14 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Upstate New York You Should Visit
While the exact borders of Upstate New York are hotly debated, especially among New Yorkers, one thing everyone agrees on is this: Upstate New York is home to some of the most beautiful small towns on the East Coast of the USA.
Covering the entire state outside of New York City, Upstate New York’s natural beauty is certainly enhanced by the many smaller communities dotted across the landscape. From historic villages such as Alexandria Bay that were founded by the country’s first settlers to internationally renowned winter sports destinations like Lake Placid, the best small towns in Upstate New York offer no end of fun things to do for those on the look-out for a great family vacation or romantic weekend getaway. Below is a curated list of the most beautiful small towns in Upstate New York.
Kingston
Kingston, NY, makes it to the top of our list for a number of reasons, not least of which is the fact this town of 24,000 souls has the distinction of being the state’s very first capital. Just 91 miles north of New York City, Kingston was first settled in 1652 and remains one of the state’s pretties communities.
Referred to by locals as “Uptown Kingston,” the historic downtown core is where you’ll find the best things to do in Kingston. From art gallery hopping to souvenir and antique shopping or simply browsing, it’s a charming area to explore on foot, stopping for a coffee or lunch when you reach the waterfront district adjacent to the Hudson River.
Lake George
Named after the body of water that stretches northwards from its downtown area, Lake George (population 3,400) was a relative newcomer in terms of being settled. Founded in the mid-1800s, its relatively remote location in the heart of the famous Adirondack Mountains made it the perfect getaway destination for well-heeled New Yorkers looking to escape the big city, forgoing the hustle and bustle for the region’s outstanding natural beauty.
This attractive town remains a popular vacation spot for outdoor adventurers. Hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers all flock here not just for the beautiful scenery, but also for the small-town lifestyle Lake George offers. Stroll along Main Street for some shopping in the boutiques and craft shops, stop for a bite to eat, and then head out onto the lake for some fishing, sailing, kayaking… or just to enjoy the great views.
Lake Placid
The best-known small town in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid (population 2,245) is also one of the prettiest. Despite having the distinction of hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, Lake Placid has managed to retain its village-like appeal. Sure, you’ll find large 5-star resorts here such as Lake Placid Lodge and Whiteface Lodge, but you don’t have to try too hard to find smaller, more intimate places to stay.
Main Street still exudes a small-town charm that feels like something right out of the history books. The fact that the majority of its shops are owned and operated by locals certainly helps. Come for a summer day trip, then return again when the snow flies with your skies for a weekend hitting the slopes on Whiteface Mountain.
Piermont
Pretty Piermont is another historic small town located on the banks of the Hudson River that you’ll want to include on your Upstate New York travel itinerary. With a population of just 2,500 people, Piermont has retained its authentic village-like appeal, with remnants of its past as a transport hub still evident along the waterfront trail, the Pier, that follows the old Erie Railroad line.
Today, instead of trains pulling heavily laden goods wagons, you’re more likely to see birdwatchers, fishers, hikers, and bikers enjoying this picture-perfect setting. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and crabbing, as well as fall color driving tours.
Potsdam
Established in 1806 and named after one of the most attractive cities in Germany, Potsdam (population 15,000) is famous for the reddish-orange sandstone that gives it its unique feel. While vast quantities of this famous building material were exported across the USA, you’ll find many great examples of it in well-preserved Victorian-era buildings throughout the town, including in the Potsdam Museum which provides plenty of details about its history.
In addition to being home to the State University of New York, Potsdam is a popular place to visit in Upstate New York for its location at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, making it a great jumping-off point to explore this beautiful region.
Auburn
One of the larger communities on our list of beautiful small towns In Upstate New York, Auburn (population 26,500) is an easy 40-minute drive west of the city of Syracuse and is well worth a visit if you’re touring the south shore of Lake Ontario.
A highlight of any visit to Auburn is exploring the shoreline of Owasco Lake. One of the prettiest of the state’s famous “Finger Lakes,” the parks and green spaces along Auburn’s waterfront are easily accessible and scenic. Another must-visit is Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Named after the African-American heroine who ended her days in Auburn, you can easily access nature trails from here or wander your way to the town’s charming downtown area.
Sylvan
Many visitors are surprised when they first hear that the small town of Sylvan (population just 1,000) is one of New York State’s most popular beach destinations. Located on the east shore of Oneida Lake, this pretty small town boasts no less than two miles of sandy beaches. Whether you head to Sylvan Beach itself or Verona Beach State Park, you’ll enjoy great swimming with a shallow entry that’s perfect for families.
