Summary

  • Upstate New York is home to charming small towns that offer a scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of New York City. From antique stores to art galleries, there is plenty to explore in towns like Hudson and Woodstock.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in upstate New York, with options like hiking in the Catskill Park, skiing in Ellicottville, and exploring the Thousand Islands region in Alexandria Bay. The natural beauty of these areas is truly breathtaking.
  • Saratoga Springs and Lake Placid offer a mix of charm and adventure. From haunted attractions and horseback racing to luxurious lodges and stunning fall foliage, these towns have something for everyone. Don't miss the scenic beauty of Lake Placid and the historical charm of Saratoga Springs.

There is so much more to see in the state of New York than just New York City. This state also serves as the perfect scenic getaway. Whether you are planning a road trip across the East Coast or simply looking for a quiet, beautiful town to unwind in and enjoy nature, the small towns in Upstate New York are perfect for you.

Some people venture into Upstate New York for yoga retreats; others travel to camp and hike. There is plenty to see and do in The Empire State. Below is a list of 18 of the most beautiful small towns in upstate New York, as well as must-do activities and attractions for each destination.

UPDATE: 2023/08/10 13:35 EST BY JAIMEE TERESE

Visit 18 of the Most Beautiful Towns in Upstate New York

There is more to see in New York besides the 'city that never sleeps' and visitors shouldn't overlook all the incredible things to do in upstate NY and what it has to offer. Brimming with beauty, charm, and character, these small towns in upstate New York won't disappoint.

Related: Why You Should Opt For A Small Town Getaway Right Now, Over Anywhere Else

18 Hudson

Open sign in a New York shop window

Foto de Mike Petrucci en Unsplash
Open sign in a New York shop window

If you are looking for charming streets with brownstone buildings, antique stores, and vintage shopping, Hudson is one of the best small towns to visit in upstate New York. Here, visitors can stroll along Warren Street, explore the various antique, vintage, and clothing stores, and indulge in the many local restaurants. Warren Street, in particular, is also home to several art galleries, including Caldwell Gallery. This charming art space features oil paintings that would be a perfect addition to any home.

  • Warren Street Galleries: 620 Local, Caldwell Gallery, A Collector's Eye, 510 Warren Street Gallery
  • Hours: expect most Warren Street businesses to operate between roughly 11am - 6pm. Many galleries are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

17 Woodstock

Hippies in Woodstock, New York

Imagen de Ben Frieden en Pixabay
Hippies in Woodstock, New York

From art galleries to delicious restaurants to live music, there is plenty to do in the town of Woodstock, New York. Woodstock is most commonly associated with the iconic 1969 music festival, yet the festival itself did not take place in the city of Woodstock. However, the town still leans into its hippie history, with plenty of souvenir shops and the Playhouse Theater.

What makes Woodstock so beautiful, however, is the stunning nearby nature. From Woodstock, you can access the Catskill Park hiking trails that span hundreds of miles! Take in the lush pines and breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains in this beautiful upstate NY town.

  • Name: Woodstock Playhouse
  • Address: 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY 12498
  • Hours: Vary depending on play showings and theater productions

16 Ellicottville

Snow covered ski slopes at Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville, New York

Foto de Shane Smithrand en Unsplash

 
Snow covered ski slopes at Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville, New York

Alternatively, visitors looking for one of the cutest small towns in upstate NY with stunning ski slopes can add Ellicottville to the list. This upstate New York town is home to the Holiday Valley Resort and HoliMont Ski Club, which are reasons enough to check out this little town. Still, Ellicottville is a beautiful area to visit year-round, not just during ski season. So, if you find yourself in Ellicottville during the spring, summer, or fall months, enjoy the numerous picnic areas in Ellicottville Village Park or wander around the downtown and admire the cozy, small-town shops.

  • Name: Holiday Valley Resort
  • Address: 6557 Holiday Valley Rd, Ellicottville, NY 14731
  • Hours: Vary depending on the time of year

15 Saratoga Springs

Jockey and horse on a racetrack in Saratoga Springs, New York

Foto de Connor Gan en Unsplash

Jockey and horse on a racetrack in Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga Springs is more than just a beautiful small town in upstate New York — it is also one of the most haunted towns in the area. These spooky sites do, however, offer up a lot of charm. Canfield Casino, for instance, was a meeting place for New York elites in the late 1800s. Featured on Ghost Hunters, this historic building is full of stunning wooden furniture, light fixtures, and 1870s decor. So it is definitely worth a tour. Saratoga Springs also has outdoor picnic spots, shopping, art museums, and renowned horseback racing.

