New York State The New York you know is just the beginning
Welcome to New York State New York City may provide one of the world’s most recognisable introductions, but it is only one part of a state defined by extraordinary contrasts. From Atlantic coastline and great rivers to vineyardcovered lakes, forested mountains and vast freshwater shores, every journey reveals a different New York.
The landscape begins to transform almost as soon as you leave Manhattan. Follow the Hudson River north through historic communities and the rolling Hudson Valley before reaching the forests and mountains of the Catskills and Adirondacks. Travel farther and the scenery changes again, opening into the long waters and vineyards of the Finger Lakes, the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario and the immense natural spectacle of Niagara Falls. Across 11 distinct regions, the character changes just as dramatically. Saratoga Springs brings elegance and racing heritage, Cooperstown captures a piece of classic Americana, while Buffalo combines remarkable architecture, art, food and Great Lakes character. To the east, Long Island offers vineyards, maritime communities and Atlantic beaches within easy reach of New York City. New York State is also shaped by stories that have influenced America. Indigenous heritage, immigration, the Erie Canal, movements for freedom and equality, artistic innovation, music and architecture have all left their mark. Today,
world-class culture sits alongside welcoming small towns, distinctive local flavours and outdoor adventure, creating countless ways to experience the state beyond its most familiar icons. Every season brings a different perspective. Spring brings rushing waterfalls and fresh landscapes, summer invites days beside the water, autumn transforms forests and mountains with spectacular colour, and winter brings snowcovered landscapes and a completely different range of experiences. Whether travelling by road or rail, combining New York City with the regions beyond or creating a journey entirely across Upstate New York, this is a state that rewards curiosity. Keep travelling and the scenery changes, the stories evolve and another New York is waiting to be discovered.
What New York State offers
Few destinations offer as much variety within a single holiday. New York State brings together world-famous icons, spectacular landscapes, fascinating history, distinctive local flavours and communities with personalities all their own. The result is a destination where no two days need feel the same.
Extraordinary variety
Experience the energy of New York City before discovering an entirely different world beyond it. Mountains, lakes, rivers, vineyards, countryside, Great Lakes shores and Atlantic coastline can all become part of the same holiday, with the surroundings continually changing as you travel.
Icons worth travelling for
Some experiences need little introduction. Stand before the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, look across Manhattan from one of its famous viewpoints or experience New York’s forests and mountains transformed by spectacular autumn colour. The icons provide compelling reasons to travel, but they are often only the beginning of what you discover.
Nature on a grand scale
The outdoors isn’t confined to one corner of the state. Hike among mountain peaks, walk beside waterfalls and through dramatic gorges, paddle across peaceful lakes or simply follow a scenic road through extraordinary surroundings. Adventure can be as active or relaxed as you choose.
Stories that shaped America
Few states have been connected with so many chapters of the American story. Indigenous heritage, revolution, immigration, the Erie Canal and movements for freedom and equality sit alongside influential art, architecture, music and sporting traditions, creating opportunities to experience history in the places where it unfolded.
Local flavours & character
Food and drink provide another reason to travel from region to region. Taste wine overlooking the Finger Lakes, discover farms and orchards in the Hudson Valley, enjoy fresh seafood on Long Island or seek out the dishes, breweries, cideries, markets and independent restaurants that reveal another side of local New York.
Made for the journey
Perhaps one of New York State’s greatest strengths is how naturally these experiences connect. Road trips and rail travel can bring cities, mountains, lakes, small towns, wine country and waterfronts together within a single holiday, while the freedom to concentrate on the places that interest you most makes every trip different.
Who will love New York State?
With iconic cities, spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and experiences that change from region to region, New York State can be many different holidays in one. Whatever inspires you to travel, there is a way to experience the state that suits you.
The road tripper
The food & drink lover
The outdoor adventurer
The city & small-town explorer
If the journey matters just as much as the destination, this is a state made for the open road. Follow scenic routes beside rivers and lakes, cross mountain landscapes and connect cities with small towns, vineyards and characterful communities. With so much variety along the way, getting there can become one of the best parts of the holiday.
Love spending time in the great outdoors? Hike through the Adirondacks or Catskills, cycle through changing landscapes, paddle across mountain lakes or embrace winter adventure when snow transforms the peaks. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or simply want to surround yourself with spectacular scenery, the outdoors can become as much or as little of your holiday as you choose.
The culture & history seeker
If understanding the story behind a place matters to you, New York has centuries of history and creativity to uncover. Discover Indigenous heritage, follow the legacy of the Erie Canal, experience influential art and architecture and visit places connected with immigration, innovation and movements that helped change American society.
For travellers who believe tasting a destination is part of discovering it, there is plenty to tempt you. Visit wineries overlooking the Finger Lakes, discover Hudson Valley farms and orchards, enjoy fresh seafood on Long Island or seek out local specialities, cideries, breweries, markets and independent restaurants as you travel.
Love the excitement of a great city but equally enjoy somewhere smaller? Combine New York City’s unmistakable energy with places such as Saratoga Springs, Cooperstown and Lake Placid, then add riverside towns, lakeside communities, historic main streets and places you may never have considered visiting before.
The scenic escape seeker
Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply waking up somewhere beautiful. Stay beside a lake, retreat to the mountains, follow country roads through spectacular scenery or escape to the Atlantic coast, combining memorable surroundings with characterful places to stay, local food and time to enjoy where you are.
Every season tells a different story There is no single best time to experience New York State. Each season transforms its landscapes, communities and experiences, creating new reasons to travel and an entirely different journey depending on when you visit.
