New York Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

• Route: Bastion Falls> Kaaterskill Falls> Tannersville> Hunter Mountain
• Distance: 34.5 Miles
• Trip Time: 48 Minutes Driving Time

This itinerary features Route 23A, a scenic drive in New York state that can easily be enjoyed in one day. Covering about 34 miles, this route showcases waterfalls, such as Kaaterskill Falls, as well as some beautiful hiking trails that will make you feel a world away from NYC. The trip concludes in the village of Tannersville- a charming small town that is the perfect end to this short and sweet getaway.

• Route: Watkins Glen>Bethel>Hunter>Albany>Keene>Saranac Lake
• Distance: 428 Miles
• Trip Time: 8 Hours And 9 Minutes Driving Time

Next up, this itinerary is one of the best road trips to split up over a few days. You’ll begin in the Finger Lakes Region and end in the Adirondacks! First, you’ll visit Watkins Glen, one of the most beautiful sights in the state. Your next stop will be at the Museum Bethel Woods, which is where the very famous Woodstock festival was held in 1969. You’ll then make your way to Kaaterskill Falls before stopping to see the state capitol building in Albany. Next, you’ll drive on to Keene, which is home to the tallest mountain in the state (Mt. Marcy). Finally, the journey will come to an end at Saranac Lake. The small town is home to some very quaint experiences, and the lake is magically beautiful.

• Route: Hallock's Cider Mill>Briermere Farms>Alpine Pastry Shop>Hometown Bake Shoop>Kerber's Farm>Sweetie Pie’s On Main>Jericho Cider Mill>Youngs Farm
• Distance: 76.9 Miles
• Trip Time: 2 Hours And 12 Minutes Driving Time

This road trip itinerary features some of the best pie shops and bakeries on the East Coast, and they all happen to be on Long Island! You’ll begin at Hallock's Cider Mill in Laurel, a pie shop known for its amazing mini pies. You’ll then move on to the family-owned Alpine Pastry Shop in Smithtown, followed by the Hometown Bakeshop in Centerport, which offers a menu of sweet and savory pies. Next, you’ll drive on to Kerber's Farm in Huntington, which is more than just a bakery- they offer cooking classes, host year-round events, and even have accommodations if you’d like to stay overnight. Moving on to Jericho Cider Mill in Muttontown, you can visit the shop that’s been open since the 1800s, and try the same family recipe that’s been used since the beginning! And last, you’ll finish the trip with a stop at Youngs Farm in Old Brookville- a shop known for its amazing produce and, of course, pies.

• Route:Saugerties>Phoenicia>Kaaterskill Falls>West Kill>Windham>East Durham>Catskill
• Distance: 135 Miles
• Trip Time: 3 Hours And 27 Minutes Driving Time

Our next road trip itinerary focuses on the Catskill Region of Southeastern New York. This route is a great day trip option, as it’s only a three-and-a-half-hour drive and is packed with a great variety of sights and experiences. You’ll start at the Saugerties Lighthouse, which is a historic landmark that’s recently undergone renovations and is now a Bed and Breakfast as well. Then, your next stop will be in Opus 40, an incredible sculpture park that’s still located in Saugerties. Moving on, you’ll travel to your next stop in Phoenicia to visit the charming Phoenicia Diner. Their operating hours at typically from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM, so do keep that in mind if you are starting this trip in the afternoon. Following the American diner, you’ll stop at the famous Kaaterskill Falls on the way to the Spruceton Inn in Spruceton. This Bed and Breakfast is a charming spot to stay and enjoy the picturesque surrounding landscape. Following Spruceton, you’ll make your way to the Windham Vineyard in Windham, which is a lovely winery that’s sort of a hidden gem in New York state. Next on the itinerary is Zoom Flume, which is known as one of the best waterparks in the state. You’ll then head to Catskill Game Farm, which is an abandoned zoo. Next, you’ll head to Cedar Grove, a historical building that celebrates the Hudson River School of Painting artist, Thomas Cole. Finally, this eventful trip will conclude at Barnwood Restaurant in Catskill- an eatery known for its bbq and pizza.

