Top 12 New York Towns To Visit In 2025
From the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple to the forest-covered mountains of the Adirondacks, New York is an incredibly diverse travel destination to check out in 2025. Although metropolises like New York City are undeniably top-tier when it comes to things to see and do for tourists, we would like to focus on some of the smaller towns the Empire State has in store today.
Whether you're looking to explore the countryside around the Hudson River, embark on a ski trip at a former Winter Olympics facility, or simply want to walk through a historic downtown core, here are 12 must-visit New York communities you should check out this year.
Sleepy Hollow
This storybook town is best known for its connection to Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but its history and setting make it a compelling destination beyond its literary fame. Located a very short drive north of New York City, Sleepy Hollow does an amazing job of preserving its past while providing convenient access to residents in the New York metro area with scenic parks and historic landmarks.
The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of Irving, as well as figures like Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller, is a key stop for history buffs. Nearby, the Old Dutch Church and its adjacent burial ground date back all the way back to the late 1600s and play a central role in the town’s robust ghostly folklore. Furthermore, Philipsburg Manor, a restored 18th-century milling and trading complex, provides details into the region’s early history.
For outdoor fun, Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers miles of carriage roads through dense woodlands and pastures, with views of the Pocantico River to be found along the way. For a simple afternoon walk, Kykuit, the Rockefeller family estate, is the place to go, known for its expansive gardens, classical architecture, and even an impressive art collection on site.
As Halloween approaches, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor is a major draw, with elaborate pumpkin displays and activities for the whole family, making Sleepy Hollow a must-visit for New Yorkers this fall.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is widely recognized for its connection to America's favorite pastime, baseball, But its appeal for visitors of all kinds goes far beyond the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
This small town on Otsego Lake presents a strong mix of history, culture, and natural beauty in upstate New York. For example, The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum both provide deep insight into 19th-century rural life and American folk art, while Hyde Hall, an ornate mansion built in the early 1800s, is a historic landmark that you can tour up close.
Downtown Cooperstown maintains a traditional small-town atmosphere, with a fun selection of mom-and-pop shops, breweries, and restaurants available along Main Street. If beer is on your mind, Brewery Ommegang, just outside town, is one of the best of its kind in New York and produces Belgian-style ales, along with hosting concerts and other seasonal events regularly.
Outdoor recreation options here are equally as diverse. Nearby Glimmerglass State Park is home to numerous hiking trails, a sandy beach, and lakefront scenery, while Otsego Lake has many places to launch a boating and countless ideal fishing holes, making Cooperstown a top choice for a summer vacation. Speaking of summer, the Glimmerglass Festival draws visitors with live musical performances and various art installations every season.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is most known for its namesake state park, where a gorgeous trail system l winds through a narrow gorge past 19 individual waterfalls! The park’s stone bridges and staircases provide access to other dramatic rock formations, making it one of New York’s most scenic hiking destinations, especially in the fall when the abundant foliage changes colors.
Aside from the famous park, the town of Watkins Glen sits at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, offering further lakefront recreation and an idyllic central location for exploring the Finger Lakes wine region. Seneca Harbor Park is a scenic spot to relax by the water, with boat tours offering a better look at the lake’s rolling vineyards and cliffs. And for true wine enthusiasts, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail starts here too, leading to some of the best wineries in the region like Silver Springs Winery and Lakewood Vineyards.
Watkins Glen is also home to a surprisingly robust motorsports community. The Watkins Glen International racetrack has hosted everything from Formula One to NASCAR, attracting racing fans from around the country every year. The town’s racing history can be explored in depth at the International Motor Racing Research Center, which documents the sport’s evolution throughout the decades.
With its striking landscapes and lakeside attractions, Watkins Glen remains one of the best small towns to visit in New York for nature lovers.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy is undeniable. Twice the host of the Winter Games (in 1932 and 1980), the town still thrives as an outdoor recreation hub with the Olympic Center, ski jumps, and world-class ski hills open to visitors. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum preserves this history with expertly curated exhibits on legendary athletes and events that took place in the town during the games. The Adirondack Experience Museum, just a short drive away, is another great destination to learn a bit more about the region’s cultural and natural history.
Surrounded by the wonderful Adirondack High Peaks and a number of lakes, Lake Placid is also a hotspot for hikers, climbers, and boaters year-round. Mirror Lake, at the town’s center, is a highly accessible body of water that is perfect for kayaking in summer and ice skating in winter. Feel free to also walk the footpath around the lake, making for a nice and easy stroll near downtown Lake Placid.
