When was the last time you took a ride just for the fun of it? Take some time out to explore New York and enjoy our beautiful scenery while someone else shows you around. You have lots of choices when it comes to excursions throughout the state.
If you want to catch a ride that will take you places, choose from the many motorcoach tours here. Hop aboard a double-decker bus that will show you the best of New York City or travel upstate to discover our state's vast natural beauty.
Or board a ship. On waterways from the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, New York’s many boat excursions offer fantastic views on lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises. You can catch a breeze on paddleboats like the Lauren Kristy, a turn-of-the-century riverboat sailing from Long Island, or the Summer Wind cruising Chautauqua Lake. The amphibious Aqua Ducks tour rolls through Albany's historic neighborhoods and then splashes into the Hudson for a water view.
Some excursions will take you to mountaintops. In the Adirondacks, year-round excursions climb to the top of Little Whiteface on The Cloudsplitter, one of the most scenic gondola rides in North America. Historic railroads offer nostalgic trips with scenic views. You can see the Catskills from an open-air car on the Delaware & Ulster Railroad or reserve dinner with first-class service on their Rip Van Winkle Flyer excursions.
For a unique perspective, check out New York’s hot-air balloon and soaring options. You can float above the Hudson Valley with outfits like Fantasy Balloon Flights or glide over the Finger Lakes in a sailplane from the Harris Hill Soaring Center.
Of course you can also see New York on foot. A walking tour gives you a great introduction to a place, whether it’s a fascinating city, a spectacular landmark or a natural wonder. You’ll learn interesting details, enjoy close-up views and get some exercise at the same time.