Summary

• Explore the charming town of Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains for stunning lake views and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and kayaking. It's a year-round destination with something for everyone.
• Saratoga Springs offers a mix of healing mineral springs, cultural vibrancy, and historic charm. Discover the Saratoga Spa State Park, horse racing at Saratoga Race Course, and explore the lively downtown with shops and restaurants.
• Beacon, a favorite destination for art lovers, is famous for its Dia Beacon Museum and offers a great weekend getaway with delicious food, beautiful parks, and opportunities for art, theater, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

New York is always synonymous with colossal skyscrapers and Empire State Building is its signature of it. The “Upstate New York” which is north of New York City and Long Island is defined as anything outside the dense forests of the metropolitan areas—many of these places are excellent places to visit during fall.

There are unexplored areas of New York that are quite underrated and deemed as the most beautiful towns. Here are the 16 most beautiful towns in New York that are worth exploring for those looking for an escape that's fun and free from the hustle and bustle of the city.

UPDATE: 2023/08/20 19:33 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Upstate New York has many beautiful towns that are a perfect scape year-round thanks to their natural attractions and history. This list was updated to include more towns for visitors looking to plan their next getaway within New York.

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

16 Lake Placid

Lake Placid is one of the best Adirondack Mountains cities travelers can visit. This charming town offers stunning lake views and many outdoor activities.

Travelers can explore the Olympic sites, from the ski jumps to the ice rinks, or embark on scenic hikes and water adventures. In winter, it's a haven for snow sports, while summer brings opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and more. Autumn showcases a tapestry of colors. Whether drawn by its sporting legacy or breathtaking landscapes, Lake Placid promises year-round allure that shines from May through October.

• Where? Essex County
• Things To Do In Lake Placid: Skiing in winter, Fall foliage during autumn, hiking and kayaking

15 Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs offers a blend of healing mineral springs, cultural vibrancy, and historic charm. Visitors can discover the Saratoga Spa State Park, where relaxation and natural beauty converge, experience world-class horse racing at Saratoga Race Course or explore the lively downtown, brimming with shops and restaurants.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center hosts renowned performances. With its mix of wellness, culture, and history, Saratoga Springs is undeniably worth visiting. Summer is the favorite time for many visitors, as they can enjoy the park's greenery, outdoor attractions, bustling arts, and racing seasons.

• Where? Saratoga County
• Things To Do In Saratoga Springs: Congress Park, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Race Course

14 Beacon

One of the prettiest towns in New York and a favorite destination for art lovers, Beacon is famous for its Dia Beacon Museum, an enormous museum exhibiting a huge collection of contemporary and modern art. This small Hudson Valley town is only 60 miles from New York City and has a lot to offer, making it a great weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy delicious food, beautiful Mount Beacon Park, shopping at antique stores and local boutiques, attending events at a cultural center, swimming at The River Pool, and hiking in the Hudson Highlands.

1. Where: Dutchess County, New York, United States
2. Things To Do In Beacon: Art, theater, dining, shopping, sightseeing, visiting historical sites, hiking, nature walks, swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, etc.

13 Narrowsburg

Narrowsburg is a serene Sullivan County hamlet in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains on the banks of the Delaware River. Its appealing Main Street is packed with cool shops, such as Maison Bergogne, and there's plenty to explore, such as art and theater. The town also offers a variety of exciting activities, such as yoga and fitness classes, as well as thrilling adventures, such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and so on. There are numerous restaurants that cater to foodies with a wide range of regional dishes and delectable wood-fired pizzas.

• Where: Sullivan County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Narrowsburg: Admiring nature, shopping, fishing, dining, kayking, canoeing, sightseeing, Yoga, fitness classes, art, theatre, etc.

12 ​​​​Aurora

Aurora, located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, offers a variety of exciting activities, the majority of which revolve around the town's most famous attraction, the Inns of Aurora. A bike excursion through this charming village and its main street, dotted with historic structures, is another exciting activity. Visitors will enjoy a morning trip to the lake, a day learning about regional pottery or painting techniques, or wine tastings along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. The best way to spend an evening is to eat and drink at a well-known restaurant like 1833 Kitchen & Bar or Fargo Bar & Grill.

