20 Places You Must See in New York State

The Catskills Mountains are just an hour's drive north of New York City. This destination is incredibly popular. The Catskill Park's 700,000-plus acres are designated as "forever wild," which means you'll have access to expansive regions perfect for outdoor activities.

Summer is ideal for activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, and zip-lining, among others. After a long day outdoors, one of the area's eateries or breweries can satisfy your hunger or quench your thirst.

The Catskills transform into a snowy wonderland in the winter, attracting skiers worldwide to its excellent ski resorts.

Fire Island is a tiny, long barrier island off the shore of Long Island. The Fire Island National Seashore, a former whaling outpost that is now a popular beach getaway location, covers a large portion of the island.

The beaches and outdoor recreation combine to make this a fantastic spot to visit in New York State; however, keep in mind that much of Fire Island is seasonal, and attractions close down in the winter. The Fire Island Lighthouse is a must-see on Fire Island, and you can also take a trip along the boardwalk through the spectacular Sunken Forest.

The long, thin lakes provide a diverse range of outdoor activities in a visually gorgeous landscape. The lakeshores of the main lakes are dotted with beautiful villages and resorts, the majority of which are particularly active during the summer months.

Around the Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lakes, more than a hundred wineries, distilleries, and breweries make this region a wine lover's paradise.

Watkins Glen Park is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake, in the Finger Lakes Region. The park has 19 waterfalls and seems like something out of a fantasy film. It's truly breathtaking.

Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities, including fishing, hiking, swimming in the park's Olympic-sized pool, and admiring the gorge from its rim walks. The park provides tent and RV campsites and picnic spaces for day guests. In season, guided excursions of the valley are provided.

The Adirondack Mountains are a picturesque region of forested hills with numerous lakes and recreational activities. They are located roughly 290 miles north of New York City, 250 miles northwest of Boston, and 110 miles south of Montreal and provide a pleasant respite from the region's bustling metropolises.

Visitors can try a lot of outdoor activities throughout the winter months, including skiing, snowshoeing, bobsledding, and dogsledding. When summer arrives, visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting.

Niagara Falls is a natural marvel of North America that attracts millions of visitors each year. The park has Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, which are all located on the Canadian-US border.

Your jaw will drop when you see the massive Niagara River roaring toward a 188-foot cascade at 20 to 30 (and up to 68) mph. The rapidity with which the river descends creates a thick fog and an audible roar that can be heard for miles.

Visit the observation tower, enjoy the most panoramic view of all three falls, or take the legendary Hornblower boat ride into the Horseshoe Falls basin.

The park also lights up the falls at night and puts on spectacular fireworks displays on exceptional occasions.

Giant icicles, chilling fog, and ice-covered trees and railings transform the falls into a frozen scene in the winter. On bright, calm days, the plume of mist coming from the falls reaches far into the sky and may be seen as far away as the CN Tower in Toronto.

Official site: niagarafallsstatepark.com

Buffalo is not far from Niagara Falls and is unquestionably the cultural and educational center of State New York. It is famous for its sports teams, snowy winters, and chicken wings. Buffalo isn't dull. There are a lot of activities.

Visit the Darwin Martin House Complex (built by Frank Lloyd Wright), the Albright-Knox Modern Art Gallery, the art deco architecture, and the Anchor Bar (where Buffalo Wings were invented).

Take a stroll through the Canalside waterfront section and Elmwood Village, and stop at Big Ditch Brewing Company for a drink. Or visit the Buffalo Zoo, which is one of the country's oldest zoos.

Letchworth State Park, due to its magnificent gorge, attracts a large number of outdoor enthusiasts. It is also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. More than two dozen waterfalls may be found in the park, which are located along the magnificent Genesee River Gorge. With a 107-foot drop, Middle Falls is the largest and is illuminated at night from May to October.

From campsites and cabin rentals to hiking, swimming, a playground, and concessions, the park has something for everyone. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dedicated snowmobile paths are all popular winter activities.

Alexandria Bay is a pearl in New York State. It is full of beautiful Islands. Thousands of little islands can be found throughout this 50-mile section of the St. Lawrence River.

The numerous boat trips departing from the shoreline are an excellent way to obtain a close-up look of the islands and their attractions, such as the famed Boldt Castle and Millionaire's Row. Take a lunch or dinner cruise in a Mississippi-style paddlewheel boat, a narrated triple-decker excursion, or a shuttle to the castle.

Taughannock Falls and the state park, located just off Cayuga Lake, are a spectacular sight to visit in New York State.

There are numerous spectacular gorges and rim paths to explore, but keep in mind that they may close due to adverse weather; therefore, it's always good to check the official parks' website first.

Official website: parks.ny.gov

Today, New York's Central Park is regarded as one of the world's most famous and largest parks. It has a total area of 3.4 square kilometers and is located in the heart of Manhattan. Every year, almost 40 million people visit the park.

