places to visit upstate ny in summer

34 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York in 2024

Not sure about the best places to visit in upstate New York ? If so then you’ve come to the right place.

After all, I grew up in and around NYC for 30+ years and spent every summer of my life exploring the best places to visit in upstate NY with my family.

Yeah, I wanted to ride elephants in Thailand. But, we were broke. So, we spent most of our summers enjoying some of the best things to do in upstate New York instead.

Therefore, I am the beyond perfect person to introduce you to all of the best spots in upstate New York – places locals go and visitors don’t really know about.

So, step away from the generic AF guidebook and use this handy local guide to the best towns in Upstate NY to plan your next vacation in Upstate NY .

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York – Central New York

1. cooperstown.

Cooperstown is a pretty tree-filled village with a vintage Americana feel. The downtown area has a cozy vibe, and there are plenty of independent boutiques and restaurants to explore.

It’s also one of the must-see Upstate NY attractions for sports fans, many of whom will love to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The museum was opened in 1939 to celebrate 100 years of American baseball history and attracts 300,000 visitors every year.

Inside, you’ll find baseball memorabilia and photographs, as well as a display of bronze plaques honoring the sport’s top players.

2. Green Lakes State Park

One of the best hidden gems in Upstate New York is Green Lakes State Park. It is a paradise for anyone who loves hiking and is easily one of the best state parks in New York .

There are miles of trails and woodland areas to explore by walking or snowshoeing in winter.

Green Lakes State Park has some of the best hikes in Upstate NY with something to suit every fitness level.

The trail around the park’s glacial lakes provides a gentle walk, but there are also some challenging hikes for more experienced hikers

You can also enjoy a round of golf at the local golf course, take a dip at one of the park’s designated swimming areas, or just relax on the beach.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York – The Catskills

3. woodstock.

Although the famous festival actually took place in nearby Bethel, the town of Woodstock is still one of the cool places to visit in Upstate New York.

You can listen to live music, visit exhibitions, or take an art class at the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild.

Woodstock Main Street also has a great choice of artisanal boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

Woodstock also has some great outdoor spots including Overlook Mountain, with an exciting museum display inside its fire tower, and one of the best waterfalls in Upstate NY: the Kaaterskill Falls.

This is the highest cascading waterfall in New York and it gets pretty busy at the bottom of the falls.

So, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds or head to the beach area at the top of the falls.

4. Phoenicia

The tiny hamlet of Phoenicia is hidden away in the High Peaks region of the Catskills. Its secluded location makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing spa break.

So, you’ll find some of the best luxury resorts in Upstate NY here.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, the Phoenicia area is great for hiking and rafting on the Esopus Creek River.

You could also visit the Empire State Railway Museum, which opened in Middletown in 1960 and moved to Phoenicia in 1983.

It tells the history of the Catskill Mountain Railroads through photographs, dioramas, antique telegraph equipment, and other artifacts.

The town of Windham lies in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is known as ‘the Gem of the Catskills.’

Catskill Park is considered one of the best state parks in New York, and if you visit in the fall, Route 23 offers some beautiful leaf-peeping drives between Windham and Greenville.

Keen hikers can follow the multi-use Windham Path or the Escarpment Trail up to the summit of Windham High Peak.

The area is also home to Windham Mountain Resort. This is one of the best ski resorts in New York where you can explore ski trails to suit all skill levels or try your hand at snowboarding or snow tubing.

The resort is just as great to visit in summer, with a climbing wall, golf course, and mountain bike park.

And if you prefer something a little more relaxing, you can visit the spa or take a restorative yoga class on the mountaintop.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York – Adirondacks Region

6. lake george.

Lake George is known as ‘the birthplace of the American vacation’ and is one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York at any time of year.

In spring and summer, you could go on a boat tour or dinner cruise on Lake George, hike to Prospect Point, dive down to three submerged shipwrecks, or just relax on the beach.

In the fall, the Lake George attracts leaf peepers in search of autumn foliage, and a white water rafting tour makes an exhilarating way to experience the colorful display.

Finally, winter in Lake George is a magical time when you can go ice fishing on the lake or enjoy winter sports at the Gore Mountain Ski Center, New York’s largest ski resort.

You can also warm up with an epic brew at one of the best breweries in Lake George, NY .

7. Lake Placid

If you love crisp mountain air, dramatic scenic views, and great skiing, you must visit Lake Placid in winter .

The High Peaks in the Lake Placid Region is one of the best locations for alpine skiing in the Eastern United States.

In fact, the skiing here is so good that it has twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games!

Some of the best ski resorts in New York State can be found in the Lake Placid area, including Whiteface Mountain.

This is one of New York’s best skiing spots, with 87 downhill runs and a vertical drop of 3400 feet. The area is also home to some of the best hikes in the Adirondacks like the hike up Whiteface.

Afterward, warm up with a beer at one of the best breweries in Lake Placid .

8. Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake isn’t as well known as some other spots on this list, but its natural beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York.

Plenty of outdoor activities are available any time of year, from hiking, fishing, and boating in the summer to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides in the winter months.

Saranac Lake also has some of the best breweries in the Adirondacks, which are great to visit all year round.

9. Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm is a scenic canyon known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.’ So, if you love stunning nature and scenery, this is one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York.

There’s a vast array of things to do at Ausable Chasm, including rock climbing, rappelling, and thrilling river raft tours.

You can explore the canyon on one of the self-guided walking/hiking trails or join a guided tour to learn more about the area from your expert guide.

As dusk falls, you can take a lantern tour in the darkness of the canyon, and in winter, you can see massive icicles towering 150 feet above the river.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York – Capital Region/Hudson Valley

10. saratoga springs.

Saratoga Springs has been a popular spot for Upstate New York vacations since the 1800s, thanks to its mineral springs and racetrack.

Because if you’re a horse racing fan, you’ll already know about the prestigious heritage of the Saratoga horse races.

They take place at the Saratoga Race Track every summer from mid-July through Labor Day, and the vintage glamor attracts crowds of enthusiasts wearing stylish and flamboyant outfits.

Saratoga Spring is also home to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which honors the achievements of American jockeys, trainers, and thoroughbred racehorses.

And for those who need extra relaxation, Saratoga Springs is the ideal destination for luxurious pampering.

Resorts in the area use waters from the natural underground spring in a variety of treatments, making this place a great place to enjoy some of the best hot springs in New York .

The charming Hudson Valley town of Beacon is home to the Dia Beacon Museum.

This bold contemporary art museum is housed in a former Nabisco cookie factory and showcases modern art from the 1960s to the present day. Beacon is also very close to the Hudson Highlands State Park, which is home to some of the best hikes in the Hudson Valley .

The park also has plenty of breathtaking scenery and you can follow a hiking trail to enjoy the stunning views from the peak of Beacon Mountain, the highest point in the Hudson Highlands.

Other highlights include Bannerman Castle, an abandoned military warehouse that hosts special events within its grounds and that is one of the best castles in New York .

12. Kingston

The small city of Kingston makes the perfect location for an Upstate New York vacation.

It was New York’s original capital and was an important site during the American Revolution. So, history is waiting for you around every corner.

You can even take a boat trip on the Hudson River, explore the Hudson Maritime Museum, or visit Four Corners, the only intersection in the country where all four buildings date from before the Revolutionary War.

The town also regularly hosts farmer’s markets, that you can enjoy after exploring several cute independent stores.

Kingston is also within easy reach of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, making it the ideal base for exploring the region’s natural beauty.

With history, art, and great places to eat, Hudson is another one of the best places to visit in Upstate NY.

In fact, this historic port town is often considered the Brooklyn of Upstate New York, thanks to its fashionable downtown area filled with beautiful 100+ year-old buildings.

Must-see spots in Hudson include the Basilica Hudson, a reclaimed industrial factory where you can attend art, music, and film events, and the Carrie Haddad Gallery, which exhibits fantastic contemporary art.

And if you love picturesque sunsets, it’s hard to beat a boat tour of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse as the sun sinks over the horizon.

14. Poughkeepsie

The City of Poughkeepsie is known as ‘the Queen City of the Hudson’ and was settled by the Dutch in the 1600s.

It became New York State’s second capital shortly after the American Revolution and has many cultural attractions such as the Bardavon 1869 Opera House and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center.

Poughkeepsie is also an excellent base for exploring Hudson Valley wineries or going leaf-peeping in the fall.

While you’re in the city, be sure to take a stroll across the world’s highest elevated pedestrian bridge, the Walkway over the Hudson.

15. New Paltz

Founded by French Huguenots in 1678, New Paltz is one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York for history lovers.

Walking down Historic Huguenot Street is a fascinating step back in time, with houses, period rooms, and displays that give you a glimpse into American history.

New Paltz is also fantastic for nature lovers, who can walk, jog, or cycle down the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and the Dorsky Museum is worth a visit for contemporary art experiences that make you think.

16. Mohonk Preserve

You’ll find the Mohonk Preserve just a few miles away from the town of Hudson and it’s one of the best places to visit in Upstate NY if you love the great outdoors.

The Preserve protects the northern Shawangunk Ridge and aims to inspire people to both explore nature and take care of it. You can make your visit to the Mohonk Preserve as challenging as you like. There are historic carriage roads ideal for hiking and the cycling trails are also perfect for a horseback ride.

The world-famous Gunks cliffs offer a challenging climb with a fantastic view as your reward, and in the winter months, the Preserve’s terrain is excellent for skiing and snowshoeing.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate NY – Finger Lakes Region

17. pittsford.

The small village of Pittsford was incorporated in 1827, making it the oldest village in New York.

It’s a charming and walkable village known for its historic preservation district with several restored buildings.

These include the Phoenix Building, a former tavern built around 1820, and Thomas Young’s House, a historic home built in 1818.

The historic Erie Canal also runs through Pittsford, and the canal waterfront has been redeveloped for recreational use.

The canal is also open to some boats from May through November each year.

18. Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake is the most westerly of the 11 lakes in the Finger Lakes region.

Like the other lakes, Conesus Lake offers some of the best hiking in Upstate NY, while its shallow waters are ideal for swimming and fishing.

Then, when the lake freezes over in winter, pastimes like snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular.

Additionally, each year, on July 3, local residents participate in a festival known as the ‘Ring of Fire.’

The event starts at dusk and sees a ring of flares lit around the Lake’s entire shoreline while firework displays illuminate the sky along the full length of the lake.

19. Jamestown

The city of Jamestown was Lucille Ball’s hometown, and it’s now the home of one of the best Upstate New York attractions: The National Comedy Center.

This fascinating museum showcases the history of comedy in the US through over 50 immersive experiences, ranging from early vaudeville acts to today’s viral memes.

And if you’re inspired by your visit to the National Comedy Center, you can visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum to learn more about Lucille and Desi’s lives and careers.

Geneva lies on the shores of the beautiful Seneca Lake, and it’s the perfect spot for a picturesque drive.

After all, Seneca Lake is the largest lake in the Finger Lakes region, with sparkling blue waters that turn a shimmering shade of cobalt when the sun shines on them.

Route 14 follows the curves of Seneca Lake from Geneva to Watkins Glen, passing some excellent lunch spots as you pass by one of the best lakes in New York .

Geneva is also a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts, as it’s home to two of the Seneca Lake breweries on the Finger Lakes Beer Trail and some of the best Seneca Lake wineries .

21. Corning

Sitting on the picturesque Chemung River, Corning is a classic Upstate New York destination with a range of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and museums to choose from.

This tiny city, with a population of just over 10,000, is home to the world’s biggest glass museum.

The Museum of Glass is filled with fascinating exhibits and workshops dedicated to the art, science, and history of glass.

You can learn how glass is made, watch experts blow glass, and then have a go at making glass yourself!

The Rockwell Museum is also worth a visit to see its diverse collection of multicultural American art.

22. Watkins Glen

If you’re planning your first visit to the Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen is a great base for your Upstate New York vacation as it’s close to many Finger Lakes attractions.

The town has a fantastic selection of restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries, making it the perfect spot for a foodie break.

History lovers will enjoy exploring the downtown area and nearby historic sites like the Lee School Museum.

If you prefer to get out into nature, Watkins Glen State Park is just a short walk away and offers some of the best hiking in Upstate NY featuring waterfalls and gorges.

You could also take a boat tour or a kayaking tour of Seneca Lake to see the stunning waterfalls and cliffs around the water’s edge.

Ithaca is a colorful and progressive college town on the shores of Lake Cayuga.

It’s well-known for the Ithaca Farmers Market, which features over 130 vendors who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of Ithaca.

As well as shopping for a wide range of delicious local produce, you can also buy art, jewelry, ceramics, and more created by local artists at Handwork, Ithaca’s Artisan Cooperative.

The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is a wide, flat trail ideal for hiking or cycling along the southern shore of Lake Cayuga, while wine lovers will surely enjoy visiting the wineries along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail .

24. Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is one of the best places for hiking in Upstate New York.

Several fairly short hiking trails provide stunning views of the rock formations, waterfalls, and the gorge. You can even swim at the foot of the Buttermilk Falls when a lifeguard is on duty!

If you want to stay longer, Buttermilk Falls State Park also offers camping spots and both historic and modern cabins to rent.

25. Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park is known as ‘the Grand Canyon of the East,’ and you’ll find some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Upstate New York here.

In fact, the Genesee River flows through three sets of waterfalls that reach heights of up to 600 feet.

As well as the falls, there are 66 miles of trails ideal for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, while the river offers kayaking and white water rafting experiences.

You can even join a guided tour of the park or even float overhead in a hot air balloon, while skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities.

26. Skaneateles

The quaint town of Skaneateles lies on Skaneateles Lake, which has become known as a popular place for Upstate New York vacations, especially for actors, politicians, and sports stars.

The beautiful surroundings make Skaneateles an ideal base for hiking, and the Finger Lakes Trail covers 1,000 miles of footpaths suitable for short hikes and overnight trips.

Downtown Skaneateles lies at the foot of Skaneateles Lake and is ideal for exploring on foot, with historic spots, artisan boutiques, and cozy restaurants.

In particular, rhe Barrow Gallery displays historical paintings of the local area and even loans artworks to art enthusiasts living within 25 miles of the town.

With charming streets, excellent wineries, and great places to eat, there are plenty of reasons to visit Auburn, NY.

But the town is also historically significant, as it is where Harriet Tubman opened her home to offer safe haven to friends, family, and others in search of refuge along the Underground Railroad.

In fact, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park now cares for Harriet Tubman’s home, along with the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged.

The Zion Church that she attended also here and is where her funeral was held in 1913.

You can join a guided tour led by a National Park Ranger to learn more about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman.

28. Seneca Falls

Despite the name, there are no waterfalls to see in Seneca Falls.

However, it is one of the best places to visit in Upstate NY for anyone interested in the Women’s Rights Movement and is known as the birthplace of American feminism.

In fact, the country’s first Women’s Rights Convention took place in Seneca Falls on July 19th and 20th of 1848.

Nowadays, you can visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park to learn about the 19th-century women’s rights movement for equality.

The National Women’s Hall of Fame is also located in Seneca Falls and highlights the stories of over 300 women who have made significant contributions to American history.

29. Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach is a village at the southeastern end of the Town of Vienna in New York Upstate. It’s a popular resort community with fun activities to suit everyone.

The lake offers fantastic opportunities for boating and fishing, and it has one of the best beaches in Upstate NY for walking, sunbathing, and relaxing. You can also swim in the lake in the warmer months.

Additionally, there’s a fun amusement park, fabulous shops, and restaurants. In the evening, the vibrant village offers a fantastic choice of entertainment and nightlife.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate NY – Niagara Region

30. niagara falls.

You can’t talk about Upstate New York without mentioning Niagara Falls . This gigantic series of waterfalls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States and is famous all around the world.

There are so many amazing things to do in Niagara Falls . You can take a boat ride to the edge of the falls, fly over Niagara Falls in helicopter , or go deep into the Cave of the Winds to stand within a few feet of the thundering water.

And that’s just a few of the Niagara Falls attractions on offer, which is one of the reasons why you need to visit Niagara Falls .

Niagara Falls State Park also offers plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the Niagara Wine Trail features 11 Niagara wineries where you can taste delicious local wines.

31. Buffalo

If you are looking for accommodation near Niagara Falls, Buffalo has a lot to offer.

New York’s second-largest city is full of cultural attractions, including art museums, a beautiful botanical garden, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center, a National Historic Landmark theater.

You can stay in awe of dinosaur fossils at the Buffalo Museum of Science and explore the Western New York frontier at the Buffalo History Museum.

Art lovers will enjoy browsing around the collections of contemporary art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and there’s a thriving craft beer scene in Buffalo with several excellent microbreweries to check out.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate NY – Thousand Islands Region

32. alexandria bay.

The Thousand Islands Archipelago in New York Upstate is a group of 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River on the US-Canada border.

The village of Alexandria and Alexandria Bay sits on the mainland opposite these islands and has a rich tradition of maritime history.

You can join a boat tour to learn more about the history of the homes and shipwrecks along the St. Lawrence River.

The river’s crystal clear waters allow you to see up to 80 feet down, or you can see the wrecks even better by participating in a diving excursion.

Or perhaps you might like to take a boat trip to Boldt Castle, a stunning replica of a Rhineland castle in Upstate NY that has a tragic history.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate NY – Chautauqua-Allegheny Region

33. chautauqua lake.

Although it’s often referred to as the ‘thumb of the Finger Lakes,’ Chautauqua Lake was formed separately and isn’t actually part of the Finger Lakes region at all.

However, it’s a stunning location where you can go kayaking, sailing, or paddleboarding. You can also take a tour on board the historic Chautauqua Belle steamboat.

Chautauqua Lake is also an excellent base for exploring the local region, as you are close to other NY Upstate attractions like the National Comedy Center in Jamestown and the Panama Rocks Scenic Park, where you can hike through huge rock formations, caves, and tunnels.

34. Ellicottville

Ellicottville is a village in western New York with an eclectic range of shops and restaurants.

The village hosts regular events throughout the year, and in the fall, it is transformed into a colorful location that’s one of the best places in Upstate NY for leaf-peeping.

Ski fans can take advantage of Ellicottville’s two ski resorts, including the popular Holiday Valley resort, and there are two state forests nearby for keen hikers.

If you prefer to explore nature at a slower pace, the pathways and gardens of Nannen Arboretum are perfect for a relaxing stroll as you enjoy one of the best places to visit in upstate NY.

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

Best Places to Visit in Upstate NY FAQs

What is the most beautiful part of upstate new york.

The most beautiful parts of upstate New York are Fishkill Creek (Beacon), The Corning Museum of Glass (Corning), Falling Waters Preserve (Saugerties), Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff (Derby), The Secret Sidewalk (Rochester), Troutbeck (Amenia), Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve (Saugerties) and Griffis Sculpture Park (East Otto).

What is Upstate New York Best Known For?

Upstate New York is best known for iconic destinations like Niagara Falls, the Catskills, the Baseball Hall fo Fame, the Thousand Islands, and the Finger Lakes.

Is Upstate NY Beautiful?

Yes, upstate New York is very beautiful since it includes Niagara Falls, the High Peaks in the Adirondacks, the Shawgunks of the Hudson Valley, and Taughannock Falls near Ithaca.

Is Upstate NY Expensive?

Upstate NY can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you like. It just depends on what you want to do and where you want to stay as you enjoy the best places to visit in upstate New York.

That being said, visiting upstate New York is a lot cheaper than visiting New York City.

There you have it! That just about concludes this guide to the best places to visit in upstate NY.

Tell me, did your picks of the best places to visit in upstate new york make the list if not then let me know in the comments below., and if you found this post useful then be sure to join our email list before pinning this post for later..

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20 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

From waterfalls to wineries, there's plenty to see in the Empire State beyond the Big Apple.

Wendy O'Dea has worked as a travel journalist and content strategist for two decades. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, 10best.com, Robb Report , and many other outlets. 

New York might be best known for the city that never sleeps, but there's a whole state beyond the Big Apple to explore. Upstate New York boasts majestic mountains, an abundance of lakes, and charming small towns. There's also a plethora of festivals, history museums, eclectic art offerings, and trendy wineries to visit, not to mention iconic sites like the National Baseball Hall of Fame and, of course, the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls.

For those who haven't yet visited, or want to see more of it, here are 20 of the best places to visit in upstate New York.

Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake is the westernmost of the 11 Finger Lakes, drawing crowds every year for its "Ring of Fire" tradition on July 3, when thousands of flares are lit along its periphery as fireworks explode overhead. Nearby, the tiny hamlet of Lakeville is home to the Little Lake Brewing brewery, one of the stops along the Livingston Libation Loop, which maps out wineries, cideries, and craft microbreweries around the county. While in the region, don't miss the colorful street murals and art scattered among nine villages along the 90-mile self-guided Inspirations Trail.

Cooperstown

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is just one of the notable attractions worth visiting in this quaint village. The Fenimore Art Museum , built on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper (the town is named for the author's father, William), features an impressive collection of American works. The Glimmerglass Festival , held each summer, lures opera lovers from far and wide. Visitors to nearby Howe Caverns (about 38 miles east), can go caving or spelunking at New York state's second-most-visited natural attraction.

Letchworth State Park

Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park features an impressive gorge carved out over centuries by the Genesee River. You'll find dozens of camera-ready waterfalls where the river dramatically crashes down along shale, limestone, and sandstone cliffs that rise 550 feet at their highest point. An Autism Nature Trail , the first in the country designed for people on the autism spectrum, includes eight marked sensory stations spread across a one-mile loop.

Niagara Falls

In addition to the iconic Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is worth a stop to learn more about the important role the village of Niagara Falls played in the Underground Railroad because of its accessibility and proximity to the border. The center is set in an 1863 Customs House near the old International Suspension Bridge, where heroes like Harriet Tubman led people to freedom across the border in Canada. The museum's permanent exhibit, " One More River to Cross ," received the 2019 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History.

Located at the southwestern end of Chautauqua Lake, Jamestown is best known as the hometown of comedienne Lucille Ball. Visitors with an appreciation for the art should pop by the National Comedy Center museum. For something more intellectual, the renowned Chautauqua Institution is just under a half-hour's drive up the lake, and each summer features speakers, performers, and programs focused on the "exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life."

Ellicottville

About an hour south of Buffalo by car, this quaint village in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains exudes charm, as witnessed by the well-preserved and restored homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century. It's also where western New York sports enthusiasts and skiers go to mountain bike, hike, or slalom down the 60 slopes and trails at neighboring Holiday Valley Resort .

Seneca Falls

Situated at the north end of Cayuga Lake, this historic spot is believed to be the inspiration for the town of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life." (There's even a museum dedicated to the film .) Most notably, though, is the important role it played in the women's rights movement — it hosted the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848. The town's Convention Days each July attract crowds, and the Women's Rights National Historical Park is worth visiting, too. You can also toast to the suffragettes while wine tasting along one of the many nearby Finger Lakes wine trails.

Skaneateles

This affluent town whose name means "long lake" in Iroquoian is another central New York destination known for its wine tasting and fall foliage. It's also a favorite among avid cyclists who come to pedal the 32-mile trail around the lake. Each year, starting Thanksgiving weekend, the town hosts its Dickens Christmas celebration with live entertainment, horse and wagon rides, and a cast of Dickensian characters.

Lake George

Few lakes around New York state are known for scuba diving, so visitors are often surprised to discover that certified divers can explore 18th-century shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake George, including the oldest intact warship in North America. Vacationers flock to this town in the Adirondack region each summer — the crowds can get thick, but there's also plenty of winter fun to be had, including snowshoeing and a family-focused carnival every February.

Saranac Lake

The Adirondack Mountains have beckoned city dwellers for centuries, including tycoons like the Guggenheims and Vanderbilts, who owned rustic yet luxurious compounds known as the Great Camps. The Point , once a Rockefeller Great Camp, still welcomes guests with all-inclusive stays that hearken back to that time, complete with black-tie dinners. The resort is near the village of Saranac Lake, nestled between the mountains and lakes and filled with inviting boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Not only is Ithaca a top-notch college town but it's also a natural wonderland with breathtaking gorges, parks, and Taughannock Falls, which is three times the height of Niagara Falls. There's an abundance of activities around the city, too, including a botanical garden, boat tours, wine trails, and a self-guided Discovery Trail that highlights local history, astronomy, and earth science. Rumor has it that it was also the birthplace of the ice cream sundae .

Watkins Glen and Montour Falls

In upstate New York, many destinations are defined by their proximity to one of the state's lakes — and so it is with Watkins Glen, on the southern end of Seneca Lake. Best known for its legendary auto-racing history, the Watkins Glen International track has played host to countless races, from the Grand Prix to NASCAR to Formula One. It's also a good jumping-off point to hit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail , which stretches along the length of the lake and is the largest wine trail in the Finger Lakes.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is a popular vacation destination for good reason. There's something classically old-school about spending a day at the famous Saratoga Race Course or at Saratoga Spa State Park , a National Historic Landmark. The art scene is solid, too, with impressive productions at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center , the Spa Little Theater , and other venues.

Thousand Islands

The U.S.-Canadian border snakes along the St. Lawrence River, zigzagging through the spectacular Thousand Islands where the river meets Lake Ontario. The archipelago consists of about 1,800 islands, from small and craggy to large and lush. Visitors converge here each summer and fall to soak up views of picture-perfect lighthouses and dramatic mansions, including the never-inhabited Boldt Castle. On the nearby mainland, check out towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent. Or stop by Sackets Harbor, which has been designated a New York State Heritage Area.

An affluent upstate New York community, idyllic Pittsford is set on the banks of the Erie Canal. Come summer, visitors and locals hit historic downtown for its antiques stores and boutiques. Dine at Schoen Place overlooking the canal, then line up for homemade ice cream at Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery after a day of perusing the shops. Other attractions include neighboring Mendon Ponds Park and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, about 15 minutes away by car.

Ausable Chasm

In the eastern Adirondacks, not far from Lake Champlain and the Vermont border, Ausable Chasm is a two-mile-long sandstone gorge carved out 500 million years ago. It's another ideal destination for chasing waterfalls (particularly the cascading Rainbow Falls) and exploring the Adirondacks on its many hiking and adventure trails. It's also a stone's throw from the North Star Underground Railroad Museum , which tells the stories of slaves seeking freedom at the Canadian border, located about an hour north by car.

Dia Beacon , a celebrated collection of contemporary art, brought a lot of attention — and visitors — to this city on the banks of the Hudson River. And with that attention came more appreciation for the many other galleries, shops, cafés, breweries, and antiques stores that have taken up residence on its magnetic Main Street. Trek to the top of Mount Beacon or book a boat tour to Pollepel Island (known locally as Bannerman Island), which Indigenous communities believed was haunted by hostile spirits.

About a three-hour drive from New York City, this mountain town welcomes adventurers with its multitude of endorphin-producing activities, including skiing or snowboarding peaks like Windham Mountain . There's a charming Main Street in this "gem of the Catskills," with inviting boutiques, bistros, and galleries. The Wylder Windham hotel features a pickleball court, heated pool, and wine tastings every weekend.

Don't write off Buffalo just because of its infamous winter weather. The city continues to evolve as a tourism destination, with the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House , a historic carousel on the Buffalo Waterfront, and a big expansion of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (previously known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery).

Sylvan Beach

Since we're highlighting towns around New York's Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake and the village of Sylvan Beach deserve a shoutout, too. It's a great option for a classic upstate summer vacation, where visitors can spend the day at the town's old-timey amusement park, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relaxing lakeside with a bottle of local vino. Another way to while away the day is on the water: Rent a cottage at the Cove at Sylvan Beach , where each one includes a private pontoon boat.

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26 FANTASTIC Things to do Upstate New York (Our Favorite Spots!)

Looking for the most amazing places to see and things to do in Upstate New York? We are so excited to share with you all of our favorite spots from our years of exploring the state of New York on road trips, weekend getaways, and day trips from our home in Brooklyn!

From cool towns to natural wonders, New York has become one of our favorite places to travel, which is good news for us since we have easy access to everything here!

Outside of New York City, Upstate New York offers towns that have some of the dining, shopping, and cultural scenes full of cool museums, great restaurants, cultural and historic landmarks, and so much more!

Not to mention the state is chocked full of waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and everything that makes for a perfect camping trip or cabin getaway any season of the year!

Plus there are so many historic sites in the state of New York, some are mentioned below on their own or within the towns and destinations we recommend below! And a few of these might be wandering into Western New York territory, but if I am being honest, they are close enough to be thrown in the mix IMO.

So whether you’re planning a road trip around Upstate New York, looking for a weekend getaway, or need that little push of New York travel inspiration to help you decide where to go and what to do, we got you!

Disclaimer: This post contains commissionable links.

Where to go in Upstate New York

• Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Calling all baseball lovers! And charming town lovers, one of the best things to do in Upstate New York is to visit Cooperstown.

This charming town draws thousands of visitors each year from around the world because of its connection to baseball history and sites like the Baseball Hall of Fame, or Doubleday Field, and the birthplace of baseball!

For everyone else, this includes me, Cooperstown is also a charming town with Americana-style Main Street lined with a variety of shops and eateries that’s fun to take a stroll down. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the baseball sites but I didn’t drive out of the way to specifically come here for that like a baseball super fan!

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit one of the reasons I wanted to come to Cooperstown was to visit Ommegang Brewery for their ridiculously good Belgian-style brews which is located just outside of town! Another great reason to visit.

During the summer, some of the best things to do in Cooperstown include the variety of outdoor and lake activities on Otsego Lake. This is also one of our favorite places to visit in the fall, with its amazing foliage. Head to Lakefront Park to book a Glimmerglass Queen Tour Boat and enjoy the fall colors from the lake!

Another one of our favorite towns in New York to visit is Corning, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region.

Fans of Corning Ware and Corelle dishware will recognize Corning as the home of both brands! And for those who watch Netflix’s Blown Away series and the art of glass-blowing will also love it here!

This is where to go in Upstate New York for not only glass making but to learn about the history of glass at the stunning, state-of-the-art museum, Corning Museum of Glass!

Fun fact, one of Scott’s images of the Finger Lakes was on display in the museum!

The museum features glass art in every shape and form it’s inspired through the ages, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern sculptures. Plus, hands-on workshops where you can create your own glass treasures!

Okay, beyond the museum there are tons of other cool things to do in Corning , especially wandering down the charming Market Street for great restaurants and shops! And this is a great base for exploring all the wonderful things to do in the Finger Lakes too, including wine tasting!

• Lake Placid & Whiteface Mountain

Nestled high in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is one of our favorite winter getaways in Upstate New York .

The town hosted the Olympic Games not once, but twice and is known for its convenient locale near Whiteface Mountain. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Upstate NY, this is the perfect combination of adventure, history, and relaxation.

You’ll love the downtown stretch of Lake Placid, with its cool vibes, shops, and restaurants. One of the must-do things to do in Lake Placid is to visit all the Olympic sites and exhibits, or skate at the skating oval!

All year round, the rustic inns lining the lake make for the coziest romantic getaways. And skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will want to check out Whiteface Mountain, which is considered one of the best ski mountains on the East Coast.

• Watkins Glen State Park

One of the most magical places to visit in Upstate New York can be found in the Finger Lakes at Watkins Glen State Park. This dreamy waterfall trail feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

This state park is definitely bucket list-worthy and one of the most memorable things to do in Upstate New York. We’ve now been several times and anytime we are in the area, we will make an effort to go here as it’s just that stunning.

It features winding trails with stone bridges through stunning water-carved rock formations through a gorge. Not to mention, there are several other Finger Lakes waterfalls within driving distance from here you can check out too if you want more!

Don’t feel like hiking? From your car, you can see breathtaking beauties like Montour Falls, Aunt Sarah Falls, and Hector Falls.