Head downtown afterward for a wide choice of dining options, including brewpubs and BBQ joints, or take the kids to a theme park to blow off some steam. One of the best, Carello’s Carousel Arcade, has been welcoming tourists and day-trippers since 1896, and boasts a variety of vintage rides.
Saratoga Springs
A place that’s so pretty Disney named one of their Florida resorts after it, Saratoga Springs (population 28,300) is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic New York State destination. Saratoga Springs is world-renowned as a breeding and training ground for thoroughbred horses, a theme that can be seen pretty much everywhere.
You’ll want to spend time exploring downtown Saratoga Springs. Here, picture-perfect old Victorian-era homes dot the tree-lined streets, an especially pretty sight in spring when the blossoms add a dash of color. Drag yourself away from the shopping and dining opportunities that abound here and spend a little time exploring area attractions including the Saratoga Automobile Museum and the National Museum of Dance and Hall.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is so much more than just a neat-sounding name. The 7,700 “Skaneatelians” who call this picturesque place home owe a big “thank you” to the Iroquois who gave it its name which, translated, literally means “long lake.” One of New York State’s Finger Lakes, Skaneateles Lake certainly is long, stretching 16 miles from the north shore to the south. It’s also one of the most photogenic thanks to its clean, nearly turquoise coloring, looking a little more Caribbean than American.
In addition to exploring the picturesque town center with its historic 19th-century architecture and tree-lined streets, fun things to do in Skaneateles include sampling its food and drinks scene, including vineyards, breweries, and distilleries; hiking and mountain biking; and swimming and sailing.
Corning
Corning is one of those places you simply know you’ve heard of… even if you haven’t. This small town of around 10,700 people is known the world over as the hometown of Corning Glass Works, one of North America’s best-known makers of glassware. The Corning Museum of Glass attracts thousands of visitors each year, all here to view its impressive displays of glass sculptures. Best of all, hands-on experiences and demonstrations are also provided.
Corning is also home to some of the top cultural attractions in Upstate New York. Places to visit in this pretty town include the Rockwell Museum, popular for its vast art collections, and the downtown core’s historic Gaffer District.
Saranac Lake
Closer to the Canadian city of Montreal than it is New York City, Saranac Lake (population 4,800) is the perfect spot to stay while you explore the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. In addition to wandering its attractive Main Street, you’ll want to spend time exploring the surrounding lakes, which are popular destinations for kayaking and canoeing, as well as fishing.
Come winter, Saranac Lake welcomes the ski crowd, drawn here for its excellent skiing and snowboarding. The town itself seems even prettier when the snow flies, especially in the build-up to Christmas and later during the Winter Carnival when it's lit up with colorful displays of lights.
Woodstock
Who hasn’t heard of Woodstock? This town of nearly 41,000 shot to fame in 1969 when the Woodstock Music and Art Fair became the nation’s most iconic rock event. Despite the fact the festival actually took place in Bethel nearly 60 miles to the west, it didn’t stop Woodstock from becoming famous overnight.
This cultural connection remains, although the creativity Woodstock is best known for these days is exemplified by its numerous art galleries and studios, its craft and artisan shops, along with its fashion boutiques. Thanks to its location within Catskill Park, Woodstock is also a popular spot to visit for those who enjoy hiking and other outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking.
Alexandria Bay
One of the prettiest towns in The Thousand Islands, a stunning area that’s shared between Canada and the USA, Alexandria Bay has a lot going for it. With less than a thousand inhabitants (963 at last count), its location on the St. Lawrence River has made it popular with boaters from both sides of the border. Not only can you rent a boat for some exploration of the waters on your own, but you can also join a fun boat tour to see the sights.
A must-see attraction here is the magnificent Boldt Castle. Accessible only by boat, this 120-room island mansion was built in the style of a European chateau in the early 1900s for a wealthy New Yorker, and today is open for the public to visit.
Beacon
The last stop on our list of the most beautiful small towns to visit in Upstate New York is Beacon (population 13,721). An easy day trip from NYC, this attractive town is known as an arts hub and is home to numerous galleries, studios, and museums. One of the best, Dia:Beacon, is housed in a repurposed factory and is part of revitalizing the town's waterfront. Part of the revitalization of the waterfront, it’s just one thing that helps make Beacon such a great place to visit.
In Conclusion
Be sure to include the destinations on this list in your planning and research. Among the most charming destinations on the USA’s East Coast, these 14 beautiful small towns in Upstate New York have everything needed for a memorable day trip, a romantic getaway, an extended vacation, or even as a place to relocate or retire.
