11 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In New York
New York State is one of the most important and highly visited locations around the world, not only for its economics and politics, but for its natural beauty. A weekend vacation in New York is an excellent way to find a way to relax while surrounding yourself with history, culture, arts and entertainment.
New York City
The world famous New York City is one of the most exciting weekend getaways for any tourist. Filled with arts, culture, history, theater, commerce, broadway and more; the Big Apple always delivers an experience filled with thrills and excitement. New York is known for being the mecca for arts experiences and the accommodations should be no different. Choose from a number of different hotels that feature contemporary pieces of art that could be found in galleries that charge premiums for entry such as 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Hotel 50 Bowery NYC or the Chambers Hotel. A New York Bagel is unique as it is boiled before it is baked and Absolute Bagel makes one of the best. Top it off with some smoked salmon from the flea market before heading over to some of the most memorable monuments in the world and catch a game at Yankee Stadium before sundown. A vacation to New York City is one of the best ways that anyone could spend a weekend.
Niagara Falls
With over 3,100 tons of water dropping over the edge of this geological wonder of the world, it is no surprise that Niagara Falls tops the list as one of the go-to destinations for a weekend vacation. Get some rest for the night at a hotel with a casino or bring your wild child out and stay the night overlooking the falls at either the Sheraton Fallsview, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls, Skyline Hotel or Clifton Victoria Inn to spend a day at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, a family friendly zone that holds one of the largest water parks in North America. Splash around inside and outside by booking a day pass on the Maid of the Mist and take a trip under the falls to see all of the action from below. After being exhilarated by all the action, there are thousands of different restaurants with diverse culinary menus scattered across the entire block. Nightlife and casinos keep visitors busy for hours and day times can be spent basking in the sun on a winery tour to local vineyards. There are so many different activities to choose from and a giant wonder of the world to see when you visit Niagara Falls.
The Adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains deliver on everything that a water lover could imagine, all mixed into one of the most beautiful and sought after vacation spots in America. A winter and summer playground, this vacation offers weekend ski getaways or summer boating excursions to meet the needs of every traveler. A truly relaxing vacation can be enjoyed by checking into Whiteface Lodge on Lake Placid. Located in the northern adirondacks, Whiteface Lodge is one of the most visited luxury resorts with camp design throughout featuring timber accents, ranch style suites and hunter regalia thrown together to create an impeccable sense of rustic luxury. The outdoor activities are all provided through the resort for a small fee and the entertainment options provided range from spa days, film showings at a movie theater to having some fun at the bowling alley. Enjoy Lake Placid and the adirondacks with a relaxing and serene vacation in a serene and scenic space surrounded by the calming outdoors on one of the best weekend vacations available.
The Catskills
The New York Catskill Mountains are one of the surreal and wild places on everyone's bucket list. The mountains with 98 different peaks appeal to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts and offer cultural experiences including the home of the Hudson River School, America’s own famous art movement. Get in on the action and surround yourself in the beauty of the outdoors on this vacation. The Catskills are rural, rugged and changing seasonally to offer a variety of experiences to every visitor. Check out Autocamp Catskills for unique and different accommodations from a townhouse suite, luxury tent, yurt, basement or airstream. A main lodge makes it easy to plan for this vacation as all amenities are available on site. The Catskills have plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts and luxury campers alike. A weekend spent taking in the fresh air and natural light can be rejuvenating for the soul and it is a perfect way to spend your next vacation.
The Finger Lakes
A relaxing New York Getaway, the finger lakes are a serene getaway for anyone looking to spend a day wine tasting or boating across beautiful waters. This part of northwestern New York is known for fall foliage and attractions that appeal to visitors across all four seasons. Watch the fall leaves in bright contrast against the blue sky as they change from green to yellow, orange and red. Get excited about the smell of the changing seasons while you kayak, boat, swim, fish or hunt alongside Finger Lakes. Escape to Plum Point Lodge for a few nights and enjoy 300 feet of lakefront hideaway equipped with cabins, yurts, fire rings and a main lodge with all of the amenities that you could imagine. Grab a bite at Sapalta, the restaurant that uses only locally sourced ingredients to get a true feel for Finger Lakes on your weekend away. Enjoy the majestic and calming environment that surrounds you while you vacation at Finger Lakes, one of the top destinations in New York state.