• Where: Cayuga County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Aurora: Sightseeing, boating, canoeing, pottery and painting classes, dining, hiking, nature walks, bird watching, wild life spotting, shopping, etc.

11 Tivoli

Despite being only 1.5 square miles in size, Tivoli town has everything one needs for a memorable countryside vacation. The hipster-meets-traditional Irish pub with an amazing whisky selection and All That Java, a tiny mobile coffee house concept, are what attract New Yorkers to it. Other attractions in the town include Traghaven and Fortunes, both of which are popular with visitors for their Instagrammable appeal. Tivoli also has many scenic hiking trails, kayaking opportunities at Tivoli Bays, and cultural performances at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park.

• Where: Dutchess County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Tivoli: Paddling, rafting, kayaking, boating, canoeing, sightseeing, biking, hiking, dining, shopping, etc.

10 Skaneateles

Considered the Jewel of The Finger Lakes Region, the village of Skaneateles is a town basking in beauty throughout the year.

Be it a display of art or history, its local food, bustling restaurants, unique shops, or fashion boutiques, this upscale downtown enjoys the view of Skaneateles Lake and offers a relaxing vibe. This town is among the best small towns in New York for a weekend getaway, it has gorgeous inns, wine tasting at vineyards, boat tours at the lake, serene parks, and beautiful houses dotted across the street. It is only 5 hours drive from New York City.

• Where: Onondaga County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Skaneateles: Enjoying natural beauty, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, shopping, sightseeing, dining, etc.

9 Ithaca

The town of Ithaca is a mosaic comprising urban, rural, and suburban landscapes. With lush green hillsides, gorges, and hiking trails (not to mention gorgeous waterfalls along said trails), this town is quite close to nature. The cultural vibrancy is quite vivid in this town, it has museums, lively bars, eclectic restaurants, historic buildings, creative murals, and so on. Also, it's home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Cornell University with its Gothic, Victorian, and Neoclassical style architecture.

• Where: Tompkins County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Ithaca: Hiking, biking, trekking, nature walks, nightlife, dining, shopping, sightseeing, etc.

Related: Don't Go Alone: 10 Creepy Places To Visit In New York

8 Cold Spring

A popular weekend destination for New Yorkers, Cold Spring is a quaint place replete with 19th-century architectural buildings, this town is located at the deepest point of the Hudson River and in the Hudson Highlands Region. Hudson Highlands State Park offers endless hiking and walking trails, Bannerman Island with its incredible combination of nature and history, Magazzino Italian Art Museum devoted to Italian art, Breakneck Ridge Loop known for its natural beauty, Stonecrop Gardens, Library, and Museums galore, as well as Hudson River expeditions, are few of its primary attractions. The town is also filled with shopping outlets, boutiques, and restaurants.

• Where: Putnam County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Cold Spring: Exploring historical places, enjoying nature, spotting wildlife, hiking, boating, fishing, canoeing, dining, shopping, etc.

7 Sleepy Hollow

Located around 25 miles north of New York City and less than an hour from Manhattan, the town of “Sleepy Hollow” offers an incredible blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Celebrate the largest Halloween event, Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze with 7000 carved pumpkins, take a tour of Kykuit, the Rockefeller Mansion, view the gorgeous artwork of Union Church of Pocantico Hills, see the picturesque Tarrytown Lighthouse, explore the walking trail of Old Croton Aqueduct, peep the fall foliage in Patriot’s Park, and try the fresh farm produce at Farmer’s market as well as a couple of restaurants. Sleepy Hollow is extra fun in fall, of course, thanks to the spooky season!

• Where: Westchester County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Sleepy Hollow: Visit historical attractions, cross spooky headless horseman bridge, sightseeing, admire nature, dine on farm to table food, shopping, etc.

6 Tarrytown

Located only 31 minutes away from New York City, Tarrytown is steeped in history dating back to the 17th century. Nestled between Sleepy Hollow in the north and Irvington to the south, Tarrytown allures with its ancient, modern, and natural attractions. Be it Lyndhurst Mansion which is Tarrytown’s top attraction, Old Dutch Church which is the oldest church in New York, Tarrytown’s Lake Parks, Lighthouse, Music Hall, Demeter’s Tavern, and Sports Bar, one of the busiest bars in town, Tappan Zee Bridge, an architectural wonder, Ona, a gift boutique and art gallery featuring unique merchandise, or stately buildings, classic artworks, scenic vistas, and local pubs, it gives us every reason to visit it.