• Route:Burdett>Hector>Geneva>Penn Tan>Watkins Glen>Montour Falls
• Distance: 79.7 Miles
• Trip Time: 1 Hour And 45 Minutes Driving Time

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a wonderful road trip to take in the Spring! There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy, as well as breathtaking scenery along the way. This scenic route begins in Atwater Vineyards, which is home to incredible views of the lake and an amazing wine selection. Next, you’ll head to Bagley's Poplar Ridge Vineyards in Hector: a family-owned winery that’s known for its wine slushies! Next, you’ll drive to Belhurst Castle in Geneva, which is an opulent winery and craft brewery that also offers overnight accommodations. After the castle, you’ll move on to the flea market at The Windmill in Penn Yam. This is one of the best markets in all of New York! Next, you’ll drive to Watkins Glen, and then onto Montour Falls. This area is known for being one of the most accessible waterfalls in the state.

• Route: Long Lake Town Beach>Schroon Lake Town Beach>Rogers Memorial Park>Moreau Lake State Park>Moffitt Beach>Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach
• Distance: 206 Miles
• Trip Time: 4 Hours And 14 Minutes Driving Time

There are some truly amazing beaches in this state and the itinerary here explores some hidden gems you can enjoy further Upstate New York during the Summer. Starting off in Hamilton County, you’ll visit Long Lake Town Beach, which is known for its swimming and outdoor activities for guests of all ages. You’ll then head to Schroon Lake Town Beach. which offers amazing views and has lifeguards on duty. Next, you’ll travel to Bolton Landing to visit the wonderful Rogers Memorial Park, which is a part of Lake George. Then you’ll head to Moreau Lake State Park, where you can enjoy a lovely swimming beach as well as camp overnight. Next, you’ll visit Moffitt Beach in Lake Pleasant, which is a more remote location that features amazing views. Coming full circle, you’ll then return to Hamilton County to visit Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach- one of the best public beaches to enjoy during the warmer months.

• Route: Wilmington> Whiteface Mountain> Lake Placid>Tupper Lake>Piercefield>North Creek>Old Forge>Thendara
• Distance: 216 Miles
• Trip Time: 5 Hours And 3 Minutes Driving Time

This weekend itinerary will inspire you to leave Manhattan and explore the Fall Foliage of New England without leaving the empire state. You’ll start in Essex County at Whiteface Mountain, which offers some of the best scenery in the state during the Fall. Next, you’ll head to Cloudsplitter Gondola, where you’ll be able to float right over some of the most gorgeous views in the state. Following the gondola ride. you’ll move on to Lake Placid, which features a two-mile hike that’s surrounded by vibrant colors. While in Lake Placid, you’ll make a stop at Dancing Bears Restaurant. We recommend asking for a spot with views of the lake! Next, you’ll travel to Tupper Lake, which is home to the Wild Center. This an aerial walk that showcases amazing foliage in addition to being a family-friendly outdoor adventure. You’ll then drive to Mount Arab in Piercefield, followed by North Creek’s Gore Mountain- home to another gondola ride. Next, you’ll move on to Revolution Rail Company for a fun and scenic bike experience, and then drive to Old Forge Lake Cruises for a boat tour. Lastly, you’ll arrive in Thendara and visit Adirondack Scenic Railroad. There are scenic train rides happening in September and October that you won’t want to miss.

