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Category - Summer

Riders enjoying the Viper roller coaster at Six Flags Darien Lake

Get ready for liftoff because your summer plans are about to get a serious boost! Strap in for some of the steepest, twisty-turniest, most gut-wrenching roller coaster rides and water slides around—but don’t worry, there are also plenty of family rides that won’t make you lose your lunch.

Aerial view of Mirror Lake and surrounding foliage and mountains in summer

Whether you’re searching for a serene lakeside escape, adventure on the water, or both, New York State has a lake for you. From remote retreats ensconced in mountainous forests to charming, walkable

Fort Ticonderoga

Memorial Day is just around the corner, marking the unofficial start of the summer season. Welcome the warm weather with an unforgettable long weekend in New York State. Beaches and parks are officially open, the sun is out, and everyone is ready to celebrate. Whether you’re with a significant other, family, friends, or all of the above—here are some great destinations to kick off your summer right!

Blue ocean waves crest in front of the Montauk Lighthouse
Credit: @saltyvisionz on Instagram

It’s no secret that the Empire State has it all. Just hours away from the city that never sleeps is an abundance of outdoor adventures, pristine white sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, family-friendly amusement parks, idyllic small towns, and more. Whether you’re experiencing the Big Apple for the first time and want to extend your trip or you’re a native New Yorker looking for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 trips you can easily take from New York City this summer.

Family camping in Adirondacks

Whether your family loves bumming at the beach, exploring charming little towns, or soaking in the natural beauty of mountains and lakes, you can find it all in New York—no matter your budget. We found top-notch local escapes all over New York with lodging for less than $200 per night, with affordable family-friendly activities nearby. So read on and get excited: Summer will be here before you know it! 

Glamping tents on Governors Island with a view of the Statue of Liberty at sunset
Credit: @pobz_iv on Instagram

Camping is one of the best and most affordable family vacations, immersing you in the peace and tranquility of nature. With warmer weather on the horizon, make reservations at one of New York State’s great campgrounds and plan a stay in the great outdoors.

A paddleboarder at sunset on the water at Sandy Island Beach

Summer is all about hitting the beach and New York has some amazing ones! From the sandy coast of Long Island to the serene lakesides of the Adirondacks, and the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Ontario. (Fun fact: New York is the only state with coastlines on an ocean as well as the Great Lakes.) Check out some of New York’s most stunningly Instagram-worthy waterfronts below, then grab some sunblock, a beach towel, and your camera, and get yourself to a New York beach. 

Macys 4th July 2015 - Photo by Barry Schwartz
Credit: Barry Schwartz

No one celebrates the Fourth of July like New Yorkers do. For us, Independence Day means beach trips, fireworks over the water, picnics, and live music! Wear your red, white,

Two orange Adirondack chairs and a large white tent sit on a raised platform in the peaceful forest
Credit: @glampful on Instagram

From intriguing museum exhibits and lavish hotel retreats to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking and luxurious glamping getaways, there’s always something new popping up across the Empire State! Summer is the perfect time to explore it all. Get the crew together and hit the road because we’ve rounded up some of the state’s hottest new openings for you to discover on your next New York adventure.

Sam Patch canal boat ride along Erie Canal in Pittsford

The New York State Canal system of waterways and trails provides a unique opportunity for hikers, bikers, and boaters to experience unparalleled history and stunning nature up close throughout upstate New York.