Top Road Trip Itineraries in New York State
The beauty of New York State lies not just in its landmark attractions, but also in the places in between – the foliage-blanket hills of the Catskills, the serene stillness of the waters in the Finger Lakes, and the silent strength of the peaks of the Adirondacks.
The following five road trip itineraries showcase some of the Empire State’s best sites – from museums and beaches to art parks and nature reserves. However, remember that here, the experience truly lies in the journey and the little gems you’ll witness outside your car window.
1. Long Island’s Gardens, Museums, and Beaches
Best for Family Fun
Old Westbury–Wantagh; 72 miles; allow 1–2 days
Jutting out from the eastern coastline, 118 miles east of New York City, Long Island is a world away from the fast-paced state capital. It’s filled with suburban delights, opulent mansions, and beautiful beaches in every direction, making it an ideal road trip for kids of all ages. The “Are we there yet?”s will quickly turn into “Please, can we stop here too?”
Start at Old Westbury Gardens, an English-style country home from 1906, ringed by 200 acres of formal gardens, woods, ponds, and lakes. Just down the road is Garden City’s Long Island Children’s Museum, featuring imaginative displays on everything from bubbles to mini-beasts. If your kids have their eyes on the skies, opt for the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which boasts fascinating exhibits on early biplanes and spaceflight.
From there, head to the Gatsby Gold Coast on the north side of the island to gawk at the oversized mansions, stopping at Centerport’s Vanderbilt estate to explore the shipping magnate’s mansion and fine museum. Then, head to the southern shore for some playtime at Wantagh’s Jones Beach State Park to frolic on 6.5 miles of white sand.
Detour: For an elongated route, stretch out the distance to the east end of Long Island. On the North Fork, visit the spectacular purple fields of Lavender by the Bay in East Marion or Calverton. You can also enjoy a ride on the century-old carousel in Greenport before heading out to Montauk to climb the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse.
2. A Hudson Valley and Catskills Romantic Sampler
Best for Couples
New Windsor–Hudson; 141 miles; allow 2–3 days
Immediately north of New York City, Mother Nature opens her arms to romantics at any time of year, emphasizing the cozy vibe of autumn, the snowy magic of winter, the floral beauty of spring, and the verdant calm of summer in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
Kick off the getaway by walking hand-in-hand among the outdoor sculptures at Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre wonderland where art mingles with nature amidst meadows, forests, and rolling hills. Then, prove that your partner really can walk on water by taking a stroll over the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s largest pedestrian bridge.
From here, explore the stunning splendor of the Mohonk Mountain House, whether enjoying a luxurious stay or just buying a hiking pass to explore the beautiful trails, including the famous Labyrinth rock scramble. All along the trails are cute wooden gazebos that really enhance the romantic experience.
Keep heading north to Opus 40, a mesmerizing 6.5-acre earthwork sculpture that will keep you both on your toes. Cap the day off by spending an evening at the charmingly cozy Shandaken Inn, warming up by its wood-burning fireplace or roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit.
Finally, work your way back over the river to Hudson, an artsy enclave where you can meander downtown and explore the antique shops, hip coffee spots, and innovative eateries lining the main streets.
3. Finger Lakes Highlights
Best for Relaxation
Ithaca–Watkins Glen; 59 miles; allow 1–2 days
The moment you set your eyes on any of the 11 long, narrow Finger Lakes, it feels like taking a deep breath. There’s something about the calm waters here that can’t be replicated; expect the stress of daily life to simply melt away.
Using Ithaca as your starting point, head over to Buttermilk Falls State Park, where the meditative cascades tumbling down will lure you into a state of zen. Hold onto that mindful state as you visit the Cornell Botanic Gardens, experiencing its peaceful grounds, which include a healing garden of medicinal plants.
Trace the lakeside up to Interlaken, where you can sip at local wineries such as Hosmer Winery or Shepherdess Cellars. Top off your refreshing day with dessert from Cayuga Lake Creamery.
Next, hop over to Watkins Glen, where you can relax with a stroll through Watkins Glen State Park, or rev up your adrenaline at the Watkins Glen International raceway with some high-speed racing.
Detour: While the Finger Lakes region is peppered with storybook villages, Skaneateles raises the bar, poised right at the top of the 16-mile-long Skaneateles Lake. The bed and breakfasts here come with an extra dose of charm, and the restaurants offer a delightful culinary experience. The entire hamlet comes alive during the holidays with its famous “Dickens Christmas” event.
4. Adirondacks Lake Hopping
Best for Water Lovers
Lake George–Lake Champlain; 160 miles; allow 3–5 days
Majestic and wild, the Adirondacks mountain range – famous for its 46 high peaks towering above 3820 feet – rivals any of the nation’s wilderness areas for sheer awe-inspiring beauty. This protected parkland sprawls across 9375 square miles, taking in towns, mountains, glacial lakes, rivers, and more than 2000 miles of hiking trails.
While the area is named after the peaks, the lakes offer their own allure and guide the way for an idyllic road trip. Start in Lake George, where thrilling activities during the day are perfectly balanced with the peaceful ambiance of waterfront dining at night.
Alternatively, blend in with the locals and stroll around Lake George Village. Then drive over to Tupper Lake, where the natural world comes alive at the Wild Center outdoor museum.
Next, chase those Olympic dreams at Lake Placid, the setting for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and take a gondola up to the ski jump for a breathtaking view. Finally, end your journey at Lake Champlain to step back into American history at Fort Ticonderoga and the Crown Point Historic Site.
Detour: Between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid, stop off at Saranac Lake, a lesser-known spot that offers fewer crowds. Connect with the outdoors by hiking, biking, or kayaking, or discover its history as a tuberculosis cure center at the Saranac Laboratory Museum.
5. Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Best for a Weeklong Trip
Ripley–Rooseveltown; 428 miles; allow one week
While the total length of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail spans 512 miles (including a small portion in Pennsylvania), the New York section starts just across the border in Ripley, tracing Lake Erie and Lake Ontario before ending at the St Lawrence River in Rooseveltown.
This section boasts some must-see attractions, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls, Lake Erie State Park, and the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, making it worthwhile to take several days to explore the highlights fully.
The trail leads further to the western section featuring Rochester, including waterfront towns renowned for their festivals. Finally, you’ll experience Alexandria Bay, where you can hop on a boat to enjoy the Thousand Islands.
Detour: Venture off the byway for a stopover in Syracuse, home to the picturesque Syracuse University, where you can explore the Erie Canal Museum and dine on delicious meals at local eateries.
This article was first published on Oct 15, 2020, and updated on Sep 18, 2023.