Spring
Waterfalls, blossoms & new beginnings
As winter gives way to warmer days, waterfalls gather strength, gardens and orchards burst into bloom and forests return to green. Spring is a rewarding time for scenic drives through the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes, discovering historic towns and gardens or heading back outdoors as hiking trails begin to reopen. With the landscape coming back to life ahead of the main summer season, it offers a fresh perspective on the state.
Summer
Lakes, mountains & long days
Summer brings life outdoors. Cruise or kayak across mountain lakes, hike through the Adirondacks and Catskills, relax on Long Island’s Atlantic beaches or spend time in waterfront communities along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Longer days are ideal for touring, while festivals, outdoor dining and live music fill towns and cities and Saratoga Springs comes alive during its celebrated racing season.
Autumn
Fall colour, harvests & scenic roads
Autumn brings one of America’s great seasonal transformations as brilliant reds, oranges and golds sweep across mountains, forests, river valleys and lakeshores. Scenic roads become journeys through spectacular fall colour, while orchards, farm markets, cideries and vineyards celebrate the harvest. Colour typically develops first across northern and higher-elevation landscapes before progressing south, creating an exceptional season for touring across the state.
Winter
Snow, adventure & cosy escapes
Winter transforms mountains, lakes and communities beneath a blanket of snow. Ski and snowboard in the Adirondacks and Catskills, experience the Olympic heritage of Lake Placid or simply enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes. Fireside stays, welcoming restaurants and cultural attractions provide a contrast to days outdoors, while New York City adds festive excitement and its own unmistakable winter atmosphere.
Whatever the season, there is always another New York story waiting to unfold.
Discover New York State’s 11 regions One state. Eleven distinct regions. Countless possibilities for your journey. Beyond New York City’s famous skyline lies a state of extraordinary variety. New York is officially divided into 11 regions, each with its own landscapes, communities, experiences and character.
Beyond New York City’s famous skyline lies a state of extraordinary variety. New York is officially divided into 11 regions, each with its own landscapes, communities, experiences and character. Follow the Atlantic coastline across Long Island, trace the Hudson River through the Hudson Valley or head into the mountains of the Catskills and Adirondacks. Discover the history and elegance of Capital-Saratoga, the classic Americana of Central New York and the lakes, vineyards and waterfalls of the Finger Lakes. Farther north, the Thousand Islands-Seaway follows the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, while western New York brings together the mighty Niagara Falls, the architecture and energy of Buffalo in Greater Niagara, and the lakes, countryside and cultural experiences of Chautauqua-Allegheny.
And then there is New York City: one of the world’s great destinations, the state’s principal international gateway and, for many UK travellers, the perfect place to begin a much wider New York adventure. Together, these 11 regions create extraordinary possibilities for road trips, rail journeys and multicentre holidays. You don’t need to experience them all in one visit. Choose the places that inspire you most and start planning your own journey through New York State.
Discover New York State’s regions Adirondacks
Mountains, lakes & Olympic spirit
Vast, wild and spectacular, the Adirondacks reveal a side of New York shaped by mountains, forests and thousands of lakes and waterways. Hike among the High Peaks, cruise across Lake George, paddle peaceful waters or follow scenic roads through landscapes that transform with every season. At the heart of the region, Lake Placid combines a beautiful mountain setting with the remarkable legacy of hosting two Winter Olympic Games, with Olympic venues and experiences continuing that story today. Elsewhere, historic Great Camps recall the grand wilderness retreats of the Gilded Age, while welcoming mountain communities provide inviting bases for exploring. From summer days beside the water and spectacular autumn colour to snowcovered winter adventures, the Adirondacks offer a remarkable sense of space and escape.
Capital-Saratoga
History, culture & racing heritage
History, culture and one of America’s great sporting traditions come together in Capital-Saratoga. In Albany, grand architecture and centuries of history reveal the story of one of America’s oldest cities, while the impressive State Capitol reflects its role at the heart of state government. Travel north to elegant Saratoga Springs, where mineral springs, beautiful architecture and a celebrated cultural scene complement the excitement of its historic racecourse and famous summer racing season.
Restaurants, independent shops and walkable streets add to the city’s appeal beyond race days. Surrounding countryside, waterways and historic communities reveal another side of the region, while its position between the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks makes Capital-Saratoga a natural and rewarding part of a wider journey through eastern New York.
Catskills
Mountain escapes & creative spirit
For generations, the Catskills have attracted artists, musicians, writers and travellers inspired by their forested mountains and distinctive sense of escape. Discover waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints and characterful communities before experiencing a creative legacy woven deeply into the region. Woodstock remains synonymous with artistic expression, while Bethel Woods preserves the story of the legendary 1969 Woodstock festival on the site where it happened. The surrounding landscapes also inspired generations of Hudson River School artists, helping establish an enduring connection between nature and creativity. Today, galleries, live music, independent businesses, distinctive places to stay and a thriving local food scene continue that spirit, creating a mountain destination where scenery, culture and creative character come together within easy reach of New York City.