Be sure to also take your car down Whiteface Mountain’s Veterans’ Memorial Highway, which leads to panoramic viewpoints over the mountains, while nearby High Falls Gorge is home to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the region, with and scenic walkway accompanying it.
Hudson
Hudson has transformed over the centuries from a historic river port into a thriving center for the arts, dining, and shopping. Its location along the Hudson River makes it a scenic stop on its own, while its well-preserved architecture shows off its storied 18th- and 19th-century roots.
Start your visit at Warren Street, the town’s main thoroughfare which is lined with most of its best independent galleries, vintage shops, and farm-to-table restaurants that source ingredients from the lush farmlands surrounding the town. Grab a meal and/or a drink at renowned locales like Wunderbar Bistro or Hudson Brewing Company, or go for a higher-end option at Savona's Trattoria & Bar - Hudson.
As mentioned art and culture play a central role in Hudson’s identity. If this interests you, pay a visit to the Basilica Hudson, a former factory-turned-arts venue that hosts concerts, film screenings, and seasonal markets. Moreover, the Hudson Opera House, now known as Hudson Hall, is New York State’s oldest surviving theater and remains an active performance space. Contemporary art galleries such as Carrie Haddad Gallery can also be easily found downtown.
Options for outdoor activity are plentiful too, and mainly include riverfront parks and trails. Nearby Olana State Historic Site offers perhaps the best views in town of the Hudson Valley. This park is the former home of artist Frederic Church and also features beautiful Persian-inspired mansions and an extensive collection of 19th-century art within it.
Dunkirk
Dunkirk, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is a historic port town. Learn a bit about its history at the Dunkirk Lighthouse, dating back to 1875. This maritime landmark remains one of the town’s most recognizable symbols and can be visited year-round. Its museum details the region’s naval history, and the lighthouse tower provides 360-degree views of the expansive lakeshore. For more natural scenery, pay a visit to nearby Point Gratiot Park, which offers sandy beaches, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it a popular spot for visitors in the summer.
The town’s waterfront district features a marina, fishing piers, and lakefront dining options. Steelbound Dunkirk is an upscale eatery just steps away from the water, featuring a hearty menu and offerings from local breweries and distilleries. Closeby is the Dunkirk Historical Museum too, an informative destination housed in a former train station that explores the town’s industrial and railroad past.
Dunkirk also sits on the Lake Erie Wine Country trail, which stretches through western New York and Pennsylvania. Local wineries, including Liberty Vineyards & Winery, offer tastings of the region’s signature varietals.
Seasonal festivals, such as the Great Lakes Experience Festival, celebrate Dunkirk’s connection to the lake with educational exhibits and outdoor activities. Charter fishing is another major draw here, with Lake Erie known for its walleye and bass.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is among the finest lake towns in New York, and competition is tough in this state. Seated in the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles is a hotbed of cottages (both private and rental) and an idyllic destination to spend a weekend by the water.
The town’s historic district contains many of its original structures dating to the 19th century. They now house businesses and other amenities, like the Sherwood Inn, a landmark since 1807 that remains a popular spot for dining with a view of the lake. The pier and Clift Park, a short walk from downtown, provide easy public access to the waterfront, while Mid-Lakes Navigation offers cruises showcasing Skaneateles Lake.
Nearby wineries and cideries are also a major draw to this region. Anyela’s Vineyards is a choice spot, where tastings and tours can be enjoyed along with unobstructed lakefront views. This community is also home to some notable festivities, like the Skaneateles Festival, which brings in music performances every summer. During the holidays, the town transforms for its Dickens Christmas celebration, drawing visitors with costumed performers and fun activities for everyone.
Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor is a stand-out in the Hamptons of Long Island. Once a major whaling port, the town still holds onto remnants of its seafaring past at the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the once bustling 19th-century whaling industry. The nearby Custom House, another key historic landmark, dates back to 1790 and provides insight into Sag Harbor’s role as a key trading hub on the Atlantic coast.
The town’s waterfront remains central to its character, now serving mostly tourists instead of whaling vessels. Here, you will find Marine Park and Long Wharf, both featuring views of the harbor and the ocean scapes beyond, while the numerous local marinas accommodate sailboats and fishing charters. Havens Beach provides a quieter spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the nearby Mashashimuet Park is a great place to go for a walk near Upper Sag Harbor Cove.