Afterward, we recommend enjoying all the wonderful things to do around Seneca Lake . including a scenic boat tour. Not to mention there are several wineries (being in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country), cool towns, and more!

• Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm in the Adirondack region is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Upstate New York for outdoor lovers. It’s a stunning canyon gorge with towering cliffs with the Ausable River cutting through it, creating breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty unlike anywhere else!

So this is one of the more unique things to do in the Adirondacks , and we’ve only been in the winter when you can snowshoe around.

The summer is the most popular time to visit because you can enjoy several more activities here from hiking, rafting, tubing, bouldering, and more!

• Niagara Falls

One of the top tourist attractions in the United States (and North America) is Niagara Falls! Without a doubt, this is also one of the best natural wonders of New York !

You should definitely plan around spending time on both the United States and Canadian side of the falls. The Canadian side offers plenty of incredible hotels with views of the falls and many of the attractions surrounding the falls.

The US side offers a fantastic park with incredible, close-up views of the waterfall. Until Scott and I went recently, I hadn’t been since I was a child. It made my knees tremble looking at the top of the falls and seeing the sheer volume and force of the water plunging over the top.

During the warmer months, you’ll want to take a Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close experience with the falls! Niagara Falls is also one of our favorite leaf-peeping spots in Upstate New York in the fall.

There are great walking trails throughout the park and on Goat Island that offer great views of the falls. And for even more sightseeing, the historic Observation Tower is a must-visit spot.

The town of Hudson is probably one of our favorite towns in the Hudson Valley near NYC! If you love great antique shopping, excellent food, and historical sites you’ll find plenty of stuff to do in Upstate NY right here.

Start on Warren Street, which is Hudson’s charming downtown area. You can enjoy an easy 1-mile stretch lined with clothing boutiques, the coolest record shop, bookstores, and one-of-a-kind eateries.

I’m always looking for vintage treasures when we travel, and antique shopping alone is one of the best things to do in Hudson ! Hands down, The Antique Warehouse is an essential stop and if you’re like us, you’ll need at least a few hours to really explore!

Warren Street also features its share of antique stores that will not disappoint.

If you’re a fan of cool-looking lighthouses, one of the cutest is located in Hudson in the Hudson River. Or if you love old mansions, you’ll love the Olana State Historic Site nearby, another one of our favorite things to do in Hudson Valley . This 19th-century estate is a special piece of Hudson River Valley history that you can tour on the weekends.

• Lake George

Another one of our favorite places to visit in Upstate New York in the Adirondacks region is Lake George. While this is one of the most famous summer lake vacation spots in New York , Lake George is stunning in the fall during fall foliage.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake George , in the fall it’s a MUST to do the scenic fall foliage boat rides. In the winter, less things are open, but the town does invite the winter tourists looking for an Adirondacks winter getaway including skiing at West Mountain.

No matter when you go, Lake George is a blast, with all the local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. If the weather’s good, there are also a surprisingly fun number of mini-golf in the area! And if you love American history, there are some fascinating 18th-century forts nearby including Fort William Henry in town!

Located at the northern tip of Long Island, often referred to as “the end of the world,” Montauk is a dreamy Hamptons getaway.

Some highlights include the misty Montauk Point Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse in New York!), the gorgeous beaches, and local spa resorts if you’re looking to splurge.

There’s also a cool downtown area, where you’ll find the Montauk Brewing Company and other great restaurants!

During the summer, there are tons of amazing things to do in Montauk , between the plethora of seafood restaurant options and beaches with their exciting surfing scene.

Or visit Camp Hero State Park, which will fascinate everyone, from outdoor lovers and World War II enthusiasts to conspiracy theorists as well! (the conspiracies are said to be the inspiration behind the plot of Stranger Things!)

But we recommend visiting Montauk during the less-crowded shoulder seasons, which is also nice. We visited in April and it was really nice to enjoy not only Montauk, but all the other cool things to do in the Hamptons without the crowds!

• Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park should be on your bucket list if you love waterfalls. It’s a stunning park along the Genessee River in the Finger Lakes region featuring a few of the largest and most dramatic New York waterfalls .

It boasts around 50 different waterfalls, 66 miles of hiking trails, and the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.”

Come here if you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Upstate New York during the summer or fall. That’s when this breathtaking park shines!

There’s also kayaking, guided walks, horseback riding, fall foliage hikes, and much more. And May through October, you can see the park in a whole new way on a hot air balloon ride over the falls.

Winter offers its own magic, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities (though a lot of trails close this time of year).

And if you plan your trip in the spring through summer, you can book a stay at the Glen Iris Inn right at the waterfalls! This is something that’s been on our to-do list for awhile now! One of these years we will do it!

• The Roxbury Experience

The town of Roxbury is set in the rugged Catskill Mountains and has been the inspiration of artists, nature lovers, and winter athletes for two centuries. But one of the coolest things this area is known for is The Roxbury Experience!

One of the most memorable places to visit in Upstate New York is the quaint town of Roxbury at the Roxbury Motel, a themed hotel that is worth basing an entire getaway around!

The Roxbury is made up of two very different sites: a renovated motor lodge in town with themed rooms and an elegant 19th-century estate a few miles away that has incredible themed cottages as well as rooms in the historic, original Inn at the Roxbury at Stratton Falls.

Stay at the Roxbury Motel for campy (but also elegant) themes, like “The Final Frontier” and “Tony’s Dance Floor!” We stayed at “Cinderella’s Gown” and “Dracula’s Fangs,” both of which were INCREDIBLE and unforgettable!

At the Roxbury at Stratton Falls, has an actual waterfall that’s gorgeous to visit along with the spa and a few wooded walking trails.

Hawk’s Nest

Let’s get one thing straight. Upstate NY has no a shortage of scenic drives and one of the most dramatic is for sure the Hawk’s Nest Lookout drive. You’ll find the stone overlook along Highway 97, a winding road with hairpin turns that follows the Delaware River. 

We’ve mentioned it as a stop if you’re exploring the towns and villages speckling the Catskills because it’s worth going out of your way to experience!

Whether you need a break from the summer heat or want to enjoy a scenic fall foliage drive, the curving highway drive through the mountains presents amazing views of lush mountain forests and the river below.

Plus, Hawk’s Nest gets its name because of the hawks and eagles that make their nests here in the early fall. As they migrate south, this is where to go in Upstate New York to see the birds of prey in all their glory.

• The Site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival

If you want to visit the original Woodstock Music Festival Site, you won’t go to Woodstock, NY . No, you’ll go to Bethel, about 50 miles southwest! While Woodstock is surely one of the coolest towns to visit in the Catskills , it’s much further from the actual festival site despite the name, that’s another story but essentially the festival was meant to be in Woodstock, and it wasn’t.

The infamous 1969 festival was held in a field at a dairy farm in Bethel, and today you can visit the plaque commemorating the event along with visiting The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which includes a museum dedicated to this legendary event!

One of the best things to do in Upstate New York, this art complex honors the memories of the 1960s and the impact the Woodstock Music Festival had on the era. The indoor and outdoor exhibits are moving and memorable.

After exploring Bethel, you’ll be hungry, so stop at Kev’s BBQ! Their award-winning ribs must be experienced. Kev’s is open May through mid-November, offering picnic-style dining from their food truck.

• Beacon & Bannerman Castle

Art, antiques, good food, nature, and a castle on the Hudson River? Yes, please! Set on the banks of the Hudson River, the walkable town of Beacon is the perfect weekend getaway.

The art museum Dia: Beacon is a must, the amazing hiking trails out of town are mind-blowing, and downtown Beacon is so cute full of charming shops, restaurants, and historic storefronts!

With tours leaving from Beacon, Bannerman Castle is truly a gem to visit! If you love unique Hudson Valley history, you’ll love exploring this interesting 18th-century Scottish-inspired castle that served as a military surplus warehouse sitting on top of Pollepel Island in the Hudson River.

April through October, you can choose from a boat or kayak tours. Once there, you can explore the wooded paths around the castles, as well as learn about the castle ruins themselves, which is a fascinating story! We went this last fall and it was such a memorable experience!

• Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls, a town packed with historical stuff to do in Upstate NY. History lovers will find countless things to do here. Seneca Falls is best known as the birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement and modern feminism, and also as the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life!

There are all the moving women’s rights sites, including the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Wesleyan Chapel in the Women’s Rights National Historic Park. And you can explore the charming It’s a Wonderful Life Museum before taking a walk on the famous bridge from the movie.

Plus, Seneca Falls is set between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake and offers access to exploring the whole Finger Lake region!

• Hop Around the Hamptons

Located on eastern Long Island’s South Fork, the Hamptons offer visitors a string of darling (and luxurious) beachfront towns and villages to explore.

While the Hamptons can be visited every season of the year, it should be no surprise that the towns of the Hamptons are hopping during the summer!

Some essential stops include the charming town of Sag Harbor, a former whaling village. It’s full of fascinating historical sites, a top-notch dining scene, and one of the prettiest Main Streets we’ve seen!

We also recommend visiting East Hampton at the end of the summer for its white-sand beaches, local art galleries, and dining and shopping opportunities on Main Street.

Southampton is another must-see destination, with even more amazing shopping and the original Tate’s Bakeshop! Take a drive along Billionaire’s Lane, and while you’re here, you’ll want to go wine tasting and check out the gorgeous white-sand beaches.

The catchy slogan for Ithaca is, Ithaca is Gorges! And it’s no wonder why boasting 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius in the heart of the Finger Lakes! Beyond the incredible waterfalls in Ithaca , you’ll find as well as the beautiful Cayuga Lake, and the lovely downtown that’s home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University.

Some of our favorite things to do in Ithaca (there are a lot) include hiking trails to see one cascading waterfall after another at Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park.

Further out, take a scenic drive a few minutes along Cayuga Lake to see the 250-foot waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park. And that’s just a few of our favorites!

Just make sure in between chasing waterfalls that you spend time exploring downtown and enjoying the amazing dining and drinking scene here!

• Fort Ticonderoga

If you’re looking for historic sites and things to do in Upstate New York in the Adirondacks, consider a visit to Fort Ticonderoga. Set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Champlain, this area along the New York/Vermont state line is ripe with American history.

Fort Ticonderoga is a beautifully preserved 18th-century fortress built by the French that saw both the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War. It was seized at different times by the English and then Americans. The fort is open seasonally, offering guests a variety of experiences, including different tours, demonstrations, events, and more.

Today, the fort is in a very rural area (and offers amazing views of the lake!). The greater area around Lake Champlain and nearby Plattsburgh offers a variety of fun things to do throughout the year.

Another amazing Upstate New York destination for American history is the 300-year-old town of New Paltz. Start your exploration in the cute downtown area. The hilly Main Street is lined with colorful 19th-century storefronts featuring fun shops, antique stores, fusion restaurants, ancient delis, and more!

Make your way down to the historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District that dates to the 1600s. You can explore the 7 houses, the church and graveyard, and the Esopus Munsee Wigwam that make up the district. There’s a visitors center and some of the homes are open as museums.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to at least visit the stunning Mohonk Preserve and explore the trails (or stay at the famous Mohonk Mountain House ). New Paltz is also a good place to head out on a hike into the rugged Minnewaska State Park.

Rochester is a bustling city on the banks of Lake Ontario that offers visitors tons of the best stuff to do in Upstate NY. We were blown away during our first trip, which made us come back for more of the amazing things to do in Rochester . Dare I say it’s one of the most underrated cities in the US ?

The city of Rochester is packed with culture, whether you’re coming for their Fringe Fest in the fall or visiting all the museums like the George Eastman Museum to learn about the founder of Kodak. You’ll also want to spend at least a half day at the Strong Museum of Play, reserving a good portion of that time to play games in the National Video Game Hall of Fame!

There are also historic figures tied to Rochester and sites including Susan B. Anthony and the father of the Civil Rights Movement, Frederick Douglass.

There’s also the historic Erie Canal to explore, whether on land along the Erie Canal Towpath or by booking a river cruise.

And we recommend a visit to the Genesee Brew House, which offers great brews and amazing views of High Falls. You’ll need a weekend getaway here to get it all in!

You’ll find the charming, little town of Phoenicia high up in the Catskill Mountains. It’s an awesome Catskills getaway any time of the year with a surprising range of things to do in Upstate New York.

A must-visit is the Phoenician Diner. This unassuming eatery offers out-of-this-world breakfast and brunch options (including cocktails) made with fresh, local ingredients. After one of the best meals of your life.

Then drive to downtown Phoenicia and take a stroll down Main Street to explore the antique stores and Catskills Outfitters before heading out to ski or hike for the day.

Phoenicia is also a favorite launching point for us to explore the rest of the Catskills. It’s worth the drive nearby to the Emerson Kaleidoscope, the world’s largest kaleidoscope! And there are even more cute rural towns in the area to visit, like Woodstock, Hunter, and Tannersville.

• Great Camp Sagamore

This next pick for where to go in Upstate New York is a personal favorite. Tucked away in the Adirondacks region is Great Camp Sagamore, this historic lodge dates back to 1895 and involves the likes of the Vanderbilts!

We visited during the pandemic and didn’t get to go inside, but we did enjoy the absolutely stunning lake loop trail. It’s a pretty easy trail but it traverses through the forest and the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout the trail. It was honestly just so beautiful and we both agreed it was one of our favorite walks we’ve done in nature together!

It’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re stopping for a few hours or plan on staying a weekend. May through October, you can take educational tours of the 27 different buildings at Great Camp Sagamore, all designated National Historic Landmarks.

And overnight guests can enjoy the lodge’s private rooms or cottages, meals at the dining hall, and more.

.Plus, there are other cool outdoorsy things to do nearby, like Owl’s Head Mountain and visiting the town of Long Lake.

When looking for stuff to do in Upstate New York, there’s no shortage of cool towns to visit and one of the best is without a doubt, Kingston in the Hudson Valley!

Whether you like hunting down historical landmarks, scoring vintage finds and shopping at local boutiques, checking out street art, and more – the town of Kingston offers it all!

Fun fact, Kingston was New York’s first capital in 1777!

Don’t miss the moving Sojourner Truth plaque at the Ulster County Courthouse, where the abolitionist won her son’s freedom from enslavement. Or tour the Senate State Historic Site, where the first New York Senate met in 1777 after the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

If you’re a fan of scenic vintage train rides, hop aboard the Trolley Museum. Or enjoy all of Kingston’s many vintage stores and antique shops, each brimming with unique finds. And when you get hungry, there are a variety of fabulous cafes, bars, and restaurants serving up excellent ambiance and fresh, local cuisine.

• Cold Spring

Another charming town, located in the Hudson Valley and worth a visit is Cold Spring . Here, you’ll find really cool shops and restaurants up and down pretty Main Street.

Take a stroll along tree-lined streets featuring 200-year-old, ivy-covered storefronts, white picket fences, and potted flowers. Take your time taking in the scenic mountain views while you peruse gift shops, cozy pubs, curated boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants.

And if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Upstate New York, you’ll want to take the opportunity to explore Hudson Highlands State Park! The 8000-acre park boasts miles of scenic hiking trails for all skill levels and panoramic views of the Hudson River along the way.

• Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown

Especially if you’re heading out from NYC and you’re looking for places to visit in Upstate New York, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are a must! We love them both, especially in the fall for festive activities.

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow are a dynamic duo, especially when autumn hues color the landscape. Start in Tarrytown by exploring the charming Main Street, decked out in seasonal décor. And this is the place to come to see Gilded Age mansions, like Lyndhurst Mansion and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside.

Next, you might be saving the best for last when you head into Sleepy Hollow! Yes, this is the legendary setting of Washington Irving’s tale by the same name. Come during the month of October to embrace the spooky spirit of the town with a visit to the iconic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Or seek out all the Headless Horseman Sculpture.  

• Tannersville

For more classic things to do in Upstate NY, you can’t beat Tannersville. There’s excellent shopping and tons of outdoor activities nearby, all deep in Rip Van Winkle territory!

One of our favorite things to do here is to hike Kaaterskill Falls , with its breathtaking cascading falls surrounded by lush forests not to mention this is one of the most popular things to do in the Catskills . And not far away, the cute downtown area of Tannersville has tons of personality. There are colorful storefronts, unique shops, and fun cafes to explore.

Tannersville draws outdoor lovers and winter sports enthusiasts because of neighboring Hunter Mountain. Tackle the slopes in winter or enjoy scenic hikes in the warmer months. All the while, you’ll take in the legendary beauty of the Catskills, which inspire the whimsical world of Rip Van Winkle.

Bonus Places to Visit in Upstate New York

We’ve shared some of the best things to do in Upstate New York that we’ve experienced. Now check out these places that we hope to soon check off our bucket list!

• Boldt Castle & Thousand Islands

We love the idea of the opulence at Boldt Castle amidst the stunning Thousand Islands in the St Lawrence River. This Upstate gem, known for its Gilded Age elegance, offers a captivating glimpse into history. Exploring the lavish halls and elaborate gardens, all framed by breathtaking river views make it one of the best things to do in Upstate New York.

• Howe Caverns

If you’re seeking unique things to do in Upstate New York, head underground at Howe Caverns, a gorgeous subterranean wonder in Upstate NY. Discover rock formations and underground waterfalls that must be experienced to be believed, making it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable adventure.

• Herkimer Diamond Mines

How cool would it be to unearth treasures at Herkimer Diamond Mines? Known for its crystal-clear quartz crystals, it’s where to go in Upstate New York for a hands-on gem-mining adventure. It’s perfect for romantic couples and families alike!

• Eternal Flame Falls

Technically in western New York, you’ll find the enchanting Eternal Flame Falls. Nestled in a lush forest, this hidden gem is one of the top things to do in Upstate New York. We hope to witness the magical sight of the perpetually burning flame set behind a waterfall.

• Green Lakes State Park

What a dream to dive into nature’s beauty at Green Lakes State Park. The twin emerald lakes, surrounded by lush landscapes, offer a serene escape. With hiking trails and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the best places to visit in Upstate New York for outdoor lovers.

• Chittenango Falls State Park

Chittenango Falls State Park is said to be a visual feast, showcasing a 167-foot waterfall cascading over ancient bedrock. One of the best places to visit in Upstate New York, it provides a scenic day in the woods for waterfall hunters like us!

Upstate New York Bucketlist (Post Summary):

• Hawk’s Nest

The Adirondack Mountains stand out as one of the most beautiful parts of Upstate New York, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, charming villages, and abundant outdoor activities year-round.

Niagara Falls holds the title of the most visited place in Upstate New York, drawing millions of tourists annually with its awe-inspiring natural beauty and iconic waterfalls.

Upstate New York is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the picturesque Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, charming small towns, vibrant cultural scene, and steeped history.

For a New York road trip you need a minimum of around 5 to 7 days to experience the beauty of Upstate New York, including the Finger Lakes, Catskills or Adirondack Mountains, and charming small towns.

Enjoyed this guide for all the cool stuff to do in Upstate New York? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest!

Megan loves cats, pizza, and finding cool themed bars and hotels in New York and on her travels!

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18 unmissable places to visit in upstate new york.

When you think of New York, your mind instantly goes to Manhattan with its incredible skyscrapers, Empire State Building, and sprawling Central Park, but this iconic city isn’t the only place to explore in New York. We’ve fallen in love with New York State and if you plan a trip there, you’ll quickly see why. 

Upstate New York is full of beautiful natural landscapes, excellent food and wine scene, and seemingly endless recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

If you’re planning on visiting Upstate New York yourself, you’ll be hard-pressed to visit every single notable location unless you’re able to stay for weeks. That’s why we’ve made a list of our top 18 places to visit in upstate New York, so you can start imagining your trip and building the best itinerary. 

Planning your trip to Upstate New York?

Where to stay in upstate new york:.

• Margaritaville Resort Times Square ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .
• Moxy NYC Times Square ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .

Best Tours and Experiences in Upstate New York:

• Niagara Falls in One Day from New York City – See and experience Niagra Falls in one day with enough time to explore the Niagara Falls State Park.
• New York NYC Private Limo Tour – Take in Manhattan in a luxurious Stretch Limo, SUV, Or Luxury Van.

» Spending time in New York City? Check out our essential city guide and see the top 25 touristy things to do , where to stay in the city, a perfect 4-day itinerary , plus fun activities in Central Park .

Table of Contents

18 Places To Visit In Upstate New York

1. cooperstown.

Downtown Cooperstown is an area of Upstate New York to explore in as much depth as you can during your trip. 

While you’re there, you should make a point to visit the Farmer’s Museum , where you can learn about some of Upstate New York’s rural traditions.

In a similar vein, there’s also the Fenimore Art Museum , which is the perfect place to appreciate American artwork, including Native American and Folk art collections. 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a must-visit attraction for baseball fans, while Glimmerglass State Park’s Otsego Lake is the perfect hiking, picnic, or nature-watching location.

2. Woodstock

Woodstock has been associated with hippie culture for decades due to the town’s history, and it’s still one of the best towns in Upstate New York to visit if you want to enjoy live music, art, and nature all in one place. 

Artists will want to make a beeline for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild to take classes, see exhibits, and watch performances by other local artists. Tour the Bearsville Center on this walking music and history tour.

The best natural landscapes to see in Woodstock include Kaaterskill Falls and Overlook Mountain, where you can end a bracing trek by visiting the museum at the top as well as the ruins on the way up.

3. Chittenango Falls State Park

Chittenango Falls State Park is home to one of New York’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls . It’s also one of Upstate New York’s best hiking locations, so if outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery are your ideas of a good time, be sure to check it out!

The waterfall itself is a massive 167 feet tall, and you can hike to the top of the waterfall to see the view from above or watch the water flow from the nearby footbridge.

Alternatively, there are plenty of other trails which are shorter but which you can link together to create your perfect hike.

4. Kingston

You can’t visit Upstate New York without stopping at Kingston! If you didn’t know, Kingston was the original capital of New York and was a key location during the American Revolution. 

One Kingston venue we can’t recommend enough is Rough Draft Bar and Books which is the best place in Uptown Kingston to enjoy delicious beer and browse books while sampling some incredible baked goods. 

If you find yourself in the waterfront area of Kingston, you should try to visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum or take a sightseeing cruise down that same river.

When you get hungry, get a bite to eat at Village Coffee and Goods , which serves excellent breakfast sandwiches and healthy bowls for lunch.

Hudson is another unmissable part of Upstate New York. It’s known for its incredible restaurants, art scene, and historical appeal. 

If you’re interested in seeing some art exhibitions while you’re in Hudson, we recommend the Carrie Haddad Gallery for contemporary art or the Basilica Hudson , where you can enjoy various types of artwork and performances, including music and film.

Around sunset, one of the most iconic Hudson experiences is a boat tour of the Hudson Lighthouse.

WM Farmer and Sons are one of Hudson’s best-loved restaurants, and if you love steak and seafood, you should definitely grab dinner there.

Lovers of fine wine will also want to check out Hudson Wine Merchants , where you can reserve a spot on a wine tasting session.

6. Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake may not be talked about as often as some of the other tourist hotspots on our list, but no matter what time of year you choose to visit Upstate New York, you won’t regret stopping at this haven of natural beauty. 

If you’re going to be in New York during the winter, we recommend staying at the Lake Clear Lodge for the ultimate winter wonderland experience, complete with sleigh rides.

This lodge is also beautiful during the summer, especially during the evenings as the sun sets over the lake. 

There are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in at Saranac Lake, from snowmobiling in the winter to hiking during the warmer months.

The 1892 Bar and Grille is the perfect place to refuel once you’ve worked up an appetite.

7. Niagara Falls

If you find yourself near the Niagara River in New York, you should take the time to appreciate the beauty of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round and provides incredible experiences, from a boat tour of the waterfalls to dining at the Top of the Falls Restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food with a view of this iconic natural landmark. This tour will take you on both the American and Canadian sides of the border with all the must-see attractions.

There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area of Niagara Falls if you feel like walking, or if you’d like to learn more about the history of the area and the waterfalls themselves, there’s the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University .

8. Alexandria Bay

In the Thousand Islands area of Upstate New York, you’ll find Alexandria Bay. This is a maritime village with a lot of history to learn about as well as stunning views. 

One of the main tourist attractions in Alexandria Bay is Boldt Castle , which was built in the early 1900s and drew visitors every year with its beautiful architecture and tragic backstory. You can visit the castle by boat.

You should also book a boat tour specifically of the St. Lawrence River to find out more about the history (and mystery) behind some of the famous homes and shipwrecks in the area.

9. Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is the perfect Upstate New York vacation destination for those who love to stay active on vacation while enjoying some amazing food and drink.

For gorgeous views and lengthy hikes, the Watkins Glen State Park is a beautiful historic preservation site where you can get in touch with nature and local history. 

The nearby Seneca Lake is ideal for kayaking, and animal lovers can spend many happy hours at the Watkins Glen Farm Sanctuary .

Ithaca is one of the most colorful, vibrant towns in New York, known for its progressive attitudes and opportunities for adventure. 

Wine lovers will be obsessed with the Cayuga Wine Trail , where you can tour different wineries in the area and sample some of the best local wines.

Handwork is Ithaca’s artisan cooperative, so if you want to support the town’s thriving art culture, check it out.

This Orleans County village has a lot of history behind it, so if you’re looking for somewhere to learn things you didn’t know and step back into times gone by, Albion is the place for you. 

There are many museums to explore in Albion, from the Cobblestone Museum to the Medina Railroad Museum .

Village House Restaurant is one of the top-rated dining establishments in the area, and the Salmaca Estate Winery is one of Albion’s best vineyards.

12. Storm King Art Center

If you’re going to be visiting Hudson Valley during your time in Upstate New York, it makes sense to stop and see the Storm King Art Center .

The Storm King Art Center spans 500 acres and has been attracting locals and tourists alike since 1960 with its outdoor art exhibitions and museums. You can spend hours here admiring one-of-a-kind works of art. 

There’s even an outdoor cafe at the center, so you’ll be able to stop and enjoy sandwiches and snacks (plus wine and beer) on your art appreciation adventure!

13. Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is something of a hidden gem in Upstate New York, located next to the Erie Canal Towpath. If you love hiking, this will be a must for your itinerary, but that’s not all Green Lakes State Park has to offer!

Once you’ve finished exploring some of the trails, you can enjoy a relaxing game of golf at the local golf course or unwind at the beach within the park itself. 

You can check off both your accommodation and dining needs at The Craftsman Inn , which includes breakfast with your room and serves dinner at the restaurant.

14. Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is another place you should try to stop at if you’re in the Hudson Valley area. You might associate it with horse races, but rest assured that it’s still worth a visit if that’s not your thing. 

For example, there’s the Saratoga Winery , the stunning Saratoga Spa State Park , and the Yaddo Gardens . 

When you’re in the mood for food, Boca Bistro is beloved by tourists and locals alike.

15. Lake Placid

The Adirondacks region is the best place to go in Upstate New York if you want to enjoy scenic views, crisp mountain air, and exhilarating adventures. Specifically, we recommend visiting Lake Placid. 

Whiteface Mountain is accessible from here and it’s one of New York’s best skiing spots. The ADK Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for animal lovers and Downstairs Boat Rental provides opportunities to try various watersports on the lake for affordable prices.

16. Sleepy Hollow

You may have heard of Sleepy Hollow in the context of ghost stories thanks to Washington Irving, but visiting Sleepy Hollow is actually a very pleasant experience!

Of course, for those who are interested in Sleepy Hollow’s legendary side, there’s plenty to do, from the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to the Headless Horseman Bridge. You can even visit the home of Washington Irving himself.

However, there’s also the less-spooky historical Philipsburg Manor , the local farmer’s market which sells fresh produce, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve for nature lovers.

17. New Paltz

New Paltz is an Ulster County town with tons of nature-based attractions for visitors. 

During your time in New Paltz, you should take a walking tour of Historic Huguenot Street to learn more about the town’s (and America’s) history. 

Wallkill Valley Rail T rail is one of the best spots for a walk in nature, while the Robibero Family Vineyards is perfect for an afternoon of wine tasting and learning about wine production.  

DM Weil Gallery is another attraction we recommend if you’re interested in contemporary art.

Beacon is easily accessible from many areas of New York, including New York City , and there’s so much to do in this part of the Hudson Highlands. 

Hudson Highlands State Park has some of the most picturesque views and best hiking trails in New York, in our opinion. 

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can get in touch with your artistic side at Hudson Beach Glass or Dia: Museum .

If you have time for a meal in Beacon, we highly recommend reserving a table at The Roundhouse , which was built during the 1800s and has a fascinating history and a modern menu based on American cuisine. You can also book a room here if you want to stay overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i see in upstate new york.

The top things to see in upstate New York, in my opinion, are Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes (Ithaca, Seneca Falls, or Skaneateles), Adirondack Park, covering over 3 million acres, the Hudson Valley, and Cooperstown, a must-see for any baseball fans. Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Where should I stay in Upstate NY?

Upstate New York offers a wide range of vacation options, from scenic mountain retreats to charming small towns and bustling cities. Some popular destinations in Upstate New York include Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, Ithaca, Hudson, and Niagara Falls. Ultimately, the best place to stay in Upstate New York depends on your personal preferences and interests.

How to get to Upstate New York?

There are several ways to get to Upstate New York;

• By Air. By far the easiest way to get to Upstate New York thanks to the many surrounding airports that serve domestic and international flights.
• By Train. Amtrack is the train service connecting many of the cities within Upstate new york.
• By Car. Take advantage of the major highways and explore Upstate New York at your own pace with a road trip.
• By Bus. Greyhound is one of the many bus service companies that operate in Upstate New york city taking you in and out of the cities and connecting to neighboring states.

Final Thoughts

Based on the variety of things to do and places to see in Upstate New York, we recommend staying here for as long as you can experience as much as possible. 

Whether you’re planning a nature excursion across this part of the state, a deep dive into New York’s art culture, or a tour of the area’s best wineries, Upstate New York will not disappoint you! 

Which Upstate New York location will you visit first?

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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21 Best Places to Visit Upstate NY

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Looking for a getaway from the city? These are the best places to visit Upstate NY.

I wrapped the duvet around myself to conserve the warmth as I listened to the pitter-patter of the rain outside our campervan. I dozed in and out for another 45 minutes before finally sitting up. Esther still laid curled up under the covers, and I was not about to wake the beast. As I dressed, I couldn’t help but smile in excitement for the next few days of exploring upstate.

A big thank you to Escape Campervan for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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21 best places to visit in upstate ny, map of the best places to visit in upstate ny, escape campervans & sample itinerary, more upstate ny attractions, museums in upstate ny, national parks in new york state, planning checklist, more resources.

As soon as you head upstate, you’re transported into a completely different world. Rather than the smells, honking, and chatter bombarding you at every turn in the city, you’re enveloped by the serene forest around you. The rest of New York state has charming little towns, scenic paths and trails, and such rich history.

1. Watkins Glen State Park

1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891,  map

This is an extremely popular park that gets filled with busloads of tourists throughout the summer. Even on a rainy weekday, we passed a few tour groups. Walk along the creek to see 19 waterfalls and stunning 200ft cliffs. The most iconic shot is of Rainbow Falls Bridge and the most memorable fall is Cavern Cascade.

Find a  nearby hotel here .

Local Tip: A shuttle runs from one side of the canyon to the other, but is only available in the summer and on busier weekends in the Spring and Fall. Be sure to check their schedule to find out if it’s an option.

2. Ausable Chasm

2144 U.S. 9, Au Sable, NY 12911,  map

Ausable Chasm is also referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. Hike the surrounding trails or float down the Ausable River. Adventure-seekers can find rock climbing routes and rappelling. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Ausable Chasm Bridge for unforgettable views.

Search for hotel deals here .

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for one of the best ways to visit one of the best places in upstate NY,  try renting a car with RealCar . RealCar is a top-rated, easy-to-use, luxury rental car service that’ll make getting there almost as good as the destination.