It is impossible to see all of Central Park's attractions in one day. To see everything and enjoy the ambiance of a little paradise in the heart of Manhattan, plan to spend at least two days.

About the best attractions in the park you can read in the article: TOP 5 Places to see in Central Park

Times Square is a large, bright, and memorable place. Flashing neon lights and massive digital billboards, colorful Broadway marquees, costumed characters, and bands may all be found there. It is one of New York's most well-known squares, named for the New York Times, whose editorial office has been here since 1904.

When you stand in the midst of Times Square, it appears that all of the world's attention is focused on you. Tenants in Times Square buildings have been forced by law to show eye-catching signage since the late 20th century, and as a result, the area remains a flashing, uninterrupted feast for the eyes.

The highest building in New York is One World Trade Center (also known as the Freedom Tower). Furthermore, the structure is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, thanks to its reflective windows and long antenna. The skyscraper measures 1,368 feet from the ground to the metal and glass railing on top of the building, which is the same height as the Twin Towers.

The viewing area of the building spans two floors and three levels, with 360-degree viewing floors. You will see all of New York in the clear sky and some beyond in the palm of your hand.

Information about the prices you can find on the website:

• oneworldobservatory

The elevated park in New York City is one of the city's most popular attractions, and it's a great site to take out-of-town guests. It was originally a rail railway that was decommissioned in 1980. The 1.45-mile-long strip was turned into one of New York City's most distinctive parks in 2009.

In addition to stunning views of New York's skyline, the park boasts wildflowers, vegetation, and outdoor art installations.

The circular structure of the museum is known for its futuristic design, which sets it apart from the city's other attractions. The structure is approximately 95 feet long and has seven levels. The average tourist spends an hour to two hours viewing the modern art museum.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a cultural and educational institution that hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum, which was built in the mid-twentieth century, is one of the most remarkable structures of the time. Special displays of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern, and contemporary art from various artists across the world are available to visitors. Because the museum is a cultural and educational institution, art lecturers are accessible, as well as special sessions with well-known artists.

All information about the Guggenheim museum you can find on the website: guggenheim

The Cloisters Museum & Gardens are components of The Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval European art, architecture, and relics. The Cloisters are located in Upper Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, overlooking the Hudson River.

The Cloisters, located in a beautiful park overlooking the Hudson River, holds the Met's medieval art and architecture collections. A route leads to an ancient castle that looks like it is from Middle Ages. In fact, it was constructed less than a century ago, with materials salvaged from five medieval French cloisters.

The famed Unicorn Tapestries, the 12th-century Fuentiduea Chapel, and Robert Campin's Annunciation Triptych are all worth seeing.

All information about tours and tickets you can find on website: metmuseum

The Statue of Liberty is the most well-known sculpture in the world, and it is a symbol of both New York City and the United States. The Statue is also close to Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants were welcomed until 1943. As a result, the Statue of Liberty is also associated with hope, liberty, and justice.

To go inside, you must first board a ferry from Bettery Park, which departs every 15-20 minutes. They work from 9:00 a.m. till 15:30 p.m. every day. The Statue of Liberty admission ticket costs $18 for adults and $9 for youngsters. If you don't want to pay for transportation or admission, we recommend taking the free Staten Island ferry and sailing past the Statue.

On the Manhattan skyline, the Empire State Building is a notable skyscraper. The historically enormous and iconic edifice, dubbed "the World's Most Famous Building," is on many "must-do" and "must-see" lists for visitors to New York City.

The Building's construction began in 1929, and it has since become one of New York's most iconic landmarks and the city's "heart." Visitors can ascend to one of two viewing platforms, from which they can see the entirety of New York. The 86th floor of the Building costs $42 for adults and $36 for children. The second observation deck is on the 102nd level

Official website with ticket prices: esbnyc

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is a popular tourist attraction in New York City that allows tourists to interact with life-like wax celebrities without leaving the city. Over 220 wax figures of prominent people from all walks of life are on display. You'll have hours of celebrity fun and entertainment with 85,000 square feet of room. The attraction is designed to make you feel as if you're in the company of Hollywood's biggest stars, iconic entertainers, and world legends.

The museum, which is located in the center of Times Square, has no barriers between visitors and the wax superstars, allowing them to freely snap selfies with them, interact with the Marvel Super Heroes 4D stars, and receive the complete Broadway experience.

Official website with opening hours and ticket prices: madametussauds

For almost a century, the Brooklyn Bridge has been one of New York City's most iconic emblems. The fantastic bridge, which spans the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, opened in 1883. The length of the bridge: is 6,016 feet. The bridge has evolved into a cultural icon, with regular appearances on the big screen in New York City-based plays.

The Bridge is a critical transportation link and a popular tourist attraction. Over 100,000 people visit the bridge every day to take in the fantastic panoramic views of the Manhattan cityscape.