Sag Harbor’s downtown is also filled with independent galleries, locally owned boutiques, and cultural attractions. The Bay Street Theater hosts year-round performances, including plays, concerts, and comedy shows. If you're hungry during your time in town, dining options range from classic seafood spots to all sorts of other cuisines for varying budgets.
Niagara Falls
Known by pretty much anyone around the world with access to the internet or a map, we're not here to say that sheer popularity (and crowds) necessarily detracts from what makes a place truly great. Niagara Falls, New York, is home to one of the most famous natural attractions on the planet. The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of Horseshoe Falls can all be viewed from Niagara Falls State Park, which is in fact the the oldest state park in the U.S.
Here you can experience the falls up close with the Maid of the Mist boat tour or the Cave of the Winds, which leads to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. The park’s observation tower and various walking trails provide additional vantage points for you to see this epic natural wonder in its full glory.
Aside from the falls, this city is home to other natural, cultural, and historic attractions. For one, Old Fort Niagara, located where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, dates back to the 17th century and hosts reenactments and exhibits on early military history, particularly the War of 1812. If you're keen to go on a real walk, the Niagara Gorge Trail System provides more secluded hiking opportunities along the river, while the Aquarium of Niagara is home to a variety of regional marine life that you can see up close.
Niagara Falls is yet another town with an excellent variety of local wine, due in part to its fertile glacial soils that are ideal for grape growing. Sitting on the Niagara Wine Trail, this specific region is known for its ice wines and cool-climate varietals.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua sits at the northern tip of Canandaigua Lake and is another amazing gateway to the Finger Lakes. This community's lakefront is a focal point, with Kershaw Park offering public access to the water, maintained trails, and picnicking areas. Boat tours and rentals also allow you to explore the expansive lake, while nearby wineries, including those on the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, highlight the region’s notable viticulture.
During the summer, Roseland Waterpark provides family-friendly entertainment, while the Canandaigua Lake Music Festival brings classical performances every year too.
Uncover Canandaigua's longstanding history at the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, which houses a 19th-century estate replete with gardens, pathways, and a preserved Victorian home. The town’s historical significance is also evident at the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, which provides insight into early American life in upstate New York.
This town is also the home of the renowned The New York Kitchen, a culinary center dedicated to regional cuisine, that offers tastings, cooking classes, and events celebrating farm-to-table eating in the Finger Lakes.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring rests within the Hudson Valley and attracts history lovers to its historic district, which still retains much of its original character and buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. The town's past is central to its identity, with destinations like the West Point Foundry Preserve, a short walk from downtown, highlighting the town’s former role in iron production with interpretive trails through the ruins of an old foundry. Furthermore, Boscobel House and Gardens, located just south of town, offers tours of a Federal-style mansion overlooking the Hudson.
Outdoor enthusiasts are also drawn to the area for its proximity to some of the best hiking in the Hudson Valley. Breakneck Ridge, a challenging trail with sweeping views of the river, is one of the most popular hikes in the state. Other nearby trails, including those at Hudson Highlands State Park, provide scenic routes with varying levels of difficulty.
fascinating history, outdoor activities, and a walkable downtown means that Cold Spring remains one of the Hudson Valley’s most rewarding small-town destinations in 2025.
Woodstock
Woodstock is synonymous with the famous 1969 music festival, though the event itself took place in Bethel, over 50 miles away. Despite this, the town remains a center for arts, music, and countercultural history in New York.
Be sure to stop by top local attractions like the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, a locale that shines a light on the town’s long-standing creative community (some may call the hippies), while live music venues like the Colony and Bearsville Theater continue its longstanding musical legacy. Every summer, the Woodstock Film Festival also brings independent filmmakers and cinephiles to the area.
Beyond the arts scene, Woodstock provides easy access to the Catskill Mountains. Overlook Mountain Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the area, leads to a panoramic viewpoint and the ruins of an old hotel. Nearby, Kaaterskill Falls is one of New York’s tallest waterfalls, a perfect place for a landscape photo during any season of the year.
Whether for live music, hiking, or simply exploring its creative community, the town continues to embody a free-spirited atmosphere that has defined it for many decades.
Put the Empire State on Your Travel List This Year
Whether you want to experience the power of nature, go skiing in the winter, or explore a niche museum, New York is a top choice for travelers in 2025, with its many offerings extending far beyond NYC. From the Great Lakes to the Adirondack Mountains, down to Long Island and beyond, this highly diverse state offers almost endless opportunities for adventure of all kinds, regardless of the time of year you're visiting.
