New York State is more than just New York City and its numerous skyscrapers. The state is also endowed with so many other beautiful cities that come with a more relaxing vibe and lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Many of these Upstate cities are close to New York City, which means those who live in the largest city in the state can visit on weekends or even holidays. Without further ado, here are some cities in Upstate New York that come with beauty and lots of adventures.

10 Albany

For many, it is a surprising thing to know that Albany, not New York City, is the capital of New York State. With its several beaches, lots of artworks, museums, and gardens, this city is both scenic and adventurous. Here, one can spend a day shopping, relaxing at a beach, or exploring the art at the Albany Institute of History & Art. The city’s nightlife is also amazing, and there are many events held annually in the city as well.

9 Binghamton

Just a two-hour drive from Albany is Binghamton which hosts a population of 45,000 people and features a scenic landscape surrounded by hills and water bodies. Besides the natural beauty it has, Binghamton is also a place to enjoy adventures. The city has several carousels, a zoo, several museums, gardens, a library, and so much more to keep people entertained.

8 Syracuse

The beauty of Syracuse lies in its numerous historical sites and impressive architecture and also the lively college atmosphere of the city. The city is home to an abundance of attractions, from zoos to museums and scenic outdoor parks. Visitors to Syracuse can visit Green Lakes State Park to witness natural scenery or head over to Destiny, USA, for some amazing shopping.

7 Rochester

Rochester is popular for its numerous water bodies, rich culture, and rich infrastructure. The city is the fourth most populous in New York, with a population of more than 200,000 people, and it covers an area of 37.17 square miles. Visitors to Rochester will be met with numerous skyscrapers, zoos, natural parks, beautiful sandy beaches, and numerous museums that tell the history of this first American Boomtown. This city is also a great place to be during winter as it receives a lot of snow.

6 Buffalo

The second most populated city in New York comes with stunning architecture, an impressive skyline, and a wide range of attractions. People often overlook this city for the more popular Niagara Falls, even though the city features a beautiful landscape and lots of adventures. Buffalo has picturesque gardens, unique museums, art galleries, and zoos. The city is also a great winter destination as it is positioned close to some amazing ski resorts.

Related: Passing Through Upstate New York To Toronto? Stop In Buffalo

5 Glen Falls

Glen Falls is endowed with an abundance of things to see and do. With the city featuring parks, museums, and art centers, visitors will surely enjoy an amazing time here. While the adventure is one thing, what makes Glen Falls particularly appealing is its stunning natural beauty and quaint architectural charm. Visitors to this city will enjoy shopping, outdoor adventures, and lots of delicious food and drinks.

4 Kingston

Located in Ulster County, Kingston is a beautiful waterfront city that’s also richly endowed with beautiful vegetation. With an abundance of trees all over the city, this city glows with every season. It is especially beautiful during fall when the leaves turn red and yellow. Besides the scenery, Kingston also comes with amazing shopping, impressive architecture, nature parks, and delicious food. Kingston was also the first capital of New York, so there’s a lot of history to be learned there.

3 Utica

Utica ranks as the 10th most populous city in New York, and its charms lie in its laid-back atmosphere and natural scenery. Located at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, this city has zoos, golf courses, and parks that feature skiing, snowboarding, and even tubing. Utica also has museums, zoos, and art centers worth checking out.

2 Lake Placid

A list of cities in Upstate New York will not be complete without Lake Placid. Although more of a town, this gorgeous area in Upstate New York is characterized by crystal clear waters, forest-carpeted mountains, and a quaint town atmosphere. It is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of Upstate New York and all the outdoor adventures the region offers. During winter, Lake Placid transforms into a winter wonderland with lots of snow and opportunities for winter adventures. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, shopping, camping, and all kinds of outdoor adventures are offered in this town.

Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Lake Placid, New York

1 Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs comes with an impressive architectural beauty that combines with the natural scenery to make the city one of the prettiest in the state. Located in Saratoga County, this city is home to the Saratoga Race Course and more than 20 mineral springs that are known to have healing properties. Travelers here will also find several restaurants, nature parks, scenic water bodies, golf courses, and great shopping. When in Saratoga Springs, be sure to soak in one of the mineral springs, watch a horse race, engage in an outdoor adventure, and visit the landmarks around the city, from the Saratoga Springs history museum to the Congress Park.