Why New York is one of the most visited places on Earth
Choosing just a few top attractions representing New York State is difficult. There are so many things to do and see. New York State is full of exciting places, from the historical to the modern.
New York City is undoubtedly the most visited tourist spot in the state. It’s home to many famous attractions, restaurants and shops. Manhattan’s borough is home to many top tourist destinations, such as Central Park, Times Square and the Empire State Building.
Upstate New York is a place that offers year-round vacation opportunities. The main attractions in summer are New York’s small charming towns and the numerous lakes and mountains.
Winter is a great time to visit because of the many luxury hotels, lodges, resorts, and ski resorts that offer beautiful getaways.
Our list of New York State attractions and places to see will help you plan the perfect getaway any time of the year. Apply for the Visa Waiver Program Ireland couple of days earlier to plan your trip accordingly.
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty, the nation’s most famous monument, symbolises hope for millions of immigrants on their way to Ellis Island.
Tourists can reach both attractions by ferry, which is operated by National Park Service and stops at Battery Park. It runs continuously throughout the day.
The first stop is the statue. Visitors can take in the views of the monument and New York City’s skyline without charge. Tickets can be purchased to access the crown or pedestal, but these passes must be reserved for at least six months.
It would help if you visited the museum at the base of the statue to see the many educational signs, statues and historical markers.
Next, the ferry will stop at Ellis Island. There is a museum located on the first floor. This architectural marvel was once the central processing hospital and the island’s central processing hub from 1892 through 1954. Tourists can explore the rooms on the upper floor of the quarantine wings and view some of the original bunks, facilities and other items used by those who hoped to start a new life.
There are many poignant exhibits inside, including photos, documents and personal stories that capture the most critical moments in American history one person at a time.
Tourists should allow at least half a day for sightseeing at these attractions. If time is tight, consider taking the ferry to see the sights from multiple angles.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a natural wonder of North America that draws millions of tourists annually. Three waterfalls are located in the park, which the United States and Canada border. They are the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls, which drops 167 feet from a 2,700-foot-wide ledge, is the largest and highest.
The Hornblower boat tour to the Horseshoe Falls basin offers the best view of the three falls. This is one of the most popular Niagara Falls activities. The visitor centre provides information about the park and tickets for tours. There are also several dining options and a theatre showing a 40-minute film on the history and legends of the falls.
You can also enjoy spectacular fireworks shows on special occasions and nighttime illumination of the Falls.
Winter transforms the falls into a spectacle of giant icicles and freezing fog, as well as ice-covered trees, railings, and trees. The plume of mist that rises from the falls can be seen as far as the CN Tower in Toronto on clear days.
Central Park
Although it might appear as a small area of green in the Manhattan grid, Central Park is a vast space with enough sights and activities to keep you busy for several days.
Central Park hosts a variety of attractions, including beautiful architecture, tranquil gardens, and rinks.
The stunning Bethesda Fountain is a highlight of Bethesda Terrace. The Mall, a tranquil, wide path canopied with arching limbs from centuries-old American Elms, starts at the terrace. Tourists can relax in various peaceful places, including the Conservatory Garden, Shakespeare Garden and the Chess & Checkers House.
The Central Park Zoo features penguins, sea lions and other animals. Children will love the Carousel, while the historical Carousel will enthral the older ones. Plenty of playgrounds and large green lawns will keep the kids entertained for hours.
The Heckscher Playground is located mid-park, between 61st Street and 63rd Streets. It has a large sprinkler area that can be used to cool children off during hot summer days. It was built in 1926. There are slides, a giant sandbox, climbing structures, and plenty of open space for running around.
A stone slide is a popular feature of the Billy Johnson playground near the zoo. It makes the decline go faster if you bring along a newspaper or the lid of a pizza container.
Many ponds can also be found to add to the atmosphere. Take a picnic to enjoy your meal while people-watching is a great option.
Times Square
There are many attractions and activities in Times Square that can be enjoyed for weeks. But even a short visit is worthwhile to see the larger-than-life excitement. At the intersection of Broadway and 7th Ave is Times Square’s heart. You will be captivated by the enormous screens announcing the latest films and unique presentations here. Terrorists, artists, and performers fill the pedestrian areas with their attention to the bustling city and the tempting smells emanating from the street food trucks. A visit to the neighbourhood is incomplete without a meal at Sardi’s Restaurant or a performance in the famed Theater District.
Are you travelling with your children? Many family attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, have fantastic and interactive exhibits and provide a unique perspective through the glass-walled viewing platform. It extends over the sidewalk.
Times Square also houses several small and large stores. A visit to M&M World is a must, as you will be able to smile every time. Another NYC landmark, the Empire State Building, is just a short walk away. It is open from 2 am to 3 am and offers breathtaking views of New York City below.