• Where: Westchester County, New York, USA
• Things To Do In Tarrytown: Sightseeing, dining, shopping, nightlife, unwinding in nature, nature walks, hiking, etc.

5 Woodstock

A historical and cultural hub, the town of Woodstock has a close association with art and history. Nestled in Georgia, it has plenty of attractions such as Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, Downtown Woodstock, Summer Concert Series offering pop, classic, and country music. There is no shortage of exciting activities in Woodstock, from hot air ballooning over Northern Georgia, enjoying food at Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, a renowned restaurant, racing at Dixie Speedway, and touring around berries and pumpkins at Berry Patch Farms to sampling beers at Reformation Brewery.

• Where: Ulster County, New York, USA
• Things To Do In Woodstock: Attending a concert or show, visiting historical sites, museums, and galleries, sampling local beers and food, shopping of local craft, etc.

4 New Paltz

The appealing aesthetic of this charming town, New Paltz located has a backdrop of evergreen forests, charming architecture, boutique cafés, and shops. A few of its charming attractions include the historic Huguenot Street, the oldest museum street for history lovers, Wallkill Valley Rail Trail for bicycle and jogging lovers, Twin Star Orchard serving wood-fired pizza and craft cider, Dressel Farms for apple and strawberry picking activities, and Minnewaska State Park having the views of white rock cliffs, forests, and mountain views. Also try Tavola Trattoria, a local Italian restaurant with its rustic style ambiance. It’s also worth recommending Sweet Potato Gnocchi and the Orecchiette, Coppersea Distilling, a local distillery famous for New York Whiskey, scotches and ryes and so much more.

• Where: Ulster County, New York, USA
• Things To Do In New Paltz: Shopping at Main Street, exploring historical sites, sightseeing, biking, trekking, dining, witnessing natual scenery and bird watching

3 Saugerties

The town of Saugerties is located between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. With its scenic surroundings dotted with coffee outlets and quirky food outlets along the street, the town exudes a quiet relaxing vibe. Indeed, a postcard-worthy town, this place has plenty of relaxing as well as adventurous activities. Be it HITS-on-the-Hudson hosting various Olympic-level horse shows, visiting Woodstock Museum or Saugerties Lighthouse, Lox of Bagels with the best breakfast cafeteria, Dutch Ale House infusing Southern flavor and Dutch cuisine, or Black-Eyed Suzie’s Upstate for its exceptional meals, the town has enough to explore on every front.

• Where: Ulster County, New York, USA
• Things To Do In Saugerties: Spotting wild life, hiking, trekking, camping, enjoying views from the lighthouse, dining, shopping, etc.

Related: 14 Best Small Towns In New York's Hudson Valley

2 Rhinebeck

The town of Rhinebeck lies in the northwestern part of Dutchess County whereas Rhinebeck also refers to “Rhinebeck village” located in the town itself. Rhinebeck offers artisanal shops or eateries, enchanting architecture, historical sites, hotels and inns, botanical gardens or forest preserves, Dutchess County fairgrounds, its New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, and camping at Mills Norrie State Park.

• Where: Dutchess County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In Rhinebeck: Sightseeing, camping, hiking, dining, shopping, trekking, nature walks. bird watching, etc.

1 Town of Lake George

The town of Lake George is one of the most popular New York towns to visit among tourists. Beholding lake George, the Queen of American Lakes, it has unique scenic vistas complementing it. The town has plenty of activities such as hiking trails on Prospect Mountain or relaxing on the shores of Million Dollar Beach, trekking to Shelving Rock Falls or ziplining and rope walking through the Adirondack Extreme, kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, or canoeing at Lake George, visiting museum or winery and lot more. If a weekend break is needed, the town of Lake George can be a perfect destination, and the town is ​easily accessible from New York City by car, train, and bus.​​​​​​

• Where: Warren County, New York, United States
• Things To Do In The Town Of Lake George: Hiking, biking, camping, boating, dining, sightseeing, shopping, ziplining, etc.