9 Undeniably Fun Weekend Trips To Take If You Live In New York

The small village of Watkins Glen may be home to one of New York's most stunning state parks, but there's also so much more to see and do here. Sitting along the southern shores of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen has its own international auto race track, farm sanctuary, great restaurants and of course - vineyards! With so many waterfalls to see and exploring to do, this village is worth taking a weekend away to.

The heart of New York's Thousand Islands, the village of Alexandria Bay puts you within arm's reach of some of the most breathtaking views and attractions that this area of our state has to offer. When coming out to this part of New York, you'll want to get out on the crystal clear water to experience all there is to see and to make your way to magical destinations like Boldt Castle on Heart Island. The area also boasts plenty of waterfront restaurants and hotels along with quite a few state parks and scenic hangout spots.

A great weekend trip for the whole family to enjoy, Cooperstown out in Otsego County has lots to offer. The village's most notable attraction is the National Baseball Hall of Fame, while other attractions like the Farmers Museum and Glimmerglass State Park offer unique ways to get outside and learn something new.

One of the many towns that you can find down along the Hudson River, Ulster County's town of Saugerties is quite the charming weekend trip to take. Those who are interested in the local history will be glad to know that there are plenty of historic sites and homes that you can visit in town, with there even being the gorgeous Saugerties Lighthouse that you can visit and even spend the night in! Saugerties is also home to the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, it's own beach and the jaw-dropping work of art that is Opus 40. With such a variety of attractions and things to do, this town makes for one interesting weekend away!

A small city that you can find just north of Albany, Saratoga Springs comes to life during New York's summer months. Home to the oldest horse race track in our country, in the heart of the city all along Broadway you can find amazing restaurants, shops and the delightful Congress Park that even has its own carousel for you to ride. From museums and gardens to a state park and a geyser, you'll wish you could spend more than just one weekend soaking up Saratoga.

Don't be distracted by America's oldest state park, there's more to this New York city than just the American Falls! While we highly encourage anyone and everyone to check out Niagara Falls State Park and our country's half of these epic waterfalls, there's lots more worth seeing within this city. Other outdoor adventures are waiting for you at spots like Devil's Hole State Park and Whirlpool State Park or for more laidback adventures you can visit the Aquarium of Niagara or you can go for a stroll down Niagara Falls' Art Alley!

Known for being one of the coolest towns in America, the village of Hammondsport can be found sitting along the southern shores of Keuka Lake. A favorite destination to visit within the Finger Lakes Region, the town of course, has plenty of options when it comes to visiting vineyards and sipping on regional wine, all while you're just a leap away from the waterfront. Whether you're looking to get out on the water or simply enjoy the view of it, this is one weekend getaway that's sure to be relaxing.

Secluded away from the majority of our state, many of us New Yorkers are only ever able to explore Long Island when we have time to plan a weekend trip away from it all. Taking you all the way out to the very end of the island, Montauk has more for visitors than originally meets the eye. The little village has some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see, with waterfront restaurants galore and a handful of state parks that will become your new favorite playground.

Taking a weekend trip to anywhere within the Adirondack Park is something I'll always suggest to people, but if you're looking for a base camp for the weekend? Lake Placid is a great place to set up shop. The small village is full of history and its own attractions, but it also puts you within a short drive of so many other amazing Adirondack towns and attractions. From the views of the mountains and our local lakes to the great restaurants and Olympic history waiting to be discovered, this is another destination where you could easily spend more than just one weekend exploring.