The Top 5 Road Trips in New York State

The charm of New York State lies not only in its famous landmarks but also in the hidden treasures along the way – from the lush, foliage-covered hills of the Catskills to the tranquil waters of the Finger Lakes and the majestic peaks of the Adirondacks.

These five road trip itineraries highlight some of the best attractions in the Empire State – from museums and beaches to art parks and nature reserves. Remember, though, that the real joy is in the journey and the delightful sights you’ll see outside your car window.

1. Explore Long Island's Gardens, Museums, and Beaches

Ideal for Family Fun Old Westbury–Wantagh; 72 miles; allow 1–2 days

Stretching out from the eastern shoreline, 118 miles east of New York City, Long Island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of the state capital. With its suburban charm, grand mansions, and beautiful beaches in every direction, it’s the perfect road trip for kids of all ages. The “Are we there yet?” will quickly turn into “Can we stop here too?”

Begin your adventure at Old Westbury Gardens, an English-style estate from 1906 surrounded by 200 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, and lakes (be sure to check their year-round activities for families and children).

Not far away, you'll find Garden City’s Long Island Children’s Museum, featuring engaging exhibits on everything from bubbles to mini-beasts. If your kids are fascinated by the skies, visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum, showcasing early biplanes, spaceflight history, and a new statue honoring American astronaut Sally Ride.

From there, make your way to the Gatsby Gold Coast on the northern side of the island to marvel at the sprawling mansions. Stop at Centerport’s Vanderbilt estate to tour the shipping magnate's mansion, complete with a fine museum and planetarium. Then, head to the southern shore for some fun at Wantagh’s Jones Beach State Park, where you can enjoy 6.5 miles of pristine white sand.

Detour: For a longer journey, extend your route to the eastern tip of Long Island. On the North Fork, visit the stunning purple fields at Lavender by the Bay in East Marion or Calverton. Don’t miss the chance to ride the century-old carousel in Greenport before heading to Montauk to climb the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse.

2. A Romantic Sampling of Hudson Valley and Catskills

Ideal for couples New Windsor–Hudson; 141 miles; allow 2–3 days

Just north of New York City, the Hudson Valley and Catskills offer a romantic retreat throughout the year, highlighting the cozy charm of autumn, the enchanting snow of winter, the floral splendor of spring, and the tranquil greenery of summer.

Begin your getaway by strolling hand-in-hand among the outdoor sculptures at Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre paradise where art harmonizes with nature amid meadows, forests, and rolling hills. Then, showcase your partner’s adventurous side by walking across the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, spanning 1.28 miles between Poughkeepsie and Highland. Next, immerse yourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Mohonk Mountain House, whether by enjoying an all-inclusive luxurious stay or simply purchasing a hiking day pass to explore 85 miles of scenic trails, including the renowned Labyrinth rock scramble and the narrow passage known as the Lemon Squeeze. Along the trails, charming wooden gazebos enhance the romantic atmosphere.

Continue north to Opus 40, a captivating 6.5-acre earthwork sculpture that will keep both of you engaged. Conclude the day at the quaint Shandaken Inn, where you can warm up by the wood-burning fireplace or roast marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit.

Finally, cross back over the river to Hudson, an artsy haven where you can wander downtown, exploring the antique shops, trendy coffee spots, and innovative restaurants that line the main streets.

Detour: Book a romantic table for two at Pocantico Hills’ Blue Hill at Stone Barns, where the daily meal (no menus here) offers a gourmet experience with ingredients harvested directly from the farm at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. For a more relaxed option, try the Blue Hill Cafeteria at Stone Barns, a peaceful spot for lunch trays filled with delightful small bites and community-style dinners.

3. Highlights of the Finger Lakes

Perfect for relaxation Ithaca–Watkins Glen; 59 miles; allow 1–2 days

As soon as you gaze upon any of the 11 slender Finger Lakes, it feels like taking a giant breath of relief. The serene waters here offer a unique tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere; you’ll feel the stresses of everyday life simply fade away.

