8 Most Picturesque Small Towns to Visit in New York This Summer
As the summer months continue to unfold, the state of New York brightens with endless opportunities to reconnect with nature. Whether seeking out a tranquil Hudson River stroll or a more active Catskill Mountain hike, New York’s diverse terrains invite endless exploration and adventure. And for those craving relaxation, what could be better than a visit to the enchanting Finger Lakes?
From island campsites to waterfall hiking trails, the Empire State offers dazzling attractions at every turn, each more exciting than the last. To experience these bucket list-worthy adventures, here are 8 of the most picturesque New York towns to discover this summer.
Saugerties
You may know the quirky town of Saugerties for hosting the 25th anniversary Woodstock festival in 1994. And while the town no longer boasts the same hippie festivities, its free-spirited culture remains intact through the town’s love of the outdoors. With the Catskill Mountains on one side of town and the Hudson River on the other, Saugertie has become a true nature haven. Part of the town is even located right inside Catskill Park, offering a gateway to stunning alpine lakes, 10 of the highest Catskill Peaks, and 700,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness.
Elsewhere in town, Saugerties’ Falling Water Preserve is equally gorgeous in the summertime. On top of mountain views and riverside paths, the preserve features towering waterfalls and rock ledges on an easygoing 30-minute hike. Nearby, you can also find what Architectural Digest called “one of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent.” Opus 40, a world-renowned 63-acre sculpture park, is a one-of-a-kind, must-see stop.
Lake Placid
“Home to perfect summers,” the Adirondack Mountain village of Lake Placid is another gorgeous place to get outdoors. In addition to hundreds of rugged backcountry hiking trails, like the Mount Jo Loop Trail, Lake Placid takes “lakeside” to a whole new level. Located on the shores of Mirror Lake and bordered by the town’s namesake, Lake Placid, there is plenty of water to go around.
Mirror Lake earned its name from the calm, reflective waters, so if tranquility is what you are after, look no further. It has a really pretty 2.7-mile loop trail perfect for getting some scenic steps in, while the southern end of the lake features the Lake Placid Public Beach. Visitors can swim, enjoy the sandy shore, or take advantage of the pier’s canoe launch. July is an especially great time to visit the beach, since it offers the perfect viewing point for the Fourth of July fireworks.
Lake Placid’s namesake lake is far larger, but it offers a different vibe entirely. The lake is primarily for water skiing and boating, so you can rent one yourself or let companies like Lake Placid Marina and Boat Tours take the wheel. The hour-long pontoon cruise comes with a narrated tour and some truly breathtaking views of the mountain/lake landscape.
Lake George
Around 2 hours south of Lake Placid, Lake George is another Adirondack Mountain town anchored by the body of water it was named after. As the deepest lake in the Adirondacks (reaching up to 196-foot depths) and the longest lake in the entire state, at 32-miles-long, Lake George is one of the most popular vacation destinations in New York.
With over 200 years of sailing experience, the Lake George Steamboat Company is an incredible experience in the summertime. Guests can take in panoramic mountain views on an old-timey steamboat and spot some of the hundreds of islands dotting Lake George. Speaking of islands-if camping is your thing, 44 of them are state-owned and ready for a night under the stars.
Back in town, summertime in Lake George is overflowing with festivals and events. On June 29th to June 30th 2024, Charles R. Wood Park will host the 8th Annual Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, with food trucks, vendors, and samples from some of New York’s best wineries. Shortly after, the Rock the Dock Musical Festival is happening July 13th, and the month after, the Lake George Music Festival will take place on August 11th to August 22nd.
Seneca Falls
With Cayuga Lake to the east, Seneca Lake to the west, and New York wine country in all directions, the serene town of Seneca Falls is a charming retreat from the stresses of everyday life. With so much surrounding it, the town is known as the “Historic Gateway into the Finger Lakes,” making it a lovely stop for those looking to pack a lot of activities into their visit.
