When it comes to tourist attractions, New York State can go toe-to-toe with anywhere in America! With that in mind, it was hard for us to pick just 15 attractions, but after some thinking, we were able to put together what we think is a pretty great list of New York destinations. Below, find some of our favorite places to check out in New York. We hope it helps guide tourists on their journey around this great state. There is no doubt about it, these are some of the top tourist destinations in New York State.

1. Central Park

Is there anything more iconic than Central Park? The New York City park is known around the world as one of the best urban green spaces, period. Any trip to New York isn’t complete without a trip to Central Park.

2. Lake Placid

The former site of not one but two Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is still a favorite training destination for Olympic athletes. It’s also a cozy village that really shines in the the colder months. Don’t get us wrong, it’s great in the summer, too. We recommend a trip to The Historical Society Depot Museum, which is located in an old train station.

3. Storm King Art Center

Named in honor of the Storm King Mountain, this open-air art museum is home to one of the biggest collections of contemporary art sculptures in the country. The Storm King Art Center makes for the perfect afternoon destination, so visitors should make some time on their road trip to make the stop in New Windsor, New York and check it out for themselves.

4. Statue of Liberty

Nothing says American freedom like the Statue of Liberty. The massive neoclassical sculpture is located on Liberty Island in New York City and, all these years later, still shines as one of the most iconic statues in America. The statue should be on everyone’s short list of destinations in New York.

5. Cooperstown

Located in central New York State, the village of Cooperstown is a great spot for a day trip. It’s home to both the Famers Museum,and the Fenimore Art Museum, which takes a focus on American fine art and folk art. But the town’s main attraction for many will be the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which features legendary artifacts and interactive exhibits.

6. Thousand Island Park

Situated on the southern end of Wellesley Island and sometimes called TI Park, Thousand Island Park makes for an amazing vacation spot. Visitors can enjoy bike and kayak rentals, stay the night at The Wellesley Hotel, and have a nice meal at the ice cream parlor and restaurant The Guzzle. Yoga fans will want to take park in River Yoga, a great way to get in some exercise while taking in some great water views.

7. Niagara Falls

Everyone knows about Niagara Falls, but not everyone has seen the site in person. We think that any tourist to New York State needs to make it a priority to view it up close and personal. Sometimes residents of New York will admit to us that they haven’t seen Niagara Falls, and we are shocked! Now is as a good of a time as ever, so make the trip to Niagara Falls this spring or summer.

8. Letchworth State Park

A 14,427-acre New York park situated in the western section of the state, Letchworth State Park will be a delight to any lover of the great outdoors. The park runs around 17 miles along the Genesee River and includes more than one large waterfall. Some have even called it the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

9. Jamestown

This looking for a cute small town day trip in New York could do a lot worse than Jamestown. Showbiz enthusiasts will enjoy both the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, which was made in tribute to Ball, who claims Jamestown as her hometown.

10. Coney Island

Coney Island is a favorite of New Yorkers, and for a great reason. It has plenty of activities and the sort of boardwalk atmosphere that will make visitors feel as if they are going back in time. Do not stop in Coney Island without taking a trip on the Cyclone, which we think is one of the most iconic rollercoasters in the entire country.

11. Buffalo AKG Art Museum

There are plenty of great art museums in New York State, and we think that the Buffalo AKG Art Museum ranks among the best of them. The museum started an expansion in 2021 and opened back up to the public in 2023, making it a gleaming new place for visitors to take in all things modern and contemporary art.

12. Ausable Chasm

People who love a bit of adventure will love the Ausable Chasm. This pretty canyon is the home of all sorts of activities—everything from tours to cliff hikes to mountain biking and river rafting. The chasm has been open to the public since 1870, which gives it the title of the longest operating natural attraction in the entire country!

13. Panama Rocks Park

For those who just can’t get enough of the great outdoors, there is Panama Rocks Park, which is a hiker’s delight. Anyone who enjoys walking amongst big rocks, caves, and tunnels will get a kick out of this park, whose hike length is a very manageable one mile loop.

14. Lake George

Not just a body of water, the town of Lake George is the perfect destination for a variety of activities. There is the lake, of course, but Lake George is also situated within the Adirondack region, which provides plenty of great nearby nature. And then there is the town itself, which is full of great dining and shopping options.

15. Times Square

Let’s end the list right, in the big city. With that in mind, nothing says “big city lights” quite like Times Square. We know that it is a tourist cliche, but there is really nothing else as visually stimulating and unforgettable as a trip to Times Square at night. So we say that all tourists should at least spend a few hours taking in the neon glow of one of New York City’s most famous districts.

The sheer variety of top tourist destinations in New York state —the city and the country; all of the serene natural destinations and the exciting urban spaces—make it an unforgettable destination for tourists of all ages. Whether a visitor to New York or a resident, there is plenty to explore in the state. Have fun out there, and if you're planning a trip across the Empire State, make sure to bring all your road trip supplies!