Finger Lakes
According to Iroquois legends, the Great Spirit created the long, narrow lakes west of Syracuse by forming them with the impression of the Great Spirit’s fingers. The Finger Lakes region is home to various outdoor activities in an aesthetically stunning landscape.
You will find charming towns and Finger Lakes resorts along the shores of the leading lakes. They are swamped in the summer months. There are many exciting ways to explore this area, including the Seneca Lake Trail and the Keuka Trail.
Corning is the home of the Living History Museum Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes. It also houses The Rockwell Museum, which displays a wide range of art. Auburn has many attractions, such as the Harriet Tubman House and the Seward House Museum. Willard Chapel is another. The Fingerlakes Mall is another. The Finger Lakes Museum is located in Branchport, the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park.
Watkins Glen State Park’s waterfalls, riding in a hot-air balloon over Letchworth State Park and experiencing an adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort among the top things to do in the Finger Lakes are some of the highlights.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, a world-famous resort for winter sports, is located at the foot of Whiteface Mountain. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1932 and 1980). Lake Placid, located in stunning natural surroundings with hills and lakes, is today a major tourist destination.
Although it is best known for its winter recreation, especially skiing, the town is also a popular summer spot. You will find many unique shops and restaurants along Lake Placid’s main tourist strip. You will find beautiful resorts along the beaches and in the rolling countryside.
Mirror Lake is the town’s centrepiece and is not only a body of water called Lake Placid. This lake is one of the most picturesque in New York State.
Lake George
Lake George, located at the southern tip of the 32-mile-long lake with the same name, is the town. The main attraction is the lake, which is why the city is a popular tourist destination.
Many islands in the lake were created for camping. Motorcyclists love the area.
Million Dollar Beach is located on Beach Road and offers swimming, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. A fun way to view the lake is by taking a sightseeing cruise. Prospect Mountain is a scenic viewpoint that offers views of the lake and surrounding areas.
The Fort William Henry Museum and Lake George Battlefield Park are two historical points of interest in Lake George.
Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center is best visited in comfortable shoes. It was named after the nearby mountain that overlooks the Hudson River. This stunning outdoor sculpture gallery is set on 500 acres of an idyllic landscape. It’s one of the most popular attractions in New York. You’ll want to walk all around it.
Are you not a walker? No worries. You don’t have to worry. A tram will take you past the vast majority of the sculptures. However, you can download the app from the site to see more information about each piece. This attraction is open-air, so plan your visit to make the most of your time.
The exhibition’s ambitious works often change, so the art changes each season. You can expect a different experience every time you visit. Trust us; one visit is not enough.
Storm King is open from 10 am to 5 pm every Wednesday through Monday. The last entry is at 4. The area will take you at least 2 hours to explore. It may take longer if you want to fantastic admire the unique works of art. Plan your trip accordingly. You can find a cafe that serves healthy meals, drinks, snacks, and other refreshments to keep you full during your trip.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is located at the southern tip of Otsego Lake, central New York. It is most well-known as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum site. Here, baseball fans can view memorabilia and admire the game’s legends.
The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum, a fun sequel to the Hall of Fame, is an enjoyable experience. It is small but fun to meet baseball’s greats and watch their “baseball bloopers” films in the small theatre.
Cooperstown’s cultural attractions include the Fenimore Art Museum and the Alice Busch Theater. The Alice Busch Theater hosts the Glimmerglass Festival, an international opera festival. Historical sites include Hyde Hall, a former colonial estate. There is also The Farmer’s Museum, where you can see the history of Lippitt Farmstead.
Thousand Islands
Thousands of tiny islands are scattered throughout the St. Lawrence River’s 50-mile stretch. These little islands are found along the granite shelf from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in America. The boundary runs between them. This area is an excellent spot for scenic beauty at any time of the year, but it’s beautiful in autumn when there are plenty of leaves.
Boat tours between May and October show the islands in a maze. They include glimpses of holiday homes, from the most spartan log cabins to the most extravagant summer villas. Boldt Castle, which dates back to 1900, is one of the most stunning sights in Thousand Islands.
The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks, a scenic area of wooded hills in northern New York State, offer numerous recreational opportunities and lakes. These hills form part of the Canadian Shield and can reach more than 5,000 feet in elevation.
Mount Marcy, at 5,345 feet, is the highest peak. New Yorkers love the Adirondacks as a holiday destination. Many people visit the Adirondacks to hike, canoe and relax at the lakeside resorts and cottages.
The Catskills
The Catskills are another popular place to enjoy nature in New York State. You can recharge your mental batteries in the rugged landscape of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. You can do as much or as little as you want by canoeing, hiking, biking, and canoeing. Or you can relax by relaxing at the spa at one of the top Catskills resorts.
The Catskills turn into a snowy paradise in winter and attract skiers from all over the country to one of the best ski resorts in New York.