Discover New York State’s regions Central New York
Americana, heritage & classic New York
Rolling countryside, historic communities and some of America’s most enduring stories give Central New York a distinctive character. Cooperstown is the region’s best-known destination, combining the National Baseball Hall of Fame with a picturesque setting beside Otsego Lake. Nearby, museums celebrate American art and rural heritage, while the acclaimed Glimmerglass Festival brings world-class opera and musical theatre to the lakeside each summer. Beyond Cooperstown, follow the story of the Erie Canal through communities shaped by this historic waterway or journey along country roads through farms, lakes and traditional main streets. From baseball and the arts to rural traditions and canal history, Central New York offers an engaging glimpse of classic Americana.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
Lakes, culture & unexpected discoveries
Lakes, forests and rolling countryside provide the backdrop to one of western New York’s most surprising regions. On the shores of Chautauqua Lake, the renowned Chautauqua Institution brings together arts, music, culture and ideas in a remarkable lakeside setting. Nearby Jamestown celebrates America’s comedy heritage at the National Comedy Centre and the life of its famous
daughter at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Travel farther and the experience changes again, from the beaches and vineyards of Lake Erie wine country to the forests, trails and scenic overlooks of Allegany State Park. It is an unexpected combination of culture, outdoor beauty and distinctive local experiences that rewards the journey west.
Finger Lakes
Waterfalls, wine & lakeside landscapes
Eleven long, narrow lakes shape one of New York State’s most distinctive landscapes, creating a region renowned for vineyards, waterfalls and life beside the water. Follow wine trails through countryside overlooking the lakes, experience the dramatic gorges of Watkins Glen and Ithaca or spend time in waterfront communities such as Geneva and Canandaigua. Rochester adds museums, culture and stories of innovation, while the wider region played an important role in America’s fight for freedom and equality, from the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement to the birth of the women’s rights movement in Seneca Falls. From wine and waterfalls to history and lakeside communities, the Finger Lakes brings together some of the state’s most memorable experiences.
Discover New York State’s regions Greater Niagara
Natural wonder, architecture & great lakes character
Home to one of the world’s great natural wonders, Greater Niagara delivers an unforgettable combination of dramatic landscapes and vibrant city experiences. At Niagara Falls State Park, get close to the thundering water aboard the Maid of the Mist or descend into the Niagara Gorge at Cave of the Winds. Nearby Buffalo adds an entirely different dimension to the region, with remarkable architecture, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, the outstanding Buffalo AKG Art Museum and a revitalised waterfront beside Lake Erie. Taste Buffalo wings in the city where they were created, experience passionate sporting traditions or venture into the surrounding Niagara wine country. Together, the Falls and Buffalo create one of the state’s most compelling combinations of natural spectacle and city culture.
Hudson Valley
River landscapes, grand estates & creative culture
Following the Hudson River north from New York City, the Hudson Valley brings together spectacular scenery, centuries of history and a thriving creative and culinary culture. Explore grand estates and historic homes connected to figures including Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Vanderbilt family, experience monumental outdoor art at Storm King Art Centre or discover contemporary works at Dia
Beacon. Walk high above the river on the Walkway Over the Hudson, spend time in lively riverside towns filled with galleries, independent shops and restaurants, or experience a food scene shaped by farms, orchards, wineries and the Culinary Institute of America. With mountains rising beyond the river and history woven throughout its landscapes, remarkable variety awaits within easy reach of New York City.
Long Island
Atlantic beaches, vineyards & coastal living
Stretching east from New York City, Long Island swaps skyscrapers for vineyards, maritime communities and miles of Atlantic coastline. Discover the wineries and farmland of the North Fork, wander the historic seaport of Greenport or continue east to the beaches, villages and unmistakable style of the Hamptons and Montauk. Opulent Gold Coast mansions recall the glamour that helped inspire The Great Gatsby, while the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse stands at the island’s dramatic eastern end. With the Long Island Rail Road connecting New York City with communities across the island, many of these experiences are surprisingly accessible. Fresh seafood, farm stands and waterfront communities complete a region where wine country, history and life beside the ocean combine within easy reach of Manhattan.
Discover New York State’s regions New York City
The iconic gateway to New York State
Few cities capture the imagination quite like New York City. Manhattan delivers landmarks recognised around the world, from the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty to Central Park, Times Square and the bright lights of Broadway. World-class museums, landmark architecture, celebrated restaurants and distinctive neighbourhoods ensure that even the most familiar skyline continually reveals something new. But New York City extends far beyond Manhattan. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge to experience Brooklyn’s neighbourhoods, waterfronts and creative energy, discover the remarkable diversity and food cultures of Queens, uncover the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Bronx or take the Staten Island Ferry for memorable views across New York Harbour. For many UK travellers, the city is also the natural gateway to a much wider New York State adventure. Spend a few days experiencing its energy before travelling north along the Hudson River, east towards Long Island or connecting by rail and road with destinations across the state. New York City may be where your journey begins, but there is an entire state waiting beyond it.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Island landscapes, castles & the St. Lawrence river
Along New York State’s northern frontier, Thousand Islands-Seaway reveals a landscape shaped by the St. Lawrence River and eastern Lake Ontario. Cruise among islands scattered across the river, visit romantic Boldt Castle or experience the waterfront communities of Clayton and Alexandria Bay. Historic lighthouses, maritime heritage, boating and paddling reflect the region’s deep connection with the water, while its position alongside the Canadian border gives it a distinctive international character. From island-dotted waterways to historic waterfront towns, this is a scenic and memorable corner of the state unlike anywhere else in New York State.
Discover more of New York State
From iconic cities and mountain escapes to lakes, vineyards and coastal communities, discover more about New York State’s 11 regions and find the places that inspire your next holiday. Scan the QR code to explore all 11 regions.
The great outdoors Mountains, forests & natural wonders From mountain wilderness and forested valleys to dramatic gorges, waterfalls and vast freshwater landscapes, New York State’s natural side is remarkably varied. Travel beyond the cities and the scenery quickly becomes part of the experience, with some of America’s most memorable landscapes waiting to be discovered.
