2024's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New York
The state of New York, in general, is one of the most beautiful in the country. This is in part due to the many natural wonders and friendly small towns that can be found throughout it. From the Great Lakes region to the Adirondack Mountains and further on to the Atlantic Coast, the sheer diversity of landscapes in this one state alone makes it stand out as a top-tier tourist destination.
Find 10 of the most scenic towns located in New York and learn why you should consider visiting them in 2024.
Skaneateles
Located in the iconic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Skaneateles stands out for its pristine lakefront and long-standing history as a vacation destination for New Yorkers. Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest bodies of water in the country, draws visitors for boating, swimming, and cruises in the warmer months, while partly freezing over in the winter, making it a popular spot for ice fishing and skating. Also in the summer, the annual Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show showcases vintage boats on the lake.
The town’s pier and lakeside parks provide beautiful views of the surrounding hills and waters, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during the fall when the foliage changes to brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds. Historical landmarks like the Sherwood Inn, dating back to 1807, add another touch of nostalgia to the downtown core. You can learn more about its history at the Skaneateles Historical Society.
Greenport
Located on the North Fork of Long Island, Greenport is a historic maritime village with a gorgeous harbor area, among many other charms. Once a bustling whaling port, this town has preserved much of its heritage, which is evident through several of its historic and cultural draws. For example, Greenport’s past as a port town is celebrated at the East End Seaport Museum, where you can learn about the town’s maritime history and even take a boat tour to the nearby Long Beach Bar “Bug” Lighthouse.
Looking to explore some of Long Island's underappreciated nature? Greenport’s beaches and nearby nature preserves, such as the Arshamomaque Preserve, can easily fill up an afternoon with hiking and wildlife watching. For something right in town, however, there is Mitchell Park. Located at the heart of downtown Greenport, this city park features a waterfront carousel and offers idyllic viewpoints of the harbor.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring is nestled along the Hudson River in the picturesque Hudson Highlands and is a favorite for visitors as it is within reasonable driving distance from New York City (less than an hour and a half from most parts of the city). Its scenic location offers sweeping views of the river and nearby mountains, also making it a popular destination for hikers exploring trails like Breakneck Ridge.
The riverfront area in downtown Cold Spring is a peaceful spot to relax and watch boats drift by or enjoy a picnic with a view of the Hudson Highlands. Visitors are also drawn to the town for its proximity to the nearby Boscobel House and Gardens, a Federal-period mansion with stunning views of the Hudson River. Cold Spring’s historical significance is further reflected in landmarks such as the West Point Foundry, a 19th-century ironworks, where you can walk through the ruins and learn about the area’s once-thriving industrial past.
Aurora
Aurora is another great town in the Finger Lakes. Perched on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region, Aurora is a gem best known for its lakeside resorts and plethora of beautiful parks in the surrounding area.
The quiet streets of downtown Aurora are lined with beautifully restored 19th-century homes and historic landmarks, including the stately Aurora Inn, which dates back to 1833 and serves as a centerpiece of the town. Aurora is also home to Wells College, a historic liberal arts college founded in 1868. Although the college, unfortunately, closed its doors in 2024, its campus is still a perfect place for an easy walk near town with unobstructed views of the lake.
Nearby, Long Point State Park provides additional lakeside recreation, with picnic areas and hiking trails. A short drive north along Cayuga Lake will also take you to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, a bird sanctuary spanning 10,000 acres with a number of excellent fishing spots and a visitor center.
Tarrytown
Tarrytown sits in the Hudson Valley and is a very short drive north of New York City. Known in popular media for its proximity to the iconic Sleepy Hollow, as in the classic story this small town is surrounded by wooded hills, with the majestic Hudson providing a gorgeous backdrop.
The town’s rich history can be experienced up close with a visit to landmarks like Lyndhurst Mansion, a Gothic Revival estate set on expansive grounds overlooking the Hudson. This 19th-century mansion is open to visitors, offering tours that looker deeper into its iconic architecture and the lives of its former residents.
