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
Top 10 State Parks in New York, United States
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. Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 516 reviews
Formerly the grounds of a hotel, this park offers stunning vistas and uncrowded trails.
Reviewed By NYlatinbeauty - Staten Island, United States
Me and my husband visited Minnewaska State Park Preserve the end of July on a very hot day.... and what a great decision to visit!! We got there around 11:00 am and there were already some vehicles waiting to enter. I do recommend getting there early; the park opens at 9:00 am, the fee is $10. We were told the wait to enter the park was going to be 45 minutes, but we got lucky didn't even wait 30 minutes. There's different trails depending on how many miles you wish to walk, but if you're not a hiker, you can take advance of the refreshing lake waters; there's a nice beach area. This is a must visit during the summer!! The views are so amazing!! Please don't miss out on the beauty of mother nature, get active and keep socially distant during this time. Enjoy!!!
2. 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.
3. Gantry Plaza State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By untdrum99 - Cebu City, Philippines
Gantry Plaza State Park is located in Long Island City in Queens and is a great park with a lot of family-friendly activities with a dog park, sand volleyball, dining, open spaces, and with some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset. There is also a ferry that goes across to Manhattan, but is also conveniently located near a couple of subway stops. Entrance to the park is free. It's a former dockyards so it is interesting to see how they have repurposed the area into something everyone can use. There is free parking located nearby on the street.
4. Letchworth State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,554 reviews
Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East," is where a 17-mile stretch of the Genesee River roars through the park's scenic gorge with three major waterfalls and cliffs as high as 600 feet, surrounded by lush forests. Recently named Best State Park in the nation, Letchworth's new Humphrey Nature Center is a must-see. Walk the seven-mile Gorge Trail with jaw-dropping views at the overlooks or take the trail to the water's edge. I addition to trails, several hundred campsites and cabins, other amenities and activities include a pool, playground, athletic fields, festivals, cultural events, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, whitewater rafting, and hot-air ballooning.
Reviewed By awanderfulplan - Ohio, United States
Known as the Grand Canyon of the east, this park is 17 miles long with the Genesee River running through it and features several beautiful waterfalls. There are over 20 trails throughout the park to explore. We only had one day at the park but I could easily see spending a week here, hiking all the trails. There are 4 entrances to this park. I definitely recommend entering through either the Portageville or Castile entrance! I also recommend to start your day as early as possible to beat the crowds, especially on the weekend. When you enter the park you'll get a really great park and trail map, but here are a couple that I found online that are great. Entry to the park was just $10 for the entire day for our whole family which is really awesome! It felt a lot like driving through Yellowstone where you drive around, stopping at scenic overlooks and maybe taking in a few hiking trails. Upper and middle falls: The upper falls and middle falls are the highlight of the park and is often the most congested. I would start your day off here for sure so you can enjoy it and take pictures without the crowds. Both are very easily accessible from the parking lot. We actually parked near the upper falls and then drove to the middle falls so we didn't have to back track but the trail between them is super easy and serene. The upper fall is 70 ft. high and is located right beneath the Portage High railroad bridge. If you drive towards the Portageville entrance you'll actually see a small pull off area to see the top of the fall from underneath the railroad bridge. The middle fall is 107 ft high and likely just as wide. You can view this from two observation points, one right next to the waterfall and another further down the path gives you a picturesque view of the immense waterfall. This was one of my favorite waterfalls in the park! Visitor Center area: Also near the visitor center is the museum, Glen Iris Inn, council grounds, a civil war monument, trout pond and the Humphrey nature center. We did not spend time at any of these since we were only here for a day but likely worth stopping at if you have more than a day in the park. Inspiration point: This is definitely a stop you'll want to make! From here you will have a great view of both the upper and middle falls. Lower falls: THIS IS NOW OPEN!!! It actually opened the day we visited on 7/16/20. About 2 miles downstream from the Upper Falls you'll find the lower falls. This isn't quite as accessible as the other two but you can get really close to this waterfall, enough to feel it's mist! This does require a moderate hike but is beyond worth it! Park at the octagon area for easiest access to the stairs that lead you to the lower falls, it's right behind the playground. You could park where the trail starts, it's mostly flat and shaded but there are a couple of stair cases to climb. Parking at the octagon area will save you 10 minutes each way off your trip! From the top of the stairs it is about 127 steps down and then back up but they aren't bad. Take a bottle of water to cool off after you've traversed back up it. Once you get to the very bottom of the steps, walk a little straight ahead to find the steps that lead you down to the footbridge. This can be hard to find if you aren't looking for it. The footbridge is a stone footbridge, the only one over the gorge that actually connects both sides of the park. After you're done visiting there, head back up to the main trail, where the original 127 steps ended and continue down the trail to get to the lower falls. From here it was a super easy and flat