Where New York gets wild
Beyond its famous cities lies a landscape of remarkable scale. Mountains rise above vast forests, waterfalls plunge through dramatic gorges and rivers carve their way between cliffs and valleys. For travellers who associate New York primarily with Manhattan, discovering just how wild the state can become is one of its greatest surprises. Nowhere is that sense of scale more apparent than in the Adirondacks, where more than six million acres encompass mountains, forests and thousands of lakes and waterways. The High Peaks rise above an immense wilderness, Ausable Chasm cuts dramatically through the surrounding rock and mountain roads reveal views that can stretch seemingly without end. Yet throughout this vast region, welcoming communities provide comfortable bases from which to experience the landscapes surrounding them. Farther south, the Catskills offer a different mountain experience. Forested peaks rise above valleys, waterfalls tumble through wooded
surroundings, and panoramic viewpoints reveal scenery that has inspired generations of artists, writers and travellers. Scenic trails and mountain roads provide opportunities to appreciate these remarkable landscapes, while the region’s proximity to New York City makes the contrast with Manhattan even more striking.
Nature at its most dramatic
New York’s natural wonders extend far beyond its mountains. At Niagara Falls, immense volumes of water plunge over the brink in one of the world’s great natural spectacles. Across the Finger Lakes, rivers and streams have carved deep gorges through the landscape, creating spectacular waterfalls around Watkins Glen and Ithaca. At Letchworth State Park, the Genesee River flows through a vast gorge framed by forested cliffs and major waterfalls. Scenic overlooks reveal the scale of the gorge as the river continues between towering walls of rock, adding yet another dramatic environment to New York’s extraordinary natural geography.
Experience the great outdoors Adventure your way You don’t have to be an experienced adventurer to enjoy New York State’s great outdoors. Whether you want to climb a mountain, cycle beside a canal, paddle across a lake or simply find a spectacular viewpoint, there are countless ways to make the landscape part of your holiday.
Take to the trails
Walking and hiking can be as challenging or relaxed as you choose. Tackle mountain trails among the Adirondack High Peaks, discover waterfalls and forested routes through the Catskills or follow paths into the dramatic gorges of the Finger Lakes. Shorter walks, lakeside trails and scenic viewpoints mean you don’t need to embark on an all-day hike to experience some of the state’s most impressive surroundings.
See New York on two wheels
Cycling offers another perspective, from leisurely rides through countryside and waterfront communities to longer-distance adventures. The 750-mile Empire State Trail connects New York City with the Hudson Valley, Capital-Saratoga and routes extending towards both the Canadian border and western New York, creating opportunities to incorporate anything from a short ride to a much longer cycling experience into your journey.
Watch the wild side
Forests, mountains and protected landscapes provide opportunities to encounter New York’s wildlife along the way. Look for deer and birdlife on woodland walks, watch for bald eagles above rivers and valleys or simply make time to appreciate the changing natural surroundings as you travel.
Find your own adventure
The outdoors doesn’t have to dominate your holiday. Add a morning hike to a road trip, hire a bike for a few hours, paddle before lunch or stop at a viewpoint simply because the scenery catches your eye. Scenic drives, boat trips, wildlife watching and gentle walks make it just as easy to appreciate New York’s landscapes without planning an activityfocused break.
However you choose to experience it, the great outdoors can become part of your New York State holiday on your terms.
Lakes, rivers & life on the water A State shaped by water Water is woven into the landscape of New York State. Mountain lakes, great rivers, dramatic waterfalls, vast freshwater shores and Atlantic coastline create a remarkable variety of experiences as you travel from region to region. Sometimes water provides the backdrop; elsewhere, it becomes the reason to stay a little longer.
The Finger Lakes
Great rivers & inland seas
Adirondack Waters
Where New York meets the Atlantic
Eleven long, narrow lakes form one of the state’s most distinctive landscapes, surrounded by vineyards, waterfalls and attractive communities. Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka lakes invite time beside the water, while nearby gorges and waterfalls around Watkins Glen and Ithaca reveal the powerful forces that shaped the region. Here, lake views are rarely far away, whether you’re following a wine trail, travelling between communities or simply enjoying the scenery.
Across the Adirondacks, thousands of lakes and waterways sit among mountains and forests. Lake George combines spectacular scenery with waterfront communities, while the waters around Lake Placid create some of the region’s most memorable mountain views. Smaller lakes, rivers and forest-framed shorelines add to the sense that water is never far from the journey.
The Hudson River flows from the Adirondacks towards New York City, connecting historic communities and landscapes through the Hudson Valley. Farther west and north, Lakes Erie and Ontario and the St. Lawrence River reveal water on an entirely different scale. Beaches, islands, harbours and lighthouses line these vast freshwater shores, while the Thousand Islands create one of the state’s most distinctive river landscapes.
On Long Island, sheltered bays, maritime communities and Atlantic beaches reveal another side of New York. Here, waterfront restaurants, coastal towns and long stretches of shoreline create a distinctly maritime experience within easy reach of New York City.
From mountain lakes and vineyard-lined shores to great rivers, inland seas and the Atlantic Ocean, water helps shape the experience of travelling through New York State.
Experience life on the water On the water, your way With lakes, rivers, Great Lakes shores and Atlantic coastline, water isn’t something you simply admire in New York State. It can become part of the experience, whether you’re cruising across a lake, paddling through mountain scenery, casting a line or finding somewhere beautiful to spend the day beside the water.