Along with sporting a gorgeous backdrop for your drive into town, the 2 glacial Finger Lakes are famous for their recreational opportunities. Whether renting a Finger Lakes Cycle Boat at the Seneca Lake Pier or buying a ticket to a Discover Cayuga Lake Boat Tour, lake days are one of Seneca Falls’ best features. The town is also a portal to the nearby Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the first wine trail in the United States. With over 130 wineries in the Finger Lakes Wine Region, the trail is the perfect way to personalize your experience.
Watkins Glen
About an hour south of Seneca Falls, the village of Watkins Glen may be small, but its famous attraction welcomed over 1.2 million people in 2023. With just under 2,000 locals, it is easy to appreciate how tremendous Watkins Glen State Park must be to draw crowds this large.
Currently open for the 2024 season, the park’s main claim to fame is the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail. With 19 waterfalls along this path, summertime is by far the park’s busiest time to visit. During your adventure, you will trek stone paths, pass through curtained cascades, and behold majestic waterfalls in all shapes and sizes. Highlights include the Cavern Cascade, a waterfall you walk behind, followed by a climb up a hand-carved 1920’s spiral staircase. Another favorite is the Central Cascade, the largest waterfall in the park, which plunges over 60-feet. With 17 other waterfalls and countless other landmarks, you can see why USA Today readers voted Watkins Glen the #3 State Park in the country.
Skaneateles
If you would prefer a more easy-going day outdoors, nothing beats a relaxing lake day in the town of Skaneateles. The 16-mile Skaneateles Lake is not only one of the prettiest Finger Lakes, but also one of the cleanest lakes in the entire country. Swimming can be enjoyed at Clift Park, which generally reopens toward the end of June. Thayer Park is a better choice for those looking to enjoy a lakefront stroll, with cute shops and cafes like the Skaneateles Antique Center and Vermont Green Mountain Specialty right next door.
From July 31st to August 24th, 2024, visitors can also look forward to the Skaneateles Festival. The 4-week music event will celebrate its 45th year with some of the world’s most talented performers. While in town, other attractions like the Carpenter Falls waterfall hike and Anyela's Vineyards winery make for fun additional stops.
Geneva
Looking back toward the western Finger Lakes, the town of Geneva is ideal for those looking to savor lake days with the whole family. Sitting at the northern end of Seneca Lake, summer in Geneva is the perfect time to visit Seneca Lake State Park. With lakeside picnic areas, 3 playgrounds, a splash pad, and 2 marinas, the park is great for people of all ages, but especially families with young children.
Like other Finger Lake towns, Geneva also has a thriving winery scene. The Three Brothers Wineries and Estates is one of the more popular sites for tastings and vineyard tours, while Ventosa Vineyards is known for its terrace and cafe overlooking the lake. For the ultimate Wine Country experience, visitors can spend the night in Belhurst Castle, a romantic historic landmark with an on-site winery.
Owego
If cute historic towns are what you are after this summer, Owego is as charming as they come. The historic downtown transports its visitors back in time with charming 19th century storefronts. Shops and attractions like Front Street Vintage, Riverow Bookshop, and The John Barleycorn Tavern are just a few businesses housed in these historic structures, or you can head to the Early Owego Antique Center to comb through historic goods. If you love a good treasure hunt, the 2-floor antique mall has over 90 different stalls to explore. Nearby, the Owego Riverwalk is a lovely follow-up. The sparkling Susquehanna River makes for a scenic stroll, connecting to lovely green spaces like Draper Park and Ahwaga Park.
Final Thoughts
From the tranquil Finger Lakes to the rugged Catskill Mountains, adventure is limitless in New York. Whether you are looking to savor a slow-paced day on the shores of Skaneateles Lake or a more challenging trek through the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail, your visit to any of these New York towns can be as exciting or relaxing as you want this summer. One thing for sure though, is you will leave feeling happy you came.
