New York is full of breathtaking scenery, all throughout our state you can find unbelievable adventures and views. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you’ve managed to see all of the noteworthy sights there is to see in our state, then we may have found a way to help to help you.
Below, we’ve put together a list of 15 amazing places in our state that you must visit before you die. Ready to see how many of these you can cross off your New York bucket list?
1. The Gorge Trail - Watkins Glen State Park
You'll have a hard time finding a mass amount of New York residents that don't believe Watkins Glen State Park is the most beautiful place in our state. The 2-mile trail showcases nearly twenty waterfalls that are all more beautiful than our words could ever attempt to describe.
How to get here: 1009 N Franklin Street Watkins Glen, NY 14891
2. Central Park - New York City
Visiting anywhere in New York City is a must if you're not from the area, but Central Park is just one of the many sights that you should be sure to see at least once. The park covers an incredible amount of the Big Apple and has a castle, ponds, waterfalls, gardens and more hiding within it, all waiting to be found and explored.
How to get here: This one falls in your hands. Considering the park is made up of over 800 acres, there are entry points all over the city! Pick any area of the park that interests you most and begin your adventure from there. We suggest areas like the Belvedere Castle, Great Lawn or the Conservancy!
3. Lake Placid
That's right, we're throwing the entire village of Lake Placid onto this list. Not only is the small village filled with charm and striking beauty, the area was also home to the 1980 Winter Olympics. With stories to tell and sights to see, this one Adirondack village is an absolute must-visit.
How to get here: Main Street Lake Placid, NY 12946
For this address, we brought you right to the center of Lake Placid where you'll find charming shops and places to stay!
4. Mohonk Mountain House - New Paltz
If you're looking to treat yourself to a getaway that's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, then coming to this one resort on the Shawangunk Ridge is perfect for you. With plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy all day and an award-winning spa to comfort you after, this place is absolute bucket list material.
How to get here: 1000 Mountain Rest Road New Paltz, NY 12561
5. Ausable Chasm - Keeseville
Known as one of America's oldest outdoor attractions, there's nothing like exploring the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.
How to get here: 2144 U.S. 9 Ausable Chasm, NY 12911
6. One World Trade Center - New York City
A place New Yorkers tend to hold close to their hearts, the One World Trade Center features an observation deck that will leave you speechless.
How to get here: 285 Fulton Street New York, NY 10017
7. Letchworth State Park - Castile
Aside from the Gorge Trail of Watkins Glen, this New York state park is one of our most talked about outdoor attractions. Featuring three major waterfalls and trails that will lead you to blissful places, this park is a favorite place for our residents to visit and camp at during the summer months.
How to get here: 1 Letchworth State Park Castile, NY 14427
8. Niagara Falls
Even if you never wanted to see Niagara Falls, you probably already have. New York's most visited waterfall and favorite outdoor attraction, almost all of our residents can say they've already crossed this one off of their bucket list. It's a must-see and apart of almost all of our childhoods at one point or another. If you've yet to make a trip out to the American side of Niagara Falls, then now is the time to do it!
How to get here: 332 Prospect Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303-1106
9. Boldt Castle - Heart Island
Castles, we've got them! You can find a significant amount of beautiful and haunting castles within New York, most of which are easily accessible. If you're looking to take a trip out to the Thousand Islands, then Alexandria Bay is the place to be. Here, you can cross the waters and make your way out to Heart Island, where you'll find the historical and possibly haunted Boldt Castle.
How to get here: Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
10. Taughannock Falls State Park - Trumansburg
Considering that this one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls you'll find in America, we think it's pretty important that you make a point to see it before you take the ultimate nap of life. A beautiful park to explore that only requires a quick hike out of you to get to this waterfall, you really must visit.
How to get here: 1740 Taughannock Boulevard Trumansburg, NY 14886
11. Sonnenberg Gardens - Canandaigua
An historic park you'll want to be sure to cross off of your New York bucket list, Sonnenberg Gardens seems like a peaceful place created on some other world. The 50-acre park features a historic mansion and a variety of gardens that you'll have a hard time pulling yourself away from.
How to get here: 151 Charlotte Street Canandaigua, NY 14424
12. Whiteface Mountain - Wilmington
Really what this particular title should say is, "The top of any of our 46 high peaks". There's nothing like hiking one of New York's highest mountains and seeing the views from the summit, but if you are going to take on just one of these 46 mountains, Whiteface is the one to pick. The reason we have a soft spot for New York's fifth-highest mountain is because of the various ways you can see and experience. Whether you're looking to enjoy a drive up along the scenic highway or you're willing to get up this mountain with your own two feet, there's nothing in the world like coming to Whiteface Mountain.
How to get here: 646 Whiteface Memorial Highway Wilmington, NY 12997
13. Wing's Castle - Millbrook
Sure, New York is home to amazing castles that look as though they've just been pulled straight out of a princess's dream. But there's something undeniably heartwarming about this one-of-a-kind castle in Millbrook. Made up almost entirely of recycled materials, the castle came together with the hands of Peter Wing. Another great work of art you can find on the other side of the river is Opus 40 in Saugerties. A beautiful slice of New York that has a similar story, one man's dream and incredible dedication resulting in something unbelievable and made of stone.
How to get here: 717 Bangall Road Millbrook, NY 12545
14. Walkway Over The Hudson - Pougkeepsie
What do you do when you have a historic but deteriorating railroad bridge spanning across one of your most well-known rivers? You turn it into an amazing walkway, of course! An outdoor attraction that's perfect for all ages, you'll truly enjoy the panoramic views from above the Hudson River.
How to get here: 83 North Water Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Note - This is the address for the Upper Landing Park, where you can take the elevator to the top of the walkway.
15. Old Westbury Gardens - Westbury
With 200-acres of breathtaking scenery on Long Island to take in and explore, you'll thank yourself for setting aside a day to explore this historic treasure. The property is on the National List of Historic Places and was once the home of a wealthy heir. In current times, you can explore gorgeous gardens, ponds and historic structures that are all unbelievable. Don't be surprised if you find yourself speechless during your visit, this place is that beautiful.
How to get here: 71 Old Westbury Road Westbury, NY 11590
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