me?" why not really get away from it all and go up in the sky?
Mark J/TripAdvisor
Up north in some of the most remote areas of New York you can find a variety of airplane rides. A fascinating family adventure or a memorable date for couples, specifically up in the town of Long Lake you can experience breathtaking seaplane rides. Giving you views of lakes, forests, waterfalls and more, this is one attraction where you'll absolutely want to look down!

Read more about plane rides in New York.
4. Cool off in a unique way by taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist.
1 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Maid of the Mist/TripAdvisor
Almost all of us as New Yorkers can say that we've visited Niagara Falls on one side or another, but have you gone for a ride on the Maid of the Mist? This attraction has been operating since 1846 and continues to be one of the greatest boat rides you'll ever experience in your lifetime.

Learn more about the Maid of the Mist.
5. Get out on the water and enjoy a relaxing adventure along one of our natural lazy rivers.
Sacandaga Outdoor Center/Facebook
Giving you views that your backyard pool can't offer, New York has beautiful rivers all over that make for the perfect place to relax in the water. Offered in different locations, you can find a handful of tubing companies that will take you on tours down our rivers.

Read more about New York's lazy rivers.
6. Visit our most magical Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park.
Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Sam S./Yelp
New York has an amazing abundance of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and will leave you in awe, especially our Gorge Trails. But out of all of the trails our state has to offer, the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park is undoubtedly our most popular. Known for being one of the most beautiful places in our state, this two-mile long trail gives you a view of nineteen waterfalls!

Learn more about Watkins Glen State Park.

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7. Escape the summer heat and enjoy a day of family fun indoors at The Strong National Museum of Play.
1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
Kateryna_to/TripAdvisor
Families who are looking to keep cool indoors should cross The Strong National Museum of Play off of their bucket list this summer. The museum is far from your average center, basically giving visitors an enormous fun house to play in. Filled with games, toys and even a mini Wegmans store for you to take over, you can easily spend an entire day enjoying all of the museum's attractions. It's one of the most unique things to do around New York.

Learn more about the Strong National Museum of Play.
8. Take advantage of the weather and dine outdoors while you still can.
Dan P/TripAdvisor
Due to the fact that New York has all four seasons, not all of our restaurants offer their outdoor dining al year long. While you still have the option, sit outdoors in the summer breeze while you dine on small town meals that are full of flavors that your tastebuds will always remember.

Learn more about outdoor dining in New York.
9. Go camping and spend the night in one of our state parks to see what beauty is hiding away in New York.
Tim C./Yelp
Another kind of amazing outdoor attraction that you can find in every region within New York? Camping! Everyone has their favorite spots to set up camp, but inside some of our most stunning state parks are some of the greatest campsites that you could ask for.

Read more about camping in New York.
10. Take an adventure to the largest marble cave entrance in the Eastern United States!
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA
WilsonP/TripAdvisor
An unbelievable natural wonder that slides its way under many of our resident's radar, Natural Stone Bridge is a great place to visit during the summer. Not only is this a one-of-a-kind adventure to take, during the summer this place even has a delicious ice cream stand that you can check out.

Read more about Natural Stone Bridge and Caves.
11. Spend the day on our 5th tallest mountain with a scenic drive up Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway.
Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
ActiveSteve/Flickr
Another attraction you can't experience during just any time of the year, Whiteface Mountain's scenic highway is open and waiting for you to come take a ride. Along the highway that winds its way up the mountain you'll find overlooks and areas to pull off that feature panoramic views of New York's tallest mountains.

Learn more about Whiteface Mountain.
12. Hop on board one of New York's Beer & Wine Trains to experience a ride you'll never forget.
Adirondack Railroad, 330 Main St Suite 102, Utica, NY 13501, USA
Adirondack Scenic Railroad/Facebook
You already knew that all around New York you can find scenic train rides, but did you realize that the Adirondack Scenic Railroad features Wine & Beer train rides during the summer too? Leaving from Utica's Union Station and taking you for a 20-mile long train ride, you'll get to drink tasty alcoholic beverages and snack on cheeses while you go for a vintage ride.

Read more about the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

If you’re always searching “day trips near me,” you’ve found some great options. What destination in our state are you most eager to visit before summer’s over? For another bonus trip, spend the day exploring This New York Park That Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Walked Into A Fairy Tale!

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Best Day Trips in New York

Danielle Schwartz | April 25, 2022

What are the most unique towns in New York?

Skaneatales and Hudson are two of the most unique towns in New York. Skaneateles is found in Onondaga County and has a population of just over 7,100 people. The town has a great lake nearby with an interesting long shape. It's a lovely place to sail on nice, calm, water on a warm summer day. Later on, there are lots of fun shops and restaurants to visit in the charming downtown area. Hudson is another nice choice if you're looking for a unique town in New York. Found in Columbia County, Hudson is the perfect getaway if you like boutique shopping and scenic tours. Stay overnight in one of the sweet inns in the town.

What is the most beautiful hike in New York?

Cascade Mountain Trail is often considered the most beautiful hike in New York. It is one of the 46 High Peaks, and is the easiest of the group. It is still challenging though, with the summit at 2,000 feet. At 5.6 miles long, it's a nice long hike for hikers with some experience. There are incredible panoramic views from the high points, so it is definitely worth the trek. You'll be able to see Lake Placid as part of the amazing view, and you won't soon forget that picture! Take your camera to document the trip.

What is the oldest town in New York?

The oldest town in New York is Albany, the state's capital. Albany was settled way back in 1614 as Fort Nassau by Dutch fur traders, and was taken over by the English in 1664. Albany was named for the Duke of Albany in England. The city had some of the earliest railroads, and its location on the Hudson River meant it was an early transportation hub. Today, Albany is a bustling city with plenty of arts, culture, and educational institutions.

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