3. Whiteface Mountain

Wilmington, NY 12997,  map

Climb this 0.2 mile man-made path reminiscent to a mini Great Wall of China. It makes for great photos by itself, but if that’s not enough, you’ll also be surrounded a beautiful landscape.

See More: 15 Best Day Hikes in the US to Put On Your Bucket List

4. Breakneck Ridge

Breakneck Ridge Trail, Cold Spring, NY 10516,  map

This is an extremely popular hike because of its proximity to the city. It’s also a lot of fun if you like scrambling over rocks and boulders. After the steep climb, you’re rewarded with multiple lookout points before heading back down a more gradual trail.

Find a nearby place to stay .

Local Tip: Parking fills up quickly over the weekend. Get there early (before 8 am) to get a good spot.

5. Giant Ledge

Shandaken, NY 12464,  map

This is one of the most popular routes in the Catskills. There are eight scenic lookouts and five ledges with spectacular views packed into this 3.2-mile round-trip hike.

6. Dia: Beacon

3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508,  map

The Beacon area is referred to as the upstate Brooklyn. It’s filled with hipsters, art galleries, and more. The Dia: Beacon is a really popular museum that covers art from the 1960s to the present day.

7. Storm King Art Center

1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553,  map

Not only is this a popular spot for hiking, but the art center has curated over 100 sculptures beautifully placed on the grounds.

8. Eternal Flame Falls

Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127,  map

This waterfall lives up to its mythical name. A small grotto behind the falls contains a natural gas spring that burns year round, hence the ‘eternal flame’ in its name. 

Find a place to stay here .

9. Mt. Colden & Avalanche Lake

Keene, NY 12943,  map

Conquer this challenging trek up and down wooden ladders, over bridges, and along ski trails. At the peak, you’ll get the best 360-degree views the Adirondacks has to offer.

10. Kaaterskill Falls

NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436,  map

This is a beautiful two-staged waterfall with a popular swimming hole at the bottom. The entire area was covered in snow and ice when we visited in the winter, but we definitely need to go again when it’s warmer. 

Look for nearby hotels and rentals .

Local Tip: We highly recommend  crampons  if you visit in the winter.

11. Whittaker Falls

Lowville, NY 13367,  map

This is a beautiful hidden gem where the water cascades over step-like layers. It’s a great spot to go camping to escape the big city.

12. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

3395 Hwy 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148,  map

Whether you want to go for a drive or hike, this is a great place to go birding. Besides all the different species you’ll find here, there are also 6 bald eagles nest to look out for.

Find nearby places to stay here .

Local Tip: You can borrow binoculars from the visitor center to use during your visit.

13. Sam’s Point

400 Sams Point Rd, Cragsmoor, NY 12420,  map

Sam’s Point is a small section of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The rocky bluffs of makes it hard to take a bad photo. It’s beautiful during the fall, and in the late spring and early summer, you can hike to ice caves to see what is left from the winter (via guided hikes).

If you’re looking for other hikes, check out Gertrude’s Nose, Rainbow Falls, and High Peters Kill trails.

14. Saugerties Lighthouse

168 Lighthouse Dr, Saugerties, NY 12477,  map

This 1969 lighthouse sits right on the Hudson River and is now a museum and bed & breakfast. Whether you’re looking for a quick stop or staying overnight, it’s worth the visit.

15. Chimney Bluffs State Park

7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590,  map

Experience the most dramatic landscape of Lake Ontario. It feels out of place in New York, almost as if you’ve plucked a west coast landscape and dropped it on the east coast. Stroll along the lakeshore and marvel at the massive yet fragile spires that tower over you. 

Find nearby hotels .

Local Tip:  The address is for the main parking lot with the nice bathrooms but if you drive to the end of E Bay Rd, you’ll find a small lot right next to the beach.

See More: Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Through the Mighty 5

16. Vera’s Market Place

3091 U.S. 9 #102, Cold Spring, NY 10516,  map

Cold Spring is a popular weekend getaway from the city. Restored 19th century building and mom-and-pop shops line the town center. It’s a charming getaway where you can hike, bike, golf, or kayak. Also, stop by Vera’s Market for some delicious cider donuts.

17. Ithaca Falls

Lake St, Ithaca, NY 14850,  map

You would never imagine to find a beautiful 150-foot cascading waterfall in the middle of this college town. It’s an easy stop if you’re in the area. If that’s not enough waterfall for you, you can also check out the nearby Triphammer Falls or Buttermilk Falls.

Find a place to stay in town .

Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the signs. It mentions danger of lead in the ground, so avoid touching it with your skin.

18. Peekamoose Blue Hole

Peekamoose Rd, Grahamsville, NY 12740,  map

On most days during the summer, it’s too hot or humid to enjoy hiking. Head to this crystal clear swimming hole in the Catskills to take a dip and cool off instead. You can even flip off of the rope swing at the deepest part of the pool.

19. Lemon Squeezer

Appalachian Trail, Southfields, NY 10975,  map

This is an extremely popular hike that is only open from Spring to Fall. On the weekends, you may even get turned away. If you are able to get in, you’ll find yourself scrambling, climbing, and squeezing through giant boulders to get to an amazing viewpoint.

20. Bear Mountain

Highlands, NY 10986,  map

This is one of best-known peaks in the area and has options for the whole family. In the summer, you can hike along the trails, bike along the paths, or go fishing. In the winter, cross-country skiers take over the trails and there’s even an outdoor ice-skating rink.

21. Taughannock Falls

1738 NY-89, Trumansburg, NY 14886,  map

Marvel at this beautiful 215 waterfall from multiple vantage points. Drive up to get a view from above, or hike along the creek to get sprayed by the mist from below.

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

There are still so many spots on this list that we haven’t visited. We plan to check off a few more before the winter season comes. A couple of weeks ago, we headed upstate in an  Escape Campervan . It was a great way to see and experience these state parks with a bit more comfort and style.

We can arrive in the parks without worrying about setting up camp. Once we pull into a campsite, we’re ready to go! The interior transforms from a living room to a queen-sized bed. During our trip, we mostly left it as a bed, and used the picnic table in our campsites. The back also opens up to a kitchen, with a camp stove, hand pump sink, and all the cooking items needed.

Book your Escape Campervan here !

Here is an itinerary of our trip:

• 1:00 PM  Pick up Escape Campervan
• 1:30 PM  Head Up to Watkins Glen State Park
• 2:30 PM  Stop for a quick lunch and pick up supplies
• 5:30 PM  Arrive at Watkins Glen Campground, Set Up Camp
• 6:00 PM  Make Dinner & Campfire
• 8:00 AM  Breakfast at Campground
• 9:00 AM  Hike along the creek and enjoy the 19 waterfalls
• 12:00 PM  Lunch in Watkins Glen
• 1:00 PM  Walk around town
• 3:00 PM  Hike other trails in the state park
• 6:00 PM  Dinner & Campfire at the Campground (or pick up pizza in town and bring it back)
• 8:00 AM  Breakfast & Pack Up
• 9:00 AM  Drive to Chimney Bluffs State Park
• 10:30 AM  Hike and shoot photos in the state park
• 11:30 AM  Drive to Seneca Falls
• 12:00 PM  Lunch in Town
• 1:30 PM  Visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park
• 2:45 PM  Drive to Taughannock Falls
• 3:30 PM  Check into your campsite
• 4:00 PM  Hike to Taughannock Falls
• 6:00 PM  Dinner & Campfire
• 9:00 AM  Drive to Ithaca
• 9:30 AM  Visit Ithaca Falls & Buttermilk Falls
• 11:00 AM  Drive back to NYC to return the campervan 

• Bannerman Castle  (Fishkill) – Boat or Kayak out to this castle in the Hudson. You can see it from above on the Breakneck Ridge hike.
• Boldt Castle  (Alexandria Bay) – Started in the early 1900s, the building was abandoned but later completed in the 70’s. It’s now a popular tourist stop.
• Bristol Mountain  (Canandaigua) – Popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter of fly down their seven ziplines in the summer.
• Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park  (Buffalo) – This is the country’s largest inland naval park with helicopters, tanks, boats, and more.
• Frederick Farms  (Clifton Springs) – Every August, 700,000 sunflowers bloom making for amazing photo ops.
• George Eastman House  (Rochester) – George Eastman was the founder of Kodak and his home has one of the world’s largest collections of photography equipment.
• Graycliff Estate  (Derby) – If you love architecture, visit this masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Lockwood Lavender Farm  (Skaneateles) – Visit the 120-acre farm and breathe in all the lavender.
• Magic Forest  (Lake George) – This amusement park has been around since 1963. It’s right in the middle of the woods and has unique attractions and rides.
• McGregor Vineyard  (Dundee) – There are a ton of wineries to explore in the Finger Lakes region, but this is one of the best views you can get.
• Mushroom House  (Pittsford) – Built in the early 70s, this looks like a home straight out of the Smurfs.
• Sonnenberg Gardens  (Canandaigua) – This 50-acre estate is open from May until October and has stunning photos spots.
• Warren St  (Hudson) – If you’re looking for art galleries, head to Warren St in Hudson. There is plenty to browse, eat, and if you’re into Halloween, they throw great parties.

If you need to a break from the outdoors, check out one of these unique museums.

• Corning Museum of Glass  (Corning) – Learn about the innovation of glass at this hands on museum. You can even make your own!
• International Boxing Hall of Fame  (Canastota) – Home of boxing legends Carmen Basilio and Billy Backus, and includes the original boxing ting from Madison Square Garden, promo posters, boxing trucks and more from the greatest boxers in history.
• JELL-O Museum  (LeRoy) – Invented in 1897 in this small town, see the history of the iconic dessert we all grew up with.
• Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum  (Jamestown) – Stop by the hometown of Lucille Ball to see reproductions of the sets from I Love Lucy, along with props, costumes, memorabilia, and more.
• National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum  (Cooperstown) – Explore three stories of baseball past and present.
• National Bottle Museum  (Ballston Spa) – Did you know bottle-making was the first primary industry in the US? Stop by to see roughly 2,000 antique bottles and learn about the innovations throughout history.
• Nat’l Memorial Day Museum  (Waterloo) – This town is recognized as the origin of Memorial Day, and this museum tells you everything you want to know about it.
• National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame  (Saratoga Springs) – This museum is a true celebration of the sport of racing. See trophies, artwork, memorabilia, and try out a horse riding simulator.
• The Strong: National Museum of Play  (Rochester) – The Strong comprises the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, and the International Center for the History of Electronic Games. It’s focused on why it’s essential to play.

If you’re looking to check off a few more National Park Units from your bucket list, then you have plenty to choose from outside of the  11 that are in NYC alone .

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail  
• Captain John Smith National Historic Trail
• Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site  (Hyde Park) 
• Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor  (Upstate) 
• Fire Island National Seashore  (Patchogue) 
• Fort Stanwix National Monument  (Rome) 
• Harriet Tubman National Historical Park  (Auburn) 
• Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site  (Hyde Park) 
• Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area  (Albany) 
• Martin Van Buren National Historic Site  (Kinderhook) 
• Niagara Falls National Heritage Area  (Niagara Falls) 
• North Country National Scenic Trail  
• Sagamore Hill National Historic Site  (Oyster Bay) 
• Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site  (Mount Vernon) 
• Saratoga National Historical Park  (Stillwater) 
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site  (Buffalo) 
• Thomas Cole National Historic Site  (Catskill) 
• Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River  
• Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site  (Hyde Park) 
• Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail  
• Women’s Rights National Historical Park  (Seneca Falls) 

Where to Stay in New York

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What are your favorite places to visit Upstate New York?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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While this gallery may not be the most perfect list of places to visit this summer, we think it comes very close.  Many will argue that this or that might not be everyone's favorite in the category, but for one man's opinion I am sticking tp these 24 most interesting, most delicious, and most historic sites to see!

This fun list has 24 "favorite" (a term used very loosely) places to visit this summer.  The propose is to get your interest and get your attention to all the many wonders out there along the back roads and byways of Upstate New York.  I have been traveling, writing, researching, and interviewing all over the region for more than 15 years, and have ten published books (from Syracuse University Press) to prove it.  So, if nothing else this is a fun list for you to explore.

Here you will find my favorite (and almost always "off the grid") places such as favorite hot dog stand, performing arts center, most sentimental celebrity grave, favorite pizza place, favorite fort, favorite drive in movie, favorite historic church, and more.  Including a favorite mini-golf with the Guinness World Book of Records-certified longest mini-golf hole in the world.

So check it all out.  Pick the ones you like the best and get up and out this summer and explore!!

Also, while there are thousands of choices for each and every category, if we missed your "favorite" we invite you to visit our Facebook page and give your choice of the best a shout out!

"24 Favorites" To Put On Your Upstate New York Summer Bucket List

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

"Meals on Wheels" 21 Of the Top Upstate New York Food Trucks!

More from wdos-wdla-wchn cny news.

11 Things To Do In Upstate New York: The Complete Guide On What To See And Where To Stay

U pstate New York is worth exploring, from majestic mountains to beautiful lakes to some of the most enchanting towns. While it’s one of the most spectacular getaways during the colder months, there is more to this region of New York than just skiing or snow tubing around Belleayre Mountain.

Here is what to know about visiting Upstate New York, including all the things to do there in any season.

UPDATE: 2023/09/12 19:48 EST BY LANE VASQUEZ

There Are Countless Things To Do In Upstate New York

Venturing to Upstate New York means a whole new world of adventures outside NYC. These are all worthwhile things to do while exploring New York and what to know about the different areas Upstate.

Things To Do

Once summer arrives, Upstate New York becomes a perfect spot for NYC escape. From breathtaking scenery to rolling hills to winding roads , this place has much more to offer than travelers may realize.

Capital District: The New York State Capitol

Because the Capital District holds Albany, the state's capital city, guests can check out the official building. The capitol building is part of the Empire State Plaza complex on State Street, making this a great centrally-located attraction.

• Is NYS Capitol open to visitors? Yes; visitors can go inside Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM

Take a self-guided tour ; there's a map to download, plus an audio tour!

Capital District: The New York State Museum

Another fun way to spend a day in the Capital Region is heading to the New York State Museum. Here, visitors can explore the history of New York, along with artifacts from many years ago found in the area.

Because New York has such a rich history, it's possible to spend the entire day here, marveling at the culture and origins of the Empire State.

• Is New York State Museum free? Yes—the museum is free to enter.

The Adirondacks: Saranac Lake

Saranac is an enchanting small village in the Adirondacks and one of the most impressive small towns in the United States. The place is full of exciting adventures and several attractions that suit travelers of all ages and interests.

Whether you are looking to have fun in its gorgeous mountains or engage in water sports, Saranac Lake offers countless things to do .

The Adirondacks: Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington

Whiteface Mountain is a wonderful paradise for skiers, boasting eleven ski trails whose difficulties vary. Visiting this mountain is definitely one of the best things to do in the Adirondacks, and not just because it’s perfect for skiing.

Related: Ask Reddit: Which Has Better Hiking, The Adirondacks Or The White Mountains?

There are numerous other things to see and do there, including snowboarding in winter, hiking while enjoying the magnificent views of Lake Placid in summer, and more.

The Adirondacks: Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga

Initially referred to as Fort Carillon, Fort Ticonderoga is a beautiful fort constructed in the 18th century . Surrounded by a stunning landscape, this fort played significant roles in the French-Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

There are several gorgeous gardens to explore around, and travelers can even use them for picnics.

Catskills: Explore The Highest Peak In the Catskills, Slide Mountain

Standing at 4,180 feet, Slide Mountain is among the highest peaks in New York State. Located in Ulster Counter, in the small charming town of Shandaken, this is a popular hiking destination and boasts several trails.

The hike towards the summit can be gentle or difficult, depending on the trail travelers choose to hike the mountain.

Related: 11 Best Places To Watch Meteor Showers Just Outside New York City

Catskills: Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, Catskills, New York

Bethel Woods Center For The Arts is located about 90 miles from New York City and is a perfect location to experience some of the most impressive arts and art performances.

The center also boasts a large amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000 people. Apart from the art performances, there is a wide range of educational programs and festivals to catch, including the annual Harvest Festivals. Several concerts are also held at this place.

Catskills: Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain is an incredibly family-friendly destination at any time of the year, brimming with fun adventures, such as North America's longest and highest zipline, hiking through the magnificent jungles, and a scenic Skyride chair lift.

• How long is Hunter Mountain Skyride? The trip lasts about 11 minutes in either direction, so 22 minutes roundtrip.

Catskills: Minisink Battlefield County Park

Covering 57 acres, Minisink Battlefield County Park is among the Historic Places listed in the National Register, thanks to the significant role it played during the Revolutionary War.

At the park, vacationers can enjoy the numerous picnic areas, restrooms, a large pavilion, and scenic trails for strolling throughout the park.

Western New York: Niagara Falls State Park

There is a lot to explore in this gorgeous park, including Goat Island, Luna Island, and the Three Sisters Islands.

This park was established in 1885 to protect public access to the land surrounding the world-famous Niagara Falls. It is the oldest park in the United States and has several attractions to explore.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, or Thundering Waters as the North American Indians call it, is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the United States and lures more than eight million visitors each year.

Related: From The City To the Falls: 14 Essential Stops On The New York City To Niagara Falls Journey

The sight of the sheer amount of cascading water is incredibly impressive and creates awe-inspiring views, especially in the early mornings.

• Recommended Tour: Niagara Falls in One Day from New York City
• Duration: 19 hours
• Cost: From $199 USD per adult

Book this tour

Western New York: Whirlpool State Park

Whirlpool State Park has a lot to offer, including scenic views of the Whirlpool and rapids. Travelers will find several picnic facilities, a playground for kids, numerous hiking trails to explore, and fishing opportunities. This park is a must-visit when exploring Western New York.

When To Visit Upstate New York

Summer is the best to explore Upstate New York, especially between May and August. Once the wetness and mud that come with spring have dried up by May, the weather gets warmer, making it a great time to spend time outdoors.

The region's temperatures average highs of the 70s (F), which is not as hot as the kind of heat experienced in NYC and most parts of the eastern seaboard.

There are several miles of hiking and biking trails, camping opportunities, ballooning, horse riding, and more to do, thanks to the perfect weather.

Related: 10 Things To Do In Lake George: Complete Guide To This Upstate New York Vacation Spot

The only drawback of visiting in summer is that everyone else chooses it as the best time travel.

So, vacationers who'd rather not rub shoulders should opt for winter or fall. Not only will they enjoy fewer crowds, but also great deals on flights and accommodations.

An advantage of exploring Upstate New York in the fall is the fall foliage, which makes the region absolutely stunning. But with temperatures hovering between the 30s and mid-60s, it can be chilly. Travelers should therefore be prepared for wild temperatures by putting on layers.

Winters can be long and cold in Upstate New York, with temperatures averaging in the 20s. This season is a great time to explore the region, thanks to the abundant winter sports.

Upstate New York boasts some of the most impressive ski resorts, including Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. There's also the Capital Region and many other stunning scenic places in upstate New York, so whoever travels here will be impressed.

Adirondacks is the most fun place to be in Upstate New York in winter because it's cozy, and the place is incredibly spectacular to drive through.

The Capital Region

One of Upper New York's most beautiful areas is the Capital Region. Here, visitors will be on the outskirts of the state's capital, Albany, giving them easy access to it and the various attractions nearby.

Some people may also refer to this area as the "Capital District," so keep an eye out for both of those names when booking restaurants, hotels, and events.

Where To Stay In The Capital Region

For those wanting to travel to the Capital District/Region of Upstate New York, there should be plenty of hotels. Whether someone has a more premium taste and budget or prefers something laid back and inexpensive, this area should have plenty to experience.

The Argus Hotel & Cocktail Lounge

Located just next to Washington Park lies The Argus Hotel & Cocktail Lounge. This hotel features a quaint Upper New York charm that only the Capital District can and has good reviews from previous visitors.

• Accommodation: The Argus Hotel & Cocktail Lounge
• Address: 8 Thurlow Terrace, Albany, NY 12203
• Amenities: Private garden, Wi-Fi, parking, a shared lounge, 24-hour front-desk service, bike rentals, tennis, and free breakfast.

Amsterdam Castle

Another fun hotel to check out in the Capital Region is Amsterdam Castle. This hotel lies within a 19th-century redbrick castle, giving guests a one-of-a-kind stay. Located off Interstate 90, this hotel is also easy to drive to and is an 11-minute walk from Riverlink Park.

• Accommodation: Amsterdam Castle
• Address: 49 Florida Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, terrace/patio, meeting and banquet facilities, coffee machine, private bathroom, and daily housekeeping.

The Landing Hotel

For those after more modern accommodation while in the Capital District in Upper New York, The Landing Hotel may be a perfect choice. This property features a laid-back, contemporary design and is connected to the Rivers Casino.

• Accommodation: The Landing Hotel
• Address: 21 Rush Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, a bar/lounge, complimentary toiletries, a coffee shop, free parking, 24-hour front desk service, a casino, and an on-site ATM.

Where To Eat In The Capital District

• Loch & Quay : Located in Downtown Albany, just a short drive from the hotels listed above, guests can enjoy burgers, salads, wraps, and other small bites.
• Villa di Como Ristorante : Italian bar and dining room featuring authentic cuisine, intimate ambiance, and great reviews.
• Martel's Restaurant at Capital Hills : American food, is family-owned and operated, features small bites and large meals, and is in the Albany area.

The Adirondacks

The Adirondack region has been a popular spot for relaxation for many centuries; there are nice places to spend travel nights while exploring the beautiful scenery of the place.

Accommodation options range from simple hotels to luxury resorts, mostly featuring stunning architecture.

Related: Here's Everything You Can Do In The Adirondacks Besides Hiking

These resorts boast stylish lakeside rooms and magnificent mountain cabins.

Travelers will always find any type of accommodation they are looking for – pet-friendly, family-friendly, romantic, and more.

Where To Stay In the Adirondacks

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (Luxury)

Located in Hogansburg, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort is among the top-rated resorts that guarantee a relaxing and pampering stay in the Adirondacks.

• Accommodation: Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort
• Address: 873 State Route 37, Hogansburg, NY 1365
• Amenities: Adults only, indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge room service, free Wi-Fi, coffee machine, free parking, and a flat-screen TV.

Lake Pleasant Lodge (Mid-Range)

Located in Speculator, the major draw of Lake Pleasant Lodge is its gorgeous sunset views over Lake Pleasant. The rooms are elegant and come with fantastic amenities.

• Accommodation: Lake Pleasant Lodge
• Address: 2839 State Route 30, Speculator, NY 12164
• Amenities: Refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, telephone, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and an Ethernet connection.

White Pine Camp (Budget)

White Pine Camp comes with a fitness center, a private beach area, and incredible lake views. All the guest rooms have a seating area, a private bathroom, a coffee machine, and more.

• Accommodation: White Pine Camp
• Address: 432 White Pine Road, Paul Smiths, NY 12970
• Amenities: Private beach, fitness center, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, game room, microwave, and refrigerator.

Where To Eat In The Adirondacks

• The Left Bank Café : Best for breakfast, the Left Bank Café is a great spot to eat omelets, pastries, crepes, and tartines.
• Big Mountain Deli & Creperie : This place serves quality food prepared with the freshest ingredients, some sourced locally. It is one of the best places to have lunch when visiting the Adirondacks.
• Campfire Adirondack Grill + Bar : This place is perfect for dinner, and it offers high-quality food and an incredible selection of craft beers and signature cocktails.

The Catskills is recognized for its dramatic mountains and deep valleys. The region is a popular summer destination for NYC residents.

Related: Visiting The Catskills: A Full Guide On What To Expect

The Catskills is spread across five counties in Upstate New York, with many charming towns and villages to choose from.

Where To Stay In The Catskills

Sunny Hill Resort And Golf Course (Luxury)

Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course is a family-friendly resort located in Greene County, offering a variety of accommodations, family-style meals, several playgrounds, and plenty of fun activities for both adults and kids to enjoy.

• Accommodation: Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course
• Address: 352 Sunny Hill Road, Greenville (Greene County), NY 12083
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, child pool, parking, complimentary breakfast, ATM on-site, babysitting or child care, increased accessibility, game room, and gift shop.

Winter Clove Inn & Resort (Mid-Range)

Located at the foot of North Mountain and spreading across 300 acres of space, Winter Clove Inn & Resort is an all-inclusive family resort with incredible amenities, a fantastic dining scene, and fun activities for an entire family.

• Accommodation: Winter Clove Inn & Resort
• Address: 557 Winter Clove Rd, Round Top, NY 12473-0067
• Amenities: Free parking, free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), pool, fitness center with gym/workout room, restaurant, badminton, and bowling.

Bluebird Hunter Lodge (Budget

Located a short drive away from Hunter Mountain and Kaaterskill Falls, the Bluebird Hunter Lodge is a beautiful place to stay with fantastic amenities, including free self-parking.

• Accommodation: The Bluebird Hunter Lodge
• Address: 7433 Main Street, Hunter, NY 12442
• Amenities: Restaurant, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, flat-screen TV, and cable or satellite TV.

Where To Eat In The Catskills

The Catskills boasts some of the best restaurants in Upstate New York. Here are some to check out:

• Village Coffee and Goods : Best for breakfast, the Village Coffee and Goods is a cozy café located in Kingston, serving high-quality coffee, along with some light bites, including breakfast sandwiches, toasts available in varieties, and nuts.
• J&J Smokehouse Bbq : A perfect choice for lunch, this restaurant operates every day, including weekends, and serves a variety of American Barbeque.
• The Kaatskeller : Located right across from Main Street Farm, The Kaatskeller is an excellent restaurant suitable for dinner, one of the family-friendly spots in town.

Where To Stay In Western New York

Buffalo Harmony House (Budget)

Found near Kleinhans Music Hall, the Buffalo Harmony House is one of the best places to stay when visiting Western New York on a budget.

Live music, an incredible dining scene, and shopping opportunity from its gift shop are its major draws.

• Accommodation: Buffalo Harmony House
• Address: 70 Wadsworth St, Buffalo, NY 14201-1723
• Amenities: Free parking, Wi-Fi, free breakfast, game room, billiards, books, DVDs, music for children, children's television networks, and banquet room.

Related: 10 Secret Places In Western New York Worth Exploring

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (Luxury)

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is definitely one of the best places to stay in Rochester and Upstate New York, thanks to its hospitality and world-class amenities.

This hotel offers all the comforts one would expect from a perfect home, making it a fantastic place to stay with a family when exploring Upstate New York.

• Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
• Address: 2835 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618-4133
• Amenities: Free parking, Wi-Fi, fitness center with gym, free breakfast, hiking, kids stay free, taxi service, and business center with internet access.

Where To Eat In Western NY

• Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse : Opened in 1998, this Italian-inspired steakhouse restaurant is one of the best in town and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Eagle House : Located in the heart of the small charming town of Williamsville, Eagle House will never disappoint when it comes to full-service lunch.
• Sophia's Restaurant : This is the best spot for breakfast. It is located in Buffalo and serves different sandwich varieties, omelets, and more.

View all on map

Hidden Gems: New York's Best Summer Destinations

The comfort of a second home. The convenience of a hotel. The reliability of Rove.

New York explodes with vibrant energy come summertime. New York City and the East End are hotspots containing a wealth of summer getaways waiting to be explored, standout destinations with something for everyone.

Beyond the tourist hubs, there's a tapestry of natural beauty, charming small towns, and authentic culture to be discovered throughout the state.

This diverse array of attractions is a factor in New York's enduring popularity as demonstrated by the 62.2 million visitors who flocked to New York City in 2023 according to New York City Tourism data showcasing the state's enduring allure. Let’s explore some of New York's best-kept secrets for memorable summer getaways.

Top Summer Travel Destinations in Upstate New York

Upstate New York offers those who love nature and outdoor activities a wealth of hidden treasures. Consider non-touristy activities, if you’d prefer to avoid the usual tourist hotspots during your summer vacation. Check out these unique suggestions in 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC and 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Brooklyn .

Chautauqua Lake: Situated in New York, Chautauqua Lake provides a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds at other lakes. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking on its waters. Culture enthusiasts will find interest in the Chautauqua Institution recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its dedication to education and recreation.

Letchworth State Park: Known locally as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park will awe you with its gorges, waterfalls, and dense forests. Take a leisurely nature walk on trails of varying difficulty levels. Experience an aerial view of the park from a hot air balloon.

What could be more relaxing than a day spent with your friends? Prepare a picnic basket and head to a picturesque spot.

Letchworth State Park

Skaneateles Lake: Skaneateles Lake, among the Finger Lakes, is known for its cool, clear waters offering a pleasant bathing experience. Try boating and swimming or explore charming villages like Skaneateles with local shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Immerse yourself in the area's charm with a wine-tasting session, savoring the wines produced in the Finger Lakes region.

Ithaca's Gorges: For hiking enthusiasts Ithaca's Gorges is a must-visit destination, one of those weekend getaways showcasing gorges formed by ancient glaciers. Hiking trails wind through forests and past cascading waterfalls like the Lower Falls (also known as Ithaca Falls).  This is a lovely spot for cooling off with a swim in the natural pools at the base. After your adventure, explore the vibrant college town of Ithaca with its many intriguing dining options.

Hudson Valley: As summer getaways go, the Hudson River Valley stands out. The park has a harmonious mix of history, art, and scenic beauty. It beckons explorers during the warmer months, offering New Yorkers one of the best places to relax and enjoy the quiet and fresh air in a natural environment. Take a train ride on a Hudson River rail excursion, for something a little different.

Hudson Valley

Storm King Art Center: The Storm King Art Center, set in rolling hills and picturesque woodlands, attracts art lovers to its outdoor sculpture park. Showcasing sculptures by well-known artists on a grand scale, the park creates a special connection between art and the natural surroundings. Visitors can join walking tours to learn more about the artworks and the beautiful landscape or enjoy a leisurely picnic on the vast grounds on a sunny summer day.

Best Summer Getaways in Long Island

Aside from the allure of the Hamptons, Long Island boasts some hidden treasures that promise an authentic summer escape.

Sandpoint, Shelter Island | Modern Retreat with Pool

Shelter Island: Take a break from the city hustle and bustle. Unwind on serene Shelter Island accessible by ferry from Long Island's North Fork. Pristine beaches invite you to soak up the sun and take a dip while kayaking adventures offer a unique view of the island's shoreline. Find a private beach for a cool dip, or explore the Mashomack Preserve, a sanctuary for wildlife with breathtaking natural landscapes.

North Fork Wine Region: For wine lovers seeking a quieter retreat from the bustling Hamptons scene, the North Fork Wine Region is one of the best places for wine tasting. Adorned with vineyards and charming wineries, this area produces top-notch wines for leisurely summer sipping. Embark on a self-guided tour of wineries, tasting varietals and enjoying delightful pairings with locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie boards. Discover the charming towns scattered throughout this region, where farm-to-table eateries highlight produce and boutique shops offer one-of-a-kind treasures.

Adirondack Park National

Top Summer Spots, in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Mountains set an awe-inspiring stage for a summer escapade.

Saranac Lake: Tucked away in the heart of the Adirondacks Saranac Lake is a quaint village brimming with allure.

Boating on the lake is a classic summer pastime with hiking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes. History enthusiasts can visit the Adirondack Carousel, a hand-carved gem from the early 20th century that holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Quaint boutiques and eateries dot the village streets, offering a taste of Adirondack warmth.

Islands of Lake George: Scattered across the glistening waters of Lake George, islands beckon as peaceful retreats. Some can be reached by boat or kayak, while others are accessible via ferry for day trips or camping escapades. Discover the wonders of these islands, take a refreshing dip in the water, or unwind on their shores amidst serene surroundings.