hike that did not take long to reach the falls. You'll see a meadow open up and the mist from the falls. You are close enough that you can cool off in the mist which is really awesome!!! I don't think the signs or markings for this trail is very well marked so it can be confusing to know if you are on the right trail. We were very lucky that a park ranger was on the trail and confirmed that we were going the right way. Once you're done visiting, turn around back down the path you came and back up the stairs to get back to the parking lot. At the lower recreation falls you'll also find a snack bar, plenty of picnic tables and playgrounds. At the octagon area you'll also find a nice playground and plenty of picnic tables. Scenic overlooks: There are several pull of spots that you can park and get different views of the gorge, I highly recommend stopping at these. Archery Field overlook offers a nice horseshoe view of the gorge. Humphrey's overlook and great bend overlook, and Snake Hill Overlook was neat as well. Be sure to stop at Wolf creek to enjoy the rolling river under the bridge and some nice scenery. Tea table has some really neat stone slab picnic areas as well as a gorgeous view. Gardeau overlook, Hogsback, and Mt. Morris Dam overlooks were also neat stops. My personal favorites were Inspiration point, Archery field, Humprhey's and Wolf Creek. Hiking: There are over 20 trails in the park! Here is a great resource that outlines each of them. We took a couple of easy ones and a moderate one; 19 is a short easy hike to a cute waterfall and we did a portion of 13 which is moderate to go down to the river in addition to of course the Lower falls trail. There are definitely a lot more trails we'd love to explore sometime but since we only had a day we picked just a few. There are trails on both sides of the park but those on the side with the waterfalls are certainly the most trafficked. We drove along the other side of the park and it was certainly a bit more rustic. There actually isn't a cost at all to get in through the Parade Grounds entrance. I highly recommend checking out CNY Hiking for an overview of each trail, they have an awesome summary of every single trail. During COVID, we visited on a weekday to avoid crowds as much as possible and did not run into any issues with social distancing. In the very few spots where we were anywhere near someone we put up our masks.
5. Allegany State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
The largest state park in New York that offers hiking trails and camping.
Reviewed By WindySkies1 - Rochester, United States
One of the few parks open year round for those of us who love the outdoors. Multiple great choices for accommodations, from rustic tent sites to RVs and basic cabins up to fully equipped cottages. Great for family and friends and groups of all sizes spread out throughout a huge and highly forested area. Plenty of trails designated for year round hiking and biking, as well as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and areas for snow mobiles as well. I even saw plenty of ice fishers last weekend.
6. Jones Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
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.
7. Nyack Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Due to emergency repairs, the access road to the Park's main parking lot is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. The upper parking lot is open with pedestrian-only access along the road to the waterfront, trailhead and bathrooms.
Reviewed By TennisStar602 - New Jersey, United States
I came with a friend to this park on a December weekday late afternoon. When I was here, admission was free. It can be hard to get parking on a weekend, but it was relatively empty on a weekday. There are many options on elevation; I crossed steep hills and flat lands. The views of the mountains, the Hudson River, the foliage, the birds, and the skyline of Westchester County were outrageous! Strangely, though, I did see quite a few fish dead fish along the trail.
8. Bear Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 616 reviews
Reviewed By QueensgalBronx
I live in NYC and Bear Mtn State Park has always been my go-to place for a day out whether by car or bicycle. On this particular day (October 26th) I decided to ride my bike from the GW Bridge to Bear Mtn. It is an incredibly HILLY ride, but beautiful, nonetheless. Perkins Tower has gorgeous views and is a great stop for lunch (pack your own). It is a pet and family friendly location. I highly recommend it, especially during fall foliage!
9. Saratoga Spa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 968 reviews
This National Historic Landmark offers diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational activities in such venues as the Lincoln mineral baths, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Spa Little Theater, National Museum of Dance and the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel.
Reviewed By deand659 - Saratoga Springs, United States
Fantastic golf course mineral Springs fabulous five male walking trail along the geyser Creek in various springs that Saratoga is famous for Saratoga performing arts center several swimming pools and much much more a real New York state and Saratoga gem
10. Niagara Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,392 reviews
A huge expanse of natural beauty, this oldest state park in the U.S. offers biking, fishing and cross-country skiing, and contains plenty of hiking and walking trails, including the Niagara Gorge Trail System, which affords great views of both the falls and the gorge.
Reviewed By mlevison1 - Teaneck, United States
We spent two days in Niagara Falls; One day on the American side and one day on the Canadian side. Both have a lot to offer and both are beautiful. While you can see the three falls by walking the trails within a state park on the New York side, you can also see these same three falls from the Canadian side by walking the pathway. From the New York side, the view is on top of the falls while the view from Canada is across the falls; each has its rewards and the same is true of both trips to the Falls in a boat (Maid of the Mist or Hornblower)
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