Tarrytown’s riverside parks provide beautiful spots to relax and enjoy the scenery, while its vibrant cultural scene includes live performances at the Tarrytown Music Hall, a historic venue dating back to 1885. For another blend of history and natural beauty, the historic Tappan Zee Bridge and nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve are highly recommended for their viewpoints of the river and surrounding countryside.
Saugerties
Saugerties is in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and is a haven for anybody looking for outdoor adventure in 2024. It is a main gateway to the natural splendor of the Catskills, with nearby hiking trails like those at the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, where visitors can enjoy riverside walks and birdwatching.
There is more to this place than just the parks, however. You should spend some time exploring the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 beacon situated along the river, offering both history and clear views of the Hudson River. Saugerties also hosts events like the annual Garlic Festival and boasts a rich artistic community, with small local galleries and studios, like Emerge Gallery & Art Space, showcasing works by regional artists. Just outside town, Opus 40, a massive stone sculpture park, invites you to marvel at its impressive artistry within a pristine natural setting in upstate New York.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is located on the southern shore of Otsego Lake, which sits about halfway between Syracuse and Albany. Most famously known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, this town is also a top spot for anyone looking to spend a weekend by the water.
Otsego Lake, often referred to as “Glimmerglass,” is the obvious main draw, while parks like Glimmerglass State Park, a short trip up the lake's shore, provide all with scenic hiking trails and a sandy beach along with facilities for picnicking.
Cooperstown’s charming downtown area contains a collection of historic buildings, many of which now house shops and restaurants. Visitors can also check out the Farmers’ Museum, a living history museum that gives a look into 1800s pioneer life, or the Fenimore Art Museum, which features American folk art and various Native American art collections.
Lake Placid
The Adirondack Mountain contains some of the best scenery in the entire United States. The town of Lake Placid sits at the heart of this region and has a strong historical significance as a two-time Winter Olympics host. The town’s Olympic legacy can be appreciated at venues like the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, where you can explore the history of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games.
Lake Placid is surrounded by the High Peaks, a group of lofty mountains that is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to enjoy a hike in the summer on Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak, or a day on the slopes in the winter at nearby Whiteface Mountain. For something closer to town, Mirror Lake sits right in the center of downtown Lake Placid and can be circumnavigated via walking paths or paddle-boarded/kayaked on.
Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor is on the South Fork of Long Island and is a historic whaling village that exudes charm with its preserved 18th- and 19th-century sites, tree-lined streets, and a picturesque waterfront to top it off.
The coastal town's harbor is perfect for boating or simply catching a stunning sunset. Marine Park and Long Wharf are both beautiful nearby public spaces to take in more of the waterfront, while Havens Beach is a relaxing spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Sag Harbor’s cultural life is also robust, with the historic Sag Harbor Cinema and Bay Street Theater hosting films, plays, and events year-round. Be sure to also indulge in some of Sag Harbor's restaurants, many of which use fresh seafood caught locally. The Dock House is located right on the marina and serves up classic American fare with an oceanside view.
Jamestown
Jamestown, located in southwestern New York near Chautauqua Lake, is a town known for its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and its unique claim to fame as the hometown of legendary comedian Lucille Ball. The town celebrates her hilarious yet important legacy at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, which houses several detailed exhibits on her life and career, as well as the nearby National Comedy Center, a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the history of comedy.
To experience the outdoors of the wonderful corner of New York, the Audubon Community Nature Center is located nearby and contains hiking trails, wetlands, and wildlife viewing platforms, allowing visitors to explore the natural environment that surrounds the town.
Experience Beautiful New York in 2024
The Empire State is jam-packed with wonderful destinations to keep you busy throughout the rest of 2024. From the historic coastal towns on Long Island to the nature-filled mountain communities in the Catskills or the Adirondacks, the variety of beauty that can be found here is immense and yearns to be explored in detail.
You may start your journey in the bustling New York City, but as soon as you branch out into the countryside, you will quickly see that New York is easily one of the most beautiful states.
