Find fun things to do on New York State’s waterways!
Water, water, everywhere. New York has over 6,713 natural bodies of water, more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 9,767 miles of shoreline. In one state, you can choose from the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, major rivers like the Niagara and St. Lawrence, as well as peaceful, calming bodies of water like Lake George, and smaller streams and creeks.
Water-loving personalities won't be at a loss for beaches and swimming here. Get sandy feet at world-class beaches on Long Island or on the shores of several freshwater lakes all over the state. Choose from picture-perfect beach towns to seaside playgrounds where parties don't stop until dawn.
Those who prefer paddles have many options to perfect their skills. You'll find so many places to go canoeing and kayaking, from historic waterways to little-explored branches of mighty rivers. You can also go whitewater rafting and brave rapids of any category or skill level, If you like motor boating, New York's lakes, rivers and oceans are yours to explore.
And because there are so many bodies of waters in the state, anglers won't have to go far to cast their line. Fishing's popular in New York. Go fly fishing for trout in a clear mountain stream, or get on a charter boat and catch some really big trophy fish in Long Island Sound.