26 Essential New York Experiences To Plan for 2026

New York is my second home, as I grew up right across the river and spent time here every week, and that was before I went to college in the city. While New York City will always be the place in the Empire State I know best, I'm falling more and more in love with other regions. In the year or two alone, I've visited Long Island for a concert and upstate to see the spectacular total solar eclipse. It has whet my appetite for discovering more of this unique state and inspired me to put together a New York bucket list for 2026. I'm hoping it helps you discover some adventures of your own.

1. Take an Epic Winter Hike

I love a brisk winter hike, and there are few more beautiful during this season than the Silver Mine Lake Loop in Harriman State Park. This is a challenging snowshoeing adventure, spanning 3.6 miles and boasting a 616-foot elevation gain. It's well worth it for the stunning views, but this is the kind of hike where AllTrails+ can help beginners.

2. Book a Winter Staycation

Outside of the city, New York is stunningly beautiful and peaceful in the winter. During the off-season in Central and Upstate New York, vacation rentals can often be had at highly affordable rates. Camp Stardust in the tiny town of Piseco is an incredible spot for stargazing, and this winter cabin is only minutes away from the water. You can book your stay on the official Airbnb listing.

3. Drink a Zero-Proof Cocktail in Brooklyn

Just because you're participating in “Dry January” doesn’t mean you can’t head over to this bar in Brooklyn. Mockingbird, a zero-proof cocktail bar, offers up an assortment of delectable mocktails and alcohol-free drinks along with tasty bites for nibbling.

4. Explore More of New York's Best Indoor Destinations

I've been a big fan of the rebirth of the mall, where these massive shopping centers are transformed into dining and entertainment destinations that supplement the retail component. Two of these modern malls exist in New York: Palisades Center in Nyack and Destiny USA in Syracuse. I've been to both but have only gotten to see, do, and eat at a fraction of the unique options.

5. Continue My Dining World Tour

I've been challenging myself to be a more adventurous eater over the last few years, and that includes diving into the food of more cultures and having more fine dining experiences. One of my favorites last year was Le Coucou, a stunning French bistro that reinvented classics with a modern twist. This year, I have my sights on Aquavit, one of the world's most famous Nordic restaurants. Which New York eatery are you most excited to try this year?

6. Stay in a Long Island Castle

A true one-of-a-kind getaway is worth the price sometimes, and that's exactly how I feel about Oheka Castle. Located in Huntington, this magnificent hotel has played host to countless celebrities, and it's not hard to see why. The stunning estate has an on-site hotel and can be paired with guided tours.

7. Explore One of New York's Most Historic Towns

Saratoga Springs is one of the areas of New York I haven't been able to explore yet, but it's on an Amtrak route, and this historic town is calling me. Known for its historic spa culture, it's a rich and thriving city with an amazing dining and hospitality scene. Saratoga National Historical Park is an amazing spot for history buffs, and the town's performing arts scene is full of surprises. It's one of the best towns to visit in New York.

8. Discover More Dining Hidden Gems

New York City might be the headliner when it comes to dining in New York, but there are so many great hidden gems all around the state. One place I can't wait to visit is Maureen's Kitchen in Suffolk County. This unique breakfast spot is best known for its over-the-top, cow-themed decor and even has a gift shop. Reviews say the baked oatmeal is a can't-miss.

9. Attend a Bucket List Music Festival

As spring ramps up in New York, the biggest festivals of the year kick off. One of the top attractions on Long Island every year is the Montauk Music Festival, which will be taking place across Montauk from May 14 to May 17. While the lineup for the 2026 event hasn't been announced yet, more than 100 acts are expected to perform rain or shine.

10. Take a Trip Into My Family's Past

I come from 20th-century immigrants on both sides of my family, and my father's family came over from Russia in the 1940s. In some ways, their lives were very close to the story on display at the Tenement Museum, one of New York's most fascinating historical museums. Digging into the rich history of the Lower East Side tenements and the traditional Jewish culture that thrived there in the late 19th and early 20th century, it's surprising I haven't taken a tour yet, but that changes in 2026.

11. Take a Hike Around Seneca Lake

When the summer heat settles in, I'm usually not a happy camper in the big city. One of the best ways to escape the heat is by visiting a waterfront, and one of the most beautiful in the state is Seneca Lake. This is the largest of the Finger Lakes and is easiest reached through the state park of the same name. A 4.4-mile easy walking trail will take you around the perimeter, and this is an ideal spot for families thanks to the attached playground.

12. Eat More Deli Sandwiches

I've been pretty vocal about my love for delis that sell massive old-school sandwiches like the ones at the 2nd Avenue Deli, arguably one of the best delis in New York. While I've visited most of Manhattan's top delis, I can't say the same for the boroughs and Long Island. Thus, in 2026, I intend to test my waistline and see which deli I truly consider the king of the old-school nosh.

13. Make My Way to a Hidden Gem State Park

While many of New York's state parks are among the most visited in the country, especially during the summer, there are a few that are still pretty light on tourists. That makes a place like Bowman Lake State Park, hidden in the rural town of Oxford, perfect for a summer getaway. It's 653 acres and a popular fishing spot for anglers, but it also has some big surprises, including a historic cemetery and a fire tower with incredible views.

