The beautiful small village of Saranac Lake, New York located in the Adirondack State Park in wintertime. Image credit debra millet via Shutterstock

12 Best Towns in New York for a Winter Getaway

Winter is not the time to hide in your room under your cozy blanket. There are exciting activities you can enjoy during this season. Escape to New York for a getaway filled with fun, history, and nature’s wonders.

New York is home to the most populated cities and islands in the United States. With its varied geography, the state has many natural attractions, like the Hudson River, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondack Mountain's Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York.

As the fourth-most populous state in the country, it is filled with big cities like New York City and Albany, but amid the chaotic, big cities are quiet towns with astonishing environments perfect for an adventure. Not sure where to visit? Get your gear and gloves for an unforgettable visit to these 12 best towns in New York for a winter getaway.

Cold Spring

A gazebo sits at the Hudson River waterfront in Cold Spring, New York, all decorated for the Christmas holidays
A gazebo in Cold Spring, New York. Image credit James Kirkikis via Shutterstock

Cold Spring is a small getaway town for New Yorkers and tourists. With a population of roughly 2,000 people, well-preserved 19th-century buildings, and rugged terrains, this old-fashioned town is an excellent choice for a winter trip.

The town has many hiking trails, from the easy in-town walk, the Foundry Preserve, to the rugged trailheads up north like the Breakneck Ridge. There are hiking trails for all ages and levels of expertise, like the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. You can also take a long walk around the Hudson River Waterfront. The River freezes during winter, so be careful around this area.

At the end of the day, head to either the Cold Spring Hotel and Cafe or the Bear Mountain Inn for a warm, cozy feeling during the cold winter.

Woodstock

Ashokan Reservoir winter scene with dramatic sky, mountains, snow and ice.
Ashokan Reservoir winter scene in New York.

Lying in the foothills of the Southern Catskills is Woodstock, a beautiful town in Ulster County, New York. This town is close to the Ashokan Reservoir. The town is famous for the music festival named after it but hosted in a neighboring county (Sullivan County).

The lakes and mountains surrounding this town make it an ideal location for a winter getaway. The Ashokan Rail Trail is great for winter biking, giving an amazing view of the Catskills area. You can also hike up the Catskills Mountains with a tour guide. You can lodge at Woodstock Inn while in town.

Ithaca

Uris Library and Mcgraw tower in white snow, Cornell University, Ithaca
Uris Library and Mcgraw tower in white snow, Cornell University, Ithaca. Image credit Lewis Liu via shutterstock

At the Southern end of one of the Finger Lakes, the Cayuga Lake, is the small town of Ithaca. The town is named after the Greek Island, which has a similar name. Embedded within this town are breathtaking waterfalls, which you will find in Ithaca Falls and Buttermilk Falls State Park. This town becomes a winter wonderland during winter as the gardens become covered with snow and the waterfalls freeze. 

If ice skating is your thing, take your ice-skating gear to the Rice Hills or hike up trails in the town like the Black Diamond Trail. Try out some amazing chili dishes served at the Annual Chili Cook-off in the Downtown area, held in March for three consecutive years. Stay at any bed and breakfast in Ithaca, such as Argos Inn.

These Towns In Upstate New York Come Alive In WinterWhile New York is typically known for its towering skyscrapers and highways in NYC, the small towns take the spotlight in winter.

Saugerties

Windswept sea oats front the snow clad Saugerties Lighthouse on the frozen Hudson River in Upstate New York
Windswept sea oats front the snow clad Saugerties Lighthouse on the frozen Hudson River in Upstate New York.

Cuddled between the foothills of the Catskills Mountains and the Hudson River, not far from Woodstock, is the quiet town of Saugerties in Ulster County. In town is the famous Saugerties Lighthouse, which provides visitors a beautiful walk along the Hudson River shore. This lighthouse also doubles as a bed and breakfast Inn for tourists.

Visit the Catskills Animal Sanctuary, a 110-acre haven for rescued animals. Spend time playing with these rescued animals on your solo or romantic date. Walk around the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve and enjoy its breathtaking view. Visitors wanting to brave the temperatures outside can also camp at the Blue Mountain Campground.

Kingston

A view down Strand Street in the Rondout Business District, part of Kingston's water front
A view down Strand Street in the Rondout Business District, Kingston, New York. Image credit Brian Logan Photography via Shutterstock

Placed as the County Seat of Ulster County is Kingston, a town that stood as the first capital of New York. The town was burned down during the American Revolutionary War, but it moved on to become a major transport hub in the 19th century.

The town is one of the most affordable places for a winter getaway as it receives fewer tourists during winter due to the cold weather, with average daily highs around 44°F. There are several trails in and around the town, each telling a unique story. Grab a brochure and go on a guided walk along the historical districts of Kingston on the Heritage Trail or hike with your friends along the Interpretive Nature Trail, where you get to see 32 different tree species. There are many places to stay; check out the Hampton Inn.

Rhinebeck

East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York
East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York. Image credit Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock

Rhinebeck, also known as the Town of the Rhinebeck, is a charming, renowned town in the Hudson Valley, across the river from Kingston. The Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill is the highest point in the Town of Rhinebeck. This park offers a breathtaking view of the Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, and Taconic Mountains. This area is one of Rhinebeck’s prime sledding destinations. You can also go hiking up the Ferncliff Forest. After a refreshing day outside, participate in the town's festivities and stay at comfortable accommodations like Whistlewood Farm Bed and Breakfast.