Popular Travel Destinations in the Catskills

The Catskills provide an adventurous yet enchanting getaway for those craving thrills and small-town allure.

Catskill Mountains, New York: Outdoor Adventures, Paddling and Fishing

Kaaterskill Falls: Trek to the Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York's tallest waterfalls. The flowing waters framed by greenery offer an idyllic setting. Photography fans will find opportunities to capture the falls’ beauty while nature enthusiasts can wander along nearby trails and bask in the peaceful ambiance of the Catskills.

Phoenicia: Tucked away in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia is a delightful town steeped in history and outdoor pursuits.

Try whitewater tubing on the Esopus Creek for an adrenalin rush. For a relaxed experience, take a leisurely walk along Main Street and taste the town's unique charm. Discover local stores, savor a farm-to-table meal, or unwind and soak in the Catskills’ laid-back vibe.

Pet-Friendly Hiking Trails

Practical Advice for Exploring New York's Hidden Treasures

Now that you're excited about discovering New York's hidden gems, here are some tips to make your summer adventure smooth and enjoyable.

Travel Suggestions

Transportation: Upstate New York and Long Island are best explored by car, allowing you to visit places at your own pace. Rental cars are widely available in cities, or you can bring your own vehicle. Catch a ferry to destinations like the North Fork and Shelter Island.

Packing Essentials: Be prepared for New York's summer weather by packing layers for cool mornings and evenings, rain gear for possible showers, sunscreen and hats for sunny days, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking and hiking.

Timing Your Trip: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons ( spring or early fall) to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy better weather conditions.

Be aware that places, like wineries and outdoor spots, may limit out-of-season operating hours.

Accommodation: You have a wide choice of places to stay in Upstate New York and the Catskills. Accommodations include bed and breakfasts, historic hotels, rustic cabins, and campsites surrounded by nature. On Long Island choose from resorts, vacation rentals, charming inns, and B&Bs. Consider your budget and preferences when picking where to stay.

Rove Travel provides a range of vacation rentals to suit different needs and budgets throughout New York State. Whether you're looking for a summer cabin getaway, a quaint B&B, or a spacious beachfront rental for your summer retreat, we have something for everyone. Check out our listings today, and start planning your summer adventure in New York!

Dining: Upstate New York and the Catskills are famous for their farm-to-table movement. Here, restaurants prepare delicious seasonal dishes from local ingredients. Enjoy delicacies like maple syrup, fresh seafood from the Finger Lakes region, and craft beers from the Hudson Valley. Long Island has a vibrant dining scene, from casual seafood spots on the North Fork to upscale eateries in the Hamptons.

New York State contains many hidden gems beyond the tourist spots, waiting to be discovered. From the lakes and stunning waterfalls in Upstate New York to the quaint towns and world-class art scene in the Hudson Valley, and pristine beaches and top-notch wineries on Long Island, you’ll find hidden treasures in every corner. The Adirondacks offer a majestic wilderness retreat, while the Catskills provide outdoor fun and small-town charm.

You’ll find a variety of tourist experiences, whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or someone who enjoys trying local produce. Leave your worries behind, pack your bags, and prepare for a summer exploring these extraordinary destinations. Dive into the opposite of city life, uncover gems, and savor local cuisine. These insider tips will ensure a truly memorable New York visit.

Can’t wait to plan your summer getaway? Look no further than Rove Travel for top-notch accommodation in New York. Browse our range of rentals catering to all budgets and travel preferences. With Rove Travel as your partner, you'll secure a convenient home base to discover New York's hidden treasures.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Could you recommend any known spots to explore in new york's wine regions.

The North Fork of Long Island offers a laid-back retreat with top-notch wineries like Wolffer Estate Vineyard and Shinn Estate Vineyards. The Finger Lakes region boasts a wine scene showcasing hidden gems, like Glenora Winery and Ravines Wine Cellars, producing exceptional wines. The Hudson Valley is making waves in the wine industry, hosting wineries like Millbrook Winery and Clinton Vineyards, crafting wines with grapes grown in the region's distinctive climate.

What are some ways to reach areas in the Adirondacks?

For a wilderness adventure, consider backpacking or canoe camping in the Adirondacks. You can reach some campsites by car, while others require a hike or boat trip. Plan your trip, obtain the necessary permits, and ensure you have the appropriate equipment and skills for camping in remote areas.

Can you suggest some of the hidden cultural attractions across New York?

New York's hidden gems offer a wealth of cultural treasures to discover.

Discover sculptures at Storm King Art Center. It’s set against the beautiful Hudson Valley backdrop. Immerse yourself in the art world at Dia Beacon Museum in a historic Nabisco box factory. For history enthusiasts, Chautauqua Institution is a must-visit historic landmark renowned for its educational and cultural offerings.

Discover hidden gems and local favorites with our guides to non-touristy things to do in NYC and Brooklyn . Instead of hitting the usual crowded spots, explore charming neighborhoods, cultural hotspots, and unique dining spots for a true taste of the city. Uncover the best-kept secrets and experience the unique charm of New York City and Brooklyn just like a local.

Are there any known family-friendly spots worth exploring in New York?

Absolutely! New York boasts hidden treasures perfect for families. Skaneateles Lake provides activities, like boating, swimming, and browsing local shops and eateries. Meanwhile, the charming Adirondack village of Lake Placid is a paradise with hiking trails, biking routes, and picturesque gondola rides.

40 Best Things To Do in Upstate NY You Can’t Miss

With its stunning landscapes and diverse culture, New York State is special — and Upstate NY specifically, is full of adventure. From small towns to large cities, Upstate New York features beautiful scenery and plenty of amazing things to do.

When you visit Upstate NY, you can enjoy a lakeside getaway, try wines from the local vineyards, brush up on your history at the museums, explore the great outdoors, take part in family-friendly adventures, go to an amusement park, and so much more! Whether you’re coming from out of state, or you’re wanting a fun road trip from New York City — there’s something for everyone here.

Ready to explore? Here are 40 things to do in Upstate NY that you don’t want to miss!

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

• Best for Foodies: Inn on Broadway in downtown Rochester, NY is situated in the East-End Theatre District. This luxury boutique hotel features the amazing Tournedos Steakhouse. Tournedos’ mouthwatering menu features Domestic Wagyu, In-House Dry-Aged Steaks and fresh Hawaiian Seafood. 
• Best on Lake Placid: Boasting panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains, Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is located directly on Mirror Lake has on-site dining and a spa. You’ll find tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center onsite. Lake activities include, boating, fishing, and relaxing on the private beach.
• Near Niagara Falls: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is less than 0.6 mi from Niagara Falls and features an on-site casino, spa, and various dining options. Shopping and dining in central Niagara Falls, NY is 1.6 mi away.

LETCHWORTH STATE PARK

Known by many as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park in Castile, NY offers great hiking, amazing waterfalls and lots to explore. Hike to an overlook early in the morning and relax as the sun rises, or chase waterfalls on those warm summer days! With plenty of hikes to choose from, you will never be bored. 

In addition to hiking, you’ll also find trails for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also find history programs, guided walks and tours, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and a swimming pool here too.

One of the most special trails here is the Autism Nature Trail , also known as A.N.T. This 1-mile-long trail allows individuals with autism or other related disabilities to enjoy hiking in a safe and inclusive area. The trail features eight different sensory stations, which allow guests and their families to explore nature.

For a completely unique experience at Letchworth State Park, try hot air ballooning ! Seeing the park and magnificent waterfalls from the air is a cool adventure that you and your crew will remember forever.

STRONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY

Who’s ready for play time? At The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, play time is offered all day! With interactive exhibits, immersive programs, and so much more, you can watch as children engage with others, while learning about the history of all things play!

Wander into the National Toy Hall of Fame (more below) or learn about the History of Electronic Games through a fun educational experience. Make sure to make time to explore the Skyline Climb. Adults and kids alike can challenge themselves on this ropes course that features balance beams, wobbly bridges, ropes, and a zipline platform.

In addition to the amazing exhibits, you’ll also find a carousel and train that the kids will love. You’re never too young or too old to learn something cool while at The Strong! 

NATIONAL TOY HALL OF FAME

Remember classics and reflect on some of the best toys of all time when you visit the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong. From American Girl Dolls to Alphabet Blocks to Dominos and much more, see specialty toys and the influence they have had on children’s lives through the years.

Each year, the hall inducts new toys into their Hall of Fame, and you can see classic and new versions of them here. You can even nominate your favorite toy!

Read More: 23 THINGS TO DO IN ROCHESTER NY (AND THE FINGER LAKES)

ADIRONDACK EXPERIENCE

In the heart of the Adirondack Mountains you’ll find an amazing place called The Adirondack Experience . This stunning nature area and museum features 20 buildings on 120 acres of land overlooking Blue Mountain Lake. Here you can learn about the region’s past, and how preservation and conservation is leading to the present.

It’s not just any museum, though. The Adirondack Experience is…well, an experience! In addition to browsing the museum, you can also do things like row an authentic guide boat, work to break up a logjam, climb a fire tower, or hike to Minnow Pond. Let the kids feed the fish, and enjoy toys and games from the past.

See permanent exhibits like Life in the Adirondacks, which is a 19,000-square-foot  fully immersive and interactive exploration of the Adirondack Park and its people. See the outdoor exhibits and historic buildings, such as a one-room schoolhouse from 1907. Climb the Whiteface Mountain Fire Tower for spectacular views of the surrounding area. And there’s so, so, SO much more!

There is truly so much to do here, you could spend all day. The Adirondack Experience is truly one of the best things to do in Upstate NY!

MONTEZUMA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

If you’re planning to visit the Finger Lakes area of Upstate NY, I highly recommend a stop at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge . This refuge provides a place for migratory birds to rest, feed and nest. With over 10,000 acres, the refuge is visited by bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and many more birds. Some make the refuge their home year-round.

Take a guided tour here and learn about the importance of the refuge. Perfect for birdwatching, the refuge also has hiking trails, observation towers, and picnic tables to enjoy. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular here in the winter months. Fishing is a year-round activity here.

If you’re wanting to take in some of the beautiful views, there’s also a 3-mile-long auto tour you can take in your car, with viewing areas along the way.

BOLDT CASTLE

If you want to feel like you’re in a fairytale while cruising through The Thousand Islands, then a stop at Boldt Castle is a must!

Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island and is only accessible by water. From both Canada and the United States, visitors can visit on a tour boat, or by personal watercraft.

This European-style castle was built by George C. Boldt, owner of New York City’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel, for his beloved wife, Louise. Sadly, Louise died before the castle was finished, and Boldt never returned to the castle.

The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority rescued the castle from ruin in 1977, so the building could finally be enjoyed. Visitors can tour the castle, marvel at its craftsmanship, see the gardens, and fall in love with the stunning scenery all around.

NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

Let’s hit a home run on this vacation! Whether you’re a huge baseball fan or you’re someone who is looking to learn a bit more about the sport, you’ve got to visit Cooperstown in New York State because it’s home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame ! 

Celebrate legendary players, see iconic uniforms, and learn why baseball is America’s favorite pastime. See some of the greats, learn about famous teams and watch clips of some of the greatest plays. Listen as cheers flood the museum and see how inclusion has played a role in this sport.

It’s a must-visit for any baseball fan!

JELL-O GALLERY MUSEUM

Have you been dreaming about Jell-O lately? Whether you’re on a road trip or really just love Jell-O, head into LeRoy, NY and visit the Jell-O Gallery Museum . Invented in LeRoy in 1897, you’ll learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this jiggly treat!

Children will enjoy a scavenger hunt and adults will love learning trivia about this famous food. 

The tour normally takes around 45 minutes and is a nice little activity to break up long drives. Get ready to jiggle through the museum and learn cool facts about Jell-O! 

HARRIET TUBMAN HOME

Take a guided tour through legendary abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman’s Home when you visit Auburn, NY. Learn about Harriet’s lasting legacy and see how she saved so many through the Underground Railroad.

Discover facts about this amazing woman while you wander through the home, and feel the essence of her throughout the property and grounds. See what her final home was like and learn more about her life and legacy.

SYLVAN BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK

The historic Sylvan Beach Amusement Park in Sylvan Beach, NY is a small and retro amusement park that makes for the perfect day trip! This family-run park is great for families and people with small children. With vintage rides and classic games, it’s full of good, old-fashioned fun that never goes out of style.

Have fun on the bumper boats, play a round of mini golf, or fly down the super slide. Take a ride on the Galaxi Coaster, spin on the Scrambler, twirl around in the teacups, or take the little ones to Kiddieland — it features 10 rides for the littlest guests.

You’ll find plenty of food and games here too, and even an arcade! A visit here is a great way to spend the day in Upstate NY.

MIRROR LAKE

Upstate New York is known for its wild beauty and stunning scenery and Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, NY is no different. Choose to kayak on the calm and cool waters or go for a delightful swim in the warm summer months. 

Relax by the lake in the evening with a nice cocktail and be mesmerized by the mountain peaks in the distance. Visit during the winter and go for brisk walks or have an adventure dog sledding and ice skating.

Mirror Lake is truly beautiful, no matter the season.

Read More: OLYMPIC-SIZED FUN: 20 THINGS TO DO IN LAKE PLACID

WINE TOUR THRU THE FINGER LAKES REGION

It’s time to sit back, relax and sip on some wine! Whether you’re in the mood for white, rose, or red, the Finger Lakes region offer plenty of fun wine tours that will satisfy all your cravings. With plenty of award-winning wines to taste, call an Uber and prepare for a good time. 

A great way to experience the amazing wines here is to explore one of the region’s wine trails . The lakes of Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca are home to the most wine trails, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Whether you do this as a girls trip or a romantic date idea, this will be a blast in a glass. 

NIAGARA FALLS

Probably known as one of the most famous waterfalls in North America, Niagara Falls is a bucket list destination you’ve got to see. Take a tour and see American Falls, The Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and listen to the heavy hitting falls pound into the water below. 

Choose to see the falls from the boat on the Maid of the Mist and feel the water on the skin, or get up close on a hike at the Cave of the Winds. The awe-inspiring sights will send shivers throughout your body and will be something you remember for a lifetime. 

Read More: 19 CAN’T-MISS THINGS TO DO IN NIAGARA FALLS NY

CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

See an impressive and eye-catching museum in Upstate New York when you visit the Corning Museum of Glass . With more than 50,000 glass objects, you can see collections and exhibits solely dedicated to the art of glass. 

With certain pieces older than 3000 years old, the Corning Museum showcases some of the best pieces to date. From the history of glass to present day practice, embrace the brilliance behind it and learn a new trade. 

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Set among rolling hills and directly on the river in the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House is a charming retreat for many New York City locals. Enjoy nature at its finest at this amazing resort and spa.

Treat yourself to a farm to table dinner experience throughout the year and relish in the fresh air. Swim in the summer, watch the leaves change in the fall, take on snowy sports in the winter, and catch the first bloom of spring at this idyllic resort. 

LAKE GEORGE

Fall in love with New York State’s classic American town with a visit to Lake George, NY . This family-friendly town is the ideal location to plunge into the lake, go for a lake cruise, and enjoy an ice cream or two.  

Whether you want to parasail, kayak or jet ski, take on the lake for a thrilling adventure or go for a hike in the stunning forest and see wildlife. With crystal clear waters and near perfect temperatures, have the summer vacay of your dreams! 

Read More: 17 PHENOMENAL THINGS TO DO IN LAKE GEORGE, NY

LUCILLE BALL DESI ARNAZ MUSEUM

Embrace a blast from the past at the retro Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, NY. See rare memorabilia, walk through old sets, and see costumes that Lucille Ball once wore at this museum located in Lucille Ball’s hometown.

Whether you’re an I Love Lucy fan, or Lucille and Desi are your favorite comedy couple, you’ll understand the lives of these greats and honor their legacy with a visit here. With personal belongings, photographs and scripts to see, remember the past with a little laughter along the way! 

WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN

Pull out those ski gloves and get ready to carve into some fresh powder when you visit Whiteface Mountain . Beginners and experts will thrive on the slopes at Whiteface Mountain, and don’t forget to warm up with a hot chocolate after an intense, adrenaline-filled day! 

With stunning landscapes and picturesque views all around, it’s hard not to enjoy your time at Whiteface. While the winter is a hot spot for avid skiers and snowboarders, the summer paves the way for hikers and those who love the outdoors.

CHIMNEY BLUFFS STATE PARK

Chimney Bluffs State Park may be small, but it packs an everlasting punch. With great hikes for all skill levels and a beautiful natural environment, Chimney Bluffs is quite special. See massive cliffs, sharp edges, and intense points, as these peaks feel like something from outer space. 

Whether you walk along the shores of Lake Ontario or hike within the wooden forests, you’ll see massive earthen spires along the way. Take the Bluff Trail to see the edges and get those Instagram-worthy pictures. 

TAUGHANNOCK FALLS

From breathtaking gorges, to rim trails that allow you to put your adventure cap on, Taughannock Falls is truly special. This state park is right off of Cayuga Lake and is perfect for an afternoon activity. 

Look up to the strong and powerful falls and watch as the white water gushes down. Bad weather can sometimes affect the trails, so always check before arriving to see if anything has been closed.

And listen, if you’re up for some active adventure then the flat waters of Cayuga Lake within the same park are the perfect place for kayaking in New York State .

LEMON SQUEEZER

Tie up your laces and squeeze your way into an unusual rock formation on the Appalachian Trail when you tackle the Lemon Squeezer . This rocky and rugged trail is fabulous for thrill seekers and nature lovers who are looking for quirky and entertaining hikes. 

While this can easily be tackled by novice hikers and most walkers, I highly suggest wearing good shoes and always watching where you step. See the wild appeal of the Appalachian Trail and have a go at a fun and tight hike! 

ITHACA FALLS

If your Upstate New York vacation has you going to Ithaca, I highly recommend going to Ithaca Falls . It is the last of many waterfalls in the Hanging Valley, and is an excellent afternoon activity to get some fresh air.

The splash pool at the bottom of the falls and the creek below is known by locals as a great fly fishing spot. So bring your rods and start fishing! Get a glimpse of the waterfall roadside or head into trails for a closer view. 

Read More: 22 THINGS TO DO IN ITHACA NY FOR YEAR-ROUND FUN

ROCKWELL MUSEUM

Take a trip to the Rockwell Museum in Corning, NY, which is the only Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Upstate New York. View the red brick building and fall in love with the amazing architecture that houses fantastic collections of fine art. 

Focusing on American paintings, Native American objects, illustrative art, and contemporary photography, the diverse pieces tell a story through American history. See fabulous artifacts and see the roots of America!

WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK

Wake up early, put on some comfortable walking shoes and get to Watkins Glen State Park . As one of the most famous state parks in the Finger Lakes region, you can walk 2 miles on paved paths and come across 19 waterfalls. 

Wander along the Gorge Path that winds you around cliffs and gives you an excellent view of the falls. Feel free to extend your hike by camping at the park and diving deeper into its natural and wild landscape. 

WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS STATE HISTORIC SITE

If you’re a New York City local and looking for a bit of fresh air and unobstructed views, I highly suggest an outing to Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site . Overlooking the Hudson River in Newburgh, NY, see the place George Washington once called home during  the Revolutionary War. 

Known as the nation’s first publicly owned site, tour the house where history was made and wander along the grounds for a stunning view of the Hudson Valley. Reflect in this beautiful setting before going into town for a bite to eat.

SAUGERTIES LIGHTHOUSE

Explore the allure of Saugerties Lighthouse and even spend a night in its new bed and breakfast. Take a guided tour and discover the lighthouse’s history in the Hudson Valley. Climb to the top of the watchtower and look out onto views of the Catskills and the Valley beyond. 

Whether you go for a little walk through the wild grass or plan on staying for the night, check out the tides and wear appropriate shoes. Get away from daily pressures and visit this unique lighthouse. 

BUTTERMILK FALLS AND PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE

Feel like you’re in the Caribbean at this New York State dreamy watering hole. Nestled into the Catskills, you’ll find the perfect swimming hole at Peekamoose Blue Hole and an idyllic waterfall at Buttermilk that will cool you off during the summers. 

I recommend getting there early, as parking is limited. While the falls are about a mile away from the Blue Hole, they’re typically less busy, which gives you plenty of space to spread out. Dip in the ice cold water and remember to bring a little picnic.

STORM KING ART CENTER

Meander through an outdoor museum to see one of the largest collections of outdoor sculptures when you visit the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY. With over 500 acres to conquer, embrace the hills, meadows and forests through a journey of creative expression. 

The art center is where art and nature truly come together. Spend the day walking outside and exploring the amazing artwork featured here. You’ll also find an outdoor cafe, bike rentals, galleries, and a museum store.

HERKIMER DIAMOND MINES

Keep your eyes peeled for the next big diamond! Children will adore this above ground mine, where they will sift through large rocks in the hopes of finding a diamond at the Herkimer Diamond Mines .

Search for Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystals, some of which were formed over 500 million years ago! Some of the crystals may be sitting out in front of you, but breaking the rocks looking for them is a popular search method too. You get to keep whatever you find.

After you find one, visit the Build and Wear, Build to Share Center where professionals will help you create a jewelry piece.

FORT TICONDEROGA

Learn about the iconic history of Fort Ticonderoga through an interactive experience and live performance. March to fifes and drums, smell the fresh blooms in the gardens, and have an epic day playing in the fort with friends and family. 

From hiking trails, to a fun maze and fabulous reenactments, discover an old world while living in the present. Climb to the top of the fort and see breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and Vermont’s mountains. 

OLD FORT NIAGARA 

If you’re planning a vacation to Niagara Falls, I highly recommend stopping off at Old Fort Niagara for an epic historical treat. This 18th century building on Lake Ontario holds significance to the French and Italian War, the War of 1812, and the American Revolutionary War. 

Step into the past with reenactments, artifacts and much more to gain a deeper understanding on how this fort was influential in helping Niagara, Canada and America. Take in the views and witness something new! 

INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME

Get your gloves ready and see some of the greats at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY. While this museum may be small, I would allow around an hour to explore the exhibits and artifacts found here.

From the trophy wall, to the belts, trunks and gloves, see what boxing is about and why it is loved. Walk the same route as greats like Muhammad Ali, Sylvester Stallone, Mike Tyson and much more. 

GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM

Do you love photography or want to work in film? Then book your ticket and make your way to the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY. As the world’s oldest museum dedicated to photography and film, see archived collections and much more while visiting. 

While the buildings, memorabilia and art pieces are a true inspiration, make time to explore the exceptional gardens. Feel the time capsule of film and photography around you at this brilliant destination. 

AUSABLE CHASM

Ready to visit “The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks?” Nature is all around you, when you visit Ausable Chasm .

Whether you’re looking for miles of hiking trails, or want to take on the white water rapids, Ausable has plenty of adventures for you to take on!

Go rock climbing, hang out on cliffs, and pass by endless waterfalls at this unique destination. Camp with family and friends, take a tubing float tour, explore the Adventure Trail ropes course, and much more. You’ll never run out of things to do at this amazing outdoor location.

OLD ERIE CANAL HERITAGE PARK

Get to the bottom of the Erie Canal at Old Erie Canal Heritage Park . Walk through the former Lock 52 site in Port Byron, NY and feel the authenticity all around you at this 19th century treasure. 

Enjoy hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, fishing, and snowmobiling here.

Walk around the park, embrace what once was, and see the Erie House Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, and Mule Barn. Dating back to 1854, this is a great way to see how life and landscape has changed. 

THE WILD CENTER

See things from a new perspective at the Wild Center in New York State. With over 115 acres of open space, see different types of animal and plant life at this wild and wonderful place.

With live animals, canoes, and guided walks, there is plenty to do here. Children will love the giant spider webs, birds’ nests, and hollow trees on the wild walk, or guests can watch informational videos to learn about the area’s preservation and conservation practices.  

WILDER HOMESTEAD

Have you ever heard of the book, Farmer Boy ? Brush up on the classic story and take a tour of the Wilder Homestead , where Almanzo Wilder spent his early life. Farmer Boy was written by his wife, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and gives insight on his daily life and boyhood experiences. 

Take a tour and see what life on a homestead was once like. Walk around the property, see inside the farm and locate all the favorite parts from the famous book. 

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

Place your bets and start cheering for the fastest horse on the track! From late July through early September, get ready to dress in your Sunday best and have a fabulous time at the Saratoga Race Course . With an electric atmosphere that will last for hours, sit back, bet and win!

Known as one of the best sporting venues by Sports Illustrated , come for a race or a farm tour, where you will be shown around the barn and enjoy a yummy breakfast.

SLEEPY HOLLOW

Do you believe in ghost stories? While the charming town of Sleepy Hollow, NY has loads of allure, it was also written about in Washington Irving’s famous tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow . While the spooky season is appealing for many visitors, Sleepy Hollow is beautiful all year round. 

With delicious restaurants, boutique shops, and historic sights, spend a weekend away from the stresses of life in this quaint town. Visit Headless Horseman Bridge, walk along the waterfront, and fall in love with small town living.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM

Boat lovers will love the Antique Boat Museum in picturesque Lake Lawrence. See fresh water boats, excellent craftsmanship, and thousands of artifacts at this museum. Celebrate boats and understand the importance of them in this area of the U.S. 

With a large nautical heritage surrounding the museum, see over 300 unique boats that add to the culture of the community. Get your lake legs ready for a tour on the lake and spend the day by the calm and serene waters. 

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO NEW YORK

• YOUR NEW YORK VACATION
• SYRACUSE:  27 Fun Things To Do In Syracuse NY You’ll Love
• NYC WITH KIDS:  31 Perfect Things To Do In NYC With Kids
• LAKE GEORGE:  17 Phenomenal Things To Do In Lake George, NY
• TIMES SQUARE:  14 Really Amazing Things To Do In Times Square

WHERE TO STAY IN UPSTATE NY

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The 20 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

When you think of New York, the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of New York City might first come to mind. However, venture north, and you’ll find a different world altogether in Upstate New York. This region is a tapestry of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a multitude of activities that cater to every interest.

Upstate New York offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures. From the challenging hikes and rock scrambles in places like the Mohonk Preserve and Mount Beacon, to the serene beauty of the Taconic Mountains, there’s a trail for every type of hiker.

The viewpoints from these hikes are rewarding, often offering panoramic views of picturesque landscapes like the Shawangunk Ridge, the Berkshires, Catskills, and the Hudson River. 

Upstate New York also shines in the winter with activities like snowmobiling in Chautauqua County and skiing at various slopes across the region, making it a year-round destination.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Upstate New York provides a stark, beautiful contrast to its metropolitan counterpart downstate.

Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

Niagara falls.

Niagara Falls is a mesmerizing natural wonder that’s been captivating visitors for over 12,000 years. As America’s oldest state park, it’s open every day, all year round, offering stunning views and thrilling experiences.

Imagine standing at the Cave of the Winds, feeling the powerful rush of water from the Hurricane Deck, or cruising close to the falls on the Maid of the Mist. The park also offers a variety of trails, including the scenic Rim Trail and the adventurous Devil’s Hole Trail, perfect for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Don’t miss the Aquarium of Niagara, where you can see over 200 species of aquatic animals and enjoy educational exhibits. For history buffs, Old Fort Niagara offers a glimpse into the past with its restored buildings and live demonstrations.

And, if shopping is your thing, the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA are a must-visit for great deals and a wide selection of brands​​​​​​.

Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls, known as the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement, offers a rich historical experience. Visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park to delve into the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848.

This park celebrates the efforts of women’s rights leaders and abolitionists. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cayuga and Seneca Canal is perfect for kayaking and enjoying the breathtaking fall foliage.

Art lovers will appreciate the Ludovico Sculpture Trail, featuring unique and intriguing sculptures. The town also boasts the Seneca Falls Country Club, ideal for golf enthusiasts, and Wolffy’s Grill and Marina, offering delicious food with a lakeside view. 

Saranac Lake

Nestled in the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. This town truly comes alive in winter, offering a wide range of activities from cross-country skiing to snowmobiling.

The Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center is perfect for beginners in skiing, and you can also enjoy snow tubing here. During the warmer months, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and paddling.

Don’t miss the Winter Carnival, an annual celebration that includes the construction of a magnificent Ice Palace. For a more relaxed experience, explore the local breweries or take a stroll along the Saranac Lake River Walk and enjoy the serene views of Lake Flower​​​​.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, nestled between the Adirondack Mountains and New York’s state capital, is a hub of elegance and excitement. Renowned for its horse racing at the Saratoga Race Course, this city offers a rich blend of history, arts, and natural beauty.

Dive into the world of mineral springs, essential to Saratoga’s charm, where you can rejuvenate with relaxing spa treatments. The city is also a haven for food lovers, boasting a variety of dining options from American fare to international cuisine.

If you’re into the outdoors, Saratoga has plenty of nature trails, parks, and golf courses. The vibrant nightlife scene here, complete with bars, live music, and cozy winter bars, ensures that there’s never a dull moment​​​​.

Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands, a picturesque archipelago along the U.S.-Canada border, is an idyllic escape into nature’s splendor. This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like boating, fishing, and scenic cruises to explore the myriad of islands.

Each island has its unique charm, with historic lighthouses, castles, and quaint cottages dotting the landscape. The region is not just about natural beauty; it’s steeped in history and culture, with museums and historic sites that offer a glimpse into its rich past.

Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water or a peaceful retreat in a serene setting, the Thousand Islands region is a perfect choice.

Pittsford, a small village in New York, is known for its historic charm and scenic beauty. As one of the oldest villages in New York, Pittsford takes pride in its well-preserved architectural heritage, with several restored buildings adding to its quaint atmosphere.

The village is perfect for leisurely exploration, offering unique shops, fine dining, and relaxing cafes. For those who appreciate the outdoors, Pittsford is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, perfect for walking or cycling.

The village’s blend of historical architecture, modern amenities, and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the quieter, more refined side of Upstate New York.

Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is an awe-inspiring natural attraction that offers a unique blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Established in 1870, it’s the oldest natural attraction in the United States.

Visitors can explore this breathtaking sandstone gorge through various activities like hiking, rafting, and tubing. The Adventure Trail, featuring cliff walks and cable bridges, is a highlight for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

For a more serene experience, the classic tour includes a hike through the upper chasm and a scenic float down the river. Ausable Chasm is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike​​​​.

Beacon is a vibrant and culturally rich city, nestled along the Hudson River. It’s well-known for its thriving arts scene, headlined by the renowned Dia:Beacon contemporary art museum.

The city’s Main Street is lined with unique shops, galleries, and eateries, offering a charming small-town feel. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Mount Beacon Park, which provides excellent hiking opportunities and stunning views of the Hudson Valley.

Beacon’s blend of art, culture, and natural beauty makes it a perfect destination for those looking to explore a more creative and scenic side of Upstate New York.

Buffalo, NY, is a city that brims with excitement and history. One of the must-visit spots is the Erie Basin Marina, a beautiful waterfront area perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing sit-down by the water.

For those seeking a magnificent natural spectacle, Niagara Falls is a short distance away, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. The city also boasts the Hotel Henry, known for its grand rooms and royal treatment, along with the historical Forest Lawn Cemetery, home to the graves of many significant figures.

For transportation enthusiasts, the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum is a fascinating place to visit, showcasing the evolution of transportation.

Elmwood Village stands out as a bustling neighborhood, perfect for dining, shopping, and absorbing local culture. Canalside Buffalo offers a range of outdoor activities like sailing and kayaking, and during the colder months, it’s a wonderful spot for ice-skating​​​​.

Windham, located in the Catskill Mountains, is a picturesque destination popular for its outdoor activities and charming atmosphere.

It’s particularly known as a skiing and snowboarding hotspot, with the Windham Mountain Resort offering a range of trails for all skill levels. In the warmer months, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and golf.

The village itself is quaint and welcoming, with lovely shops, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you’re looking for winter sports excitement or summer mountain adventures, Windham provides a delightful escape in any season.

