Top Things to do in New York
Top Hotels in New York
- 1. Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea
- 2. Margaritaville Resort- Times Square
- 3. The Draper, Ascend Hotel Collection
- 4. Arlo Midtown
- 5. Pod Times Square
- 6. Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South, NY
- 7. Arlo NoMad
- 8. Artezen Hotel
- 9. Park Central Hotel New York
- 10. PUBLIC Hotel
10 Things to do Adventurous in New York That You Shouldn't Miss
New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,539 reviews
The cascades of 18 waterfalls are the calling card of this state park.
Reviewed By marvi62 - Lafayette Hill, United States
We went to Watkins Glen (4th visit) on Tuesday, arriving around 11 am. The NY state Covid regulations in effect right now clearly state that masks are required, even outdoors, when passing within 6' of another person. These rules are posted at the entrance of the park, as is the one way direction for walking the Gorge trail right now. However, I would estimate 60% or more of park attendees did not put on masks when passing- and the Gorge trail is 2' - 3' wide in many locations. A number of hikers also ignored the one-way rule, coming back on the narrow Gorge trail instead of taking the designated trail back. It took us about 2-1/2 hours to hike the mile up the Glen, since my husband took a lot of photographs. The hike back down only took about 20 minutes. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes or good sneakers (the soles of your shoes will get muddy, even on a sunny day). There are bathrooms by the entrance, but none on the trail. Admission to the park is $8, payable by cash or credit card in a self-ticketing machine in the two parking lots (main lot plus 2nd lot across the street). Watkins Glen is an absolutely stunning gorge. I just recommend going really early to minimize close encounters with other hikers. The only park ranger I saw in our entire visit was the man in the Information Center near the park entrance.
2. Cave of the Winds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,081 reviews
This exciting tour outfits you in a hooded raincoat and takes you into a cave and then along a catwalk near the foot of the falls for an up-close, wet and very rewarding view of the thunderous, cascading waters.
Reviewed By Kierab2013
This was such a cool experience! My family and I walked to this attraction from the Rainbow Bridge. This tour had been much lower on our To-Do list, when it should have been at the top! We went on a Monday in late August and did NOT purchase our tickets ahead of time. We purchased our tickets when we got to the stand for the next available tour that day, which ended up being in 10 minutes. We didn't have to wait long at all! You get a quick history review about the area via a room like a museum, then watch a short video about the area. Finally, you get a poncho and velcro sandals (you can keep them or recycle afterwards) and then you're set to start your self-paced tour! Keep in mind there is no where to keep your belongings except with/on you (I wore a giant backpack under my poncho and most everything stayed dry inside it - they don't allow food or drinks, except water but they said if they don't see the food then it's fine). If you don't want to get drenched, avoid the Hurricane Deck. You will get great views of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and a slight view of the Horseshoe Falls (but for that I recommend walking a bit further from where you bought the tickets to view the top of the horseshoe falls).
3. Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 256 reviews
Here, at last, is the chance to come on board the Starship Enterprise! Recreated Exactly as they were laid out on the "Desilu" (Now Paramount Pictures) Stage 9 in Hollywood for the original 1966-1968 run of STAR TREK,the sets of the Fabulous Starship U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 awaiting guests to step aboard and be transported to the world of STAR TREK: The Original Series!
Reviewed By WandaLuz - New City, United States
My Trekkie husband discovered the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour online years ago and we totally wanted to check it out, but it was over 4 hours away so we filed it away for another time. More recently, we booked a trip to Lake George for a desperately needed get-away and, lo and behold, we discovered that Ticonderoga was only 30-40 minutes away! SO WE DID IT, and WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. It was FANTASTIC! Our tour guide, Drew, was EXCELLENT - he was funny, knowledgeable, full of engaging anecdotes and trivia, and was able to answer every question my husband threw at him. The sets, the lighting, the props ... it was all meticulously done. It felt like we were transported (pun intended) straight onto the 60's set ... or into our favorite TOS episode! I joked around that we were SO excited that we cried ... and peed ... a little. That said, we loved it so much that we went back with our twin, 20-year-old sons two weeks later and they were completely blown away!!! Note: There's no bathroom for guests so be prepared! If you're a TOS fan, RUN, don't walk to this place. You won't regret it.
4. Niagara Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,961 reviews
Three magnificent falls, two American and one Canadian, mark the point at which the Niagara River rumbles over the Niagara Escarpment.
Reviewed By Alpana-traveltern - Lucknow, India
An awe inspiring natural wonder, made all the more inviting due to the ease of access and the all round service and facilities. The beauty and grandeur of the falls is in no way diminished by the presence of thousands of daily tourists, perhaps they only add to the overall feeling of excitement.