  • Name: Canfield Casino
  • Address: 1 E Congress St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 pm, closed Saturday to Sunday

14 Alexandria Bay

Close-up of Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY
Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash
Close-up of Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY

A stunning northern New York town, Alexandria Bay is located in the Thousand Islands region of the state. In the way of small towns, Alexandria Bay is really small, with a population of under 1,000. But this island-side town boasts some of the best views of The Thousand Islands and offers a variety of boat tours that give visitors an up-close view of the area's natural beauty. In fact, Uncle Sam Boat Tours has a variety of cruises, including the 2 Nation Tour, Buffet Lunch Cruise, and Sip N' Sail — all of which are simply delightful.

  • Name: Uncle Sam Boat Tours
  • Address: 45 James St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm

Related: These Chill Wellness Retreats Are A Short Drive From NYC

13 Cooperstown

Aeriel view of lake and scenery  in Cooperstown, New York

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Aeriel view of lake and scenery  in Cooperstown, New York

This inviting New York town perfectly embodies the terms comfortable and quaint. Just one trip to downtown Cooperstown and you will feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie. Vintage-style streetlamps line the sidewalk in front of brownstone buildings. Not only does this relaxed town offer up the perfect change of pace, but it is also full of fun things like the local farmers market, a lovely little cider mill (great for apple picking), and the Brewery Ommegang.

  • Name: Brewery Ommegang
  • Address: 656 Co Hwy 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326
  • Hours: closed Monday through Wednesday, open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 5 pm, and Sunday from 10:15 am to 4 pm.

12 Geneva

Dock over Seneca Lake at dusk

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Dock over Seneca Lake at dusk

Another picturesque small town in Upstate New York is Geneva. From ice skating to nature parks to lakefront concerts, there is plenty to see and do in Geneva. Located on Seneca Lake, this town also offers stellar views of the glistening water. But that's not all; visitors should make it a point to explore Belhurst Castle while in town. Built in the late 1800s, this castle is now a charming hotel and winery. Spend the night in this romantic fortress, or opt for dinner and drinks at Edgar's Restaurant in the Castle or Stonecutter's Tavern.

  • Address: 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
  • Hours: Vineyard and Restaurant hours vary.
  • Price: Room rates are based on chosen accommodations and availability

11 Wilmington

Road weaving through Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York

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Road weaving through Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York

This charming town is located near the New York and Vermont border, making it the perfect stop on an East Coast road trip. When planning your next upstate New York getaway, consider Wilmington's numerous nature trails and stunning fall foliage. It is highly recommended that fall lovers plan an autumn trip to experience the bright orange, red, and yellow leaves while hiking High Falls Gorge. Winter, on the other hand, is the ideal time to visit Wilmington if you are a skier or snowboarder. That said, during the colder months, this town has prime access to Whiteface Mountain, which features breathtaking snow-covered slopes.

  • Name: Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort
  • Address: 5021 State Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
  • Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily

10 Watkins Glen

Waterfall in Watkins Glen, New York

Imagen de asiegler en Pixabay
Waterfall in Watkins Glen, New York

This must-see little town is home to just under 2,000 people. What makes this destination so special is Watkins Glen State Park. This park features 19 waterfalls and plenty of rainbows - visitors should definitely check it out while in town! Here, waterfall chasers can hike, bike, camp, picnic, hunt, snowshoe, and admire the surrounding landscape. Watkins Glen visitors can also check out this city’s excellent wine tasting — a local favorite is Lakewood Vineyards, which has been around for over seven decades!

  • Name: Watkins Glen State Park
  • Address: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset

9 Ithaca

Cornell University and surrounding natural landscape in Ithaca, New York

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Cornell University and surrounding natural landscape in Ithaca, New York

Despite being a college town, Ithaca is surrounded by gorgeous scenery everywhere you turn. Besides two lovely quintessential New York State college campuses, Ithaca's pristine wilderness is definitely something one shouldn’t miss. Here, university fun, more than a few vineyards, lush state parks, Taughnnock Falls, and picturesque little rustic stays await travelers - making this town ideal for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families.

  • Name: Taughnnock Falls State Park
  • Address: 1740 Taughannock Blvd., Trumansburg, NY 14886
  • Hours: Taughnnock Falls is open from dawn to dusk daily

8 Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake landscape, New York

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Saranac Lake landscape, New York

For travelers looking to enjoy the stunning outdoors and traverse the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake is the perfect place to go for scenic adventures. Here, visitors are in for a real treat with charming resorts, rustic cabin stays, campgrounds, and more than a few glamping sites. Plus, during the summer months, Saranac Lake itself becomes an idyllic playground for water sports enthusiasts.

  • Name: Saranac Lake Marina
  • Address: 2 Crescent Bay Dr., Saranac Lake, NY 12983
  • Hours: Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday

7 Wolcott & Sodus

Chimney Bluffs State Park, Wolcott, New York

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Chimney Bluffs State Park, Wolcott, New York

Though these are two separate locations in upstate NY, they are definitely best explored together. Here, adventurous types can enjoy ample outdoor activities in Wolcott, as it is a Mecca for all things outdoorsy. After all the fun in Wolcott, you can head on over to Sodus for long walks along the beach, gorgeous sunsets, and some relaxing leisure activities, including golf.

