Explore New York State With Discover North America
Beyond the famous skyline of New York City, a remarkable state unfolds—from the thundering waters of Niagara Falls and the forested peaks of the Adirondacks to the vineyards of the Finger Lakes and the historic towns of the Hudson Valley. Follow scenic roads, hike mountain trails, cruise across peaceful lakes and discover museums, galleries and landmarks alive with art, culture and stories. With coastlines, countryside and characterful communities to explore in every season, New York State rewards every journey with something unexpected. Discover North America can help bring it all together in a holiday tailored to you.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of New York State for yourself:
Hand-picked journeys across New York State: 15-Day New York State By Rail Independent Tour | 15-Day Wine, Water & Wonders of New York State Self-Drive | 17-Day The Grand New York State Road Trip
The best of New York State: Parks, trails, culture & adventure: Nature Meets History | Literary Trails | Creative Spirit Unleashed | The Great Outdoors Awaits
When to go: Visiting New York State Throughout the Year
Hand-Picked Journeys Across New York State
Discover city icons, scenic byways, charming towns and spectacular natural landscapes with this hand-picked collection of flight-inclusive New York State itineraries. Each ABTA & ATOL protected journey offers inspiration for exploring more of the state and can be tailor-made by Discover North America to suit your interests and travel plans.
15-Day Explore New York State By Rail
Discover New York State by rail on a 14-night journey from New York City to Buffalo. Combine the lively buzz of Manhattan with historic cities, riverside communities and changing scenery, with no need to get behind the wheel.
From £2,049pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Explore New York City – Discover Central Park, stroll across Brooklyn Bridge and soak up Manhattan’s skyline, with time for neighbourhood wandering and a Broadway show
- Follow the Hudson River – Sit back as your train heads north through riverside communities and wooded hills, then enjoy sweeping valley views from the Walkway Over the Hudson
- Discover Beacon’s creative side – Visit Dia Beacon’s contemporary art collections in a former industrial building, then browse independent shops and galleries or linger in a welcoming café
- Uncover Albany’s history – Admire the magnificent New York State Capitol, explore Empire State Plaza and stroll through Washington Park before discovering Lark Street’s restaurants
- Get to know Syracuse – Trace the waterway’s remarkable story at the Erie Canal Museum, explore historic Clinton Square and enjoy independent dining and shopping around Armory Square
- Find inspiration in Rochester – Explore photography and film at the George Eastman Museum, discover Susan B. Anthony’s legacy or admire High Falls tumbling through the city
- Feel the power of Niagara Falls – Explore scenic viewpoints and Goat Island, choose a Maid of the Mist cruise or Cave of the Winds experience, then return to see the falls illuminated after dark
- Finish with Buffalo’s local flavour – Discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House or the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, stroll along Canalside and tuck into the city’s famous Buffalo wings
- 3 nights accommodation in New York City
- 2 nights accommodation in the Hudson Valley
- 2 nights accommodation in Albany
- 2 nights accommodation in Syracuse
- 1 night accommodation in Rochester
- 2 nights accommodation in Niagara Falls
- 2 nights accommodation in Buffalo
- Standard class rail tickets as per the itinerary
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
15-Day Wine, Water & Wonders of New York State
Pair New York City’s iconic sights with lakeside vineyards, Adirondack scenery and dramatic waterfalls on this 14-night road trip. Discover Hudson Valley flavours, Finger Lakes wines and Buffalo, with Niagara Falls to finish.
