Don't procrastinate and wait until the last minute. Now is the time to start planning out what adventures you want to actually cross off of our bucket list before summer's over! Giving you a variety of ways to keep yourself busy this season, here are some of the greatest ways you can have fun underneath the summer sun this year in New York!
1. Stay close to the water and set up camp at one of New York's destinations where you can pitch your tent right on the beach.
In the Empire State you can find a gracious amount of campgrounds that are worth checking out, but not all of them give you the opportunity to camp out right on the water. Recently we listed off some of New York's most stunning campsites that will give you views of the water and peaceful surroundings to make your adventure complete.
To find out more about these campgrounds, click here.
2. Don't strain yourself and enjoy one of New York's hikes that come in under 3-miles long.
Not all of us have the time or energy to take on a full day hike in New York. Not too long ago we created a list of trails in the Empire State that all come in at under 3-miles long but offer explorers amazing sights and surroundings. From state parks filled with waterfalls and well-marked trails to easier hikes that will take us up mountains, there's lot to choose from off of this list.
To find out which trail is right for you, click here.
3. Dine by the water with a view of Lake Ontario at Rudy's Lakeside Drive-In.
A waterfront destination you won't want to miss out on visiting before it closes again for the season, Rudy's is back open for the year and waiting for you! Long known for their homemade sauce and delicious seafood menu items, this restaurant's seasonal opening is one our residents anxiously await for each and every year.
To find out more information, click here.
4. Take a scenic train ride through the mountains this summer on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
An attraction that we never grow tired of over time, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad has been around since the 1980s. A nostalgic adventure that we appreciate having at our fingertips, these train rides that run from Old Forge and Utica will take you through the mountains and remote parts of New York that you may not have seen before. A great family activity, hop aboard this train before the season ends.
To find out more information, click here.
5. Spend the day slipping and sliding through Goshen and Niagara Falls.
It's not every day that you get to slip down an enormous slide running through your local city or town. But exactly that will be happening this July and August! 1000-foot long waterslides and inflatable fun will be coming to Goshen and Niagara Falls, equipped with tasty food vendors and plenty to keep you happy in the sun for the day.
To find out more information, click here.
6. Walk through a singing Adirondack forest to experience something truly magical.
As if there weren't already enough reasons for you to take the trip up north to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, this amazing spot just added one more fascinating feature. Situating 24 speakers in the forest, visitors can walk along a 1000-foot long loop and hear an incredible composition but together by artist Peter Weyer.
To find out more information, click here.
7. Stay somewhere funky like Hotel Dylan while you take the time to explore our beautiful Catskill Mountains.
There are endless options when it comes to finding unique places to stay down in the Catskills, but one destination that steals away our heart is Hotel Dylan. Decked out in a Rock 'N' Roll theme, each room has its very own record player! Also on the property? This colorful hotel has a pool and outdoor area with a fire pit and hammocks, and you certainly won't want to forget about the delicious Mexican restaurant Santa Fe that's at the front of the parking lot.
To find out more information, click here.
8. Make your summer epic by taking a trip to this one waterpark in the Finger Lakes.
New York has quite a few noteworthy waterparks, but one that will stand out to you the most can be found at the top of Canandaigua Lake. Roseland Waterpark is a great place to visit if you're looking to enjoy some family fun, with a variety of areas and rides inside of the park that fit visitors of all different ages!
To find out more information, click here.
9. Hide from the summer heat and cool off underground with a maintained temperature of 50 degrees in Secret Caverns.
That's right! All year long this underground attraction keeps a cool 50-degree temperature underneath Earth's surface. Unlike most caves you'll take a tour of, guests are allowed to take pictures and even touch the natural wonders that you'll explore at Secret Caverns. At the very end of the cave, visitors will get a view of a 100-foot underground waterfall, a unique sight, indeed.
To find out more information, click here.