  • Name: Sodus Bay Heights Golf Club
  • Address: 7030 Bayview Dr, Sodus Point, NY 14555
  • Hours: The golf course is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm

6 Lake George

Lake George against a purple sky

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Lake George against a purple sky

Lake George is the original birthplace of the American vacation, so this beautiful town is also an excellent choice for all-season recreation, relaxing beachside, and more. With stunning scenery, Victorian-era resorts, a fairytale-esque downtown area, a diverse selection of historical tours, and several lively marinas with ample water activities, visitors won't be disappointed with this picturesque weekend getaway in upstate New York.

  • Name: Chic's Marina
  • Address: 4782 Lakeshore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
  • Hours: Chic's is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm most days

5 New Paltz

Mohonk Road in New Paltz, New York

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Mohonk Road in New Paltz, New York

Speaking of fairytale ambiance, New Paltz is yet another picture-perfect upstate New York town worth visiting. With the one and only beautiful resort — the Mohonk Mountain House, visitors can feel like royalty while exploring the nearby mountains and the abundance of state parks in the area. In terms of overall scenery, visitors can expect to find several waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and nature preserves here, plus so much more.

  • Name: Minnewaska State Park Preserve
  • Address: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
  • Hours: Open from dawn to dusk during peak season

4 Lake Placid

Serene Lake Placid landscape, New York

Foto de Kelly Vohs en Unsplash

Serene Lake Placid landscape, New York

Perhaps the most beautiful small town in Upstate New York is Lake Placid. Rated one of the best New York towns for catching fall foliage, this area offers beautiful views of burning red, orange, and yellow leaves accompanied by pine trees and rolling hills. Plus, for travelers looking to treat themselves to a stay in a luxurious lodge overlooking the lake, Lake Placid Lodge is the place to be. This rustic yet glamorous hotel offers a variety of room options, from main lodge suites to private cabins.

  • Name: Lake Placid Lodge
  • Address: 144 Lodge Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned, free parking, laundry service, golf course, restaurant and bar, pet-friendly (extra charge)

Related: Visiting The Catskills: A Full Guide On What To Expect

3 Catskill

Highway winding through colorful autumn foliage in Catskill, New York

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Highway winding through colorful autumn foliage in Catskill, New York

When visiting the Catskills region of Upstate New York, take the time to visit the town of Catskill. Catskill is nestled along the Hudson River in Greene County and is a settlement steeped in history. Catskill is regarded as a cultural hub that functions year-round and offers a number of artistic attractions, including the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. While there, walk the Hudson River Skywalk and explore the mile-long pedestrian bridge that spans the Hudson with stunning views of the river.

  • Name: Long Neck Inn
  • Address: 400 Game Farm Rd, Catskill, NY 12414
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Located In The Heart Of An Abandoned Zoo

2 Bethel

Trees with vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage around a lake in Bethel, New York

Foto de Jeffrey Blum en Unsplash
Trees with vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage around a lake in Bethel, New York

The real home of the famous Woodstock Music Festival was Yasgur's farm in Bethel. Bethel is located in Sullivan County, around 50 miles south of Woodstock. The town has been molded by the unforgettable festival of 1969, and it is an excellent place to learn about the history and happening of the festival. While exploring the town, visit the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and enjoy a deep dive into the counterculture of the era. Visitors can also explore the grounds where the festival took place.

  • Name: Horse & Hounds B&B
  • Address: 385 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY
  • Amenities: Elegant European Hunt Style Decor, Large Fireplace, Scenic Views, Breakfast

1 Beacon

Art sculpture in downtown Beacon, New York

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Art sculpture in downtown Beacon, New York

Rounding out the list as one of the best upstate NY towns is Beacon. Thanks to its proximity to The Big Apple (about one hour north of Manhattan), this artsy town is ideal for a day-trip or weekend escape from New York City. Boasting an excellent culinary scene, it is an emerging destination for foodies. Dia: Beacon is a must-visit for art enthusiasts - this 300,000 sq. ft. modern art museum is housed in a former Nabisco box printing factory.

Visitors can also enjoy boutique shopping, galleries, an array of contemporary art offerings, and a charming downtown complete with a waterfall. It's no wonder that Beacon is considered one of the most beautiful towns in upstate NY. Here are a few other recommendations for a Beacon getaway:

  • Where to Stay: The Roundhouse boutique hotel located at 2 E. Main Street
  • Where to Drink & Dine: The Pandorica, Wonderbar, The Vinyl Room, The Vault, Melzingah Tap House, Hudson Valley Brewery, Sukhothai
  • Nearby Sights: hike Bear Mountain, Mt. Beacon, or the Fishkill Ridge trail