There is no lack of beauty or fun things to do in New York state, especially for those who love spending time outdoors. While New York City’s top attractions are unmissable (hello, Statue of Liberty and Central Park), tourists would be amiss if they spent all their time in the Big Apple.

Instead, rent a car and head to the state’s other spectacular sights. The glistening Hudson Valley is stunning in all seasons, as is Letchworth State Park; and the Hamptons are a must for those who enjoy a little glam with their beach vacation.

Hoping to be more active? From white water rafting in the Adirondacks to skiing in the Catskills to feeling the spray from Niagara Falls, there’s an endless stream of fun places to visit.

Don’t miss out on these top-rated things to do in New York.

10 Get Inspired At Storm King Art Center

E=MC2 by Mark di Suvero at Storm King Art Center.
Via: Shandley McMurray
E=MC2 by Mark di Suvero at Storm King Art Center.

There’s something magical about spending a day at Storm King Art Center. Set upon 500 acres in the Hudson Valley, this outdoor art gallery lies in the shadow of its namesake, the lush Storm King Mountain. While its main points of interest include giant sculptures, the stunning natural landscape is just as enchanting.

Dress for the weather as this attraction is open rain or shine. Also, bring water if planning to visit on a warm, sunny day.

Drinks and food are available at the onsite café, but it can be quite a walk to reach.

There’s a lot of walking involved at this family-friendly attraction, but the tram is a popular way to get around the massive estate for those who aren’t up for a hike.

Download the digital map before arriving to ensure easy access to the sculptures’ locations. Also, plan to spend at least two hours here.

  • Address: 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, New York
  • Tickets: $20 per person, or $15 per person for those with three or more passengers in their car.
  • Hours: In winter, the center is open only on weekends between mid-January and mid-March. At other times of the year, the center is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm Wednesdays through Mondays, with the last entry at 4 pm.

9 Find A Waterfall In Watkins Glen State Park

There is no shortage of beautiful waterfalls in upstate New York, and Watkins Glen State Park is home to one of the most spectacular—Rainbow Falls. A well-photographed site, these remarkable falls are just one of 19 in the vast park.

To get to them, visitors can follow a variety of trails that cover almost two miles. There are also about 800 stone steps to climb, so pack appropriate footwear—they get slippery when wet.

Explore this gorgeous state park in the autumn for the most beautiful fall foliage.

Be sure to bring food, water, and a tent if you’re planning to spend the night in one of the park’s various campsites. And don’t forget a swimsuit—there's a swimming pool on site.

A playground, visitor center, and restroom with showers are also on the property, making this an ideal place to visit with children.

  • Address: 1009 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, New York

Related: Torn Between Watkins Glen And Letchworth State Park? How To Choose

8 Soak Up The Glam In The Hamptons

Perhaps the most famous of New York City’s summer weekend destinations, the glitzy Hamptons lie on Long Island’s South Fork.

A group of wealthy towns and villages (like South Hampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, and Bridgehampton), this prestigious vacation spot is a magnet for A-list celebs and the uber-rich.

Shopping in boutique stores, lounging on the beach, and dining at high-end restaurants top the list of things to do in this iconic destination.

Worried about the bill? While the Hamptons aren’t the most budget-friendly location in New York State, there are multiple ways to have an affordable Hamptons vacation.

Summer may be the most popular time to visit the Hamptons, but there’s something enchanting, not to mention very festive, about traveling here in winter.

7 Fly Over Letchworth State Park In A Hot Air Balloon

Forget walking or biking, the best way to see Letchworth State Park is by hot air balloon. Home to three sets of magnificent waterfalls, this 14,000-acre park has been voted the best attraction in New York State.

Letchworth State Park is set within the Genesee River Gorge, lined by craggy cliffs that have loaned this natural wonderland its unique nickname—the Grand Canyon of the East. The view from above is unsurpassable.

Families, couples, and solo travelers will find plenty of exciting things to do on the ground in this top New York State Park. Hiking the trails, horseback riding, white water rafting, fishing, kayaking, and camping are just a few of the popular activities on offer.

6 Follow The Wine Trail In Hudson Valley

There’s a lot to love about the Hudson Valley, especially for gastronomes. In addition to super tasty fare found at local farmer’s markets, this beloved region is known for its delectable craft cideries and fabulous wineries. In fact, the Hudson Valley was the first region in the US to produce wine.