Cruise, sail & paddle
Take a sightseeing cruise across Lake George, sail on the Finger Lakes or discover the islands and waterways of the St. Lawrence River by boat. For a more active perspective, kayak or canoe through the Adirondacks, paddle across lakes and sheltered bays or take on the excitement of white-water rafting on some of New York’s rivers.
Cast a line
Fishing is another way to experience New York’s remarkable waterways. Mountain lakes and rivers, the Finger Lakes and the vast waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario offer opportunities for everyone from occasional anglers to those who want fishing to become a bigger part of their holiday.
Beaches, islands & waterfront days
Not every day beside the water needs an itinerary. Relax on an Atlantic beach on Long Island, discover
islands and waterfront communities along the St. Lawrence, spend an afternoon beside a mountain lake or enjoy restaurants and cafes overlooking the water. Sometimes the best way to experience New York’s waterways is simply to enjoy being beside them.
Follow the water through New York State
Our Valleys, Mountains & Lakes of New York State itinerary combines some of the state’s most memorable waterside landscapes within one journey, travelling from New York City through the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes and Catskills.
Scan the QR code to discover the itinerary and start planning your own New York State journey.
Taste New York State Discover New York one bite at a time New York State’s food story stretches far beyond the restaurants of New York City. Farms, orchards, lakes, vineyards and coastal waters shape menus from region to region, while markets, independent restaurants and local specialities provide another way to experience the places you visit.
From farm to table
The Hudson Valley has become one of the state’s great food destinations, with fertile farmland, orchards and producers supporting a thriving restaurant scene. Farm markets and roadside stands make it easy to taste what’s grown locally, while chefs draw inspiration from ingredients produced around them. Across New York State, apples, maple products, artisan cheeses and seasonal produce add to the flavours found along the way, reflecting an agricultural heritage that remains an important part of the state’s food story. Across the Finger Lakes, farms and producers complement the region’s celebrated wine industry. Lakeside communities such as Geneva and Canandaigua provide inviting places to dine, while farmers’ markets, artisan producers and restaurants add another dimension to wine country.
Flavours worth travelling for
Some New York foods have become destinations in themselves. Buffalo wings were born in the city that gave them their name, while western New York brings its own local favourites. In Central New York, regional specialities and classic diners add to the sense of Americana, while communities across the state reveal their character through bakeries, markets, delis and independent restaurants.
Fresh from the coast
On Long Island, the food story turns towards the Atlantic. Fresh seafood, oysters and other locally caught favourites sit alongside farm-grown produce, creating a coastal dining scene that ranges from casual waterfront stops to acclaimed restaurants.
Taste as you travel
You don’t need to plan a food-focused holiday to experience New York through its flavours. Stop at a farm stand during a road trip, browse a local market, seek out a regional speciality or choose a restaurant because its menu reflects the place around you
Wherever your journey takes you, arrive hungry. New York State has plenty to put on the table.
Raise a glass to New York Wine, cider & craft drinks worth travelling for New York State’s drinks scene is as varied as its landscapes. Vineyards stretch towards lakes and across rolling countryside, orchards support a thriving cider industry and breweries bring local character to communities across the state. Whether you’re passionate about wine or simply enjoy discovering somewhere memorable for a glass along the way, there is plenty to tempt you.
Finger Lakes wine country
Discover Lake Erie wine country
Following the wine trails is about more than tasting. Wineries sit alongside waterfalls, lakeside communities, farms and restaurants, making wine country easy to incorporate into a wider journey.
Beyond the vine
The Finger Lakes is New York’s best-known wine region, where vineyards rise above Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka lakes. Riesling has become particularly synonymous with the region, but cellar doors and tasting rooms reveal a much broader range of wines, often accompanied by spectacular lake views.
From the Hudson Valley to Long Island
The Hudson Valley combines vineyards with orchards, cideries and a long winemaking heritage. Visit tasting rooms among the valley’s rolling landscapes or discover Brotherhood Winery, established in 1839 and recognised as America’s oldest winery. On Long Island, vineyards across the North Fork create a different wine-country experience, where tasting rooms, farms and small communities can be combined with beaches, seafood and time on the Atlantic coast.
In western New York, vineyards stretch through the countryside surrounding Lake Erie, adding another distinctive wine region to a journey across the state. Its location makes it a natural addition for travellers continuing through Chautauqua-Allegheny towards Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Wine is only part of the story. Craft breweries, cideries and distilleries can be found across New York State, providing plenty of opportunities to discover something produced locally as you travel.
Wine, water & wonders of New York State Scan the QR code to discover our Wine, Water & Wonders of New York State itinerary, combining local flavours and craft drinks with spectacular lakes, waterfalls, landscapes and characterful communities.
Stories that shaped America Walk through the places where history happened New York State has stood at the centre of events, ideas and movements that helped shape America. Across the state, historic sites, communities, landscapes and waterways bring those stories to life in the places where they unfolded.
Stories that began long before America
New York’s history begins thousands of years before the founding of the United States. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, has deep roots across the region, and Indigenous culture and traditions remain an important part of the state’s identity today. Museums, cultural centres and historic sites reveal this enduring heritage and its continuing influence.
Revolution & a new nation
New York played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with battles and campaigns fought across the state. At Saratoga, the American victory of 1777 became a turning point in the war, bringing this chapter of history into the landscape where it happened.
The waterway that transformed America
Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the Hudson River with the Great Lakes and transformed the movement of people, goods and ideas across the country. Today, canal communities, historic
locks, museums and waterside trails reveal how this remarkable feat of engineering helped shape New York and the nation beyond.