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach, located on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, is a charming lakeside community known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. It’s a perfect getaway for those who love the outdoors and water activities.

The beach itself is ideal for a day of relaxation or a refreshing swim. The area around the beach is lined with various eateries and shops, making it a great spot for a leisurely day out.

Sylvan Beach also offers amusement park attractions, providing fun for all ages. The community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and is a great destination for a family day trip or a peaceful retreat by the lake.

Ithaca, located in the Finger Lakes region, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. It’s home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, which contribute to its lively atmosphere.

The town is famous for its gorges and waterfalls, with over 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius. Ithaca Falls and Taughannock Falls are must-visit spots. The downtown area is bustling with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking trails in and around the city, and the Finger Lakes themselves offer opportunities for boating and wine tasting.

Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake, the westernmost of New York’s eleven Finger Lakes, offers a serene and picturesque getaway. Known in Native American language as “always beautiful,” the lake lives up to its name with an area of 3,420 acres, a length of 8 miles, and a maximum depth of 66 feet.

It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore the Conesus Lake Inlet Wildlife Management Area, a haven for wildlife including bald eagles, or relax at Vitale Park with its manicured gardens and peaceful lake views.

Long Point Park is another gem on the western shore, ideal for swimming and family picnics. For a more adventurous visit, Minnehan’s Fun Center offers activities like go-karts, mini-golf, and laser tag.

And if you’re interested in history and nature, the Indian Fort Nature Preserve and Sonyea State Forest offer rich historical significance and beautiful waterfalls​​​​​​.

Skaneateles

Skaneateles, situated in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, is renowned for its crystal-clear lake, historic charm, and vibrant downtown area. Here, you can enjoy a scenic boat tour on Skaneateles Lake, known for its serene beauty and water clarity.

The village’s downtown is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, making it a perfect spot for leisurely exploration. Skaneateles is also a gateway to the Finger Lakes wine region, offering opportunities to visit nearby vineyards and taste exquisite local wines.

The area is a blend of natural beauty, quaint village charm, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in Upstate New York.

Jamestown, nestled in the southern part of Upstate New York, is a hidden gem with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. It’s famously known as the birthplace of Lucille Ball, the iconic comedian, and celebrates her legacy at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

The museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia from the beloved “I Love Lucy” show and the couple’s personal life. Jamestown is also home to the National Comedy Center, a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the art of comedy.

This interactive center offers a unique experience, celebrating comedy’s great minds and their contributions to the art form. The city’s natural beauty is not to be overlooked either, with the nearby Chautauqua Lake offering outdoor activities like boating and fishing.

Jamestown’s blend of entertainment, history, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in Upstate New York.

Cooperstown

Cooperstown, often celebrated for its baseball heritage, is more than just a sports town. It’s a picturesque village that encapsulates the heart of American culture and history. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, it’s a pilgrimage site for baseball enthusiasts.

However, Cooperstown offers much more. The Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum provide cultural and historical insights into the region. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Glimmerglass State Park offers a chance to immerse in nature with its trails, beach, and picnic areas.

Otsego Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Cooperstown also has a vibrant culinary scene, with a range of dining options and local breweries. This charming village blends sports, history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a unique and must-visit destination in Upstate New York.

Watkins Glen and Montour Falls

Watkins Glen is renowned for the Watkins Glen State Park, where you can explore 19 waterfalls along a beautiful gorge trail. It’s a photographer’s dream with its stunning scenery.

The town is also known for Watkins Glen International, a historic race track that hosts a variety of auto racing events. Nearby, Montour Falls is a picturesque village where you can witness the impressive Shequaga Falls right in the downtown area.

The region is also part of the famous Finger Lakes Wine Country, so be sure to visit some of the local wineries and enjoy the exquisite wines they have to offer.

Ellicottville

Ellicottville is a charming village that transforms into a bustling hub for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. In the winter, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with the popular Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski resorts offering varied slopes for all levels.

When the snow melts, these areas become havens for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. The village itself is picturesque, featuring quaint streets lined with boutique shops, cozy restaurants, and lively bars. Ellicottville Brewing Company is a local highlight, where you can sample craft beers and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.

The town also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, adding to its lively spirit. Ellicottville’s mix of outdoor activities, charming village life, and vibrant community events make it a year-round destination for fun and relaxation.

Lake George

Lake George, often referred to as the “Queen of American Lakes,” is a popular destination for its stunning natural beauty and array of activities. The lake itself is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming, with numerous beaches and marinas along its shore.

Adventure seekers can explore the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, offering hiking trails with breathtaking views. The village of Lake George is bustling with shops, restaurants, and attractions, including historical sites and amusement parks.

In the winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the lake or an adventure in the mountains, Lake George offers experiences for every season.

Letchworth State Park

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is a must-visit destination. The park spans around 14,427 acres along the Genesee River and is renowned for its scenic beauty.

It features three major waterfalls — the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls — surrounded by lush forests. The park offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes.

Apart from hiking, the park also offers activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hot air ballooning, adding to the adventurous allure of the place. The park’s facilities include picnic areas, camping grounds, and winter sports areas, making it an all-season destination.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Upstate New York unveils a world far removed from the urban expanse of NYC, where natural beauty, history, and diverse cultural experiences blend seamlessly.

Each destination, from the serene lakes and historic towns to the bustling cities with rich architectural heritage, offers its own unique charm and array of activities.

Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, this region promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. 

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24 Things to Do This Summer in New York State

Trust us, if you don’t plan ahead, summer will be over in the blink of an eye. Be sure to make the most of the gorgeous weather and longer days. We’ve rounded up everything for your most adventurous and memorable summer to-do list, from beaches to county fairs to music festivals, and plenty of getaways into the beautiful outdoors. You’ll never have to spend another summer day wondering what to do. Photo Credit: @edwardsgparham on Instagram.

1. Hit the Beach (Long Island)

Credit: @rjwphoto on instagram.

Calling all beach enthusiasts! If you’re looking for sheer luxury, try Coopers Beach  (pictured) in Southampton, rated among the top 10 in the nation by esteemed beach expert, “Dr. Beach.” Coopers is famous for its white sand dunes and stunning nearby mansions. Beautiful, clean, and quiet Main Beach in neighboring East Hampton is another Dr. Beach favorite. For fine white sands and surf bathing along 6.5 miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean, look no further than the world-famous Jones Beach State Park . Find expansive beaches, a maritime forest, historic lighthouse, and more on the Fire Island National Seashore , a 32-mile barrier island only accessible by passenger ferry. Also check out Hither Hills State Park in Montauk, home to weekly sandcastle-building contests and the incredible “walking dunes” of Napeague Harbor. How do they walk? The wind can actually move 80-foot-high mounds of sand! But slowly, over time.

2. Spend a Day at the Amusement Park (Various Regions)

Summer is the season for a day out at one of New York State’s iconic theme and amusement parks . Rich with old-fashioned charm, Seabreeze in Rochester is home to the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in America, the wooden "Jack Rabbit.” The world’s largest LEGOLAND in Goshen features seven themed lands of LEGO fun, a hotel experience, and water playground! Grab your bathing suit and your nerves of steel, because Six Flags Darien Lake in Western New York has enormous water slides, artificial whitewater rapids, and, for the truly bold, the Tornado. Plunge down a 132-foot-long tunnel and come shooting out into a massive cone which you ride like a penny in a funnel. If it rains, get a splash of adrenaline at Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in the Catskills — New York’s largest indoor waterpark. And if you crave thrills that don’t involve any water, Adventureland on Long Island has an amazing spinning roller coaster called Turbulence, or try the iconic Coney Island Cyclone at Luna Park .

3. Cheer on the Horses at Saratoga Race Course (Capital-Saratoga)

Ready to try your luck? Come place your bets at the historic Saratoga Race Course . The action kicks off early on June 8 when the famed race track plays host to the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes , for the first time in history. Starting July 11, the 40-day thoroughbred racing season begins. You’ll feel the excitement in the crowd as everyone eagerly watches on. You don’t have to bet to enjoy the spectacle. Book seats in the grandstand, reserve a picnic table, or just bring your own lawn chairs.

4. Go on a Summer Wellness Kick (Various Regions)

CREDIT: COURTESY OF REVETTE STUDIO

With flowers and trees in full bloom, and long bright days, there’s no better time to recenter, connect with nature, and focus on your wellness goals . Nestled in the tranquil Catskills Mountains, YO1 Wellness Resort & Spa (pictured) offers the ultimate wellness getaway, with health programs, spa treatments and curative therapies tailored to your personal goals. The 22nd Annual Solstice in Times Square takes place on June 20, with all-day yoga classes for first-timers and experienced yogis. Register for the Lake Placid Marathon & Half Marathon on June 9 and run through this charming alpine village with epic mountain views along the route. If you like to keep things simple, detox and destress from everyday life on a camping trip in one of New York State’s beautiful state and national parks for some calming forest bathing.

5. Take a Scenic Drive (Adirondacks)

Roll the windows down and cruise up into the mountains, taking in stunning vistas of the majestic Adirondacks all along the way! Make your way up Whiteface Mountain Veteran's Memorial Highway (pictured), a five-mile toll road with views of the Adirondack High Peaks, and get a snack at the top at 4610′ Grill — the highest food truck in New York State! Want more time on the road? Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway is a 5.5-mile road with three overlooks and expansive views.

6. Head to Canalside Buffalo for Summer Fun on the Waterfront! (Greater Niagara)

Make your way down to the heart of downtown Buffalo for hours of fun in the sun at Canalside , a waterfront revitalization along the Erie Canal. Every year, Canalside hosts over 1,000 events annually, from children's games to outdoor yoga, to concerts, movie nights and more. All along the water's edge, you'll find restaurants, food trucks, and game tables. Rent a kayak or water bike to take in views of the city from the water and bask in the summer vibes, visit America’s largest inland Naval park, take a spin on the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, and more!

7. Rock out (Various Regions)

Credit: @panamarockspark on Instagram

Pardon the pun, but New York seriously rocks. Prepare to be enchanted as you navigate the magical landscape of Panama Rocks Scenic Park , winding your way through towering rocks, deep crevices and passageways, cool cavernous dens, and small caves with rock formations dating back more than 300 million years. At Herkimer Diamond Mines , try your hand at prospecting for Herkimer Diamonds, 500-million-year-old quartz crystals (OK, so they’re not real diamonds, but they’re still beautiful!) and then turn your finds into sparkly jewelry in the artisan center. Make a whole trip out of it by camping and glamping on their grounds. Take a tour and seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs at the  Penn Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Education Center south of Buffalo, which boasts the title of #1 fossil park in the US. Take a self-guided tour through naturally-formed marble caves that took shape during the last Ice Age at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in the Adirondacks. The attraction also offers mining, panning, and jewelry-making activities for kids.

8. Get up close and personal with Niagara Falls (Greater Niagara)

Credit: courtesy of @maidofthemist.

Catch some serious spray off the magnificent Niagara Falls from the deck of the famous Maid of the Mist ! The boat tour brings you right into the belly of the beast, so to speak, and 600,000 gallons of falling water causes quite a splash. If you’re craving even more water adventure, kick things up a notch with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours . On the tour, you’ll travel through the Niagara River Gorge right into the heart of Devil's Hole Class 5 rapids! It sounds risky, but don’t worry, these boats are specially designed to withstand turbulence. Summer is the best time to go because you most definitely will end up soaking wet! (Prefer to stay dry? Covered boats are also available.)

9. Take a Wild Walk (Adirondacks)

Head to where the wild things are: the Wild Center in the Adirondacks! This can’t-miss stop is designed to create new and exciting experiences in nature. The famous “Wild Walk,” for example, lets you stroll on an elevated trail through the treetops and includes playful elements like a human-sized bird nest or an enormous hammock-like spider web. It’s also highly educational, with exhibits about various local species of animals inside the learning center. You’ll feel at one with nature in no time.

10. Attend Art Festivals and Outdoor Performances (Various Regions)

CREDIT: @hasanelahi ON INSTAGRAM

Some of the biggest art festivals and performances take place in the summer months, taking advantage of longer, warmer days. Celebrating its 150th year, the Chautauqua Institution’s (pictured) nine-week summer season begins, welcoming over 100,000 people for a schedule of performing and visual arts events, workshops, and lectures. On June 18, enjoy free admission to some of the world’s finest art collections at the Museum Mile Festival in New York City. Visit the hometown of Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum for the Oz-stravaganza (May 31-June 2), the largest and longest-running Wizard of Oz-themed festival in the world at the All Things Oz Museum in Central New York. Check out Corn Hill Art Festival (July 13-14) in Rochester, the award-winning summer arts festival that takes over nine streets and features hundreds of artists and musicians from across the country, with beer and wine gardens to enjoy from. For theater under the stars, enjoy free performances of The Winter’s Tale (June 20-July14) and The Comedy of Errors (July 25-August 18) at Shakespeare in Delaware Park in Buffalo.

11. Cruise Lake George (Adirondacks)

CREDIT: @SCENIC_SPONTANEITY ON INSTAGRAM

Soak in the natural beauty of Lake George by cruising the water with the Lake George Steamboat Company 's fleet of historic cruise ships. Explore the “Queen of American Lakes” aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha (one of the last steam paddle wheel ships in America), the Mohican (the oldest continuously operated tour boat in America), and the Lac du Saint Sacrement (the largest cruise ship on the inland waters of New York State). Choose from sightseeing, to sunset dinner, night-time, and even firework or champagne brunch cruises.

12. Tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Central New York)

Credit: @gocooperstown on instagram.

Sports fans will go gaga for the exhibits at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown. Walk the great hall and find your favorite baseball legends and explore all the memorabilia. The kids can even pick up a scavenger hunt to add more fun to the tour. There’s so much American history and culture wrapped up in the sport that it brings out the nostalgia and pride in even non-sports fans. Best of all, July 19-22 is this year’s Hall of Fame Weekend , so you can watch baseball history in the making. Visitors can attend the induction ceremony, award presentation, Parade of Legends, roundtable discussions, and more.

13. Pick up speed at Watkins Glen International (Finger Lakes)

Put the pedal to the metal! Drive your car on the track at Watkins Glen International , home to the 1968 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. You’ll drive two laps around the 3.4-mile circuit before pulling up to the finish line to snap a photo. Or come to watch professional racing all summer long, including the popular NASCAR Race Series in September. Check out the schedule of spectator events on their website here .

14. Celebrate ‘National Get Outdoors Month’ This June (Various Regions)

CREDIT: @EDWARDSGPARHAM ON INSTAGRAM

Get outdoors and explore New York’s natural beauty. There are thousands of lakes and ponds, and miles of rivers and streams, with plentiful canoeing and kayaking opportunities , throughout Adirondack Park’s more than 6 million acres — which is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined! There’s also amazing hiking, thanks to the 46 mountains that make up the Adirondack High Peaks with more than 1,800 miles of marked trails, including trails accessible to people with disabilities. Nestled in the southwest corner of the Finger Lakes region, Letchworth State Park is a breathtaking hidden gem of the Northeast. Surrounded by lush forests, the 14,350-acre state park features three large waterfalls between cliffs as tall as 600 feet, carved by the Genesee River. In addition to over 60 miles of hiking trails, Letchworth offers trails for horseback riding and biking, as well as whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hot air ballooning. Celebrate 100 years of New York State Parks with the Centennial Challenge and discover even more unique ways to explore our beautiful parks .

15. Attempt the Sky High Adventure Park Challenge (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Take to one of America's largest playgrounds in the trees at the Sky High Adventure Park this summer. Navigate your way through log bridges, ropes courses, and more at the difficulty level of your choosing. Adventure awaits around every corner of Sky High, including an Aerial Park with obstacle courses and zip lines across 5 acres of woods, a Climbing Forest with a 40-foot climbing wall, a Mountain Coaster that zigs and zags through the forest, and Gem Mining for a yesteryear experience that mimics old-fashioned panning for gold. For scenic views, take a chair lift ride up to Spruce Lake, or if you're searching for more thrills, grab your mountain bike (or rent one at Sky High) and head up the mountain for a 4-5-mile "race loop" and trails catering to all levels.

16. Celebrate Pride Throughout June! (Various Regions)

Credit: credit: southern finger lakes pride.

Pride is on every summer bucket list, and folks from all over the world are coming to celebrate. Of course, you’ll want to attend the NYC Pride March in Manhattan on June 30, but also make your way to Long Island, the birthplace of Harvey Milk, for its annual Pride celebration happening this year in Huntington. The ripple of joy reaches all the way to Niagara Falls, which will be lit up in rainbow colors on June 30.

17. Check Out The Great New York State Fair or a County Fair (Finger Lakes)

Don’t let summer get away without attending at least one county fair, or The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse (August 21-September 2), the first and longest-running state fair in the country that gets bigger every year. Expect animals, fireworks, battered and deep-fried morsels, carnival rides, competitions in everything from jam-making to storytelling, and big-name music headliners like TLC and Joan Jett. The Erie County Fair is the state’s largest county fair and the third-largest county fair in the country. From August 7–18 it will provide a fantastic taste of local New York culture with exciting acts taking the stage at the Buffalo News Grandstand including Paul Russell, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, and more! The Dutchess County Fair in the Hudson Valley is close to NYC and includes a historical experience amid the array of rides, food offerings, and activities. Costumed actors tell stories and you can step into recreated historical buildings including a printing press, train station, schoolhouse, and more.

18. Celebrate Black History & Culture (Various Regions)

Throughout summer, a number of historical and cultural holidays and events take place, with celebrations held across the state. Held every year on June 19, Juneteenth, an official state holiday in New York State, commemorates the abolition of slavery and the preservation and promotion of African American heritage. The 49th Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the U.S., taking place in Martin Luther King Jr. Park . In August, share in the culture, history, and resilience of Harlem throughout Harlem Week (pictured), a two-week-long festival with over 100 events, featuring performances, food, sports, and more (August 7–18). August is National Black-Owned Businesses Month, dedicated to celebrating and supporting black-owned businesses nationwide. Check out our blog for inspiration on black-owned businesses to visit in New York State . For more information, see our highlights on Black History & Culture in New York State .

19. Laugh Your Socks Off (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Laugh all summer long at the leading celebrator of comedy history in Jamestown! Known for being the hometown of Lucille Ball, this western New York city is home to the National Comedy Center – the world’s largest center dedicated entirely to comedy! Fans of the beloved classic sitcom and comedy lovers alike can enjoy a larger-than-life I Love Lucy experience at the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum , a specialty museum celebrating the life and work of America’s most loved and famed comedy duo. Head to Jamestown this summer for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (August 1–4) featuring special events and performances by some of today’s biggest names in comedy.

20. Get Out on the 1000 Island Waters (Thousand Island-Seaway)

Credit: george fischer.

Grab a six pack or some lemonade and get ready to relax by the water before it’s time for dinner—fresh fish is on the menu! Picturesque Lake Ontario and its tributaries offer world-class sportfishing, with the chance to reel in a steelhead, Chinook, or walleye. K&G Sportfishing and High Adventure Sport Fishing offer charters and professionally guided trips, so round up the gang. Be sure and read up on how to get a fishing license before you cast your line! The Thousand Islands also has two gorgeous rustic castles for your family to explore this summer. Boldt and Singer Castles both date back to the early 1900s when they were built by wealthy American magnates for their families. Venture out by boat and be mesmerized by their architecture as you learn all about their history on guided tours, or just explore these architectural gems on your own. From August 2–4, head to the 60th Annual Antique Boat Show & Auction in Clayton, where you can marvel at the vessels, make a bid, or enjoy some sailboat rides, vintage skiff rowing, and more!

22. Feel the Rhythm at a Music Festival (Various Regions)

Credit: @bethelwoodscenter on instagram.

Dance it out this summer at one of New York’s many music festivals . The Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival (June 29–30) has two stages for performers, including an amphitheater that typically features big names and a “Jazz Discovery” Stage to see up-and-comers. Add some oomph to your Independence Day weekend with the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival (July 5-7), where the Buffalo Philharmonic will play a score to a fireworks show. Bring the kids! Children 12 and under get in free. Find exciting summer concert series at Central Park and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts .

22. Tour a Winery or Wine Trail (Various Regions)

Credit: courtesy of finger lakes wine country.

​​What better time than summer to sip on a glass of wine overlooking a vineyard? Thankfully, New York State has plenty of wineries and trails in world-famous regions throughout the state. Head to Pellegrini Vineyards and Bedell Cellars in Long Island’s North Fork for international medal-winning wines. Brotherhood , America’s oldest winery, is another can’t-miss stop for wine lovers in the Hudson Valley, offering tours through its vast network of underground cellars used throughout Prohibition. Sip and savor your varietal of choice with scenic lake views along one of the Finger Lakes’ most revered wine trails: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail , Keuka Lake Wine Trail , and Seneca Lake Wine Trail . Find your New York State winery getaway here .

23. Row Canals (Various Regions)

Credit: @j_bono on instagram.

Take a tour of New York State’s scenic canals this summer at your own pace or at a canal event! The Erie Canalway Challenge is now open for registration, welcoming everyone to participate in cycling, paddling, running, hiking, rolling, or walking along the New York State Canal System spanning 524 miles! Choose your own mileage goals or plan a wellness getaway to remember. From May 31-June 2, it’s Fairport Canal Days , one of the state’s most popular canalside arts festivals that is now in its 47th year! Technically a chasm rather than a canal, grab your kayak and head to Ausable Chasm , a.k.a the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, for a leisurely row through naturally formed sandstone aging back 500 million years.

24. Explore Famous Film Locations (Various Regions)

Credit: @brett_schaber_88 on instagram.

New York State is the setting for some of the greatest moments in film and television, with hundreds of productions filmed in the Empire State every year. See how many sights you can cross off our must-see list of Great Movies and TV Shows Featuring New York Attractions . Make it a date by scoping out New York’s Most Iconic Romantic Movie Locations . Also, from June 5-16, New York City will host the Tribeca Film Festival , an annual film festival celebrating storytelling across film, music, games, art, and other immersive experiences.

Don't forget to post photos of your New York adventures on TikTok ,  Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook !

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16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Upstate New York

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Jan 21, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Travelers looking for things to do in Upstate New York are spoiled for choice. Packed with iconic natural landmarks and an array of charming historic towns, the various regions of Upstate New York offer something for everyone.

While Niagara Falls is the most obvious must-see destination, Upstate New York brims with delightful places to visit that are lesser known and off the beaten path. Those who love the great outdoors will want to explore the Catskills region or the Adirondacks , while the Hudson Valley features beautiful pastoral landscapes, quaint villages, and opulent Gilded Age mansions that are open to the public.

Whether you enjoy hiking or fishing, taking scenic drives , or visiting art museums, Upstate New York has endless recreational opportunities and cultural attractions to discover. Keep in mind that many of the activities are available on a seasonal basis, such as the Lake George boat cruises from May through October.

Find the activities that interest you and start planning a fabulous action-packed vacation or weekend getaway anytime of year. Our guide includes a comprehensive list of things to do in Upstate New York.

Visit Niagara Falls

Hike in the catskill mountains, see beautiful gardens and landscapes in the hudson valley, take a steamboat ride on lake george, experience the gilded age at hudson valley estates, escape to nature in the adirondacks, learn about the american revolution at fort ticonderoga, visit the national baseball hall of fame in cooperstown, tour the dia beacon contemporary art museum, leaf peeping in the autumn, ski at a resort in the high peaks, soak up the scenery in the finger lakes region, be inspired by suffragist history in seneca falls, watch a horse race in saratoga springs, go fly fishing on the beaverkill river, check out the "grand canyon of the east", map of things to do in upstate new york.

Upstate New York's most famous sight makes a dramatic impression on visitors. Niagara Falls is a thrilling and awe-inspiring natural wonder, the largest of the waterfalls in New York State and one of the most beautiful.

Established in 1885 with landscaping designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Niagara Falls State Park encompasses 400 acres, with excellent facilities: hiking trails, picnic areas, an aquarium, welcome center, gift shop, snack bar, and restaurant that overlooks the waterfalls. Open daily year-round, Niagara Falls State Park tops the list of tourist attractions in the town of Niagara Falls .

Within the park, the Prospect Point Observation Tower provides a viewing platform to admire amazing panoramas of the three falls (American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe).

To truly experience the grandeur of the scenery, try a Niagara Falls American Side Highlights Tour or a Maid of the Mist boat tour. Maid of the Mist boat tours begin at the base of the Observation Tower and travel past American Falls and into the basin of the dramatic Horseshoe Falls. Passengers marvel over the thundering cascades, and feel the refreshing mists.

For those seeking accommodations nearby, the city of Buffalo appeals to travelers who appreciate urban destinations. New York's second largest city, Buffalo brims with cultural attractions: top-notch art museums; a National Historic Landmark theater where musicals are performed; and a botanical garden designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who created Central Park in New York City.

The Catskill Park contains thousands of miles of hiking trails and features some of the most iconic scenery in Upstate New York. The Catskill Park's natural splendor has earned it a place among the list of best state parks in New York .

Kaaterskill Falls has been on the tourist circuit since the early 1800s and visiting this spot still ranks among the top things to do in the Catskills region . There are two different options for getting to Kaaterskill Falls: Take a short walk to a viewing platform, or hike down (1.4 miles round trip) to the falls. The trail down to the falls includes a staircase of natural rocks that get slippery from the waterfall spritz.

Note : Steep drop-offs close to the trail make this hike dangerous for those who stray from the path. Caution is strongly advised when hiking this path, as fatalities and injuries have occurred on the Kaaterskill Falls trail. Hikers should stay on the trail, away from the edges, at all times.

The Kaaterskill Falls hiking area (which includes a system of trails) is very popular. The parking lot often fills up. To avoid the crowds, arrive early or later in the afternoon. Additional parking is available off County Route 18 on Laurel House Road or Scutt Road in Haines Falls. It's also possible to pay for parking at the North-South Lake Campground and take a trail from there.

A less-traveled path nearby is the hiking trail to North Point (with trailhead at Scutt Road) despite being just a short drive from the usually crowded North-South Lake Campground , which has a variety of hiking trails with splendid viewpoints along the way.

Other less-crowded hikes are found past the village of Maplecrest in the Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness .

A bucolic landscape of forested rolling hills, small farms, and apple orchards awaits visitors in the Hudson Valley , nestled between the Catskill and Taconic mountain ranges. This picturesque scenery inspired a new art movement in the 19th century.

Thomas Cole, the founding father of the Hudson River School , created glorious works of art depicting the beauty of the Hudson Valley and the neighboring Catskills region. In the charming Hudson Valley town of Catskill , tourists may visit the house where Thomas Cole lived and worked (Thomas Cole National Historic Site), which affords sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains from the porch.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site displays a permanent collection of Thomas Cole's works and also hosts temporary exhibitions (on art and historical topics) on a regular basis. Guided tours are available on weekdays, and self-guided general admission on weekends (advanced reservations are recommended).

Another Hudson River School painter, Frederic Church built a Persian-inspired villa on a hilltop in nearby Olana. His former residence and 250-acre estate is classified as a National Historic Landmark and a New York State Historic Site. Olana State Historic Site presents the well-preserved interior decor of Frederic Church's home and displays a small collection of Frederic Church's artworks.

To continue the discovery of Hudson Valley art, head north to the Albany Institute of History & Art , one of the top places to visit in Albany , which is renowned for its collection of Hudson River School paintings.

The more adventurous can hike to the viewpoints where the artists created their works. The Hudson River School Art Trail lists these locations. The hikes range from easy to challenging. It's interesting to consider that the artists hiked difficult trails with their art supplies in tow.

The Hudson Valley also has many public parks and gardens. These include Untermyer Gardens , which includes an ancient Persian-inspired walled garden and terraced gardens; Innisfree Garden , inspired by Chinese and Japanese landscaping, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and the 68-acre Boscobel Gardens , a formal garden, apple orchard, and woodland on an elegant historic estate built between 1804 and 1808.

One of the top day trips from New York City , Storm King Art Center in New Windsor is a must-see destination for those who appreciate contemporary art installations. This 500-acre outdoor museum showcases large-scale sculptures along walking paths with views of the rolling hills, meadows, and forests. Storm King Art Center is near the little town of Cornwall , which has a great local coffee shop and a few casual restaurants.

Further north in the Hudson Valley, Art Omi is a 120-acre sculpture park in the town of Ghent. Over 60 art installations by contemporary artists are on display. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended.

For a gourmet breakfast (including fresh-baked croissants and pastries), coffee break, or lunch, stop by the Bartlett House bakery/café nearby (a five-minute drive from Art Omi).

Lake George is arguably one of the prettiest lakes in New York State , in one of the state's most beautiful regions. Densely wooded rolling hills of the Adirondack Mountains frame the glistening 32-mile-long expanse of deep-blue waters, which are dotted with islands and shaped along the contours of small coves and bays.

Since the mid 1800s, Lake George has been a premier vacation destination. Even before that, Thomas Jefferson praised the lake's beauty in a letter written in 1791.

A classic way to discover the beauty of Lake George is by taking a steamboat ride. The Lake George Steamboat Company has offered recreational boat rides for over a 100 years, and their boat cruises still rank high on the list of tourists' favorite things to do in Lake George . The company runs three different boats: the Mohican, built in 1908, which travels the length of Lake George in six hours; the Steamboat Minne-Ha-Ha, a traditional paddlewheel steamship; and the Lac du Saint Sacrement ship, which offers Sunday brunch, luncheon, and sunset dinner cruises.

The Lake George Steamboat Company operates cruises from early May until late October. Cruises on the Steamboat Minne-Ha-Ha are the most popular; during the summer season, the Minne-Ha-Ha one-hour narrated cruises are available daily on an almost hourly basis.

Cruises with the Lake George Steamboat Company depart from the Steel Pier in Lake George Village , which has a lively downtown and top resort hotels. Most acclaimed of the Lake George area resorts, The Sagamore has waterfront restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake, a pampering spa, and its own small ship (the replica of a 19th-century vessel) that runs sightseeing cruises.

The Hudson Valley conceals an array of sprawling estates that were created for wealthy New Yorkers during the Gilded Age. Visiting these sites provides a window into the lifestyle of affluence during that era, while staying at nearby luxury resorts allows travelers to further experience Gilded Age opulence.

Set on a leafy 67-acre riverfront parkland, Lyndhurst reveals an appreciation of nature that was influenced by 19th-century Romanticism. This magnificent Gothic Revival landmark was commissioned in 1838 by William S. Paulding Jr. (New York City mayor during the 1820s) and in 1880 was purchased by railroad tycoon Jay Gould who only updated the interior slightly. Similar to Paulding, Jay Gould resided at the country estate part-time when seeking a retreat from NYC.

The Lyndhurst estate is designated as a National Trust Historic Site . The mansion has been well preserved and is still adorned with the original antique furnishings and decorative objects. A noteworthy collection of art is on display throughout the mansion.

Visitors may take a guided Mansion Tour at Lyndhurst to admire the lavish interior. It's also possible to take a Landscape Tour for a guided outdoor walk, or purchase a Daily Grounds Pass to explore the estate's parkland without visiting the mansion.

The Lyndhurst estate is open from April through December. The estate hosts summertime outdoor jazz concerts. During the holiday season, the mansion is magnificently decorated with dozens of Christmas trees.

Nearby in the quaint historic village of Sleepy Hollow , the Kykuit mansion embodies the essence of Gilded Age grandeur. John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil, built the Kykuit mansion between 1906 and 1913. At the time, Rockefeller was America's wealthiest man, and the interior was designed by renowned American decorator Ogden Codman Jr.

The mansion later become the residence of four generations of Rockefellers. Grandson Nelson Rockefeller added a superb collection of modern art (currently displayed in a gallery at Kykuit). The Kykuit estate is still maintained by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, one of the family's philanthropic programs.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has designated Kykuit as a historic site. The Kykuit mansion is open to the public for guided tours from the end of May through mid-November.