Lake George

Kids having a fun ride in a dog sled on the ice of Lake George during the February 7 , 2009 Lake George Winter Carnival.
Dog sled on the ice of Lake George during the Lake George Winter Carnival. Image credit Sean Donohue Photo via Shutterstock

Lake George is a breathtaking town named after the lake of the same name. The town is in Warren County, New York. In Lake George, you can enjoy winter activities like skiing, ice fishing, and skating. The Lake George Winter Carnival, running since 1961, is a big draw on the weekends in February. Go skiing at the town's premier ski resorts: the Gore Mountain and West Mountain. Stay at the Beckley’s Lakeside Log Cabins to enjoy the beautiful lakeside view from your room’s window.

Lewiston

A tranquil view southward along the Niagara River from the waterfront landing in Lewiston, New York,
Niagara River from the waterfront landing in Lewiston, New York. Image credit Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Named after Morgan Lewis, a former governor of New York, Lewiston is a historic town in Niagara County, New York. Devil’s Hole State Park is a popular destination for hiking and snowshoeing. The park has many trails; one of the popular trails descends into the Niagara River Gorge, while another connects the park to the Whirlpool State Park.

Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park is another must-visit park in Lewiston. The park is generally referred to as the Artpark. It has picnic tables, hiking, winter-biking trails, and art theaters. While at the park, you can enjoy the view of amazing visual arts. After a long day exploring the great outdoors, you can retire to a room at Aartpark Hotel Inn.

Lake Placid

Light snow falling on Lake Placid, lawn chairs and gazebo, State of New York
Light snow falling in Lake Placid, New York.

Lying along Mirror Lake is the resort town of Lake Placid in Essex County, New York. This town was the 1932 and 1980 host of the Winter Olympics. It also hosted the 1972 and 2023 Winter World University Games.

When Mirror Lake is frozen, it is an interesting place to play and relax. From ice skating to dog-sledding, there are many things you can do on Mirror Lake in winter. Skate at the Olympic Oval and feel like an Olympic gold medalist. Take a trip on the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute for an exhilarating experience. Hold onto your hats and heart; you are in for the ride of your life. Book a room at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort to enjoy the beauty of Mirror Lake from your window.

Saranac Lake

The beautiful small village of Saranac Lake, New York located in the Adirondack State Park in wintertime
Downtown street in Saranac Lake, New York in wintertime. Image credit debra millet via Shutterstock

Saranac Lake is a town in New York named after the Upper, Lower, and Middle Saranac Lakes. The town is small, with fewer than 5,000 residents, but it has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Check out one of the oldest winter carnivals in the United States, The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. Dating back to 1897, the festival runs every February and is a must-visit with a new theme every year.

While in the area, take a trip to the Wild Center in nearby Tupper Lake, a 54,000-square-foot indoor space, trails, and guided canoe trips on the river in the center. Snowshoeing is also a fun way to enjoy your winter getaway in Saranac Lake. The Mount Pisgah Recreation Center has a nice spot for skiing. Make sure to get a cozy room at Mallard Hill Cottage.

Saratoga Springs

Downtown Broadway, where shops are decorated for the holidays and cars are parked along the busy street for shoppers to finish their holiday purchases.
Downtown Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York. Image credit Theresa Lauria via Shutterstock

Saratoga Springs is home to the Saratoga Race Course and Performing Art Center. The name of this town reflects the presence of mineral springs within the town, which has attracted tourists worldwide over the last two centuries.

The Saratoga Spa State Park is one of the major parks in the state. The park has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, historic bathhouses, and mineral springs. The park also houses the National Museum of Dance and the Hall of Fame. Hike or snowshoe through the family-friendly trails at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. After a long day out in the wild, you can unwind at any of the cozy accommodations in town, like the Union Gables Inn.

Beacon

Main Street in Beacon, New York in January
Main Street in Beacon, New York in the winter. Image credit ArtSkillCraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Beacon is a town at the foot of Mount Beacon, on the east bank of the Hudson River, about 70 miles away from New York. The town’s name was inspired by the fire set at the top of Mount Beacon to warn George Washington about the British troops during the American Revolution.

The Greenway Trail is a hiking trail in Beacon that gives you access to Fishkill Creek, the second-longest stream in the county. Several species of sea animals can be found in this stream, such as Alewife, American eel, Blanding's turtle, and many more. Mount Beacon Park has trails in and around the Mount Beacon Incline Railway, where you can go hiking with friends and family. Have a lovely, relaxing evening at the Beacon Bed and Breakfast.

These Towns In New York Come Alive In WinterWhether you live in New York or are looking for travel ideas, “The Empire State” has much to offer during the winter months

New York is one of the original 13 colonies in the United States. The Empire State is filled with many historic cities and towns, and each played a unique role during the American Revolutionary War. These towns offer more than just history. They are filled with crazy outdoor adventures to keep your adrenaline level at an all-time high throughout your vacation.

Book your ticket, pack your winter gear, and prepare for fun in any of these New York towns.

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Sarah Olaleye January 14 2024 in Places

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