Gateway to America
For millions of people, their American story began in New York. Between 1892 and 1954, almost 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island, making it one of the most powerful symbols of immigration in the United States. Today, visitors can walk through the historic immigration station, discover the stories of those who passed through its doors and experience a place that helped shape modern America.
Freedom, equality & changing America
New York also played an important role in movements for freedom and equality. Harriet Tubman, one of the best-known figures of the Underground Railroad, made her home in Auburn, Frederick Douglass spent much of his life in Rochester, and the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls helped launch the organised women’s rights movement in the United States.
From revolution and immigration to engineering, freedom and equality, travelling through New York State brings you closer to some of the defining chapters of the American story.
Icons, innovation & American heritage Discover the ideas, people & traditions that left their mark New York State’s influence can be found in many of the ideas, traditions and cultural icons that have helped shape American life. From photography and architecture to baseball and entertainment, communities across the state reveal stories whose impact has travelled far beyond the places where they began.
Ideas that changed the way we see the world
In Rochester, George Eastman transformed photography through Kodak, helping make it accessible to millions of people and creating a legacy that can still be discovered at the George Eastman Museum. The city’s wider connections with science, technology and industry add another dimension to a place shaped by generations of innovation.
American design & architecture
In Buffalo, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House is one of the outstanding examples of his Prairie style, while the grand estates and historic homes of the Hudson Valley reflect the design and ambition of America’s Gilded Age. Travel on to New York City and the scale changes dramatically, with one of the world’s most recognisable skylines completing an architectural story that stretches from pioneering residential design to soaring urban landmarks.
Where America’s game comes home
Few traditions are as closely woven into American culture as baseball, and in Cooperstown, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the players, teams and moments that have shaped the sport. You don’t need to be a dedicated baseball fan to appreciate its place in the American story, particularly in a town that combines this sporting heritage with traditional main streets and a picturesque setting beside Otsego Lake.
From comedy to popular culture
In Jamestown, the story of Lucille Ball, one of the most influential figures in American television comedy, is celebrated at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, while the National Comedy Centre explores the wider story of comedy and the performers who have shaped it.
Across New York State, discover the people, ideas and traditions that helped shape American culture and influence the world beyond.
Main streets, small towns & local character Discover the places between the icons Some of the most memorable moments in New York State are found away from its biggest attractions. Historic main streets, lakeside communities, mountain towns and riverside neighbourhoods provide places to stop, stay and experience the character of the regions you’re travelling through.
Small towns, different stories
In the Hudson Valley, communities such as Beacon and Hudson combine historic architecture with independent shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Farther north, Saratoga Springs brings elegance, culture and racing heritage to a highly walkable centre, while Lake Placid pairs the character of a mountain town with its remarkable Olympic story. Across Central New York, Cooperstown offers classic Americana beside Otsego Lake, while communities throughout the Finger Lakes put lakes, vineyards, local food and attractive main streets within easy reach of one another.
Communities shaped by the water
Water gives many New York communities their distinctive character. Along the Hudson River, former industrial and trading towns have evolved into places filled with restaurants, shops, arts and culture. Around the Finger Lakes, communities such as Geneva and Canandaigua open onto the water,
while farther north, towns and villages along the St. Lawrence River reflect a very different maritime heritage. On Long Island, coastal communities add Atlantic beaches, seafood and maritime traditions to the mix, creating yet another interpretation of local New York.
Make time for the unexpected
The appeal often lies in the details: a locally owned shop, a farmers’ market, lunch overlooking the water, an interesting piece of architecture or a main street that encourages you to park the car and look around. These places don’t need to be the headline reason for your holiday. They are the stops that add personality to the journey and make travelling between New York State’s better-known destinations part of the experience.
Sometimes the places you hadn’t planned to discover become the ones you remember most.
Experience local New York Get to know the places you visit Seeing New York State is one thing. Getting a feel for the places you travel through is another. Step beyond the headline attractions and you’ll find farmers’ markets, independent businesses, local events and neighbourhood favourites that reveal something about the communities behind the scenery.
Shop & eat local
Browse a farmers’ market, stop at a roadside farm stand or seek out independent shops selling products made nearby. Across the state, local producers, bakeries, cafés and restaurants reveal the flavours and personalities of individual regions. What you find changes as you travel. Apples, cider and farm produce reflect the Hudson Valley, wine and locally grown ingredients complement the Finger Lakes, while seafood and farm stands add to the coastal character of Long Island.
Join in
Festivals, concerts, county fairs and seasonal celebrations can add an unexpected dimension to a holiday. Summer brings outdoor music and community events, autumn celebrates harvest season and winter introduces traditions shaped by snow and colder days. Sometimes these experiences will be part of the plan. Others might simply be something you notice
while you’re there. Either way, they provide an opportunity to experience a destination alongside the people who call it home.
Stay a little longer
Allowing enough time in each place can change the character of a holiday. An extra evening might mean discovering a favourite local restaurant, taking a walk after dinner or returning somewhere that caught your attention earlier. It also gives you the freedom to leave some space in the itinerary. Stop when something looks interesting, follow a recommendation or change your plans because you’ve found somewhere you’d like to spend more time.
Travel beyond the checklist
You don’t need to see every attraction to feel you’ve experienced somewhere. Often it is the combination of small moments that stays with you: a conversation, a local meal, an unexpected event or somewhere you hadn’t intended to stop.
Make room for those moments and you’ll discover a side of New York State that no checklist could ever capture.