Another extravagant Gilded Age country estate is found in the Hudson Valley town of Hyde Park. The Vanderbilt Mansion , a gem of understated Neoclassical architecture, was purchased by Frederick Vanderbilt in 1895 and used as a seasonal residence. As one of America's wealthiest and most esteemed families at the time, the Vanderbilts brought to this summertime retreat their enviable aristocratic lifestyle of house parties and outdoor recreation. The family enjoyed tennis, golf, and carriage rides.

Today this iconic 54-room mansion is designated as a National Historic Site. The 200-acre estate features vistas of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is open to the public daily year-round, except on holidays. A guided tour is required to visit the interior of the Vanderbilt Mansion. Guided mansion tours are available Thursday through Monday.

Nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers, rejoice! The six-million-acre Adirondack Park , the largest wilderness preserve in the contiguous United States, is packed with breathtaking landscapes: soaring mountains, expansive forests, pristine rivers, rushing waterfalls, sheltered valleys, and thousands of freshwater lakes.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation maintains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks. Other recreational opportunities include boating, kayaking, camping, and fishing.

One of the region's highlights, Lake George draws many visitors for its water sports and outdoor activities, such as camping on the lake's island campsites. Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake are great for canoeing. The Ausable River is renowned for fly-fishing and whitewater paddling.

The Adirondacks region is one of the best getaways in Upstate New York , especially for those who love hiking and camping. For those who don't like roughing it, the solution is simple: Plan to stay at a cozy rustic-chic hotel or an upscale lodge, for welcome accommodations after long days of vigorous outdoor activity.

To get the classic "Adirondack Great Camp" experience, try Great Camp Sagamore , a National Historic Landmark on Raquette Lake . If money is no object, spend the night like Gilded Age houseguests at The Point resort, a sumptuous five-star Relais & Châteaux property on Saranac Lake that delivers the ultimate in Adirondack Rustic luxury and is considered one of the region's top resorts .

Other historic Adirondack Great Camps include White Pine Camp , once the summer residence of Calvin Coolidge and now a lodge that's open year-round, and Great Camp Santanoni , a former private compound (classified as a National Historic Landmark) set on a 13,000-acre forest preserve. Great Camp Santanoni offers guided tours (from July 4th until Labor Day), hiking trails, horse-drawn wagon rides, canoeing, and backcountry camping sites in the summer, and during Winter Weekend events allows access to cross-country ski trails and the main lodge.

Fort Ticonderoga brings American history to life in a fascinating way. This 18th-century fort in the Adirondacks region was an important site during the American Revolution and presents special events, such as soldiers' dinners, weapons and musket maintenance demonstrations, and military music that allow visitors to imagine the realities of the war.

The 2,000-acre site includes the historic fort; a farm-to-table restaurant, America's Fort Café , with views of Lake Champlain; take-out food options; picnic tables; the six-acre King's Garden , formerly the military garrison gardens; a corn maze; and a museum with a collection of Revolutionary-era exhibits. From August through October, visitors may participate in apple picking at the orchard of the King's Garden.

From early May through the end of October, Fort Ticonderoga is open from 9:30am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. From November through April, Fort Ticonderoga is closed except when living history programs are held here (check the website for details).

Address: Fort Ticonderoga, 102 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, New York

Sports enthusiasts will not want to miss the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, which opened in 1939 to celebrate 100 years of baseball history in America.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is known for its display of bronze plaques honoring the most accomplished baseball players since 1936 until the present. Currently 340 baseball players comprise the Hall of Fame collection.

In addition to the Hall of Fame, a museum collection displays baseball photographs and artifacts related to baseball.

Also worth visiting in itself, the village of Cooperstown is one of the top tourist destinations in New York State . The tiny downtown has a classic Americana ambience.

Address: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York

In the charming Hudson Valley town of Beacon , the former Nabisco cookie factory has found a new lease on life as the Dia Beacon museum. This daring contemporary art museum presents a collection of works created from the 1960s until the present day.

Dia Beacon is open Friday through Monday. The museum provides free guided tours (included with the price of admission) on Saturdays and Sundays at 12pm and 1:30pm. The museum also host temporary exhibits and cultural events throughout the year.

Address: Dia Beacon, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, New York

Autumn in Upstate New York dazzles visitors with its glorious beauty. From the Catskill Mountains to the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes region, fall enlivens the New York landscape, transforming the foliage into a stunning spectacle of vibrant hues.

The scenery begins to change in late September or early October and continues through October until around early November, with a gradual procession of leaves changing from green to brilliant gold, amber, and rust tones. The profusion of bursting colors is especially marvelous on sunny days and in the countryside.

Beautiful leaf-peeping drives include the 52-mile Scenic Byway on New York State Route 28 from Shokan to Andes in the Catskills; the shorter Durham Valley Scenic Byway on New York State Route 32 and Route 23 from Greenville to Windham in the Catskills; the 30-mile High Peaks Scenic Byway in the Adirondacks; and the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway in the Finger Lakes Region.

Quaint country villages, such as Phoenicia, Fleischmanns, and Margaretville, dot the Scenic Byway on New York State Route 28 and offer some of the best places to stay in the Catskills.

In the Adirondacks' Lake Placid Region , the High Peaks offer some of the best alpine skiing in the Eastern United States. The Winter Olympic Games were held here twice, in 1932 and in 1980.

Today, this region boasts some of the best ski resorts in New York State . For instance, Whiteface Mountain at an elevation of 4,867 feet has a top-notch ski resort with 87 downhill runs on superb varied terrain. The Whiteface Mountain slopes feature 3,400 feet of vertical drop.

With forested rolling hills and a patchwork of farmlands that surround placid crystal-clear waters, the Finger Lakes scenery resembles the images found in landscape paintings. This winsome region is prized for its pristine environment and abundance of outdoorsy things to do .

Driving around each lake allows visitors to discover the scenery. An especially picturesque drive begins in the town of Geneva and follows alongside the sparkling blue waters of Seneca Lake until reaching the village of Watkins Glen . As the largest and deepest lake in the Finger Lakes Region, Seneca Lake reveals dazzling cobalt hues when the sun is shining.

On Route 14 , which follows the contours of Seneca Lake from Geneva to Watkins Glen, there are some places to stop for a gourmet lunch while admiring views of the lake: Lancellotti 's restaurant, which overlooks the lake and formal gardens at the Geneva on the Lake resort hotel; and the Stonecutter's Tavern , a casual pub-style restaurant at the upscale Belhurst Castle boutique hotel, one of the best resorts in the Finger Lakes Region.

At the southernmost end of the drive along Seneca Lake is a rewarding place to visit: Watkins Glen , a lovely waterfront village with a historic downtown. At the harbor, visitors can dine with lake views (at Seneca Harbor Station restaurant ) or embark on a boat tour with Captain Bill's Seneca Lake Cruises . Franklin Street, the main street, has many restaurants and pizzerias. Watkins Glen is also home to a spectacular nature site, Watkins Glen State Park .

Another driving route (and walking path) is the Keuka Outlet Trail , which begins at Keuka Lake and leads to Seneca Lake. This trail can be approached as a short drive or a walk along the seven-mile path through a woodland.

Another popular place in the Finger Lakes Region is the town of Skaneateles on Skaneateles Lake. This quaint community is known as a holiday haunt for movie stars and famous politicians.

Besides scenic drives, the region offers endless opportunities for hiking along the Finger Lakes Trail that traverses various areas of the region. This trail system includes 1,000 miles of well-maintained footpaths , allowing for a variety of hikes, from short half-day excursions to overnight backpacking trips.

Seneca Falls in the Finger Lakes Region is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of women's rights.

On July 19th and 20th of 1848, the country's first Women's Rights Convention took place in Seneca Falls. Today, the Women's Rights National Historical Park pays tribute to the 19th-century movement for civil rights and equality.

Adding to the town's educational exhibits, the National Women's Hall of Fame presents the stories of noteworthy women who have changed the course of history.

A prestigious horse racing heritage and a continued tradition of thoroughbred horse races gives Saratoga Springs a special allure. The Saratoga Race Course holds the horse races during six weeks every year from mid-July until Labor Day.

The Saratoga horse races draw crowds and are known for the old-fashioned ambience . Many horse-racing enthusiasts get into the spirit by wearing stylish outfits and flamboyant hats.

Opened in 1863, the Saratoga Race Course track facility has retained its Victorian architectural details. Of course, the facility has been updated with modern amenities such as snack bars and well-maintained restrooms. Several clubhouse restaurants offer a sit-down dining experience.

For those who'd like to learn more about the Saratoga Race Course and its history, Walking Tours are available several times a day during race season. Tourists can also visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame located near the race course at 191 Union Avenue.

To really get into the spirit of the horse races, tourists can head to Broadway in Saratoga to purchase a hat at one of the retail stores such as Hatsational . The downtown also has excellent restaurants; several lively casual cafés; and locals' favorite, Mrs. London's , a refined café/boutique bakery modeled after traditional French pâtisserie shops.

Considered one of the best cities in New York State , Saratoga Springs has been a vacation destination since the 19th century thanks to its horse races and mineral water springs.

Address: Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York

As the birthplace of fly fishing in America , the Beaverkill River in the Catskills region offers an incomparable experience for anglers. This legendary trout stream has been a destination for fly fishing since the 1800s. The peaceful scenery provides an idyllic backdrop for fly fishing, while wading through the crystal-clear riffling waters.

Other excellent places for fly fishing in the Catskills region include the Neversink River and the Willowemoc Creek .

The West Branch of the Delaware River in the Catskills is considered a premier fly fishing spot in the Northeast. However fly fishing here generally requires a boat, as wading access is limited.

For those spending time in this area of the Catskills region, lodging and dining options are found in Roscoe (known as "Trout Town USA.") which has many restaurants and fly fishing outfitters, and Livingston Manor , which has a small downtown packed with gourmet grocery stores, cafés, and casual restaurants. Livingston Manor is also home to one of the best resorts in the Catskills and a famous fly fishing outfitter, Dette Flies , established in 1928.

One of the best state parks in New York , Letchworth State Park holds the title of "Grand Canyon of the East" thanks to its breathtaking landscape created by the force of the Genesee River. The dramatic scenery makes this park one of the most beautiful places to photograph in New York State .

The park encompasses an enormous gorge that extends for 17 miles and has three spectacular waterfalls. Trail 1 (the Gorge Trail) provides access to the park's most impressive waterfall, Middle Falls.

More on New York

Upstate New York bucket list: 50 Places to visit in 2021

• Updated: Feb. 26, 2021, 10:04 a.m.
• | Published: Feb. 22, 2021, 6:00 a.m.
• Chuck D'Imperio

With so much to offer in history, beauty and fun, here’s a starting sampler “Bucket List” for any first-time visitor or longtime resident in Upstate New York to seek out.

Please note: In this time of pandemic, many of these places may be temporarily closed, or have modified hours. Visit their websites before heading out. And if you find your favorite destination to be closed for now, please keep this list and revisit them in the future when things return to normal.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario August 6, 2020. N. Scott Trimble | [email protected] N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syra

1. Tibbetts Point Lighthouse (Cape Vincent; Jefferson County)

58-foot tall historic lighthouse located “where the lake and the river meet.” Point of land where the St. Lawrence River joins Lake Ontario. Built in 1854. Gorgeous sunsets.

Website: https://www.tibbettspointlighthouse.org/

2. Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie; Dutchess County)

One of Upstate’s greatest man-made wonders. Old train bridge which crosses the Hudson River now turned into the world’s longest pedestrian walkway. Hundreds of thousands walk over the river here each year.

Website: https://walkway.org/

3. Farmers Museum (Cooperstown; Otsego County)

A glimpse of life in Upstate New York in the 1800s. Home of the Cardiff Giant, which was once known as “America’s Greatest Hoax.”

Website: https://www.farmersmuseum.org/

4. Anchor Bar (Buffalo; Erie County)

Birthplace of the No. 1 appetizer in the country, chicken wings. The Buffalo hot wings were invented at this neighborhood bar on March 4, 1964 and since then it has become one of the city’s top destination restaurants.

Website: https://anchorbar.com/

5. Pratt Rock (Prattsville; Greene County)

A mountaintop canyon with white carvings along the stone walls. All were done by Zadock Pratt who owned the world’s largest tannery in the village named for him. Has been called “New York’s Mount Rushmore.”

Website: https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors/pratt-rock-new-yorks-mount-rushmore

6. Corning Tower (Albany; Albany County)

This is the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City. The glass-walled observation deck on the 42nd floor offer visitors an amazing view of the city and mountains in the distance. One of the best free things in Albany.

Website: https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/corning-tower-observation-deck

View from the top of Little Whiteface at Whiteface Ski Center, Lake Placid, N.Y., Saturday, January 16, 2016. Scott Schild | [email protected]

7. Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington; Essex County)

Take a drive to the top of New York State’s fifth highest mountain. On a clear day you can even see the skyscrapers of downtown Montreal, Canada. The 8-mile Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway to the top is a toll road.

Website: https://whiteface.com/

8. Rod Serling Carousel (Binghamton; Broome County)

Recreation Park is one of Binghamton’s oldest parks. It has a 1925 Herschell carousel which has been enjoyed by visitors since 1925. Playwright Rod Serling, a native of Binghamton, wrote an episode of his famed “Twilight Zone” television show about this park. The episode, titled “Walking Distance,” aired on October 30, 1959.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/binghamtonrecreationpark/

9. Moosewood Restaurant (Ithaca; Tompkins County)

Popular vegetarian restaurant opened by a group of friends in 1973. Restaurant is very popular with college students, college alumni, locals and tourists. Famed for their cookbooks with more than a dozen in print, they are among the bestselling recipe books in the country.

Website: https://moosewoodcooks.com/

10. Northeast Classic Car Museum (Norwich; Chenango County)

A dazzling auto museum with one of the largest collections of Franklin cars in the country. Over 160 vehicles with many dating from 1899 to post-World War II.

Website: https://www.classiccarmuseum.org/

Over a period of 37 years Harvey Fite (1903-1976) created the monumental world-acclaimed 6 ½-acre bluestone sculpture now known as Opus 40 in the town of Saugerties, NY. David Lassman | [email protected]

11. Opus 40 (Saugerties; Ulster County)

Amazing outdoor sculpture park constructed in a quarry. Intricate man-made stairways, passages, and stone walls. Gorgeous bluestone setting. Popular with tourists and as a wedding site.

Website: https://opus40.org/

12. Rondout Area (Kingston; Ulster County)

Kingston was the first capital of New York State. The Rondout is the city’s historic waterfront area. Many fine shops, restaurants, and museums in area.

Website: https://www.thekingstonwaterfront.com/

13. Jell-O Museum (Le Roy; Genesee County)

Le Roy is the birthplace of Jell-O. A Jell-O museum here tells the story of the beginnings of “America’s Favorite Dessert” through exhibits, audio and visual presentations and many examples of rare Jell-O ephemera from the past century.

Website: https://www.jellogallery.org/

14. Andes Hotel (Andes; Delaware County)

A historic tavern, inn and motel built in 1853. Great weekend destination in the autumn months. The wide front porch here is a half-block long and is perfect for dinner, drinks and people watching (or leaf peeping).

Website: https://www.theandeshotel.com/

15. Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester; Monroe County)

A museum dedicated to the concept that play is not only good for all ages, but also is healthy! Home of the National Toy Hall of Fame. Yes, this is where your Etch-A-Sketchs, spinning tops, Candyland games and your little red wagon all came to be immortalized.

Website: https://www.museumofplay.org/

16. Lucille Ball Grave (Jamestown; Chautauqua County)

Hometown girl Lucille Ball is buried in Lake View Cemetery here. Thousands come to Lucy’s grave each year to pay their respects. City is home to the National Comedy Museum and a museum dedicated to Lucy and Desi and their groundbreaking show “I Love Lucy.”

Website: https://comedycenter.org/

In this April 15, 2020 photo, a lone pedestrian makes their way through the Ithaca Commons in Ithaca, N.Y. Most of the almost 24,000 students at Cornell University and 6,200 more from Ithaca College effectively vanished in March when the pandemic struck, leaving behind struggling restaurants and shops. Locals still reeling from the outbreak and resulting exodus are wondering when - or if - things will get back to normal. (John Munson/Cornell University via AP) AP

17. Ithaca Commons (Ithaca; Tompkins County)

A groundbreaking pedestrian mall in the heart of the downtown business district. All vehicular traffic routed around the commercial district. A popular gathering place for shopping, dining, festivals, concerts and with over 100 independently owned specialty stores and businesses. The Commons today is the cultural and retail heart of the city of Ithaca.

Website: https://www.downtownithaca.com/visit-downtown/the-commons/

18. 1890 House Museum (Cortland; Cortland County)

One of Upstate’s great old mansions that is open for public tours. Was the former home of millionaire Chester Wickwire. He made his millions producing woven wire products, such as screens, horse muzzles, popcorn poppers, stove sieves, etc. At one time more than half of the adults in Cortland were employed by Wickwire’s company. The mansion is a Victorian-era stunner.

Website: http://the1890house.org/chester-f-wickwire/

19. Brooks House of Bar-B-Q (Oneonta; Otsego County)

Now in the hands of a third generation of Brooks family members, this is one of New York’s most famous family chicken restaurants. Winner of the James Beard Classic American Restaurant Award. Barbecue chicken is cooked on the largest indoor charcoal fire pit east of the Mississippi (38-feet long).

Website: https://brooksbbq.com/restaurant/

20. USS Slater (Albany; Albany County)

This ship, docked in the Hudson River in Albany, is a floating military museum unlike any other. Of the 563 Destroyer Escorts that were built and employed during World War II, the Slater is the last surviving one still afloat. Today it is an amazing museum which offers tours of the ship from top to bottom. Most of the docents are retired naval officers who give interesting details about the ship and its crew as you go from the bunk room, to the engine room, to the captain’s dining quarters and even to the gun turrets (the kids like this part the best).

Website: https://ussslater.org/

21. Canandaigua City Pier (Canandaigua; Ontario County)

This Finger Lakes community of 10,000 residents acts as a gateway to this popular tourism region of Upstate New York. At the lake front is a long pier which allows the visitor to walk far out over the water and enjoy a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding shoreline. Near the end of the pier is a famous cluster of gaily colored small boat houses that have become a bit of a charming icon of the city. Rarely do you view the pier and boat houses without seeing artists or photographers capturing this image in paintings and pictures.

Website: https://www.visitfingerlakes.com/listings/canandaigua-city-pier/566/

22. John Boyd Thacher State Park (Voorheesville; Albany County)

A fantastic state park located 18 miles from the Capital District. The park offers all recreational amenities associated with a state park, with a few exceptions. The view from the park, which is located at the top of the Helderlberg Escarpment, is breathtaking. In the distance you can see the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the skyscrapers of Albany’s Empire Plaza. The famed Indian Ladder Trail allows a visitor to descend a 60-foot metal ladder and then walk along a narrow path which clings to the face of a cliff. The path takes you under a waterfall so intrepid visitors are bound to get a little wet.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/128/details.aspx

23. Oldest Miniature Golf Course in U.S.A. (Irondequoit; Monroe County)

This is fun and historic. The oldest operating miniature golf course in the United States. The Parkside Whispering Pines Mini-Golf is a real slice of Americana. The course is decidedly old-fashioned, but fun to play. The theme here is the ocean (or the Great Lakes since the course is a 9-iron drive from Lake Ontario). It is dotted with lighthouses, lobster traps, colorful buoys, and carved pelicans. And American flags. Lots of American flags. Opened in 1930. A 1950s-style diner adjoins the course.

Website: https://parksidediner.com/

24. Olana (Hudson; Columbia County)

The magnificent estate of famed artist Frederick E. Church. This Moorish-like castle crowns the top of a mountain overlooking the Hudson Valley. Church lived here for years and oversaw the building and expansion of the home. The large windows of the living quarters “frame” the magnificent Hudson paintings that he was famous for. Tours of the mansion as well as the 250-acre grounds are fascinating. Don’t forget to ask your tour guide for the story of the four teapots on the roof!

Website: https://www.olana.org/

The bird's nest allows you to look out over the treetops at the beautiful mountains of the Adirondacks. Stefani Reynolds for nyup.com

25. The Wild Center (Tupper Lake; Franklin County)

Since opening in 2006 this has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adirondack Park. Although basically a natural history education center, the highlight is the Wild Walk. Here, through a series of intricate suspension bridges, pathways and platforms, the visitor can gradually walk up and over the canopy of forests far below, getting a literal bird’s eye view of the scenery.

Website: https://www.wildcenter.org/visit/wild-walk/

26. Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse; Onondaga County)

The Erie Canal is one of the great jewels in New York State (and American) history. Called “the greatest engineering marvel of its day,” it is a bit tricky to consume it all in one swoop. Unless you travel the 363 miles of the canal. But the Erie Canal Museum does tell a comprehensive story of this incredible feat and the museum tells it all in a historic building. Its home is in the Weghlock Buildng, the last of several giant buildings which weighed canal boats as they passed through, assessing fees according to the weight. Be sure and get a selfie out front with “The Mule Named Sal,” which honors the engine power of the mules who pulled the canal boats from Albany to Buffalo.

Website: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/

27. Seneca Falls (Seneca County)

One of the most historic communities in Upstate New York. Known as “The Birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement,” many consider any education of the social movement for women’s causes to be incomplete without a visit to this famous village. There are museums, historical markers, famous homes, and impressive statues throughout the village all illustrating the legacy of Seneca Falls. And while visiting, be sure and explore the village’s connection to the famous movie classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It is a great story!

Website: https://www.senecafalls.com/visit-seneca-falls.php

28. The TePee (Cherry Valley; Otsego County)

At onetime, NYS Rt. 20 was the most important east-west road in Upstate New York. It was dotted with roadside motels, ice cream stands, old-fashioned diners, and busy towns. With the advent of the New York State Thruway (1954) just a few miles north of Rt. 20, the highway became an afterthought and many of the businesses and small towns faced hard times. One iconic souvenir from the past perseveres, however. The TePee was built in 1950 and is still in business today. A fifty-foot-tall metal tepee, the store sells New York State products, Native American gifts and jewelry, clothing, and folk art. Thousands stop by for a touch of nostalgia every year. And across the road is a breathtaking view of the Mohawk Valley.

Website: http://thetepee.biz/

29. Medina Toy Train Museum (Median; Orleans County)

A fantasy land for all baby boomers who have electric toy trains. This museum has the largest toy train layout in the East. It sprawls over 200 feet long and it 15 feet wide. At any given time, you can see trains of all vintages making their way through miniature settings of cities, farms, wilderness and small towns. This is the place where your toy dreams live on forever.

Website: https://www.medinarailroadmuseum.org/

30. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (Cooperstown; Otsego County)

It is hard to fathom the fact that more than a quarter million visitors a year come to Cooperstown, a little village of less than 2,000 residents. The Hall is a mecca for generations of baseball lovers to come and enjoy, learn and pay tribute to the “boys of summer” from their own past. The Hall of Plaques, where only the best are honored, is a place of quiet reflection and reminiscence. This is the state’s greatest sports museum.

Website: https://baseballhall.org/

Contemporary Glass (1975-2000) Corning Museum of Glass, Corning November 3, 2016. Michael Greenlar | [email protected] SYR SYR

31. Corning Museum of Glass (Corning; Steuben County)

Another of Upstate’s world class museums. The city is the home of Corning Glass and the entire city pay homage to the industry and the company in many ways. First and foremost is a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass. The story of the company’s beginning is told in audio and visual exhibits and examples of some of the glass artisan’s most impressive works. Do not miss the glass-blowing demonstration in the little amphitheater. You may be lucky enough to take home a one-of-a-kind “made before your eyes” piece of glass art. The museum also has one of the best museum gift shops in the state.

Website: https://home.cmog.org/

32. Animal Adventure Park (Harpursville; Broome County)

A wonderful animal park for all ages to enjoy. Youngsters will thrill at the chance to feed any of the 300 varieties of animals on site. The park gained international fame when it live-streamed the birth of a giraffe, Tajiri, in 2017. More than a million people watched it on the park’s YouTube channel.

Website: https://theanimaladventurepark.com/Page/home

33. Our Lady of Victory Shrine and Basilica (Lackawanna; Erie County)

One of the most beautiful churches in North America. This enormous cathedral was the inspiration of Father Nelson Baker, known locally as “The Padre of the Poor.” It was built at a cost of $3.2-million dollars and Father Baker served his first mass there on May 25, 1926. The interior of the basilica is a wonder. The stained-glass windows, elaborate altars, Italian marble columns, and remote sanctuaries are exquisite. When Father Baker died, in 1936 at the age of 94, he was buried in the churchyard. Later it was discovered that he may have contributed to miracles taking place and he began his path to sainthood. His remains were moved to an impressive grotto inside the church which was constructed out of black lava rock from Mt. Vesuvius in Italy.

Website: https://www.olvbasilica.org/

34. United States Military Academy (West Point; Orange County)

Public tours are given at this historic training ground for officers of the U.S. Army. Of special note on these grounds is the West Point Cadet Chapel, which houses the world’s largest chapel organ (23,511 individual pipes). One of the highlights of any tour of the academy is the West Point Cemetery. Here, as you walk along the solemn rows of graves of some of America’s most storied soldiers, you will recognize the names of Maj. General George Goethals (builder of the Panama Canal), General Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. who led American troops during Desert Storm, General George Armstrong Custer, who was killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn, and others.

Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/

35. Hanford Mills Museum (East Meredith; Delaware County)

One of the last working gristmill and sawmills from the 1800s in the state. Built in 1820, the mill still retains the patina of old-fashioned ingenuity and craftsmanship of a long gone yesteryear. Tours take you into several of the mills’ working buildings to watch handcrafted items being made. A special treat is to observe a giant 1926 Fitz overshot waterwheel come to action powering the entire grounds with water power. As the wheel turns and thousands of gallons of water pour into the wheelhouse from a nearby creek, the display of power can be quite unforgettable.

Website: https://www.hanfordmills.org/

Howe Caverns Adventure Park is located at 255 Discovery Drive in Howes Cave, N.Y. The park includes the famous Howe Caverns. Stephen D. Cannerelli | Syracuse.com

36. Howe Caverns (Howe Cave; Schoharie County)

New York’s most famous “hole in the ground.” For several generations of young people, a trip “upstate” in the summer meant a stop at this venerable tourist attraction. An elevator takes you 156-feet below the ground, where the temperature is always 56 -degrees. Your tour takes you through amazing displays of rock formations that have been in place for millennia. All are quite beautifully back-lit for dramatic purposes. One of the most popular stops on the underground tour is the Bridal Chapel. Here, on a bright red heart-shaped piece of calcite, more than 600 couples have said “I Do” in an underground ceremony. A boat ride on an underground river is also one of the many fun parts of a visit to Howe Caverns.

Website: https://howecaverns.com/

37. Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Grave (Hyde Park; Dutchess County)

The magnificent home of our nation’s 32nd president has long been a popular destination in the Hudson Valley. Roosevelt was born at this Hyde Park mansion on January 30, 1892 and was buried here after his death in 1945. Public tours of the home are given. A gift store sells a wide variety of FDR and other presidents’ memorabilia and souvenirs. The final resting place of FDR and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, in the family’s rose garden, is open to the public without taking a tour of the home.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

38. Stamford Fire Tower (Stamford; Delaware County)

There are a number of Adirondack and Catskill Mountain fire towers which have been in use for decades, In the Catskills, there is only one fire tower left that is available to drive to by vehicle. Mount Utsayantha, which rises 3,214 feet above the village of Stamford, has a tower and small public park at the summit. The tower is accessible to visitors. The view from the park and the tower, especially in autumn, is one of Upstate’s best.

Website: https://www.cnyhiking.com/MountUtsayantha.htm

39. Hyde Hall (Cooperstown; Otsego County)

Brendan Gill, the esteemed architecture critic of The New Yorker magazine has called Hyde Hall, “one of the three or four great buildings of its time.” The mansion was built between 1817 and 1834 for George Clarke, whose grandfather was the governor of colonial New York. The mansion is located at the northern tip of Otsego Lake. Philip Hooker, a prominent American architect designed the home. The neoclassical home is open for public tours. They give an eye-opening glimpse of the glamour of wealthy country life two centuries ago. Your tour will take you through the kitchen, the main dining hall, the bedrooms, courtyards, and private family rooms used by a series of Clarke generations. Plus, you will also see, tucked underneath a curving staircase, the first working flush toilet west of the Hudson River! The view of the lake from the front lawn of the mansion is beautiful.

Website: https://hydehall.org/

40. Mark Twain Country (Elmira; Chemung County)

Famed writer and riverboater Mark Twain had a close personal relationship with the Southern Tier city of Elmira. He spent nearly two dozen summers at the home of his wife’s sister in Elmira. Today, the small writing gazebo that he wrote in while there is located on the campus of Elmira College. It is said that the author penned large portions of his adventure books about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in that gazebo. Twain is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, section G. Prominent signs will direct you to his final resting place.

Website: https://www.friendsofwoodlawnelmira.org/

41. Arkville Train (Arkville; Delaware County)

There are several options if you are looking to take a train ride in Upstate New York. You can see the fall leaves in the Adirondacks, go on a Santa’s Polar Express in Western New York, and several others. One of the best is a ride on the Delaware and Ulster Railroad in southern Delaware County. You can ride in the vintage rail cars (both open and closed) and enjoy some of Upstate’s most beautiful scenery as you roll along the tracks following the Upper Delaware River. Rides go through the end of October, but the fall trips book up fast. Also, ask about the “train robbery” excursions. The kids love them!

Website: https://durr.org/

42. Vidler’s 5&10 (East Aurora; Erie County)

The has been called the “most famous five and dime store in America.” It is also the largest. It covers almost an entire block in this historic Western New York village. Tens of thousands of items pack the shelves with the emphasis on nostalgia. Penny candy anyone? You get the idea. While here don’t forget to look up. Way up. A two-ton statue of octogenarian Ed Vidler, of the store’s founding family, sits with his legs straddling over the roof of the store. Locals love him and call him “Vidler on the Roof.”

Website: https://www.vidlers5and10.com/

43. Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs; Saratoga County)

Even if you are not a horse racing fan, a day at this venerable park is a fun, exciting and (hopefully) a winning experience for you. Known as “The August Place to Be” the track is a major tourist destination in the region during the summer months. A walk around the grounds, the rails, the clubhouse, the horse paddocks and the vending area under the trees gives you a glimpse into why this place ranks among New York’s top attractions. It is one of the oldest sports venues in the country, including all sports. Opened in 1863.

Website: https://www.saratogaracetrack.com/

Taughannock Falls towers 215 feet, making it the single drop tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. July 17, 2020. N. Scott Trimble | [email protected]

44. Taughannock Falls State Park (Trumansburg; Tompkins County)

Beautiful park just north of Ithaca. The star here is a waterfall, of which Upstate has no shortage of. Taughannock Falls is the centerpiece of this 750-acre park and features a dramatic plunge which plummets 215-feet. That not only makes it the tallest single drop waterfall East of the Rockies, but the waterfall is actually higher than the mighty Niagara Falls (the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara drops “just” 167 feet). Plenty of pathways to explore in the park as well as viewing areas to observe (and photograph) the falls itself.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/taughannockfalls

45. Point Lookout (East Windham; Greene County)

A perennial tourist stop which offers a grand view of five states. From this promontory you can see (on a clear day) the forests and rivers of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. An inn and “lookout” has been located at this site to cater to tourists with meals and souvenirs for over 75 years ago.

