Summer is a spectacular time to take a road trip, but often these types of journeys can easily turn into costly adventures. Giving you an assortment of options that give everyone a chance to have some fun, below we've listed off some of the best inexpensive destinations around the Empire State that won't leave your bank accounts at a frighteningly low balance.
1. Take a magical stroll at Tinker Nature Park to experience New York's Fairy Trail.
A park that's more magical than it may seem, Tinker Nature Park in Monroe County is what most of us wish we could find in our backyard. Explore the park's trails and you'll start to see uniquely crafted fairy houses decorated all over the place! With no one knowing where the houses managed to come from, it makes seeing them for yourself all the more intriguing. The best part about this adventure? It won't cost you dime!
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2. See all the different types of flowers and plants that make up Sonnenberg Gardens.
There's plenty of gardens to check out in New York, but one that makes for an amazing road trip destination? Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua. Ranging in price from free to fourteen dollars, it's worth every penny you'll pay for admission to see the stunning landscapes of this park.
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3. Spend the day outside checking out the unique exhibits at Storm King Art Center
The best sculpture park you'll find in New York, Storm King Art Center provides an out-of-the-ordinary way to spend the day outside. Worth the drive from wherever you're visiting from in New York, walk through the 500 acres of land that makes up the grounds to discover funky pieces of art out in the open.
To find out more information, click here.
4. Visit one of America's best state parks that's right here in our backyard.
It's not every day that just any state has one of its own state parks crowned as being one of the best in our entire country! Full of hiking trails, waterfalls, stone bridges and fantastic camping spots, there's plenty of free things to do here. The only reason you'll need to reach into your pocket is to pay the park's vehicle entrance fee.
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5. Explore the area of Tannersville to see why we call this amazing place New York's "Painted Village in the Sky".
A great destination to visit when it's nice and warm out, there's lots to enjoy in the small village of Tannersville. Walk along Main Street and you'll see vibrant colored buildings, many of which are restaurants and shops that won't leave you feeling like you just paid an arm and a leg for your road trip adventure. Bonus? Just down the road from this town is one of New York's tallest waterfalls - Kaaterskill Falls! A free outdoor adventure you have to take for yourself.
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6. Head up to the Adirondacks and enjoy an easy hike to get reach views of our tallest mountains.
One of the greatest parts about taking a road trip to an outdoor attraction is that these natural wonders won't cost you a cent to visit. New York may not be lacking in mountains, but it's hard to compare anything else to the trails and summits that you'll discover up around the Keene Valley. Get a view of our High Peaks from quick trails like Baxter Mountain, a total of 1.1 miles long to the top.
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7. Experience all of the family fun waiting for you at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum.
A fascinating place for everyone in the family to enjoy, at this destination you'll be able to see how carousel horses are made! While a good amount of the grand horses that you'll see find are only on display, there's more than one carousel that you can ride for yourself. Full of old school charm, this nostalgic spot makes for a great road trip. Admission to the museum costs anywhere from $3.50 to $7 dollars.
To find out more information, click here.
8. Head to Bear Mountain State Park for beautiful trails, museums, a zoo and waterfront picnic spots all in one place.
With nearly two hundred state parks in New York, there are plenty that make for amazing road trip destinations. But you won't be able to find museums let alone a zoo in all of them! Down at Bear Mountain State Park, this outdoor attraction has everything you could hope for in a park. With hiking and biking trails, mountains to climb, picnic areas and a gift shop to check out, there's lots of inexpensive ways you can have fun here.
To find out more information, click here.
9. Take the time to explore and appreciate the stonework that's hidden away at Opus 40.
One of the most unique and incredible man-made wonders hiding in our state, Opus 40 has a fascinating story about how it came to be. Originally made by the hands of Harvey Fite, the inspirational New Yorker turned an abandoned bluestone quarry in his backyard into a beautiful piece of art that is now shared with everyone. A great place to enjoy a picnic, admission to Opus 40 ranges from $3 to 10 dollars.
To find out more information, click here.
10. Make your very own glass work of art at a museum in Corning.
Another museum to add to your list! This unordinary shaped building is filled with fun adventures that will keep you fascinated. Walk around and see all of the pieces of art that are made out of glass, giving you the chance to gather inspiration to create your own glass art. Ranging in prices, you can create different glass creations at the museum's Make Your Own Glass center. You'll get to walk away with a personal treasure that you made yourself!
To find out more information, click here.
11. Take a ride up to the clouds on Little Whiteface for a gondola ride that you'll never forget.
Taking a trip to the Lake Placid area may seem a bit costly, but there are actually a ton of inexpensive ways that you can enjoy the area and make this road trip worth while! Taking you up the mountains and high up into the sky, the Whiteface Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride fits up to eight people and takes roughly 15 minutes to make it to the top. Ranging in price from $15 to 20 dollars, you'll save money if you purchase your tickets online!
To find out more information, click here.
12. Soak in the sights of the Finger Lakes at waterfront parks and viewing spots in Skaneateles.
It won't cost you a penny to hang out in one of the several waterfronts parks that are right in the town of Skaneateles. Giving you a view of the vibrant blue water, you'll find benches all along the water and a pier that takes you out onto the lake. The town also features waterfront restaurants that won't completely drain your pockets, giving you a beautiful sight to see even while you're dining.
To find out more information, click here.
13. Step inside George Eastman's house, a historic home and museum that will make you feel like you've been thrown into Jumanji.
Ranging in admission price from $5 to 15 dollars, the George Eastman House is a historic home that's been beautifully maintained. With so much interesting history that's been well preserved here, you'll enjoy learning about one of the most important figures in modern photography. But one of the best parts about checking out all there is to see here? The beautiful gardens that make up the home's backyard. The landscapes will steal your breath away!
To find out more information, click here.
14. Cross Niagara Falls State Park off of your bucket list and dine at the top of a waterfall.
Not every state can have the pleasure of saying that they have their own restaurant sitting at the top of a waterfall! Make the trip to Niagara Falls State Park to see New York's most powerful falls and to dine at the Top of the Falls Restaurant. From the restaurant within the state park, giving you a prime viewing spot of the falls that you'll never forget.
To find out more information, click here.
What's your favorite adventure to take when you're looking to keep your money in your wallets? For more bucket list worthy spots, check out The 14 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In New York Everyone Should Visit!
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