5. Whiteface Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,229 reviews
Whiteface may have made its name in winter, it has the highest vertical drop in the east, after all but it does summer pretty well too. The warmer months make Whiteface a natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and ages, whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or just an afternoon of beautiful views with your family. Take a hike along the Stag Brook Falls trail or Bear Den Mountain, play a round of Disc Golf and check out the area's most exhilarating, challenging Mountain Biking terrain. Or gather the family for an afternoon of taking it all in with a Scenic Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride to the summit of Little Whiteface. Drive the Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway to the summit, and lean into the Adirondack breeze as you marvel at the world below you.This well-known mountain offers exciting and scenic runs for skiers of all levels: Beginners do well on Easy Acres, which features its own ski school, novices and intermediates enjoy Little Whiteface, while experts head to the heart-pounding summit.
Reviewed By merny89 - Saratoga Springs, United States
We drove up the veterans highway to the top. Although with Covid the castle and other areas were not open we were able to park and take amazing photos. It was a great drive and the views were spectacular.
6. Howe Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 960 reviews
At the great cave of the Northeast, an elevator takes you 156’below ground. The doors open into a prehistoric underground cavern 6,000,000 years in the making! Trained tour guides help navigate the cave and teach about its magnificent natural features. Back on the surface, mine for gemstones at Howe Caverns Mining Co. Beginning summer 2011, enjoy the first phase of Howe High Adventures—featuring ropes courses, climbing walls, zip lines and more!
Reviewed By EHFAR2
This is a hidden gem in NYS. 10,000 year old cave with a fabulous guided tour, easy walking paths, and even a short boat ride made this adventure truly unique. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, student discount with ID, and delicious cheddar cheese sold that was aged in the cave all added to a very positive experience. Fun for all ages (we had four children with us ranging in ages from 15-20).
7. Mohonk Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York. The Preserve protects 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge and inspires people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day for hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and nature study. A current membership or day pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free.
Reviewed By UrbanMonkey48 - Langhorne, United States
Aside from the Mohonk Mountain House hotel itself, you can visit as a day guest, pay a fee and enjoy miles of hiking or cross country skiing on beautidul trails that go through the woods and/or cliffs. The scenic biews are spectacular.
8. Olympic Ski Jump Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,147 reviews
Visitors to this year-round training and competition site can watch daring ski-divers, or take an elevator to a platform to see how high Olympic skiers jump.
Reviewed By jimkC1474NO - Howell, United States
We spent a little over an hour at the Olympic Ski Jump Complex. We took the gondola ride to the top of the mountain, which takes only a few minutes. From there you transition to a glass elevator ride to the top of the largest ski jump which provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The ski jumps are so much higher than they appear on television and show just how daring (or crazy) ski jumpers are. New respect for ski jumpers! The venue is clean, masks are required and there is a little shop for souvenirs.
9. Bobsled and Luge Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 837 reviews
Mt. Van Hoevenberg combines outdoor recreations with Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy. On the sliding center side, we have a state-of-the-art combined skeleton & bobsled track and we have created North America’s longest mountain coaster, The Cliffside Coaster. On the Nordic center side, we have added 4km of World Championship rate trails, joining our existing 50km of cross country skiing trails. Our new lodge, The Mountain Pass Lodge, is the Hub of Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and is the place to go for a drink, hang out with friends, or just spending a full day enjoying all the activities Mt. Van Hoevenberg has to offer.
Reviewed By Anitafuel - Water Mill, United States
Drove 7hrs after work with my 2 girls just to ride this coaster!!!! Purchased our tickets online 2 weeks in advance and prayed the weather would cooperate. Tickets are pricey! ($55pp) BUT....here are the bonus points.... 1. Longest mountain coaster in the country! 2. Speakers in sleds give you the history of the bobsled run next to it! 3. You CANNOT crash into the sled in front of you due to high tech sensors! 4. Once you descend, you ARE an olympic bobsled driver! 5. The views are absolutely breathtaking! We went for lunch afterward and back to motel for a power nap before driving 7hrs back home. What a fun Day of the Dead treat! Great for any age!
10. Mount Marcy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Great for hikers, this 5,344 foot mountain has more than 2,000 trails.
Reviewed By robyns720 - Ontario, Canada
We undertook this as a day hike, and definitely had our work cut out for us! Wouldn't recommend as a day hike unless you're in good physical shape. Started from the Adirondack Loj - parked along the road a few hundred metres out to avoid the $10 parking fee. Well marked trail. Long, challenging hike. Would definitely recommend being well prepared - hiking boots, food, lots of water, warm/cold clothes. The peak was blustery for our hike, and we definitely needed all our layers (sweaters/rain coat)! Very rewarding to climb the highest peak in the Adirondacks!