10. Make your summer perfect with a trip to one of our impressive lakes.
Not too long ago we spoke about 15 different lakes all around New York that are simply spectacular to check out during the summer season. From some of our favorite Finger Lakes and and Catskill treasures like Lake Minnewaska to a couple of the Great Lakes and gorgeous bodies of water in the Adirondacks, we're truly lucky to live here and have these places right in our backyard.
To find out more about which lakes you should visit, click here.
11. Head out to the heart of Wine Country in the Finger Lakes and grab a bite to eat at The Stonecat Cafe.
Right within the town of Hector, The Stonecat Cafe features outdoor patio dining that's great to enjoy during the summer. The restaurant cooks up various dishes, all delicious and full of flavor. Getting lots of products from local farms, you can taste the Finger Lakes in every bite you take at this restaurant.
To find out more information, click here.
12. Experience one of our easier hikes in the Adirondacks that has an insanely rewarding view.
Getting a view of our High Peaks from the mountaintops is an adventure that's often quite a challenge. Considered to be a moderate hike, the quick 2-mile round trip trail on Mount Jo is one that will surprise you. A steep but short hike, once explorers reach the top they'll have not only a view of Heart Lake but some of our most stunning and tallest mountains in New York State.
To find out more information, click here.
13. Visit a remote restaurant that comes to life during the summer season.
Tucked between the towns of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, Tail O' The Pup is a unique restaurant to visit. Talked about by many of our residents for serving up delicious barbecue and lobster dishes, this outdoor restaurant turns into a lively spot with live music and cabins that are available to rent during the summer.
To find out more information, click here.
14. Skip dinner and head straight to dessert with this mouthwatering Finger Lakes Ice Cream Trail.
Creating delicious Ice Cream Trails for both the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks, there are plenty of great ice cream shops that are worthy of planning an entire road trip around. Made up of Mom & Pop shops that have earned the reputation of serving up homemade ice cream that's to die for, these scrumptious trails will make your stomach growl!
To find out more information, click here.
15. Ditch the local pool and head to this swimming spot that puts you at the base of a waterfall.
Part of our city of waterfalls, Ithaca is home to the beautiful Buttermilk Falls State Park. One of the main reasons people make their way out to this state park during the summer, the park's natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls makes for the perfect swimming spot.
To find out more information, click here.
16. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind beach experience down in the gorgeous town of New Paltz.
A beach that comes with the luxury of exclusivity, not just everyone gets access to the swimming destination offered at the Mohonk Mountain House! Those who get to go swimming here will dive into a glacial lake - Lake Mohonk, surrounded by over 40,000 acres of forest that belongs to this resort.
To find out more information, click here.
17. If full on camping doesn't sound like the most appealing adventure to you, try something a bit more luxurious.
Not all of New York's residents are cut out for the camping life, but to those who are still looking to surround themselves with Mother Nature there's the luxury of Glamping. From the Adirondacks and Catskills to the Finger Lakes you'll find quite a few glampgrounds that will suit all of your needs. Taking you away from it all, glamping at places like Camp Orenda in Johnsburg is a weekend getaway that you're sure to never forget.
To find out more information, click here.
18. If you can't bring yourself to go camping or glamping, the comfortable amenities that places like the Mirror Lake Inn have to offer.
Considered by many to be one of the best lakeside hotels in the entire world, Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid has been accommodating guests since the early 1900s. Located in one of our most historic and scenic towns, the rooms at this hotel will have views of Mirror Lake and our Adirondack Mountains. Giving you the perfect mixture of modern and rustic, you'll be fascinated to learn about this history of this grand hotel.
To find out more information, click here.
19. Hop aboard the Metro-North Railroad to see just how many unforgettable day trips you can experience within New York.
A unique way to explore the Hudson Valley, downstate you can find a handful of towns that are easily accessible by the Metro-North Railroad. Stops that are great to explore when you have a full day to see all that these towns have to offer, avoid putting extra miles on your car and having to drive by simply getting onboard one of these trains!
To find out more information, click here.
How many of these adventures do you plan on enjoying before the summer's over? For more seasonal fun, grab your swim gear and hit the road with this Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You New York Like Never Before!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