From £2,325pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Start in New York City – Explore Central Park, wander Manhattan’s neighbourhoods or catch a Broadway show
- Taste the Hudson Valley – Discover Brotherhood Winery, sample local cider and enjoy river views from the Walkway Over the Hudson
- Unwind beside Lake George – Cruise mountain-framed waters, paddle a kayak or admire Adirondack scenery from Prospect Mountain
- Explore Finger Lakes wine country – Follow the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and walk past waterfalls in Watkins Glen’s spectacular gorge
- Discover Corning’s glassmaking heritage – Watch live demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass before browsing the historic Gaffer District
- Venture into Chautauqua-Allegheny – Explore lakeside communities, discover Lake Erie Wine Country or enjoy woodland trails in Allegany State Park
- Savour Buffalo’s character – Admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, stroll along Canalside and try authentic Buffalo wings
- Experience Niagara Falls – Take in dramatic viewpoints or, season permitting, get closer aboard Maid of the Mist
- 2 nights accommodation in New York City
- 2 nights accommodation in the Hudson Valley
- 2 nights accommodation in the Adirondacks
- 3 nights accommodation in the Finger Lakes
- 2 nights accommodation in the Chautauqua-Allegheny
- 3 nights accommodation in Buffalo
- 13 days intermediate SUV car rental, including unlimited mileage & zero excess (t&cs apply)
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
17-Day The Grand New York State Road Trip
Hit the road for 16 nights exploring New York State, from Manhattan and Hudson Valley estates to Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid and Buffalo. Discover famed baseball heritage, Finger Lakes wines and the Catskills’ musical past.
From £2,649pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Experience Manhattan’s energy – Walk the High Line, explore Central Park or admire the skyline from an observation deck
- Discover Hudson Valley treasures – Explore Lyndhurst Mansion, admire outdoor sculpture at Storm King Art Center and sample local cider
- Explore Saratoga Springs – Discover mineral springs and wooded trails, browse Broadway’s shops and uncover the city’s horse racing heritage
- Head into the Adirondacks – Explore Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy, stroll beside Mirror Lake or enjoy mountain views aboard Whiteface’s Cloudsplitter Gondola
- Find classic Americana in Cooperstown – Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, then explore village streets beside Otsego Lake
- Get a taste of Buffalo – Discover striking architecture, explore Canalside and sample Buffalo wings or a beef on weck sandwich
- Explore the Finger Lakes – Walk Watkins Glen’s waterfall-lined gorge and discover local Rieslings along the Seneca Lake or Cayuga Lake Wine Trails
- Finish in the Catskills – Follow forest trails, admire Kaaterskill Falls and revisit Woodstock’s musical legacy at the Museum at Bethel Woods
- 2 nights accommodation in New York City
- 2 nights accommodation in the Hudson Valley
- 2 nights accommodation in Saratoga Springs
- 2 nights accommodation in the Adirondacks Mountains
- 2 nights accommodation in Central New York
- 2 nights accommodation in Buffalo
- 2 nights accommodation in Finger Lakes
- 2 nights accommodation in the Catskills
- 15 days intermediate SUV car rental, including unlimited mileage & zero excess (t&cs apply)
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
The Best of New York State: Parks, Trails, Culture & Adventure
From iconic state parks and storied historic sites to literary paths that celebrate great American voices, New York State brims with discovery. Hike, bike, and paddle through breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in world-class arts and culture, and explore places where history and creativity intertwine. These highlights capture the spirit, heritage, and energy that make New York State one of America’s most inspiring destinations.
Nature Meets History
From towering waterfalls and scenic gorges to Revolutionary landmarks and civil rights sites, New York State’s parks and historic treasures bring the past into focus. Explore places where remarkable stories unfold among rivers, gardens and trails. Each stop pairs discovery and time outside.
History, adventure, and scenic escapes to explore:
- Climb Rock Island Lighthouse – Ascend this historic Thousand Islands beacon for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding islands, then explore its grounds
- Explore Watkins Glen State Park – Wander trails past 19 dramatic waterfalls carved through the Finger Lakes’ stunning gorge, with stone steps and bridges revealing fresh perspectives
- Discover Roosevelt’s Hyde Park – Visit the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site to explore his lifelong home, stroll the grounds and see the family rose garden
- Step into Revolutionary history – Walk the grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park and Washington’s Headquarters to discover pivotal moments of the American Revolution
- Celebrate social progress – Discover the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and learn about Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy at her Auburn home
Literary Trails
New York State is a storybook waiting to be explored. From vast libraries and author homes to whimsical museums and historic villages, follow the places and people behind some of America’s best-loved books. Literary journeys reveal connections between real settings and imagined worlds.