Arts, culture & creative spirit Creativity beyond the City New York City may be one of the world’s great cultural capitals, but creativity extends across the state. Remarkable museums, architecture, galleries and artistic communities provide compelling reasons to include culture in a New York journey, often in places where the surroundings are as memorable as the collections.
Art in unexpected places
In the Hudson Valley, art and landscape frequently come together. Storm King Art Centre places monumental sculpture across an expansive outdoor setting, while Dia Beacon has transformed a former industrial building beside the Hudson River into a remarkable space for contemporary art. The region’s connection with creativity stretches back much further. The landscapes of the Hudson Valley and Catskills inspired the Hudson River School, whose artists helped establish a distinctly American tradition of landscape painting.
World-class collections upstate
In Rochester, the George Eastman Museum combines photography and film with the historic home of one of the industry’s great innovators, while elsewhere in the Finger Lakes and Central New York, museums and galleries add cultural experiences to journeys shaped by lakes, countryside and smaller communities.
In Buffalo, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum brings an internationally significant collection of modern and contemporary art to the city, complementing an architectural heritage that makes exploring its neighbourhood’s part of the cultural experience.
Architecture as part of the journey
New York’s creativity isn’t confined to gallery walls. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House in Buffalo demonstrates the ambition of one of America’s most influential architects, while grand Hudson Valley estates, historic main streets, repurposed industrial buildings and the unmistakable skyline of New York City reveal different chapters of the state’s architectural story.
Culture in every kind of setting
Part of the pleasure is the variety. Art might be encountered inside a major city museum, across an outdoor sculpture landscape, within a historic home or in an independent gallery discovered in a smaller community.
From renowned collections to unexpected creativity, New York State gives art and culture plenty of room to make an impression.
Music, performance & cultural icons Where New York takes centre stage Creativity in New York State isn’t confined to museums and galleries. Music, theatre and live performance bring another dimension to communities across the state, from legendary sites and concert venues to summer festivals and intimate performances discovered along the way.
Where music made history
Few names are as closely associated with music and counterculture as Woodstock. Although the legendary 1969 festival took place in Bethel, its legacy remains inseparable from the Catskills. Today, Bethel Woods Centre for the Arts occupies the historic festival site, combining the story of Woodstock with live performances where a defining moment in music history unfolded. The town of Woodstock retains its own creative identity, with galleries, independent businesses and live music continuing an artistic tradition that predates the festival bearing its name.
Summer under the stars
In Saratoga Springs, summer brings music and performance to Saratoga Spa State Park. The Saratoga Performing Arts Centre hosts major performances throughout the season, adding another reason to experience the city beyond its famous racing heritage.
Elsewhere, outdoor concerts and seasonal performances bring music into parks, waterfronts and communities across the state, making the warmer months especially rewarding for experiencing New York’s cultural scene.
Opera beside the lake
Near Cooperstown, the Glimmerglass Festival brings opera and musical theatre to a beautiful lakeside setting each summer. It perfectly demonstrates the variety of New York State: world-class performance surrounded not by a major city, but by the landscapes and communities of Central New York.
Find your own soundtrack
Live music isn’t limited to headline venues. Bars, theatres, concert halls and smaller stages across New York offer opportunities to discover everything from jazz and classical music to rock, folk and contemporary performers. Sometimes the performance will be one of the reasons you travel. Other times, it might simply become an unexpected highlight of an evening.
From the fields that made music history to performances beneath the summer sky, New York State gives every holiday the chance to find its own soundtrack.
Winter in New York State When snow transforms the landscape Winter reveals a completely different New York State. Mountains and forests turn white, frozen lakes reshape familiar views and snow brings a new range of experiences to communities across the state. For travellers prepared to embrace the colder months, it can be one of the most memorable times to visit.
Mountains made for winter
The Adirondacks sit at the heart of New York’s winter story. Ski areas, snow-covered trails and mountain communities create opportunities to build an entire winter break around the outdoors or simply add a few days in the snow to a wider holiday. In the Catskills, winter arrives within easy reach of New York City, with skiing, snowboarding and other seasonal activities providing a striking contrast to time in Manhattan.
Feel the Olympic spirit
Few places capture New York’s winter identity quite like Lake Placid. Host of the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980, the mountain town continues to celebrate its Olympic legacy through venues and experiences that allow visitors to get closer to the story. Even away from the sporting action, Lake Placid’s mountain setting, frozen lakes and welcoming centre make it an atmospheric base for a winter stay.
More than skiing
You don’t need to be a skier to enjoy winter in New York. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating and other seasonal activities provide different ways to get outdoors, while scenic drives and snowcovered landscapes can be just as memorable for travellers looking for something less active. Afterwards, restaurants, cafes and characterful places to stay provide a welcome contrast to time spent outside.
City lights & snowy escapes
Winter can also create one of New York’s most contrasting two-centre experiences. Combine the museums, restaurants, theatres and unmistakable energy of New York City with a few days surrounded by snow in the Catskills or Adirondacks.
From Olympic heritage and mountain adventure to city culture and snow-covered escapes, winter opens up a completely different way to experience New York State.
New York State by rail Let the journey become part of the experience You don’t need a car to discover more of New York State. Rail journeys connect New York City with the Hudson Valley and destinations across Upstate New York, while the Long Island Rail Road opens up possibilities east of Manhattan towards the coast. For travellers who would rather leave the driving behind, the train provides an easy way to combine several destinations while watching the scenery change beyond the window.
