Things to do in New York, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities

December 24, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

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. Hunter Mountain Fly Fishing School

Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY 12442 +1 800-486-8376 http://www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/events-activities/fishing.aspx
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Hunter Mountain Fly Fishing School

2. Whiteface Mountain

Wilmington, NY 12997 +1 518-946-7175 http://www.whiteface.com/activities/whiteface-veterans-memorial-highway
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,229 reviews

Whiteface Mountain

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.

3. Fire Island National Seashore

120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY 11772-3596 +1 631-687-4750 http://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Fire Island National Seashore

Reviewed By LollysLook - New York City, United States

Fire island beaches are the spectacular jewel of the south shore of Long Island New York. The beautiful sandy beaches line the barrier island. Each town on fire island has its own unique draw-some are quiet, some have bars and restaurants that are lively. Find one that you love !

4. Holiday Valley

6557 Holiday Valley Rd, Ellicottville, NY 14731-9779 +1 716-699-2345 [email protected] http://www.holidayvalley.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 440 reviews

Holiday Valley

Popular Year 'Round Destination Resort offering Skiing/Snowboarding and other winter recreation. Summer Months guests enjoy our Golf Course, Aerial Zip Line Adventure Park, Weddings, Conferences and Special Events like the Mudslide Mud Run and Annual Beer & Wine Festival.

Reviewed By 805parkm

The "Valley " is such a wonderful place. Don't compare the vertical, but note the expansive multiple angles and faces of several ridges. This resort is a one stop shop it has it all!.... Parents and young people will appreciate the layout. Plenty of opportunities to visit multiple lodges for refreshments and relaxing near a fireplace. Mid-week visits are fantastic with little mountain traffic. Lifties, safety and patrol are paramount. Plenty of high-speed chair lifts wisk you to the top for great riding. The snow making system is the best ever seen which stretches the season on both ends, and natural snow is dump quality from two great lakes depending upon the wind direction.

5. Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

http://www.whiteface.com/activities/whiteface-veterans-memorial-highway
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

A scenic road that follows a scenic route up Whiteface Mountain.

Reviewed By amy1357 - Bridgewater, United States

We drove the road up to the top of whiteface mountain and were blown away by the beauty. There’s plenty of places to stop and see the views. We went on a cool cloudy day and the views did not disappoint. When we got to the top, the mountain was covered in clouds, but we took a break, had a bite to eat and all of a sudden the clouds dissipated so we were able to get a great view. A few minutes later the clouds came back it was a gift. Absolutely amazing

6. Bronx Zoo

2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460-1090 +1 718-220-5100 [email protected] http://bronxzoo.com
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,121 reviews

Bronx Zoo

The largest urban zoo in the U.S., with over 6,000 animals within its 265 acres of parks, woods and streams.

Reviewed By susankC5940LS

The Bronx Zoo is so much fun! We went on a simulated dinosaur safari; saw a Komodo dragon; visited sea lions and gorillas in the Congo; went on monorail ride through the jungles of Asia. This zoo is absolutely a must-visit. It's only a 3.5 hour drive from north of Boston!

7. Jones Beach State Park

1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793 +1 516-785-1600 https://parks.ny.gov/parks/jonesbeach/
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 463 reviews

Jones Beach State Park

This park offers visitors seven miles of beach, two swimming pools, a boardwalk and games.

Reviewed By LIICETEA - Long Island, United States

Jones Beach State Park, a NY STATE PARK so Parking Fees apply during the season, 10.00 dollars daily. There are plenty of activities at the park for every one. A great boardwalk, a beautiful beach, playgrounds for the kids, Shuffle board and miniature golf. Beside the Beach, the 2 pools should be open during season, I rode my bike on the bicycle path from Cedar Creek park to Jones Beach which is about 5 miles. i didnt continue but i think it goes further along the bay towards Gilgo Beach. Now the Best hidden secret in this park, Parking lot 10(check out picture) with the fishing pier have the best sunsets. GO there and you will see what I mean.

8. Seneca Lake Wine Trail

2 N Franklin St Suite 320, Watkins Glen, NY 14891-1269 +1 877-536-2717 [email protected] http://senecalakewine.com
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 637 reviews

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Seneca Lake is known for its diverse offering of world-class wines. Our wineries are dedicated to increasing quality and serving as exceptional stewards of the land and lake. Seneca Lake Wine Trail members pledge to exceed your expectations when you visit to taste wine and experience the Finger Lakes. You don’t have to travel to far-away places to experience fantastic wines. They are right here on Seneca Lake!

Reviewed By 491cindyr - Harrisburg, United States

You have two options for this excursion. Wing it and stop at wineries at random or look up what they have to offer and plan your trip. We stopped at 6 wineries and bought at all but one so random worked for us. There are so many choices it’s mind boggling! We started at the wine center in Watkins Glen and got a handy map which was definitely worth it. Many of the locations now offer predetermined flights rather than tastings. If you are trying to get in several wineries this can be a lot of wine to drink. At some locations they allowed us to split a flight which we appreciated since we drove ourselves. The drive has great views of the lake. Very pleasant and we will go again.

9. Gore Mountain

793 Peaceful Valley Rd, North Creek, NY 12853-1916 +1 518-251-2411 [email protected] http://www.goremountain.com
Excellent
57%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 244 reviews

Gore Mountain

A premier winter recreation destination with the most skiable terrain in New York State and a towering 2537' vertical drop. Enjoy a welcoming family-oriented atmosphere, an immense variety of terrain, and high-speed lifts including an eight-passenger gondola. Conveniently located 25 scenic minutes off I-87. Open for off-season activities including scenic gondola rides, mountain biking, and base area attractions during the warmer months.

Reviewed By N8041FDheathera

I personally dub Gore Mtn THEE best ski area in New York State! So many trails to ski, so many safe, and easy rides...prices are very agreeable and the unbelievably beautiful winter vistas from the top!! Truly a winter wonderland! Staff is very friendly and helpful! I drive 2 1/2 hours to ski here...its worth every minute and dime! There is something for Everyone there! TRY GORE AND YOU’LL LOVE IT!! GUARANTEED

10. Cooper's Beach

268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968-4600
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 347 reviews

Cooper's Beach

Scenic beach stretches 500 feet along the Atlantic shoreline offering a view of historic mansions in the distance.

Reviewed By Rtktennis - Southampton, United States

As nice as it gets. Great food at reasonable prices for the Hampton's Worth the parking fee if you can’t bike there. ..

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