Bookish journeys and authorial adventures to discover:
- Wander the New York Public Library – Admire the landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, where grand architecture and literary treasures offer plenty to capture the imagination
- Explore Chittenango’s Oz connections – Discover the hometown of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and explore the story’s enduring appeal at the All Things Oz Museum
- Step into Mark Twain Country – Visit Twain’s study at Elmira College, where he wrote many famous works, then pay your respects at his grave in Woodlawn Cemetery
- Roam Long Island’s Gold Coast – Explore grand estates such as Sands Point Preserve, whose mansions and grounds evoke the lavish world depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
- Discover writers’ retreats – Explore Washington Irving’s Sunnyside near Sleepy Hollow or visit Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home in Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks
Creative Spirit Unleashed
From museums and architectural icons to legendary stages and hands-on workshops, New York State brims with creativity. Admire masterpieces, discover the stories behind comedy greats and try glassmaking, with cultural experiences stretching far beyond New York City.
Art, music, and creativity to explore:
- Experience Broadway and beyond – See a dazzling Broadway show in New York City or enjoy performances at regional theatres and celebrated venues across the state
- Marvel at world-class museums – Explore the spiralling Guggenheim in New York City and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, where settings complement collections of modern and contemporary art
- Laugh out loud in Jamestown – Celebrate Lucille Ball’s hometown at the Lucy Desi Museum, then explore the art of making people laugh through interactive exhibits at the National Comedy Center
- Create at the Corning Museum of Glass – Watch skilled glassmakers at work, explore glass art and book a Make Your Own Glass session to try glassblowing with expert guidance
- Admire architectural masterpieces – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House in Buffalo, where interconnected buildings, carefully considered interiors and gardens reveal his distinctive vision
The Great Outdoors Awaits
From thundering waterfalls to serene lakes, mountain peaks to sandy shores, New York State offers ways to get outside. Paddle historic waterways, cycle scenic trails or take to the skies above a gorge. As the seasons change, snowy slopes bring a fresh perspective on the outdoors.
Outdoor adventures across every season:
- Hike to waterfalls – Discover the Finger Lakes’ dramatic cascades, from the soaring Taughannock Falls to the tumbling waters of Buttermilk Falls, with trails offering views along the way
- Float over Letchworth State Park – Take a hot air balloon ride above the “Grand Canyon of the East” for sweeping views of waterfalls, wooded slopes and towering cliffs, weather permitting
- Paddle the Erie Canal – Explore this historic waterway by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, or hire a canal boat to enjoy a slower journey through waterside towns
- Ride the Empire State Trail – Cycle a section of the 750-mile route linking New York City to Canada and Albany to Buffalo, discovering changing scenery and communities along the way
- Head for the mountains – Hike Adirondack trails or go rafting in warmer months, then embrace winter with skiing and snowboarding in the Catskills and Adirondacks
Visiting New York State Throughout the Year…
New York State reveals a different kind of magic with every season. From fiery autumn foliage to summer festivals, wintry wonderlands to spring awakenings, each visit offers fresh adventures and reasons to return.
- Spring brings fresh beginnings. Wildflowers bloom in the Hudson Valley, waterfalls rush through the Finger Lakes, and hiking trails come alive across the Adirondacks. Seasonal celebrations add colour, from the Rochester Lilac Festival to the Albany Tulip Festival, with floral displays and entertainment. Pair a festival visit with a canal-side cycle or a tranquil boat ride for a quintessential spring day
- Summer radiates energy. Lakes and beaches invite swimming, sailing, and kayaking, while mountain trails buzz with hikers and bikers. From concerts in Saratoga to firework-lit nights at Niagara Falls, long summer days stretch into unforgettable evenings
- Autumn is a symphony of colour. Trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, best seen on a road trip through the Catskills or Adirondacks. Farms welcome apple pickers, pumpkin seekers, and cider lovers, while Sleepy Hollow embraces the season with haunted hayrides and lantern-lit tours. Take time to explore quiet roads and waterside trails, with crisp air and colourful views at each turn
- Winter casts a sparkling spell. From skiing in the Adirondacks and Catskills to snow-dusted strolls in New York City’s Central Park, the season is brimming with charm. Holiday markets glow with festive cheer, while mountain lodges invite you to cosy up beside roaring fires. It’s a quieter time to savour the state’s cultural treasures — from world-class museums to Broadway lights
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