Follow the Hudson North
From New York City, trains follow the Hudson River north through one of the state’s great landscapes. Travel into the Hudson Valley before continuing towards Albany, with river views accompanying much of the journey. From the state capital, rail routes continue west through Syracuse and Rochester towards Buffalo and Niagara Falls, connecting destinations with very different personalities along the way. Local transport, taxis and pre-arranged transfers can help you experience places beyond the immediate city centres without relying on a hire car.
Or head East to Long Island
Rail can take you in another direction too. The Long Island Rail Road provides the backbone for journeys east from New York City, making it possible to combine Manhattan with Long Island’s coastal communities, beaches, vineyards and seafood, with local transfers incorporated where required.
Scan the QR code to view our New York State by Rail itinerary and discover how you can travel from New York City through the Hudson Valley and across Upstate New York to Niagara Falls and Buffalo, all without getting behind the wheel.
The great New York State road trip Made for the open road One of the best ways to experience New York State is from behind the wheel. Leave the skyline of New York City behind and the scenery can change remarkably quickly, taking you from river valleys and mountain roads to lakes, vineyards, historic communities and Great Lakes shores. Self-drive gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop when somewhere catches your attention and spend longer in the places that interest you most.
Every road leads somewhere different
Follow the Hudson River north through the Hudson Valley, head into the mountains of the Catskills and Adirondacks or continue west towards Central New York, the Finger Lakes and Greater Niagara. Scenic byways follow rivers and lakes, country roads pass farms and vineyards, and smaller communities provide inviting places to stop along the way. Here, the road itself can become one of the most memorable parts of the holiday.
Build the route around you
A New York State road trip doesn’t have to follow one prescribed route. Combine outdoor adventure with food and wine, link historic sites with small towns and cities or create a holiday around lakes, mountains and spectacular scenery.
Begin or end in New York City, concentrate entirely on Upstate New York or incorporate the state into a wider holiday through the Northeast. With self-drive, the route can be shaped around the places and experiences that inspire you most.
Discover the grand New York State road trip
Our 16-night Grand New York State Road Trip brings together some of the state’s most memorable destinations, travelling from New York City through the Hudson Valley, Saratoga Springs and the Adirondack Mountains before continuing to Central New York, Buffalo, the Finger Lakes and Catskills.
Scan the QR code to discover the full itinerary and start planning your own New York State road trip.
Start planning your New York State holiday One state. Your holiday. There is no single way to experience New York State. You might combine New York City with a few days beyond Manhattan, set out on a multi-region road trip, travel across the state by rail or build a holiday around the places and experiences that interest you most. Whatever your plans, a Discover North America Travel Specialist can help bring them together.
Tailor-made around you
Every holiday we create can be shaped around the way you want to travel. Choose the destinations that appeal to you, decide how long you want to spend in each place and combine hotels, transport and experiences into an itinerary designed around your interests and available time. Whether you’re drawn to mountains and lakes, food and wine, history and culture, small towns, the coast or a combination of them all, we’ll help create a route that makes the most of your time in New York State.
Road, rail or a little of both
Prefer the freedom of your own car? We can create a self-drive holiday linking the regions that inspire you most. Rather leave the driving behind? Rail can connect New York City with the Hudson Valley and destinations across Upstate New York, while Long Island offers further possibilities east of the city. Depending on your plans, road and rail can also be combined within the same holiday.
Getting to New York State
For UK travellers, New York City provides the principal international gateway, with direct flights from the UK and excellent onward connections. Other gateways can also work depending on your itinerary, making it possible to fly into one city and home from another rather than retracing your route. Our Travel Specialists can advise on the most practical flight and transport arrangements for the holiday you’re planning.
Ready to start planning?
Scan the QR code to discover more of New York State, find inspiration for your holiday and connect with a Discover North America Travel Specialist who can help turn your ideas into your own New York State journey.
Why choose Discover North America Reputation and Quality
Discover North America is an independent UK tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays and escorted tours to the USA and Canada. When you book with Discover North America, you can be assured of top-quality travel arrangements. We work closely with the state tourism offices and the industry’s top suppliers to bring you a wide choice of options to enhance your holiday experience, including rail, cruise lines, car-hire, airlines, escorted tours, motorhomes (RV’s), accommodation and experiences.
Passionate Travel Specialists
The travel specialists at Discover North America are 100% dedicated to their profession and have been selected for their strong passion for the USA and Canada. They all have first-hand knowledge of the destinations that you’ll be visiting, which have been gained from personal holidays, Industry training and familiarisation visits.
Personal Service
After your first interaction with us, you’ll be assigned your very own dedicated North American travel specialist who will remain your sole-point of contact throughout and is available 7 days a week (including evenings) to provide you with information and/ or answer any questions you may have. Trust us when we say that they’ll make you feel like you’re their only client!
Flexible Itineraries and Meticulous Holiday Planning
The Discover North America travel specialists are here to take the stress out of the holiday planning process. You can be as involved as you want, and you’re always in control. All of our holidays are tailor-made to your exact needs and tastes, and we will keep tweaking and adapting the itinerary until it exceeds your expectations.
100% Financially Secure
Book with confidence and security. As members of ABTA and ATOL, you will have complete peace of mind that all Discover North America holidays carry full financial protection and that every last detail is taken care of - allowing you to see the sights in style and comfort. Call 0800 246 1241 Email booking@discovernorthamerica.co.uk Website www.discovernorthamerica.co.uk Discover North America is operated under licence from Fred Olsen Travel Limited. Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd. Company Reg No. 2287241. Fred. Olsen House, 42 White House Road, Ipswich, IP1 5LL