Fire Island
A big switch from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Fire Island is a barrier island that is free of motorized vehicles. Home of Fire Island National Seashore, this vacation is perfect for bid-watchers and campers looking for an ideal getaway from city life. Lucky visitors can get into the outpost called Water Island, a small and private beach community within Fire Island made up of about 50 homes. This Island was frequented by Teddy Roosevelt and his family and the isolation made it an awesome spot for pirates and rum runners during the prohibition. As one of the last Fire Island communities to gain access to power, it is rich in culture, heritage and provides some of the most authentic culinary experiences available in all of New York State. Grab a drink called “Rocket Fuel: from CJ’s Restaurant and Bar and a dessert from Rachel’s Bakery and Restaurant and be ready for an exciting night of entertainment in the downtown district. Fire Island has become world famous for providing one of the most perfect weekend getaways for those seeking excitement, relaxation, or both.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is one of the most visited locations in all of New York State. Home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, this small town has a big output when it comes to things to do and enjoy while on vacation. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to this town every year offering all kinds of attractions and local sights for every type of visitor to enjoy. A real American joy, the Cooperstown Diner is known as the best restaurant in town providing visitors with an authentic diner experience. A small brick building with home style windows and a painted sign on the door brings old school feels back to your meal after a day of enjoying baseball nostalgia. Stay the night at the Otsego Lake resort where visitors can sit back, take in the natural light, play a round of golf and enjoy lakefront views from their rooms. Stop over at The Hawkeye Bar and Grill, a popular hot spot among locals that offers stone-fired pizzas, mixology mastered cocktails and live entertainment. There is an eclectic mix of Americana, history and culture making Cooperstown one of the greatest places to visit for a weekend.
Saratoga Springs
One of the most popular and sought after vacations in New York state is Sarotoga Springs. This historical location can be one of the most regenerative experiences for those who wish to vacation here. When the Mohawk came to the area, they discovered the Saratoga Spa State Park and the restorative properties of its mineral waters. Travelers flock to the area which hosts a number of amenities including horseback riding, outdoor excursions and a variety of different hiking trails. Hop into these springs, jump among the mountain sprinklers and feel the fresh spa that mother nature has provided cleansing your skin. Get in on the action with a visit to the Saratoga Race Course and bet on your favorite horse while wandering the ranch style grounds or hop on a fake horse in the carousel when visiting Congress Park, a popular spot among locals. After a long day of exciting excursions and experiences, stay the night at the Batcheller Mansion Inn for an especially historical experience and have drinks in the parlor in this fancy Victorian style castle. This stately piece of architecture has a long history in the region and staying within its walls can be quite the experience. These invigorating experiences make Saratoga Springs one of the best weekend getaways available.
Long Island
The famous long island has been one of the most attractive places to vacation for people visiting New York state for centuries. Spend your day tasting wine at the local vineyards down North Fork Wine Trail or head down to Jones Beach State Park which offers a number of amenities including a swimming pool, sports courts, mini golf and many other fun-filled activities. Grab a surfboard and catch a wave down at Ditch Plains Beach or dance among friends at one of the local bars or clubs. Stay at the 1770 House for an eclectic colonial experience. This intimate inn boasts luxurious furnishings, historic architecture and a colonial charm mixed with modern amenities, opulent gardens, vast libraries and world class dining opportunities that are worth the trip to experience. Walk down Coopers Beach and try your hand at surfing, watersports or sunbathe on the relaxing and spacious beachfront. A bustling and exciting downtown filled with historic sites, bars and pubs, Long Island is one of the most exciting weekend vacations for any tourist.
Ithaca
Known for its slogan, “Ithica is gorges,” Ithaca New York boasts a mix of surreal landscapes and world renowned institutions. Ithaca is home to over 150 waterfalls, gorges, rock cuts, hiking and bike trails make this city a sight to see for any outdoor or nature enthusiast. Walk through Ithaca’s Discovery Trail and witness the life that thrives in the forest while overlooking the southern shore of Cayuga Lake where boaters are catching fish by the handful. After a day of exciting outdoor adventures, the spa is an obvious choice. Head down to La Tourelle Hotel and check in for a charming and relaxing cool down after a long beautiful day. La Tourelle offers a warm and friendly environment with a complimentary wine reception every evening to make all visitors feel like family. Grab the complimentary shuttle and head down to Ithaca for some much loved culinary specials at Just a Taste, a restaurant that specializes in fine wines and fresh tapas. These sharing plates change regularly and are renowned for the chef's genuine creativity. There is no surprise that Ithaca tops visitors' favorite places in New York and it is a must see for anyone planning their next vacation.
Thousand Islands
Visitors from all over the world travel to see the place called Thousand Island, the collection of more than 1,800 islands that stretch across this area of North America, sitting in New York state but bordering into Canada. A cruise on these waters will bring you past waterfront castles, forts, lighthouses and mansions all upon the backdrop of some of the most rugged and surreal landscapes in the world. After cruising, hop off and hike the land in Wellesley Island State Park viewing the abundance of flora, plants and wildlife during this epic vacation to Thousand Island. Learn how to sail during the day and grab a drink with friends at night. Head over to enjoy some live music at an outdoor venue and try some of the best southern seafood that you could imagine. This nautical shoreline has everything for the perfect getaway. Check into the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel overlooking the St.Lawrence River for accommodations that match the decadence of the vast outdoor landscape.
No matter where you choose to venture in New York State, there are plenty of amazing cities that can provide you with more experiences that you could ever imagine. These cities are the most visited places in New York State where the proximinity to outdoor recreation and metropolitan life is unparralleled. A vacation for a few days can be relaxing or exciting, whichever you choose. New York State provides the best amenities and the cities for the most impressive 3 day vacations.