When driving from one of the area’s most adorable small towns to the next, be sure to admire the sparkling river views, take time out to hike in the region's towering forests and lush parks, and walk across the impressive Walkway Over The Hudson, the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, which connects Poughkeepsie to Highland.

5 Ski The Slopes In The Catskills

Skiing in the Catskills is one of the best things to do with the family. Packed with mountain resorts, a mix of easy and challenging runs, and a slew of winter activities, the kids will beg to stay longer.

The two main places for skiing and snowboarding are Windham Mountain and Hunter Mountain. Both offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Windham is a haven for families and boasts snowmobiles for kids aged six to 13.

Skiing isn’t the only fun winter activity in the area. The Catskill Mountain Railroad offers tourists a scenic trip they won’t forget. That said, adventurous endeavors can be found year-round in the Catskills.

Visit in summer to enjoy swimming in Lake Superior State Park, fishing in Onteora Lake, and camping at the Mongaup Pond Campground.

Not a fan of roughing it? Rest your weary head at the historic and well-frequented Mountain Lodge.

Related: The Catskills Is Home To A State Park & Here’s What You Can Do There

4 Try White Water Rafting In The Adirondacks

New York State’s highest peaks are found in the majestic Adirondack Mountains. Located about five and a half hours north of New York City, not far from the Canadian border, this stellar place is a nirvana for nature lovers. From hiking to swimming to skiing there’s plenty of fun to be had in every season.

Wineries dot the area, offering tourists a chance to sit back, relax, and sip their way through a sunny day. Deep lakes, rugged cliffs, and captivating valleys stretch across the six million acres of land that make up this beloved spot.

White water rafting is one of the best things to do in the Adirondacks, and it can be experienced in many different seasons.

Summer offers the most relaxed opportunity that's ideal for families. Spring is both chilly and exciting—the snow melt causes rivers to swell, especially in April. This isn’t an experience for the faint of heart!

Those who crave a thrilling adventure should check out these most dangerous hikes in the Adirondacks.

3 Tour The Finger Lakes Region

New York State is known for its beautiful lakes, deep gorges, lush hills, and crashing waterfalls. The Finger Lakes Region has all of this and so much more. The star features of this area are easy to find—eleven finger-shaped lakes that offer a slew of activities to be enjoyed by families and couples alike.

Related: Everything You Should Know About Visiting The Most Popular Finger Lakes Winery, Wagner Vineyards

The only stressful part of a visit will be determining which Finger Lake to visit first.

From boating to swimming to fishing, there’s no end to the fun that can be had in the Finger Lakes. Add in two state parks (Watkins Glen and Letchworth), and the options for fun things to do are literally endless.

Depending on where tourists end up, there is a bevy of vineyards to enjoy. Wine trails wind their way around Keuka and Cayuga Lakes, for instance, as well as many other area locales.

When you aren’t splashing about in the area’s namesakes, carve out time to explore these ghostly destinations in New York’s Finger Lakes Region. They’re guaranteed to give you a chill and a thrill.

2 Feel Small At Niagara Falls

Visiting New York state without seeing Niagara Falls is akin to traipsing through the Louvre and skipping the Mona Lisa. The Falls are incredible—over 3,160 tons of water flow over them every second, and they really shouldn’t be missed.

Yes, the experience is a bit touristy, but that’s easy to ignore when the water crashes at 32 feet per second on its extraordinary journey.

There’s been much debate about whether the view is better from the Canadian or the American side. The truth is, as long as travelers get to experience this natural wonder up close, it doesn’t really matter where they are standing.

Plus, there are plenty of amazing ways to see Niagara Falls from both sides of the border.

1 Shop, Eat, And See The Sights In New York City

Determining the best things to do in New York City is no easy feat, there are thousands of fab activities to choose from—no wonder it’s one of the best places to visit in New York State.

Whether tourists are hoping to shop till they drop in SoNo, grab a bite in Hell’s Kitchen, or tour the museums on the Upper West Side, it’s easy to stay entertained in the Big Apple, even if travelers only have 24 hours to spare for a visit.

While it’s tempting to hit all the best known sightseeing attractions, there’s so much more to NYC than its most touristy (and famous) points of interest.

With so much on offer, it’s important to set an itinerary before heading there to be sure to hit all the best places.

  • Don’t miss: The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the American Museum of Natural History.