10 New York Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
By Christy Articola|Published March 01, 2023
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
Is the cold and gray vibe of winter getting you down? Sometimes, winter in New York can be rough. It doesn’t have to be that way, though – a road trip will lift your spirits! There are so many amazing places to explore in New York during the winter months. This list of winter day trips in New York will hopefully inspire you and will get you out of the house and onto adventures. Check out this list of places in New York that are magical in the wintertime and start playing a trip today!
1. Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Watkins Glen State Park is beautiful at any time of the year, but its extra special in the wintertime. This park has 19 waterfalls flowing through it and you'll be surrounded by 200 foot cliffs while you explore them. Be careful, though - the trail can be slippery - be sure to wear boots with good tread!
2. Montauk Point Lighthouse - Montauk
Montauk Lighthouse Overflow Lot, Montauk Point State Pkwy, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
You may not think that the beach is a good destination for the winter, but you're wrong! Sure, you can't go swimming, but the beauty and silence of the beach is incredible during the offseason. Once great place to experience that is in Montauk. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in the state.
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3. The Met Cloisters - New York
The Met Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040, USA
Bet you didn't know there's a medieval castle museum in New York City! This is one of the best museums NYC has to offer and few people even know about it. The Met Cloisters is located about as far north in Manhattan as you can get, but it's worth the trip. The art is spectacular and ancient, and the courtyard is even more beautiful than ever when it's covered with snow.
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4. The Strong National Museum of Play - Rochester
The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
Winter is a great time to play, and there's no better place to play than at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. This museum is HUGE and is fun for all ages!
5. The Wild Center - Tupper Lake
The Wild Center, 45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA
One of the best and most educational places to visit in the Adirondacks is The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. You can learn all about the wildlife and natural history of this region and do some winter hiking on the center's trails!
Niagara Falls is breathtaking at any time of year, but most visitors check it out during the summer months. If you go in the winter instead, you'll be amazed by the ice and colors you'll see at this incredible natural wonder!
Lots of people flock to Lake Placid in the summer for boating, camping, hiking, and fishing, but it's a great winter destination, too. After all, it was the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics! Explore this area and all it has to offer while the snow is on the ground and you'll want to return every winter for more.
Most people don't even consider visiting Finger Lakes Wine Country in the winter, but why not? Many wineries are open all year and offer tours and wine tastings and you won't have to deal with the crowds.
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9. Empire State Plaza - Albany
Empire State Plaza, 100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12242, USA
The Empire State Plaza in Albany is a modern marvel of construction and it ties together Albany's past, present, and future. It's very photogenic at any time of year but you can get some great pictures in the winter, while you skate on the reflecting pool.
10. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site - Hyde Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA
The home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park, New York, is a beautiful building that every New Yorker should take time to visit and tour. The grounds are especially beautiful when they are snow covered, too!
Are you ready to get out and explore this winter? Hopefully, this list gave you some ideas and inspiration for doing just that. These are only a few of the countless things that you can do in New York in the winter – so get out there and get started! And, don’t worry – warmer weather is right around the corner!