Website: https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/attractions/five-state-lookout

46. World’s Largest Kaleidoscope (Mount Tremper; Ulster County)

The Emerson Resort is one of the most exquisite resorts in the Catskills. But it is not too fancy to offer up an exciting adventure inside an old barn silo. The silo, which is 60-feet tall, has been transformed into a dazzling kaleidoscope. Visitors enter through a bottom door and watch in amazement as hundreds of pieces of crafted colored glass dance across the ceiling to the accompaniment of music and a light show. A unique experience to be sure!

Website: https://emersonresort.com/worlds-largest-kaleidoscope/

47. Safe Haven Museum (Oswego; Oswego County)

One of New York’s smallest and yet most important museums. Located near the grounds of historic Fort Ontario, the Safe Haven Museum is the last standing building of what was America’s only Jewish refugee center during World War II. The story it tells inside is chilling and inspirational. 982 Jews from war ravaged Europe made a harrowing trip from Italy to Oswego in 1944 where they were housed in a camp as “personal guests of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.” This was the only place in the country where refugees were accepted. The museum features photographs, documents, oral histories, and artifacts from the period.

Website: https://www.safehavenmuseum.com/

48. Woodstock Concert Site (Bethel; Sullivan County)

Now known officially as the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, this is perhaps the most famous concert site in the world. Nearly a half-million young people converged on the hallowed field here for the 1969 rock concert that will live for eternity. The concert field, then a dirty mud field, is now a beautifully landscaped rolling lawn. There is a Woodstock monument and a great museum near the top of the hill. Concerts are still held here.

Website: https://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/

49. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (Rhinebeck; Dutchess County)

So much fun here. This is a living museum that offers many old-time airshows using authentic vintage planes. Thousands attend these shows all season long, and marvel as a dozen or more planes take flight and soar overhead. The biggest applause is always saved for the 1909 Bieriot, the oldest flying airplane in the Western Hemisphere, or any of the several vintage biplanes, plus an exact replica of Lucky Lindy’s famous “Spirit of St. Louis.” A great family outing!

Website: https://oldrhinebeck.org/

50. Susan B. Anthony Grave (Rochester; Monroe County)

Ms. Anthony’s grave is the most visited in this expansive historic cemetery in Rochester. Mt. Hope is the final resting place of 350,000 thousand people, many of them famous. Anthony, the towering figure of the Women’s Rights Movement, is buried in Section C, Lot 93 of the cemetery. Hundreds of women walk to her grave each year during election time to place their “I Voted” stickers on her tombstone in tribute to the woman who fought so long for their right to vote.

Website: https://freethought-trail.org/trail-map/location:susan-b-anthony-gravesite/

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The Palace Coup at the Magic Kingdom

The inside story of how Bob Iger undermined and outmaneuvered Bob Chapek, his chosen successor, and returned to power at Disney.

Credit... Philip Cheung for The New York Times

Supported by

By James B. Stewart and Brooks Barnes

• Sept. 8, 2024

At 5 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2020, Bob Chapek and Bob Iger settled into matching directors’ chairs on the Disney studio lot for a series of live media interviews. The company had just shocked pretty much everybody by announcing that the little-known Mr. Chapek would be replacing the wildly popular Mr. Iger as chief executive.

The bald and stocky Mr. Chapek and the graying but still debonair Mr. Iger struck an immediate contrast, even though both were dressed in navy suits and open-collar white shirts and both were named Bob. To avoid confusion, some referred to them as “Bob One” and “Bob Two,” or “Big Bob” and “Little Bob” (even though Mr. Chapek was taller and heavier). And then there was “Handsome Bob” and “Boring Bob.”

In an interview with Julia Boorstin of CNBC, Mr. Chapek fawned over his predecessor. “I obviously have huge shoes to fill,” he said with wide eyes, hailing Mr. Iger’s “magic” running Disney. Mr. Iger’s 15-year tenure as chief executive had been so successful that he had considered running for president as a Democrat. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him just before she died.

Mr. Iger said he and Mr. Chapek had worked together “extremely well,” but in the next breath qualified that praise: “Actually, our senior management team has worked together quite well.”

Mr. Chapek listened in vain for something more effusive, more personal.

As the questions — and the attention — shifted entirely to Mr. Chapek, Mr. Iger’s usually relaxed demeanor stiffened. His gaze shifted down, away from Mr. Chapek, and he looked increasingly uncomfortable. He crossed his arms.

Mr. Chapek was intimately familiar with Mr. Iger’s body language and expressions. “This is not good,” he thought.

He was right about that. But little did he realize that he and Mr. Iger were about to face off in an epic corporate power struggle with few rivals in business history.

When Mr. Iger stepped down as chief executive — abruptly, just weeks before the coronavirus pandemic plunged Disney into the worst crisis in its history — the company’s board agreed that he could stay on as “creative director” and executive chairman of the board for another two years.

That agreement nearly fell apart over the issue of whom, exactly, Mr. Chapek would answer to: Mr. Iger or the board. A last-minute compromise, reached without a board vote, had Mr. Chapek reporting to both. That proved a recipe for conflict — as Mr. Chapek soon began to realize.

Just weeks into his tenure as chief executive, Mr. Chapek expressed frustration. “I can’t survive another two years of this,” Mr. Chapek told Arthur Bochner , his chief of staff. Mr. Iger is “not going to leave. He’ll be here until he dies.”

Mr. Bochner worried that Mr. Chapek would quit. Mr. Chapek was ultimately deprived of even that option. The board fired him just before Thanksgiving in 2022.

As he had feared, his successor was Mr. Iger.

The New York Times has pieced together what happened inside Disney during those fateful months by talking to scores of people directly involved. Many of them talked extensively for the first time about what transpired, some only on the condition of anonymity because of their nondisclosure agreements with Disney. In each instance in which a past conversation is reconstructed in this article, the spoken words have been confirmed by multiple people with knowledge of the conversations.

Those conversations reveal how Disney’s board and executive ranks were consumed by conflict and drama just as the company was facing historic upheaval in the entertainment industry. When the pandemic hit, right as Mr. Chapek took over, the company had to temporarily close its highly profitable theme parks. In spring 2022, the streaming bubble burst, causing investors to flee all media stocks, including Disney’s.

But inside Disney, much of the focus was on trying to manage the tensions between Mr. Iger and Mr. Chapek.

Those problems have renewed importance now, as Disney embarks on yet another quest to find someone to succeed Mr. Iger, whose contract ends on Dec. 31, 2026.

The ‘Snake Pit’

For a company that bills its theme parks as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disney’s corporate headquarters have long been anything but — a hotbed of intrigue and power struggles. Mr. Chapek’s former chief of staff told people the company’s sixth-floor executive suite was a “snake pit.”

Mr. Iger ascended almost two decades ago, after a power struggle between Michael Eisner, a long-serving chief executive, and Roy E. Disney, Walt Disney’s nephew and a Disney board member. By that time, Mr. Eisner had already elevated and then dispatched two handpicked successors, Jeffrey Katzenberg, who became a co-founder of DreamWorks, and Michael Ovitz, once the most powerful agent in Hollywood.

Mr. Iger, who started his career as a weatherman on a cable channel in upstate New York, had vowed to never follow in Mr. Eisner’s footsteps. To friends, he mocked Mr. Eisner’s fears about leaving Disney — that his calls to power brokers would go unreturned, and that he wouldn’t be able to get reservations at top restaurants. He told Mr. Chapek and others that he would never stay more than 10 years.

Mr. Iger seemed well on his way to honoring that pledge. Once, while Mr. Chapek was running Disney’s consumer products division, Mr. Iger paid a rare unscheduled visit to Mr. Chapek at his office several miles from corporate headquarters. Mr. Iger asked whether Mr. Chapek thought Jay Rasulo or Tom Staggs, two top lieutenants, should succeed him as chief executive.

“Do you want my honest answer?” Mr. Chapek replied. “Neither.”

“That’s what I thought you’d say,” Mr. Iger said, according to Mr. Chapek, and then proceeded to list their respective faults.

It was Mr. Chapek’s first inkling that he might be Mr. Iger’s actual choice as successor.

But his hopes were dashed when, in February 2015, Mr. Iger named Mr. Staggs, then the theme park chairman, as chief operating officer and presumptive heir. Around the same time, the board extended Mr. Iger’s contract two years, to 2018, with the expectation that Mr. Iger would spend much of that time grooming Mr. Staggs as his successor.

But Mr. Iger soured on him. He complained that Shanghai Disneyland, Mr. Staggs’s project, was behind schedule and over budget. Mr. Iger pushed out Mr. Staggs in April 2016.

Mr. Chapek was back in the running.

He had started at Disney in 1993 in the VHS tape department, eventually rising to oversee all movie distribution. In 2011, he took over Disney’s consumer products division, which soon became flush with “Frozen” merchandise sales. By 2015, Mr. Chapek had been promoted to run theme parks, overseeing at least $24 billion in capital investments , including new “Star Wars,” “Avengers” and “Toy Story” rides.

Mr. Chapek was the consummate company man, loyal to Mr. Iger to the point of obsequiousness. Alone among Disney senior managers, he routinely called Mr. Iger “Boss” rather than “Bob,” which Mr. Iger found endearing.

At the same time, Mr. Chapek lacked Mr. Iger’s charisma and wasn’t a natural communicator; even Mr. Chapek acknowledged that he had low “E.Q.,” or emotional intelligence. Mr. Iger urged him to work on his bedside manner.

Mr. Iger told Mr. Chapek to schedule a series of one-on-one meetings with Disney’s directors to build a rapport and lay out his vision for the company’s future. But in late 2017, Disney reached a deal to buy the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox. Mr. Iger received a big bonus for consummating the deal — stock awards of up to $142 million at the then-current share price — and the board extended his contract for a sixth time . He would now retire at the end of 2021.

Mr. Chapek canceled his plans to meet directors.

Is There Life After Disney?

A Disney chief executive is an instant celebrity. He (they’ve all been men) presides over what are perceived as some of the most powerful and glamorous businesses in the world: the Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm and 20th Century movie studios; the ABC broadcast network and news division; cable channels like ESPN, FX and National Geographic. Its 12 theme parks attracted a combined 142 million visitors in 2023. And even by chief executive standards, the pay is enormous. Forbes estimates Mr. Iger’s net worth at over $700 million.

With a yacht, corporate jet, power and influence, Mr. Iger and his wife, Willow Bay, a former television anchor and the current dean of the University of Southern California’s journalism school, hobnobbed with a rarefied crowd: Barack and Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos, Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Oprah Winfrey, to name just a few.

Once in the job, Mr. Iger wondered, as did Mr. Eisner before him: If stripped of his power and multimillion-dollar compensation at Disney, would his allure diminish? For several years, the license plate holder on Mr. Iger’s silver Porsche posed the question, “Is there life after Disney?”

There were aspects of the job that Mr. Iger didn’t especially enjoy, like earnings presentations and being grilled by Wall Street analysts. He had grown tired of budget meetings.

He often complained to Mr. Chapek (and board members) about his compensation. It was a frequent source of tension between him and Susan Arnold, who sat on the compensation committee for many years. Mr. Iger pointed repeatedly to Leslie Moonves, the chief executive of CBS, who was paid more than him even though CBS was much smaller and less complex. In 2017, Mr. Moonves made $69.3 million , Mr. Iger $36.3 million, barely half that. One Disney director called it “Moonves envy.” In 2018, shareholders rejected Mr. Iger’s compensation in a nonbinding vote; Disney won approval in 2019 only after Mr. Iger agreed to a smaller package .

Mr. Iger also pondered a conversation he’d had with Steve Jobs shortly before the Apple co-founder died in 2011. Mr. Jobs had urged Mr. Iger not to stay so long at Disney that he ended up depriving himself of some of the great things life had to offer.

When the company’s board met in December 2019, Mr. Iger broached the idea of stepping back — but not leaving entirely. “Why don’t we accelerate the process?” Mr. Iger suggested. Mr. Chapek was his choice to succeed him. Mr. Iger told the board that Mr. Chapek knew the brand well, respected it and would do no harm. He also said Mr. Chapek had great integrity.

One of Disney’s directors, Mark Parker, had recently decided to step down as chief executive of Nike and become executive chairman. Mr. Iger pitched doing the same thing. That model would allow him to stay at Disney for the remainder of his contract doing what he liked best, overseeing the company’s creative endeavors. Mr. Chapek would become the C.E.O. and handle everything else. A crucial element was that all the division leaders would report to Mr. Chapek, but Mr. Chapek would report to Mr. Iger, leaving Mr. Iger ultimately in charge. There was an obvious financial incentive as well: Mr. Iger still had more than $100 million in unvested stock options and his leadership could help protect its value.

Safra Catz, the chief executive of Oracle and a Disney board member, pushed back. Why make Mr. Chapek chief executive rather than chief operating officer?

Mr. Iger said he didn’t want a rerun of the situation with Mr. Staggs, in which people thought Mr. Staggs was merely auditioning for the top job and they could outmaneuver him by going to Mr. Iger.

But in a rare show of resistance, the board was unpersuaded. It agreed to consider the issue over the holidays.

By the time board members met in late January 2020, in Los Angeles, they had come around. Mr. Iger told Mr. Chapek the good news immediately afterward, saying an announcement would be made in just three weeks on Feb. 25.

Why the rush? Zenia Mucha , Disney’s chief communications officer and a close adviser to Mr. Iger, counseled delay; she disagreed with the entire plan, including the selection of Mr. Chapek. But Mr. Iger was adamant.

By mid-February, the coronavirus was spreading widely, and the pressure it could put on the company was becoming clear. Mr. Iger had received a detailed briefing in New York from the ABC News team covering the story. Disney’s theme parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong had already closed.

David Jefferson, a Disney spokesman, said the pandemic had nothing to do with the timing of the leadership change. Board members agree but, when pressed, offer no explanation for the haste other than that was what Mr. Iger wanted.

‘Don’t Step on His Toes’

When Mr. Chapek shared the good news of his promotion with his wife, Cindy, she was skeptical. “We’ve heard that before,” she told him. But the board’s lead independent director, Ms. Arnold, flew from her home in Oregon to meet with Mr. Chapek in the Rotunda, as Disney’s executive dining room is known. There, she confirmed that he was the board’s unanimous choice to succeed Mr. Iger as C.E.O. “This is happening,” Ms. Arnold assured him.

Mr. Chapek was told there was no time for him to meet with other directors. While they had met with Mr. Chapek in his previous roles, the idea that there was no time or no need to interview him to assess his capacity to serve as chief executive, not to mention explore his vision for the future of a company in the midst of profound change, seems inexplicable.

Ms. Arnold recognized that the unusual arrangement, in which Mr. Iger would be staying on as executive chairman and chief creative officer, posed a potential for conflict. She urged Mr. Chapek to show him deference. “Give him a wide berth” on creative matters, she advised. “Don’t step on his toes.”

Notably, Mr. Chapek would not be joining Disney’s board, which was unusual, given that nearly all chief executives also serve as board members, in many instances as chair. But the board wanted a probation period for Mr. Chapek, and wanted to emphasize that he would be reporting to Mr. Iger. It would be awkward if Mr. Chapek were also a member of the board responsible for Mr. Iger’s oversight.

In the days before the announcement Mr. Iger told just a handful of top executives, among them Christine McCarthy, the chief financial officer. Like almost everyone who learned the news, she was taken aback. While pledging to help Mr. Chapek succeed, she pointed out some of his weaknesses: He knew next to nothing about the television business, he didn’t know anything about sports programming, he didn’t have many relationships with Hollywood talent, he hadn’t dealt with Wall Street.

Mr. Iger agreed that Mr. Chapek didn’t come across as especially creative. But Mr. Iger had faced the same criticism when he was named president of ABC Entertainment in 1989.

“I think he can do it,” Mr. Iger insisted. “And I’ll still be around.”

A Last-Minute Hitch

On Feb. 24, the eve of Mr. Chapek’s announcement, the succession plan nearly fell apart.

Alan Braverman, Disney’s long-serving general counsel, called Mr. Iger to say that under the company’s bylaws, the chief executive had to report to the board — not to Mr. Iger. For Mr. Iger, that was a nonstarter. He wanted to retain ultimate control.

It was Mr. Braverman and Ms. Mucha who came up with a hastily conceived compromise: Mr. Chapek would report to both the board and Mr. Iger.

That was OK with Mr. Iger since, from his perspective, Mr. Chapek still reported to him. Mr. Iger insisted that the announcement be made the next morning as scheduled — even though board members hadn’t discussed as a group, let alone approved, the new dual reporting arrangement.

No one told Mr. Chapek about the change to the reporting structure. But Mr. Chapek wasn’t very concerned about it, because Mr. Iger had always been such a strong supporter of his.

In another sign that Mr. Iger intended to maintain a visible presence, he decided to stay in the office that both he and Mr. Eisner had occupied as chief executives. Mr. Chapek was relegated to smaller quarters nearby. The arrangement only added to internal confusion about Mr. Chapek’s new status.

Some board members weren’t thrilled with the office decision or the dual reporting change. But, as it had in so many instances, the board went along with what Mr. Iger wanted.

Mr. Chapek and Mr. Iger faced the cameras as planned the next day. The company’s announcement said the change was “effective immediately.”

The sudden move shocked and baffled Hollywood. Paul McCartney, a close friend of Mr. Iger’s, called him to ask if he was sick.

Iger’s ‘Lap Dog’

About two weeks later, on March 11, Mr. Chapek was scheduled to make his formal debut as chief executive at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting. Mr. Chapek was nervous, all the more so because public speaking had never been his strength.

Before the meeting, Disney’s investor relations personnel assembled thick briefing binders covering every conceivable data point and question that might arise. Armed with these binders, Mr. Iger and Mr. Chapek settled into the front compartment of the Disney Gulfstream jet for the four-and-a-half-hour flight to Raleigh, N.C., the site of that year’s meeting, for what Mr. Chapek expected would be an extended preparation session.

Several passengers, including Mr. Chapek, recalled that Mr. Iger pulled out his iPad and started flipping through recent photographs, telling the stories behind them. There were photos of himself with Mr. McCartney and recent dinner guests in New York. Mr. Chapek said he tried to steer the discussion back to the annual meeting, but Mr. Iger interrupted: “Did you see my new yacht design?”

Flustered by Mr. Iger’s digressions, Mr. Chapek got up and moved to the plane’s rear compartment.

(Others on the flight said Mr. Chapek immediately went to the back of the plane and didn’t recall his having any iPad chitchat with Mr. Iger.)

Mr. Chapek’s extended absence was noted in the front cabin. “Does Bob want to get briefed or not?” Mr. Iger asked his fellow passengers, Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Mucha and Mr. Braverman. Finally, Mr. Iger stood up and went to find Mr. Chapek.

“Bob, do you want to sit with us so we can brief you?” Mr. Iger asked.

“Isn’t it all in here?” Mr. Chapek replied, holding up the binder. Mr. Iger said the book couldn’t convey the nuances. But Mr. Chapek said he’d review the book and let him know if he had any questions. He went back to his reading.

“He doesn’t want to be prepped. He says the book is enough,” an incredulous Mr. Iger told his fellow passengers when he returned to the front compartment. Mr. Iger suddenly felt as if he were at the wedding altar with the bride walking down the aisle. He realized he’d made a terrible mistake. But it was too late.

On the way back to California, Gov. Gavin Newsom called Mr. Iger before announcing that he would restrict public gatherings in California because of Covid. But he thought Disneyland might stay open. The governor didn’t want people to panic — and he feared they might if Disneyland closed.

Mr. Iger argued to Mr. Newsom that keeping the theme park open was a bad idea, given the health risks to both guests and employees. Mr. Newsom later publicly praised Mr. Iger’s advice and cooperation.

Mr. Chapek didn’t disagree with the decision to close the parks, but he was furious that Mr. Iger had excluded him. The decision had nothing to do with Mr. Iger’s creative mandate.

Disney’s executives worried about the shock that the park closures would have on the company’s cash flow. Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Chapek made the decision to quickly furlough, albeit with health benefits, more than 90,000 employees at the theme parks.

But Mr. Iger overruled them. He decided to wait until the government passed a Covid relief bill.

Two months earlier, when Mr. Chapek and Mr. Iger had appeared together on CNBC, Mr. Iger brushed aside a question about the potential for confusion over who was in charge. “Bob is going to be running the company,” Mr. Iger said. But now it seemed to Mr. Chapek that Mr. Iger was acting as though nothing had changed — Mr. Iger was still chief executive in all but name.

Mr. Chapek’s wife told him he was little more than Mr. Iger’s “lap dog.”

‘He’s Killing Me’

However marginalized Mr. Chapek felt, the two maintained at least a facade of cooperation. Because of Covid, no one went into the office, but Mr. Chapek spoke to Mr. Iger weekly by phone and sometimes went to see him at his home in Brentwood, an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood where they took walks wearing masks. Mr. Iger never went to see Mr. Chapek at his home in Westlake Village, a far-flung suburb. (A spokesman for Mr. Iger said he had never been invited.)

At Mr. Chapek’s request, the two held a series of employee town-hall meetings, where Mr. Iger was supposed to reinforce the message that Mr. Chapek was now in charge. “My goal is for Bob to be successful, and to the extent that I can help him do that, I will,” Mr. Iger said at the first town hall they held in February 2020. “I think it’s got to be a balance between giving him the freedom to make the decisions and do things the way he wants to do them because, you know, they will feel right to him. On the other hand, I’ve got a fair amount of experience doing a lot of these things. And, you know, it’s not quite about throwing him into a swimming pool when he’s never swum. So it’ll be a balance.”

But nearly everything Mr. Chapek did (or didn’t) do reinforced Mr. Iger’s sense that naming Mr. Chapek as his successor had been a huge mistake. Mr. Iger expressed his frustration with friends in Hollywood. Word spread, and someone contacted The New York Times’s media columnist at the time, Ben Smith, to say Mr. Iger was reasserting control. Mr. Smith called and spoke to Mr. Iger, too, who followed up with an email.

On Sunday, April 12, Mr. Chapek hosted a belated late-afternoon party for family and friends at his home to celebrate his promotion. A friend emailed him Mr. Smith’s column, which had just appeared online. Mr. Chapek stepped out of the party and read it.

“After a few weeks of letting Mr. Chapek take charge, Mr. Iger smoothly reasserted control,” Mr. Smith wrote . Mr. Chapek read with mounting disbelief.

Mr. Smith called Mr. Chapek “the new, nominal chief executive” and even speculated that the choice of Mr. Iger’s successor “may be open again.”

Mr. Smith quoted Mr. Iger as saying in an email that “a crisis of this magnitude, and its impact on Disney, would necessarily result in my actively helping Bob [Chapek] and the company contend with it, particularly since I ran the company for 15 years!”

Mr. Chapek immediately called Ms. Mucha, the communications executive. “What the hell is this?” he demanded. Trying to calm him, she argued the column wasn’t that bad.

“He’s killing me,” Mr. Chapek responded.

Mr. Chapek didn’t sleep that night. Early the next morning, he confronted Mr. Iger on the phone.

Mr. Iger denied that he had spoken to Mr. Smith, which only further enraged Mr. Chapek, who pointed out that Mr. Iger’s quote came directly from an email. Mr. Iger said he didn’t understand why Mr. Chapek was so upset. What was wrong with saying he was reasserting control in the midst of a crisis?

“You’ve cut my legs out from under me,” Mr. Chapek said. “I’ve never felt worse in my life.”

The conversation became heated, and both men raised their voices.

Mr. Iger told several people immediately afterward that he’d never been treated with more disrespect by anyone in his entire life.

As far as Mr. Iger was concerned, his relationship with Mr. Chapek was over.

‘This Too Shall Pass’

Starting at 6 a.m. on Monday, Jayne Parker, Disney’s chief human resources officer, called Disney directors to alert them to Mr. Chapek’s fury. She got one out of bed to take the call.

An enraged Mr. Chapek got on the phone with Ms. Arnold, the board’s lead independent director. This was the first time he’d broached the feud with a director. He hadn’t wanted to call attention to something that seemed petty compared with a global pandemic, but he felt this could no longer be ignored.

Mr. Chapek, who deemed some other board members fiercely loyal to Mr. Iger, felt he’d developed a good rapport with Ms. Arnold, who had spent most of her career in the Midwest at Procter & Gamble, eventually becoming its first woman president. Mr. Chapek, the son of a machinist from Hammond, Ind., had gotten his start in packaged goods, working in the pet-food division at Heinz and helping to market Kraft cheese.

Ms. Arnold also knew something about corporate succession: She’d been a leading candidate to become Procter & Gamble’s chief executive but took herself out of the running and left the company in 2009, partly because, as a prominent gay executive, she didn’t want her personal life to be publicly scrutinized, something that would most likely accompany the job.

Ms. Arnold was taken aback by the vehemence of Mr. Chapek’s reaction to the column. She thought he seemed paranoid that Mr. Iger was out to destroy him. She urged him to calm down and defer to Mr. Iger, as she had advised before.

“What will be left of my reputation?” Mr. Chapek pleaded.

“This too shall pass,” she responded. Mr. Iger would be gone in 20 months, and the C.E.O. prize would be Mr. Chapek’s alone.

Mr. Chapek all but begged to be named to the board as a show of confidence in him. Ms. Arnold conferred with several other directors. None was aware of the depth of the hostility that had developed between Mr. Iger and his designated successor. But they agreed it could damage his standing. The board now felt it had no choice but to name Mr. Chapek a director as a show of support.

Ms. Arnold called Mr. Iger and chastised him for the column. She told him it was the worst thing that could have happened to Mr. Chapek. She pointed out that, had Mr. Iger taken the board’s suggestion to initially name Mr. Chapek chief operating officer rather than chief executive, none of this would be happening. In any event, the sniping had to stop.

Mr. Iger was taken aback by both the tone and substance of Ms. Arnold’s call. She seemed to be siding with Mr. Chapek — even though he had been C.E.O. for less than two months and Mr. Iger was still ultimately in charge. She and other board members should be happy he was stepping back up during a crisis, Mr. Iger thought, especially when Mr. Chapek’s leadership had been so lackluster.

On April 15, three days after Mr. Smith’s column published, Mr. Chapek was named to Disney’s board .

In June, the board scheduled private sessions by video call with both men to address the conflict. Mr. Iger went first. He aired his complaints about Mr. Chapek’s leadership, including that he hadn’t sought Mr. Iger’s advice and counsel. Mr. Chapek had no standing in the creative community and hadn’t made any efforts to improve it. He’d skipped creative meetings that Mr. Iger had invited him to.

Mr. Chapek said he was sorry their differences had become a board issue. But he was incensed when Mr. Parker, the board member who had led Nike, questioned Mr. Chapek’s lack of contacts in the Hollywood creative community, since that was supposed to be Mr. Iger’s jurisdiction. He insisted that he hadn’t skipped meetings but rather that Mr. Iger had scheduled them without telling him. Mr. Chapek said Mr. Iger had ceded little authority, something Mr. Chapek said he had accepted without complaining. “I was just trying to be a good soldier,” Mr. Chapek said.

The board’s message to both men: The company was in crisis, and they needed to start acting like adults and work together.

Later, in an audit committee board session with Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Catz, the board member who had questioned Mr. Chapek’s readiness, asked if she thought Mr. Chapek was up to the job. Ms. McCarthy, the chief financial officer, didn’t immediately answer.

“I don’t like the fact that you’re hesitating,” Ms. Catz said.

“I’m giving you a qualified answer,” Ms. McCarthy said. “If he will start to listen. If he will listen. We’re all trying to help him, but he doesn’t listen.”

In the ensuing months, Mr. Iger seemed increasingly cranky about the board’s reaction to Mr. Smith’s column. “Why are you so hostile toward the board?” Mr. Chapek finally asked during one of their calls, which had continued despite the tensions.

Mr. Iger told him that he couldn’t handle the truth, and then proceeded to say that before the board had agreed to name Mr. Chapek chief executive, the directors had assured Mr. Iger that, if he didn’t think it was working out, he could fire Mr. Chapek and return as chief executive anytime he wanted. (Given the dual reporting structure, it is unclear whether Mr. Iger had that authority.)

Ellen Davis, a spokeswoman for Mr. Chapek, confirmed that account. She said Mr. Chapek “was shocked and surprised when told by Mr. Iger that he believed he could have his job back if and when he wanted it.”

Immediately after the call, Mr. Chapek called Ms. Arnold. “What is he talking about?” he asked.

Ms. Arnold tried to make light of it. “Well, you know Bob,” Ms. Arnold answered. “He may think so, but just let it go.”

It wasn’t the answer Mr. Chapek was hoping for.

Mr. Jefferson, the Disney spokesman, said there was never any such understanding between Mr. Iger and the board. The claim that he could return at will was “not something Mr. Iger would have said,” Mr. Jefferson added.

For Mr. Chapek, it was a turning point. It wasn’t just paranoia: He was now convinced that Mr. Iger was trying to get rid of him and return as chief executive, and that the board might let him.

‘This Is His Company to Run’

As Covid shutdowns continued into the fall of 2020, it wasn’t just Disney’s theme parks that bore the brunt. Disney’s movie and television production had ground to a halt, just as consumers were staying home and turning to streaming services. Wall Street had been obsessed with subscriber gains, and Disney+ had delivered, surpassing 70 million, hitting its initial five-year goal after only nine months of operation. But it needed new content, which had all but dried up. Subscriber growth was slowing.

Mr. Chapek pleaded with his studio heads — Pete Docter of Pixar, Kevin Feige of Marvel, Jennifer Lee of Disney Animation — and encountered resistance: All of them wanted to hold back their best material for debuts in theaters with star-studded premieres. Mr. Chapek had no idea when, if ever, those days would return. In the meantime, Disney needed cash flow to meet interest payments on the enormous debt it had racked up under Mr. Iger to buy most of 21st Century Fox.

One of Mr. Chapek’s perceived strengths was corporate organization. He proposed remaking the company around a new division, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, to give priority to streaming services ( Disney+ , Hulu and ESPN+) and to guarantee they received a steady flow of Disney’s best content. DMED, as it became known, would now have bottom-line responsibility for all the company’s entertainment, and would decide where films and programs would appear — in theaters, on television or, as was increasingly likely, on Disney+. It would be Mr. Chapek’s signature initiative as chief executive.

There was logic to Mr. Chapek’s plan. But its seemingly benign, business-school rationale belied a reality: To strip Disney’s creative heads of authority over spending, as well as where their movies and shows would be distributed, would be a huge loss of power and status. Moreover, Hollywood talent wanted guarantees of where projects would end up before committing to a deal. Although the division heads would still report to Mr. Chapek (and indirectly to Mr. Iger), it was a huge demotion. In many ways, their new boss would really be the head of DMED.

For that role, Mr. Chapek approached Alan Bergman, then the chairman of Walt Disney Studios, a figure both well known in Hollywood and respected by Disney’s creative teams. Mr. Bergman said he’d think about it and called Mr. Iger to ask what he should do. Mr. Iger said he should tell Mr. Chapek what he really thought, which was that DMED was a terrible idea. Mr. Bergman turned down the offer.

Exasperated, Mr. Chapek turned to a loyal former lieutenant at consumer products, Kareem Daniel . A 13-year Disney veteran, Mr. Daniel was nonetheless barely known outside the company and had little experience with movies or television. Overnight, he would be running a division with more than $50 billion in annual revenue and would be in the spotlight as Disney’s highest-ranking Black executive. Like Mr. Bergman, Mr. Daniel had his doubts about the wisdom of the proposed restructuring.

Mr. Chapek spent hours, both on the phone and in person at Mr. Iger’s house, selling Mr. Iger on the idea. Mr. Iger was unenthusiastic but didn’t object.

By early October, after a two-hour meeting at Mr. Iger’s house, Mr. Chapek thought he’d gotten Mr. Iger’s blessing. He was in his car heading back to Westlake Village when Mr. Bergman called him. “Iger just told me we’re not doing the reorganization,” Mr. Bergman said, according to Mr. Chapek. “He said he hates it.”

