If there’s anything that’s proven to be a consistent part of life, it’s the fact that time is always flying. In an effort to make sure that you get the most out of your time before the year’s over and flies right before your eyes, we here at Only In Your State put together a list of the best day trips in New York that are worth taking. Take a look!

1. Albany
Albany, NY, USA
Robert Stone/GettyImages
As the oldest place in New York, the city of Albany should already be on your radar but in case it somehow isn't, let us explain why it should be! As our state's capital, you can enjoy free tours of the Capitol or go and dine in historic spots like the Olde English Pub or the Albany Pump Station that will leave you feeling full and fascinated.
2. Beacon
Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Journey Jeff's Pix/Flickr
A great day trip to take by train, Beacon is one of our favorite places to visit in the Hudson Valley. When it comes to finding a place to eat, you'll find an array of mouthwatering options. For starters, you can head to The Pandorica - a Doctor Who-themed restaurant in town, or you can head on over to the Roundhouse Restaurant to enjoy dining with the view of scenic waterfalls! With plenty to keep you busy on Main Street and DIA:Beacon ready to keep you busy with art all day long, there's plenty of ways to spend the day enjoying the charming city of Beacon.
3. Wilmington
Wilmington, DE, USA
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
Any one of the towns or villages within New York's Adirondack Park makes for an unforgettable day trip, but we certainly have quite the sweet spot for Wilmington! Situated at the base of Whiteface Mountain, those who visit the village of Wilmington will find amazing attractions like our very own North Pole and amazing natural wonders inside of private parks like High Falls Gorge. If you're looking for a scenic day trip to take, this is for you!
4. Cooperstown
Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
Most people will make their way out to Cooperstown at one point or another to discover the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but if you're wondering what else there is to keep you busy with in this town - let us tell you! In town, you'll find mouthwatering eats like the Cooperstown Diner that has some of the best and biggest burgers around Central New York. Those who are looking to exploring hidden gems of the Empire State can seek out Cooperstown's very own Glimmerglass Queen Boat Tours to enjoy sights of a little-known castle or even visit Glimmerglass State Park to go for a stroll across the oldest covered bridge in New York State!
5. Rochester
Rochester, NY, USA
Ryan Hyde/Flickr
Feeling ready to explore more of Western New York? Then start your explorations off in the city of Rochester! Families and anyone looking to have some fun can head on over to the Strong Museum that has more games and activities than you'll know what to do with. Plus, the museum even has its own Butterfly Garden. For those who are ready to spend some time outdoors while in Rochester, you can go for a walk out on the water with Turning Point Park's endless boardwalks.
6. Cape Vincent
Cape Vincent, NY 13618, USA
Ted Van Pelt/Flickr
Up along New York's Thousand Islands, you can find some of the most charming lighthouses that you'll ever lay your eyes on. If you're looking for unique things to do around New York, this is great one. Set up along the St. Lawrence River, during the month of July each year you can find the local French Festival taking place in Cape Vincent that brings out an exciting side of our state. Cape Vincent is definitely one of the best day trips in New York. If you happen to be visiting during another time of year, you can also experience things like the award-winning Cape Winery, the historic Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, and plenty of other waterfront attractions that will sweep you off of your feet.

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7. Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Bruce Kratofil/Flickr
Out in New York's Finger Lakes region, you can find all sorts of lakefront towns that will have you longing to take a day trip! One of our most beautiful towns, the village of Watkins Glen has more to offer than just its famous state park. In the breathtaking town along Seneca Lake is home to noteworthy attractions like one of our state's only harbor hotels, the Watkins Glen International racetrack, and even a fantastic yarn shop that's great to check out.
8. Montauk
Montauk, NY 11954, USA
Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina/Google
One of the most beautiful towns that you can check out along New York's coast, Montauk is one of the best day trips in New York. Taking you all the way out onto Long Island, you can keep yourself busy for the day by visiting amazing places like Gurney's Resort that has its own set of heated igloos or even the country's oldest working ranch at Deep Hollow Ranch.
9. Phoenicia
Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA
Wen-Ting Yang/Flickr
Considered to be one of the coolest small towns in the country, Phoenicia is one of our favorite places to visit when we're craving some time in the Catskill Mountains. If you find yourself searching "getaway spots near me," this is a great choice. For a true mountain adventure, explorers can extend their day trip into an entire overnight outing by booking a stay at Kate's Lazy Meadow, while others may a plan a trip here during the summer to enjoy Town Tinker Tube Rental's whitewater tubing adventure. How neat?
10. Ithaca
Ithaca, NY, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Whether you know Ithaca as being one of the most hippie towns in all of New York or you know it as our City of Waterfalls, Ithaca is a small-town city that has everything you could possibly long for. Make a day trip out to Ithaca and take the time to shop through spots like Found In Ithaca, go for a walk across the Fall Creek Suspension Bridge, or go for a dip in a natural pool at Robert H. Treman State Park to get a taste of all that Ithaca has to offer. Sounds incredible, right?
11. Binghamton
Binghamton, NY, USA
Kathleen Lupole/Flickr
An underrated area of New York State, our Southern Tier is full of all sorts of exciting places to visit like the city of Binghamton. On State Street, you can look for secret doors that lead to amazing speakeasies like 205 Dry, while if you make your way over to East Front Street you can enjoy one of New York State's most iconic sandwiches at Spiedie & Rib Pit for a seriously unforgettable day out in the Empire State.
12. New York
New York, NY, USA
Alexander Spatari/GettyImages
Last but not least, it's time to spend a day exploring all that's inside of New York's Big Apple. If you were searching for a reason to make your way down to this area of our state, how about the fact that Manhattan is now home to the Museum of Ice Cream permanently? After taking a stroll through Central Park, visitors can make their way over to the museum to dive into pools full of sprinkles and to of course, purchase some tasty ice cream.

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Best Day Trips in New York

Danielle Schwartz | June 10, 2022

What is the most scenic town in New York?

There are so many lovely towns in our state that we recommend taking a road trip to scenic towns in New York! You'll be able to see the beautiful Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains, where you can enjoy charming shops and restaurants surrounded by gorgeous peaks. Enjoy your time on the lake itself as well! Another highlight of this trip is Aurora, a small town in the Finger Lakes. If you like arts and crafts, enjoy the pottery workshop and come home with a new treasure you've created yourself!

What are the most unique towns in New York?

If you've been to all the major cities in the Empire State and are looking for something new, don't worry. There are plenty of fun and unique towns in New York for you to check out. One great spot if you love being close to nature is Chittenango. The waterfall there will take your breath away. For more incredible views, head to Geneva. The lake will make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, but it's actually very close to fun places to taste wine and shop.

What are the creepiest towns in New York?

The creepiest towns in New York are really just ghost towns! Any place that's been abandoned might seem scary at first, but actually, these are just small towns that used to have full populations and are now serving as interesting tourist destinations. If you're a fan of outdoor trips, you'll love the cutely-named Doodletown, found in Bear Mountain State Park. It was a normal town until the 1950s. If you prefer a haunted feel, head to Pottersville in Warren County. There were murders there that have led to some paranormal happenings, like floating objects!

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