The Spontaneous Road Trip Through New York That Is the Perfect Weekend of Adventure

New York is so full of treasures—small towns, museums, natural wonders, and restaurants. When it comes to amazing things to do and see in the state, many lifelong New Yorkers have only scratched the surface. That's why we suggest this New York weekend road trip! There is no better feeling than cruising the backroads through the charming small towns, passing mountains, rivers, and lakes, to find the hidden gems on our detours. Below are five of our favorite destinations in the state, spread out for the perfect weekend getaway. 

We don't want to sound arrogant here, but we think we have put together one of the best road trips in New York. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with family or friends, you’ll find unforgettable destinations around every corner. It's the perfect way to experience art, culture, nature, and food, all in one weekend.

The trip takes you through cities and towns across New York, from New Windsor to Buffalo, and covers about 444 miles with almost eight hours of drive time. Of course, you'll need to factor in extra time to explore each stop and to get to know the towns, too. Use this interactive Google Maps to make changes or add more stops to your trip. Now, if you're ready, let's go!

1. Storm King Art Center - New Windsor

Why not start the trip by looking at a little art at our top pick for one of the most underrated destinations in New York? Storm King Art Center is an open-air museum that has one of the biggest collections of contemporary outdoor sculpture in the entire country. Taking a stroll through Storm King makes for a perfect summer morning activity.

If you want to spend extra time here, you'll have plenty to see. There are picnic areas, a cafe, bike rentals, a free tram, a museum, and more. Go in the spring when the weather is nice to spend time outdoors. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, so be sure to visit the Storm King Art Center for more information.

2. New York State Capitol - Albany

After you've soaked up enough art and nature, hop in your car and head north along I-87 to Albany. What is more New York than a trip to the New York State Capitol? Immediately, you'll notice the grand Renaissance-style architecture of this stunning building with its intricate towers and arches. It looks like it could be a castle or a palace plucked out of Europe. Built between 1867 and 1899, it is a crucial piece of New York history that is still very relevant today.

All New Yorkers should check it out at least once. You can walk around the building admiring its architecture, but you'll also want to take the free one-hour guided tour to hear the full history of the extravagant rooms and chambers inside this iconic landmark in New York. It's worth it!

3. International Boxing Hall of Fame - Canastota

For your next stop, head west to Canastota, just outside of Syracuse. Staying indoors, there is the International Boxing Hall of Fame in town. The museum provides a fascinating look at the sport that should appeal to anyone who is interested in athletics. The museum even contains the boxing ring that was used at Madison Square Garden between 1925 and 2007. Pretty cool!

Since this is the halfway point on your weekend getaway in New York, I would suggest taking a break before the final leg of your trip. To make it easy, use our itinerary for a weekend in Syracuse. You can find places to stay and eat while you're here overnight.

4. Ithaca Falls - Ithaca

And now that you're rested, it's time for a little nature. Let's drive to Ithaca, where you'll find a jaw-dropping waterfall that bears the city’s name. At 150 feet tall, Ithaca Falls is a reminder of the kind of awe-inspiring nature that exists in our own backyard. You'll have a surreal experience while standing at the base of the rushing cascade, feeling the mist from the water on your face. It's one of the most accessible waterfalls in the area and perfect if you're traveling with family.

The vibrant town itself has plenty to offer, including incredible shopping and dining. In fact, we think the food at Moosewood Restaurant is worth the trip here, too. It's been named as the best vegetarian restaurant in the US, so you're in for a treat (even if you're not a vegetarian).

5. Anchor Bar - Buffalo

It only makes sense that your final stop on your road trip is one of New York's most legendary restaurants. Anchor Bar is the home of the original Buffalo wing, and it has been open since the 1930s. So: dig in! You'll find a mix of locals and tourists here. Come for the wings but stay for the vibe, and check out the memorabilia on the walls. You'll soon realize you're experiencing part of America's legacy.

Now, that is a weekend road trip in New York that is perfect for the whole family! For road trippers that need a bit of help packing for a weekend of adventure, we made a road trip guide for just that purpose. And for those looking for a place to stay in Buffalo after all of those wings, we recommend Residence Inn by Marriott, Buffalo Downtown.