Starting from Ithaca, make your way to Buttermilk Falls State Park, where the soothing cascades flowing from Cayuga Lake will draw you into a tranquil mindset. Keep that zen feeling as you continue to the Cornell Botanic Gardens, where you can wander through its serene grounds, including a healing garden filled with medicinal plants and an herb garden inspired by literature.

Follow the lakeside road to Interlaken, stopping at local wineries like Hosmer Winery in Ovid or Shepherdess Cellars along the Cayuga Wine Trail. Treat yourself to a refreshing dessert from Cayuga Lake Creamery (how about some Seneca salt caramel?).

Next, head to the southern tip of Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, where you can continue your relaxation with a leisurely walk through Watkins Glen State Park or shake things up with some adrenaline at the Watkins Glen International raceway, catching high-speed NASCAR action.

Detour: While the Finger Lakes region is dotted with charming villages, Skaneateles stands out, perched at the northern end of the 16-mile-long Skaneateles Lake. Here, cozy bed and breakfasts offer extra charm, and the restaurants serve up flavors that delight. The entire village transforms during the holidays for its renowned 'Dickens Christmas' – an event that feels like a scene from a classic tale.

4. Lake Hopping in the Adirondacks

Ideal for water enthusiasts Lake George–Lake Champlain; 160 miles; allow 3–5 days

Majestic and untamed, the Adirondacks mountain range – renowned for its 46 high peaks soaring above 3820ft – competes with the most breathtaking wilderness areas in the country. Covering approximately 9375 square miles of protected parks and forests stretching from central New York to the Canadian border, it encompasses charming towns, towering mountains, glacial lakes, rivers, and over 2000 miles of hiking trails.

Though named for its towering peaks, the region's lakes create their own allure and pave the way for a perfect road trip. Begin your adventure in Lake George, where daytime excitement (like the roller coasters at Six Flags Great Escape) pairs perfectly with laid-back evenings at numerous waterfront restaurants known for their craft drinks.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the local vibe by wandering around Lake George Village. Afterward, head to Tupper Lake, where nature truly shines at the Wild Center outdoor museum and the astronomy-themed Adirondacks Sky Center.

Next, pursue your Olympic aspirations in Lake Placid, the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Explore the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and the Olympic Jumping Complex, where you can take a gondola and elevator to the top of the 128m ski jump. Conclude your journey at Lake Champlain, stepping into American history at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point Historic Site.

Detour: Between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid, make a stop at Saranac Lake, a hidden gem with fewer visitors. Engage with nature through hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, or golfing, or delve into the area's history as a tuberculosis treatment center at the Saranac Laboratory Museum.

5. Great Lakes Seaway Trail

Ideal for a weeklong adventure Ripley–Rooseveltown; 428 miles; plan for one week

Though the entire Great Lakes Seaway Trail stretches 512 miles (with a small section in Pennsylvania), the New York portion begins just across the border in Ripley, winding along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario before concluding at the St Lawrence River in Rooseveltown.

The Chautauqua/Niagara segment is home to some of the region's most famous attractions, including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lake Erie State Park, and the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, making it worthwhile to spend several days exploring its highlights.

Next, we explore two segments along Lake Ontario. The western stretch features the state’s fourth-largest city, Rochester, along with the Charlotte-Genesee and Sodus Point Lighthouses. The eastern segment centers around the waterfront town of Oswego, famous for its summer Harborfest in July, and Sackets Harbor, a village recognized as a New York State Heritage Area. As the lakes merge into the river, the route leads through Alexandria Bay—make sure to stop for Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours to discover the Thousand Islands and the historic yet abandoned Boldt Castle from 1900. Don’t forget to visit the 2636-acre Wellesley Island State Park, which features a swimming beach. Just before concluding your journey, unwind at Coles Creek State Park, where camping along the St. Lawrence awaits.

Detour: Take a break from the byway to visit Syracuse, home to the charming Syracuse University, featuring the picture-perfect Hall of Languages and the enchanting Crouse Hall reminiscent of Harry Potter. While in the area, check out the Erie Canal Museum and grab a bite at Pastabilities, where you won’t leave without a jar of their irresistible Spicy Hot Tomato Oil.