14. Find That Perfect Item to "Tie the Room Together"

I don't go antiquing often, but when I do, I'm always blown away by how many unique items are waiting. New York is full of antique stores, and one of my favorites is Back In Time in the charming Long Island town of Farmingdale. Not only is this family-owned antique store known for having a great selection of home furnishings, including some dating back decades, but it also has an on-site cafe, run by the owners' daughter, that serves some of Farmingdale's best pastries.

15. Get the Gang Together

As a millennial, many of my friends are scattered across the world. It's a blessing and a curse—easy to communicate with them, not so easy to arrange a get-together. I have a close friend in eastern Canada and another in Buffalo, so I've been hoping to arrange a get-together for the lot of us, and a perfect Airbnb like The Greenhouse in Tannersville would make an amazing home base. This ski house is just teeming with nature inside and out.

16. Find My Personal "Small Town Happy Place"

While I love big tourist destinations and usually visit spots like Williamsburg, Virginia, at least once a year, I also love to decompress in less-known destinations. Thus, in 2026, I want to visit more little-known small towns and experience the local culture. One I have my eye on is Pine Plains, a hamlet of around 1,200 people, two hours away from the city. Surrounded by mountains and full of historic buildings, it is quickly building an impressive reputation for its antiquing and dining scene.

17. Visit an Inland Beach

I was in Syracuse in 2024, but only for a few days for the eclipse and to see Destiny USA. I didn't get to explore nearby cities like Rochester, which might be home to the most unlikely beach in New York. On the banks of Lake Erie, Ontario Beach Park boasts a stunning white sand beach that feels just like standing by the ocean. It's also home to the historic Dentzel Carousel—still only $1 a ride.

18. End Summer With a Lake George Escape

I want to get to Lake George so I can experience the Bobcat, the newest wooden roller coaster in New York at Six Flags Great Escape. Theme park tourism is a passion of mine, and this is a great opportunity to also visit one of the Empire State's most beautiful areas. While I'm there, I'm hoping to stay somewhere stunning like a boutique waterfront hotel or this adventurous treehouse Airbnb.

19. Tackle My Biggest Hiking Adventure Yet

I enjoy hiking, but I'm usually not one for bigger adventures. Still, the Catskill Scenic Trail is the kind of trek that calls out to me, as this 25.7-mile trail winds through some of the state's most beautiful landscapes. Ideal in fall, when the colors are at their peak, this former rail line turned multi-use trail winds through forests, farms, and charming small towns. I'm not sure if I'll take on the whole trail yet, from Bloomville to Roxbury, but one way or another, I'll have AllTrails+ to keep me on track.

20. Go on a Cider Donut Crawl

Is there any better way to celebrate the beginning of fall than with delicious seasonal treats? Fall is apple season, and while it's great to eat them as they are, I always enjoy the season's bounty better in cider form—cider donut form! New York is packed with farms and markets to find these treats, but one I want to visit is Wallkill View Farm Market in the Hudson Valley, which has been baking these crumbly donuts since 1960. These may be the best apple cider donuts in New York!

21. Find a Hidden Waterfall

New York's parks and wildernesses are filled with waterfalls, and many of them will have a crowd year-round to see the cascades. That's not the case for one impressive waterfall in the little-known Siamese Ponds Wilderness near the tiny town of North Creek. It's home to the Shanty Brook, a 12-foot waterfall that can only be accessed by crossing a river, so it's best to tackle this in good weather and not after heavy rain.

22. Eat More Barbecue!

I might not have made it to Texas or Alabama yet, but New York barbecue is bringing a taste of the entire country to the Big Apple these days. The city's barbecue scene is more diverse than ever, and I'll be spending much of this year on the lookout for new pitmasters looking to ply their smoked meats. And, of course, I'll be making a return visit to Hill Country, the Texas-style barbecue market that remains my favorite spot in the city.

23. Explore the Holiday Markets

It's not a holiday season for me unless I've visited the region's best holiday markets, and that always starts in NYC. The Bryant Park Winter Village and Union Square Holiday Market are just winding down for 2025, so I can't wait to see what they have in store for 2026. Will these massive shopping and dining destinations have anything on par with the past year's viral strawberry cup? There's only one way to find out.

24. Find That Perfect Winter Book

After the holiday season is over, I usually hunker down for a bit and recover my energy, which means it's the perfect time for some good reading. New York is home to incredible bookstores, but none quite tops The Strand, a massive multi-floor institution filled with millions of books. It carries both new and antique books, so there's bound to be something for every interest.

25. Tackle the Most Unique Steak in New York (Again!)

The most memorable meal I've ever had in New York was at Keens Steakhouse, where I dug into the world-famous mutton chop. This massive, rich, four-lobed lamb chop was a decadent meat-lover's feast I've only had once, but I've been craving it. Does my millennial metabolism still have what it takes compared to my 20-something self? I will find out in 2026, and I hope to see you there.

26. Have a Drink at a Munich-Inspired Brew Hall

Experience a taste of Germany in Midtown Manhattan at the expansive Reichenbach Hall, where Oktoberfest occurs all year long. Here you can pick from a sensational array of authentic Bavarian beers and food, delighting in the old-world ambiance and celebratory atmosphere. 

What's on your New York bucket list for 2026? Do any of these experiences appeal to you? If so, tell a friend and start planning your 2026 adventures! New York has a lot to explore across this great state, but there's no question that New York City is the most iconic city in the world for a reason. If you're planning to visit, make sure you know the best hotels in New York before you go to ensure an unforgettable stay and equip yourself with Only In Your State's AI-powered travel planner for an amazing experience.