• Route: Hamburg>Youngstown>Liverpool>Albany>Ulster Park>Westchester>White Plains
• Distance: 483 Miles
• Trip Time: 8 Hours And 24 Minutes Driving Time

This Winter road trip itinerary is perhaps one of the best holiday light trails in the USA: it takes you across the entire state, all the way to the Canadian Border! Starting off with a bang, you’ll begin in Hamburg to visit the Festival of Lights, which is the largest holiday festival in Western New York state. Then, you’ll head to the Festival of Light in Youngstown, followed by the Lights on the Lake in Liverpool. Next, you’ll drive further East to visit Albany, which hosts the Capitol Holiday Lights drive-thru experience. Moving on to the Hudson Valley, you’ll then visit A Frosty Fest. This event offers plenty of activities for guests of all ages and is right off the Hudson River. Next, you’ll head to Westchester, which is home to the Winter Wonderland Experience. There’s so much to do here, such as a holiday circus, an ice skating rink, carnival rides, and more. You’ll then move on to the North Kensico Christmas Light Show in White Plains, where you can hear music timed to the light show from your car radio. Throughout this trip, there are many photo opportunities to take advantage of, as well as other fun stops that you can experience during the day.

• Route: Chittenango>Syracuse>Rochester>Medina>Buffalo>Orchard Park
• Distance: 212 Miles
• Trip Time: 3 Hours And 59 Minutes Driving Time

The next itinerary on our list features some unique experiences in the Empire State that are suited for family adventures! You’ll begin at the All Things Oz Museum in Chittenango, which is a very specific experience, but any The Wizard of Oz fan or film lover will enjoy it. Next, you’ll drive to Syracuse to visit Destiny USA- a mall so large that it has its own zip code! In the mall, you’ll find WonderWorks, which is like an “amusement park for the mind.” Following Destiny USA, you’ll head to the Rochester Museum and Science Center, which has tons of interesting features and exhibits that’ll intrigue guests of all ages. You’ll then move on to the Medina Railroad Museum, which is home to one of the largest miniature sets in America, and then on to The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum of Buffalo. Lastly, you’ll visit the Eternal Flame Hiking Trail in Orchard Park, which features a flame that naturally burns behind a waterfall.

• Route: Haines Falls>Schenectady>Saratoga Springs>South Glens Falls>Ticonderoga>Ausable Chasm
• Distance: 211 Miles
• Trip Time: 4 Hours And 19 Minutes Driving Time

This four-hour road trip is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state. You’ll begin at the well-loved Kaaterskill Falls, and then move on to Schenectady's Central Park, which features a lovely rose garden. Then you’ll drive to Saratoga Springs, which is home to the stunning Saratoga Spa State Park, and then head to Cooper’s Cave. The cave is an important part of the novel “The Last of the Mohicans”, which may interest any book lovers. Then, you’ll journey to Ticonderoga to explore the Falls of the La Chute, followed by your last stop in Ausable Chasm. The chasm is often called the Grand Canyon of the East, and there are several activities to enjoy here, such as hiking and rafting.

• Route: Pittsford>Geneseo>Angelica>Arcade>Ellicottville>Clymber>Westfield>Orchard Park>Grand Island>Lewiston
• Distance: 312 Miles
• Trip Time: 6 Hours And 9 Minutes Driving Time

Big cities like New York City, Boston, or Philadelphia might be what comes to mind when you think of this part of the country, but the small towns of the Empire State are certainly worth exploring. This six-hour adventure begins in Pittsford, which is a charming, small community along Lake Erie. Then you’ll head to Geneseo, which is a small town that has some really cool historical museums. Next, you’ll drive to the very small town of Angelica (home to roughly 1,000 residents) and enjoy the fabulous antique shopping and delicious eateries. Next, you’ll travel to Arcade, which is a small town in Western New York State that’s known for its amazing train rides through the country. You’ll then journey to Ellicottville, which is a tiny town of fewer than 400 people! This cozy community has plenty to do, however- there’s great shopping and other activities that New Yorkers love. You’ll then head to the small community of Clymer, which is especially fun during the Winter. Then you’ll move on to Westfield, which is a must-see wine town on the shores of Lake Erie. Then it’s off to Chestnut Ridge Park to see the Eternal Flame Waterfall, followed by the lovely town of Grand Island, where you can enjoy views of the Niagara River. And finally, you’ll end this small-town journey in Lewiston- a town with a rich history in Niagara County that’s sure to impress.