Mr. Chapek was dumbfounded. He’d left Mr. Iger just 10 minutes earlier. “No, it’s on. We’re doing it,” Mr. Chapek replied.

Mr. Chapek said he immediately called Mr. Iger, and asked if he’d said that to Mr. Bergman. “Yes, I hate it,” Mr. Iger confirmed.

“Why didn’t you say that to me?” Mr. Chapek asked.

Mr. Iger didn’t answer.

A more seasoned chief executive might well have paused at this juncture, given the lack of internal support. At least a dozen senior Disney executives had told Mr. Chapek that the reorganization was a bad idea. But the Disney board gave Mr. Chapek its strong backing for the creation of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution after extended discussions in which Mr. Iger raised questions but said nothing to oppose it. Mr. Iger was on such thin ice with the board at that time that there was little he could say without appearing to undermine Mr. Chapek. “This is his company to run,” Mr. Iger said to directors at one point. The reorganization, and Mr. Daniel’s promotion, were announced on Oct. 12, 2020.

Mr. Chapek had finally accomplished something, and he was proud of it. As he later told a reporter at The Times, “It was singularly the best thing I could have done to transform this culture.”

In June 2021, the board gathered at Aulani, a Disney resort in Hawaii, for its first in-person meeting since the pandemic. Few companies had been as hard hit as Disney . For a time, revenue from its theme parks and movies had all but been wiped out. But it was on a rebound. Disney World had reopened . Disney+ subscriber growth had pushed Disney’s stock to near a record high.

Mr. Iger opened the board retreat with a paean to creativity, “the essence of who we are as a company.” He warned that data and algorithms would never supplant creativity and that “not everyone is born with the ability to be wildly creative, and not everyone is born with the ability to manage wildly creative, or sometimes wild and creative, people.” He didn’t mention any names, but directors said they knew whom he was talking about.

Mr. Iger asked Ms. Arnold if she wanted to run the executive session along with him, but she told him to leave and asked Mr. Chapek to stay. Mr. Iger was taken aback, but took a seat outside the room, expecting to be called back after Mr. Chapek finished.

“We know it’s been hard,” Ms. Arnold told Mr. Chapek once Mr. Iger was out of the room. She complimented the stock price and his operational leadership during the pandemic. Directors nodded in agreement.

When the session with Mr. Chapek ended, the meeting adjourned and directors left the room. No one thought to tell Mr. Iger, who was left outside to fume.

For the first time since his promotion to chief executive, Mr. Chapek let himself think that Mr. Iger had been vanquished.

But trouble soon arose.

That summer, Disney was locked in negotiations over the release of “Black Widow,” Marvel’s big new superhero film, with its star, Scarlett Johansson. Now that DMED was up and running, Mr. Chapek wanted to see a return on the $350 million cost of the movie.

On July 9, a few days into the annual gathering of media moguls in Sun Valley, Idaho, Disney released “Black Widow” in theaters and on Disney+, even though Ms. Johansson’s contract called for an exclusive theatrical release and her pay was pegged to the theatrical box office. Releasing it on Disney+ would obviously cut into ticket sales, costing her as much as $50 million, her agent contended. “She’s not happy,” her agent told Mr. Chapek when he ran into him at the conference. This was exactly the kind of problem Mr. Bergman had warned about when DMED was created.

“Black Widow” took in $80 million at the domestic box office during its first three days, sharply less than previous Marvel films had. A few weeks later, when Ms. Johansson sued Disney , the company took a hard line. In a statement approved by Mr. Iger, Disney called the suit “especially sad and distressing,” accused Ms. Johansson of a “callous disregard” for the impact of Covid on theatergoers and said she’d already been paid $20 million. Talent relations fell under Mr. Iger’s purview as creative head, but Mr. Chapek also contributed to the contents of the statement and signed off on it.

“Attacking Johansson so personally was a pretty spectacular unforced error,” wrote Kim Masters in The Hollywood Reporter. “And many observers are laying that at the feet of C.E.O. Bob Chapek. The person who isn’t getting the blame? Outgoing chairman Bob Iger.”

Mr. Chapek was stunned that he — and not Mr. Iger — was blamed for the debacle.

‘Fasten Your Seatbelts’

That fall, as his end-of-year retirement date approached, Mr. Iger said he didn’t want a farewell ceremony or party at Disney. The thought of Mr. Chapek hosting such an event was too galling. Instead, he and his wife decided to host their own party at their home in Brentwood. Mr. Iger chose a date when he knew Mr. Chapek would be in Orlando, Fla., for an event.

Mr. Chapek canceled the trip.

On Nov. 19, he arrived for the party at the same time as Thomas Schumacher, the longtime president of Disney’s Broadway division. Ms. Bay, Mr. Iger’s wife, was outside greeting guests as they arrived. “Tom Schumacher, it’s been too long,” she gushed. “I can’t believe you came all this way.” She embraced Mr. Schumacher. Mr. Chapek stood awkwardly by until she finally turned to him. “Hi, Bob. I see you all the time,” she said. She turned back to Mr. Schumacher.

A guest who witnessed the exchange recalled Bette Davis’s memorable line in “All About Eve”: “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

About 80 guests were seated at three long tables outdoors behind the house. Mr. Iger was flanked by Mr. Spielberg and Ms. Lee of Disney Animation. Mr. Chapek was in the middle of the table farthest from Mr. Iger’s.

Mr. Iger began a speech recognizing people who’d helped and inspired him. In one of his first jobs at ABC, Mr. Iger had worked as an assistant to the acclaimed sportscaster Al Michaels, who was at the party. Mr. Iger mentioned that back in the day he and Mr. Michaels had covered dirt-track racing in Terre Haute, Ind., for “Wide World of Sports.” Mr. Iger looked toward Mr. Chapek and went off script: “That’s your area, isn’t it Bob?” he asked, referring to Terre Haute, in rural southwestern Indiana. “You’d know all about dirt tracks.”

Mr. Chapek’s hometown of Hammond is near Chicago. He seethed at what he felt was a put-down.

Mr. Iger pushed on, worked his way through his career thanking people and then paused when he reached the present. “I think I’ll just stop there,” he said. “Thank you all for coming.” There was no praise, and no further mention, of Mr. Chapek.

Mr. Chapek reddened as he felt every gaze turn on him. He stood up and stalked out.

‘It’s Going to Get Worse’

On Nov. 30, in ABC’s old board room at Disney’s West 66th Street offices in New York City, Mr. Iger presided over his last meeting as chairman. He’d given considerable thought to what he’d say, discussing it with his wife and making detailed notes. He could have reflected on his accomplishments and made a graceful exit, something that he’d considered and that some board members expected.

But he didn’t.

During an executive session without Mr. Chapek, Mr. Iger began by apologizing for not having had more interaction with board members since the meeting in Hawaii. Then he said, “There are things that I feel I must leave you with, that you must know because there are things that you need to watch.” He then unleashed a broadside.

Mr. Iger asserted that under Mr. Chapek, the collegial culture he’d built over 15 years was crumbling. Disney was a company that depended first and foremost on creativity, and Mr. Chapek’s DMED reorganization had damaged Disney’s creative engines. The company, he said, had become distracted by a deep rift — Mr. Chapek and his allies on one side, Disney’s creative executives and the Hollywood talent community on the other.

Mr. Iger didn’t go so far as to say the board should fire Mr. Chapek. Nor did he ask to replace him as chief executive or to remain as chairman.

Afterward, Mr. Iger seemed unusually subdued at the board’s farewell lunch for him. They showed a video tribute. Mr. Parker gave him a pair of custom Nike sneakers. Mr. Chapek gave him two gold coins embossed with Mickey Mouse to be placed under the mast of his new yacht, a good-luck custom to ward off pirates.

Mr. Chapek felt a chill. “It’s going to get worse,” Mr. Chapek told Ms. Arnold after lunch. He worried that, once he was gone, Mr. Iger would feel more emboldened to criticize Mr. Chapek.

In conversations with allies at the company, he started referring to Mr. Iger as an “assassin.”

A Mea Culpa

During Mr. Iger’s tenure, the studio had greenlighted a bevy of projects with progressive social and political themes. But Mr. Chapek worried the development slate had veered too far left on social issues. Disney was being pulled into partisan political debates more frequently, a worrisome situation for a brand that was supposed to stand for everyone.

Some board members agreed. Coming up through the pipeline was “Strange World,” Disney’s first animated film focusing on an openly gay teenager. Ms. Catz, a board member, was so opposed to the character that she told Mr. Chapek she’d have him fired if Disney released the film. He reported the threat to Ms. Arnold.

The film was too far along for Mr. Chapek to block it, but his fears about Disney’s becoming a cultural flashpoint soon materialized. In January 2022, the Parental Rights in Education bill was introduced in Florida. Opponents labeled the bill “Don’t Say Gay” because it prohibited classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for young students. The Human Rights Campaign, a prominent L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy organization, soon had more than 100 corporate signatories to a letter opposing anti-gay legislation in various statehouses. Media companies like Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, had signed on. But Disney, one of the largest employers in Florida, was conspicuously absent.

Mr. Chapek realized that staying silent might cause controversy. He called Ms. Arnold, who had succeeded Mr. Iger as chairman, to discuss his view that Disney had become too politicized. He mentioned the Florida bill and the pressure on Disney to publicly condemn it.

Ms. Arnold agreed that Disney should stay above the fray. But she said the company should sign the Human Rights Campaign letter. Since so many companies had already signed — including Nike, General Motors and Oracle, whose chief executives sat on Disney’s board — she didn’t envision Disney’s being singled out for criticism: There was safety in numbers. Mr. Chapek agreed.

On Feb. 1, at the board’s first meeting with Mr. Iger no longer at the company, Geoff Morrell, the new chief corporate affairs officer, gave a presentation arguing that Disney should stay out of divisive social and political issues, especially at the state and local levels, unless necessary. Disney should fight “the wars not the battles,” he said. He also said Disney’s employees, accustomed to Mr. Iger making public comments supporting progressive positions, would need to be “reconditioned.” The board agreed.

The Florida legislation soon vaulted to national attention. On Feb. 8, President Biden issued a statement on Twitter: “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are.”

Disney remained silent and soon faced an internal revolt. Creative employees — many of them gay or staunchly supportive of gay colleagues and friends — were still seething over the DMED reorganization. And now this?

On Feb. 24, Mr. Iger put a match to kindling by reposting Mr. Biden’s comment and adding : “I’m with the President on this! If passed, this bill will put vulnerable, young LGBTQ people in jeopardy.”

A few days later, a Disney L.G.B.T.Q. employee group sent a letter to Mr. Chapek and other high-ranking executives demanding that Disney oppose the bill and denounce similar legislation pending in other states. Mr. Chapek met with the group the next week, describing the discussion as “meaningful, illuminating and at times deeply moving.”

In the midst of this, Disney’s board held an emergency meeting to discuss the mounting controversy. Mr. Chapek told the board that, in keeping with the company’s new policy, Disney had not signed the Human Rights Campaign petition. Ms. Arnold was taken aback. “I’m confused,” she said. “You told me Disney was going to sign it.”

The discussion moved on, but Ms. Arnold was visibly upset. Mr. Chapek sent her a text: “My bad. We decided not to sign. I got busy and forgot to tell you.”

Ms. Arnold was furious.

Despite the pressure from employees, Disney’s board agreed to stay the course. Mr. Chapek and his corporate affairs team drafted a statement defending Disney’s decision not to comment, which was circulated to Ms. Arnold and the rest of the board: “Corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.”

The memo, distributed to employees and the news media on March 7, backfired in spectacular fashion. Letters and calls from prominent people criticizing Disney’s failure to speak out poured in to Mr. Chapek. Abigail Disney, granddaughter of the co-founder Roy O. Disney, said on Twitter that she was “deeply angered.” The Los Angeles Times called Disney’s policy “corporate cowardice.”

With pressure on Disney increasing, Ms. Arnold advised Mr. Chapek to reverse course and condemn the bill. “You’re losing the creative community,” she warned him. “You have to stand with your team.”

On March 9, Ms. Arnold’s first shareholder meeting as chair, Mr. Chapek extolled the company’s recent accomplishments in a taped video, then delivered a mea culpa . “I understand our political approach, no matter how well-intentioned, didn’t quite get the job done,” he said. He announced that Disney would sign the letter and give $5 million to the organization. The Human Rights Campaign promptly said it would take the money only after Disney demonstrated it was following through on its promises.

Two days later, Mr. Chapek went even further in another memo to employees: “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights, and I let you down. I am sorry.” Taking direct aim at Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, he also halted political contributions in the state.

There were those at Disney, including Ms. Arnold, who thought Mr. Chapek had now gone too far in the other direction. The about-face and abject apology did little to assuage Disney’s outraged L.G.B.T.Q. community. And it gave Florida’s governor a national platform to mock the company as “Woke Disney.” “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy,” Mr. DeSantis said. Florida moved to revoke Disney World’s special tax status and Disney and the state were soon battling it out in court .

Mr. Chapek thought it unfair that he was being blamed for a policy that had been endorsed by the board at every step. And he saw Mr. Iger’s “assassin” fingerprints all over the ensuing firestorm, starting with his tweet. His suspicions only hardened on March 31, when Mr. Iger appeared on CNN . Mr. Iger never mentioned Mr. Chapek by name, but he didn’t need to. “To me, it wasn’t about politics,” Mr. Iger said on the air. “It is about what is right and what is wrong, and that just seemed wrong.”

As the bad press continued, Mr. Chapek insisted that his contract as chief executive, set to expire on Feb. 28, 2023, be extended as a show of board support. Terms for a new three-year contract were agreed to by late March. But Ms. Arnold declined to make the agreement public, saying the time wasn’t right given the furor over the Florida legislation.

She was also trying to buy time. The board was having its first serious discussions about whether Mr. Chapek had been the wrong choice for the job. Two directors, Mr. Parker and Mary Barra, GM’s chief executive, were especially critical of Mr. Chapek. The board discussed the possibility that Mr. Parker of Nike could step in to replace Mr. Chapek on an interim basis while it conducted a search, but he declined. In side discussions, a couple directors explored the idea of an office of the chairman led by Ms. Arnold, but she shut down that suggestion, saying she was happily retired from the daily slog of corporate life. The possibility of asking Mr. Iger to come back wasn’t suggested.

Unnerving Calls

In most respects, Mr. Iger was pleasantly surprised by life after Disney. While a rumored appointment as ambassador to China or Britain never materialized, his calls were returned and restaurant reservations remained easy to come by. He spent time on his yacht, wrote a draft of a second book and acquired stakes in companies like Funko, a maker of pop culture collectibles, and Gopuff, the rapid-delivery start-up. He joined Josh Kushner’s firm Thrive Capital as a venture partner and gave more than 20 talks at corporations seeking his wisdom.

Mr. Iger insisted he’d put Disney behind him and vowed not to talk about Mr. Chapek unless others brought him up. Evidently, many did. Mr. Chapek fielded a steady drumbeat of unnerving calls from people who had met with Mr. Iger. They told Mr. Chapek that Mr. Iger had heaped criticism on him and wanted to talk about little else.

Mr. Chapek complained about Mr. Iger’s whisper campaign to Ms. Arnold and other board members, some of whom had independently heard about Mr. Iger’s trash talk. But now that Mr. Iger had officially retired, the board had no leverage on him. No board member ever reached out to him, according to Mr. Jefferson, the Disney spokesman.

Despite the board’s growing reservations about Mr. Chapek, and given the lack of any alternative, Ms. Arnold agreed to announce Mr. Chapek’s new contract, which allowed for a $20 million annual bonus, up from $15 million. On June 28, the board said: “Bob is the right leader at the right time for The Walt Disney Company, and the board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”

‘We Have to Save Chapek’

Since becoming chief executive in 2020, Mr. Chapek’s sometimes rocky tenure had been buoyed by Disney’s strong share price. But since hitting a record high in March 2021, it had been falling, along with stocks of other entertainment companies grappling with the new economics of streaming and the decline of cable. In April 2022, Netflix reported it had lost subscribers for the first time in 10 years, panicking Wall Street. Netflix shares lost 35 percent in just one day. Seemingly overnight, investors went from caring only about subscriber numbers to focusing on earnings and losses. The streaming honeymoon was over.

By the time the board announced Mr. Chapek’s new contract, Disney shares had dropped almost 50 percent from their peak, so low that activist investors like Dan Loeb and Nelson Peltz were circling the company, seeking board seats and calling for management changes.

Mr. Peltz knew a good deal about Disney and Mr. Iger, thanks to his neighbor in Palm Beach, Isaac (“Ike”) Perlmutter, who had sold Marvel to Disney in 2009 and stayed on as Marvel’s chairman. The deal made Mr. Perlmutter one of Disney’s largest shareholders.

The irascible Mr. Perlmutter had clashed with Mr. Iger over the years. In 2015, Mr. Perlmutter tried to fire Mr. Feige, Marvel’s celebrated movie chief, amid a disagreement about budgets; Mr. Iger saved Mr. Feige and effectively demoted Mr. Perlmutter by stripping superhero movies from his oversight. In 2019, Mr. Iger further marginalized Mr. Perlmutter, taking away the television portion of his job and leaving him with only a tiny fief involving comics publishing and a few consumer products. Mr. Perlmutter had been glad to see Mr. Iger step down.

But Mr. Perlmutter had sources in the company who convinced him that Mr. Iger was plotting a return. Mr. Perlmutter warned Mr. Chapek, fanning Mr. Chapek’s own anxieties about Mr. Iger’s intentions.

With Mr. Perlmutter’s encouragement, Mr. Chapek met with Mr. Peltz in July at Disneyland Paris and the two men forged a rapport. Soon after, Mr. Perlmutter called several board members, including Ms. Catz, lobbying them to add Mr. Peltz to the board. If not, he warned, Mr. Iger “would be back at Disney,” as Disney later put it in a proxy filing.

In a call to Horacio Gutierrez, the company’s new general counsel, Mr. Perlmutter told him: “We have to save Chapek. We can’t allow Iger to come back.”

Mr. Chapek told Ms. Arnold that he thought inviting Mr. Peltz made sense. It would spare Disney a costly and distracting proxy fight. But Ms. Arnold said the board would never offer Mr. Peltz a seat, partly because of his friendship with Mr. Perlmutter. The board was wary of Mr. Perlmutter given the antagonism between him and Mr. Iger and also because of Mr. Perlmutter’s campaign against Mr. Feige, whom the board had come to view as a crucial employee.

‘I Am Telling the Truth’

To prepare for that fall’s earnings report, Mr. Chapek and Ms. McCarthy, the chief financial officer, met around Labor Day to preview the numbers. They discussed a looming shortfall between Wall Street’s forecasts and the actual results, but Mr. Chapek wasn’t especially concerned given strong streaming subscriber growth. He told Ms. McCarthy that Mr. Daniel, the DMED chief, had assured him that streaming was “killing it.”

But that changed a few weeks later when Ms. McCarthy led board members through a presentation of the expected results. The first slide disclosed that Disney’s earnings per share would be 27 cents below Wall Street’s estimates — far more than what she and Mr. Chapek previously discussed, and a result sure to shock Wall Street. Disney’s streaming business was still signing up subscribers at a fast pace. But soaring programming and marketing costs meant that streaming was now heading toward a $1.5 billion quarterly loss, up from $630 million a year earlier — just when investors had been promised there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

Board members started pelting Mr. Chapek with questions. How could the results be this bad?

Mr. Chapek felt blindsided. Ms. McCarthy had distributed projected earnings results nine days earlier to the board that prominently highlighted the 27-cent miss. But Mr. Chapek hadn’t read that board package — he had assumed the material in it reflected what he and Ms. McCarthy had discussed when they met.

Ms. McCarthy continued through the slide presentation as board members appeared to grow more agitated. About an hour into the meeting, Mr. Chapek was visibly annoyed. He stared at Ms. McCarthy, tapped his watch, then took it from his wrist and began swinging it back and forth like a pendulum, signaling Ms. McCarthy to finish up.

During the ensuing break, he confronted her.

According to Ms. McCarthy’s recollection, he accused her of upsetting the board. “I am telling the truth,” she replied. “I never lie, and I’m not starting now. The numbers are the numbers.”

Mr. Chapek said he didn’t attack her, and simply asked why she’d blindsided him. He said she didn’t offer any explanation.

The board met in executive session with Mr. Chapek, and then Ms. McCarthy. Ms. McCarthy said Mr. Chapek had attacked her during the break for being truthful. Ms. Catz again asked if Mr. Chapek was up to the job.

This time, Ms. McCarthy answered, “He can’t do it.”

Ms. Catz and others told Ms. McCarthy she had to hold the place together.

Afterward, an angry Ms. Arnold called Mr. Chapek.

“How could you attack Christine?” she demanded.

“She’d never told me the numbers!” Mr. Chapek exclaimed.

Petting a Hippo

Worried that Mr. Chapek was in denial about the gravity of the shortfall, Mr. Gutierrez, the general counsel, called for meetings during an October management retreat in Orlando. Mr. Gutierrez invited the senior leadership team, saying he wanted to ensure a common understanding of the situation and plan for what would surely be a difficult earnings call.

Mr. Chapek didn’t attend Mr. Gutierrez’s meetings. Instead, during one, Mr. Chapek greeted park visitors and petted a hippo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom resort. (Mr. Chapek’s spokeswoman said he went to every meeting he was told about, adding that the hippo encounter was part of an effort, encouraged by the board, to come across as more personable.)

Pressed by Mr. Gutierrez that a crisis was looming, Mr. Chapek offered him a meeting at 6:30 a.m. on Friday. Mr. Gutierrez declined, saying that several participants were scheduled to leave Orlando that morning.

The week before the earnings call, Kristina Schake, who had replaced Mr. Morrell as communications chief, tried to warn Mr. Chapek that the quarterly results would prompt a cascade of negative news articles. He chided her as an “Eeyore,” a reference to the gloomy donkey from the Winnie-the-Pooh franchise.

Mr. Chapek unveiled the earnings as scheduled on Nov. 8. They fell short of estimates by 26 cents a share, only a penny better than the forecast. In his upbeat presentation to analysts, Mr. Chapek avoided mentioning the $1.5 billion in streaming losses, instead saying only that the red ink had hit a “peak.” He spent more time extolling the post-Covid comeback of the theme parks.

On CNBC, Jim Cramer called the results “one of the most disappointing quarters I’ve ever seen at a major company.”

Disney stock dropped 13 percent over the next 24 hours.

With the stock seemingly in free fall, creative personnel revolting and Mr. Chapek no longer on speaking terms with Ms. McCarthy, the chief financial officer, Mr. Gutierrez called Ms. Arnold.

Mr. Chapek didn’t have the credibility or leadership skills to continue as C.E.O., Mr. Gutierrez told her. The only person who could solve the problems was Mr. Iger.

“You aren’t the first” to suggest that, she replied.

Alarm Bells

A few days later, Mr. Iger went for separate walks with Mr. Bergman, the movie chief, and Dana Walden, who oversaw television operations. Each vented their frustrations with Mr. Chapek and told Mr. Iger how bad things were.

“Don’t talk to me, because I can’t do anything about it,” Mr. Iger said. “Talk to the board.”

Each said they already had. They told him everyone had.

Ms. Walden asked Mr. Iger if he’d consider coming back. “I might,” he said. “But they’ll never ask me.”

“Would you call Susan Arnold?” Ms. Walden asked.

Mr. Iger was still on bad terms with Ms. Arnold, partly because of the column by Mr. Smith, and hadn’t spoken to her since he left. “If she wants to talk to me, she knows how to reach me,” he said.

That weekend, Mr. Chapek was in Palm Beach, Fla., to meet again with Mr. Peltz, even though Mr. Jefferson, the Disney spokesman, maintained that board members had instructed Mr. Chapek in August not to meet alone with any activist investors.

Mr. Chapek “never received any such admonition,” Ms. Davis, the spokeswoman for Mr. Chapek, said. Mr. Chapek deemed communicating with activists and other large investors to be an essential part of his duties as chief executive. He “faithfully followed the board’s direction on all matters,” she said.

Mr. Chapek went to Mr. Peltz’s oceanfront mansion, where the investor and one of his sons made their case for change at Disney. The meeting lasted about two hours. Afterward, Mr. Chapek met Mr. Perlmutter of Marvel and briefed him on the meeting.

Mr. Chapek didn’t tell anyone on the board about the trip, but Mr. Iger nonetheless found out about it soon after it happened. (There appear to have been few secrets within Disney’s upper ranks.) Mr. Iger assumed Mr. Chapek had been in Palm Beach solely to see Mr. Perlmutter.

On Nov. 17, the Disney board held a special meeting to discuss the Peltz situation. Mr. Chapek was in Disney’s New York offices and participated by video. He mentioned that he’d had conversations with Mr. Peltz, but not that they’d met in person a couple days earlier. The board reaffirmed its decision to rebuff Mr. Peltz.

Soon after the meeting ended, Ms. Arnold called Mr. Chapek, ordering him to have no further contact with Mr. Peltz, even if other Disney executives were with him. Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Gutierrez would be the only “designated points of contact” with the investor, as Disney said in one of its proxy filings.

The order set off alarm bells for Mr. Chapek. He’d met earlier with Mr. Loeb, who had dropped his campaign to shake up Disney. The board had praised Mr. Chapek for that. Now, he was barred not only from meeting alone with Mr. Peltz but also from communicating with him at all. He sensed a growing lack of trust.

There were two Disney premieres in New York that week, the Searchlight film “The Menu” and the FX series “Fleishman Is in Trouble.” Mr. Chapek, preoccupied by the mounting pressures on both him and the company, didn’t show up. Ms. McCarthy stood in for him.

That Friday, Ms. Walden called Mr. Iger and canceled a walk they had planned for that afternoon. Ms. Walden said Ms. Arnold would be calling him instead. Mr. Iger reported this to his wife.

“They’re not asking you back,” she said.

Mr. Iger agreed, but wondered, “What if they do?”

Ms. Bay said he’d have to accept. “If they’re asking you to come back, they must be desperate. And second, you love the company and the people, you kind of owe it to them.”

Ms. Arnold called as scheduled at 3 p.m. After brief pleasantries, she said she wanted to apologize for their rupture. That was important to Mr. Iger. Without an apology, he wouldn’t consider a return. He accepted it and said they should move on.

“Would you come back?” she asked.

He accepted without hesitating, with three conditions: He wanted it to be announced immediately, no later than Monday, because it was too big a secret for him to keep. It had to be for a limited period — they decided on two years. And he wanted to serve without pay, because he didn’t want anyone to think he was doing it for money.

Ms. Arnold said she’d have to get back to him on that.

The call lasted all of 15 minutes.

Ms. Arnold told Mr. Gutierrez to convene a virtual meeting of the board’s independent directors for Sunday without telling Mr. Chapek. During the meeting, Ms. Arnold asked for Mr. Gutierrez’s assessment. He said that Mr. Chapek had lost the support of the senior leadership team and that there was a serious risk of losing some key creative talent. He’d become dysfunctional. He’d missed important meetings in Orlando preceding the disastrous November earnings call. In a moment of crisis, rather than charting a way forward, he was in denial. He seemed depressed.

The board voted unanimously to terminate Mr. Chapek and instructed Ms. Arnold and Mr. Gutierrez to call him.

That night, Elton John was giving a concert at Dodger Stadium that was being livestreamed on Disney+. Mr. Chapek planned to attend, but was still at home in Westlake Village when the call came.

Ms. Arnold got straight to the point: “Effective immediately, you’re out.” He wasn’t even offered the face-saving gesture of resigning.

Despite his anxieties, Mr. Chapek was unprepared for something this sudden. “Why?” he asked.

“We lost confidence.”

Iger’s Last Extension?

Four hours later, the news broke about who would be replacing him. Mr. Chapek wasn’t surprised.

Mr. Iger moved swiftly to dismantle Mr. Chapek’s legacy and stifle any internal opposition. DMED was abolished within days of his return, its functions returned to the creative executives. Mr. Iger ousted Mr. Daniel . Mr. Perlmutter lost his job four months later. Next, Mr. Iger demanded Ms. McCarthy’s resignation. Ms. Arnold left the board in March 2023, when her one-year extension as board chair came to an end. Ms. Catz left the board this July.

Mr. Iger returned to a company beleaguered on nearly every front. He soon faced a debilitating strike by Hollywood writers and actors, then a bitter proxy fight waged by Mr. Peltz. “Wish,” a high-profile Disney animated film released in late 2023, became the fifth big-budget Disney film to bomb at the box office that year.

Disney shares rose immediately after Mr. Iger’s return, but soon turned down again. After Mr. Peltz lost the proxy contest in April 2024, Mr. Perlmutter sold all of his 25.6 million shares, saying he had no confidence in Mr. Iger and Disney management. Disney shares this week were trading at less than $90, down 55 percent from March 2021.

Predictably, the board rebuffed Mr. Iger’s suggestion that he work for nothing. A securities filing revealed he earned $31.6 million last year.

Mr. Chapek departed with over $20 million in severance payments (after earning just over $24 million for 2022), but his reputation was in shreds.

After he was fired, Mr. Chapek hired Bryan Freedman, a lawyer in Los Angeles known for handling high-profile media departures. Mr. Freedman told The Times he had advised Mr. Chapek that he had “a very strong legal claim against Bob Iger for illegally interfering with his ability to do his job.” But Mr. Chapek told him that his children and grandchildren were a “Disney family” and he couldn’t bring himself to file a lawsuit that might hurt the company, Mr. Freedman said.

Disney responded with a statement saying that Mr. Chapek was fired by the board because “he was no longer the right person to serve as C.E.O. during an increasingly complex period of industry transformation.”

Muzzled by a severance agreement, Mr. Chapek has stayed in the background in the face of what he considers unflattering, unfair and, in some cases, inaccurate accounts of his leadership. Though he joined the board of a medical technology firm , few opportunities have come his way.

From the outset, as Disney’s C.E.O., Mr. Chapek faced daunting challenges beyond his control: the onset of a global pandemic, upheaval in an industry being transformed by streaming and the overt hostility of a much admired and still-powerful predecessor.

At the same time, he certainly contributed to his own demise. Soon after he was named chief executive, he stopped ingratiating himself with Mr. Iger. And, by the end, nearly his entire executive team had turned against him, even people he’d hired and promoted. So did the board — not just Ms. Catz, skeptical of him from the outset, but also Ms. Arnold, once his strongest defender.

Mr. Chapek, his spokeswoman said, “remains deeply proud” of navigating Disney through the “unprecedented terrain” of the Covid crisis, “all while working to transform Disney into a media company poised for future success. Mr. Chapek is confident that, absent his predecessor and ultimate successor’s campaign against him, this collective vision would have been realized under his leadership.”

Current Disney executives say Mr. Iger has restored morale and brought needed stability to the management ranks. Marvel and Pixar had big summer hits in “ Deadpool & Wolverine ” and “ Inside Out 2 ,” both started while Mr. Iger was still creative head. Though Disney stock remains in the doldrums, the streaming combination of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ eked out a profit in the quarter ending June 29, three months ahead of projections. Mr. Iger was greeted by fans with delirious applause when he appeared onstage at this summer’s D23 fan gathering in Anaheim, Calif. Mr. Iger was so moved that he had to fight back tears before speaking.

In the annals of corporate governance, there are surely few failures that rival the Disney board’s handling of Mr. Iger’s transition. The influential shareholder advisory service ISS called it a “failed succession” and cited “major missteps” by the board. Among the more startling were the board’s failure to formally interview Mr. Chapek for the job, its failure to fully consider the unworkable reporting structure in which Mr. Chapek reported to both the board and Mr. Iger, and its failure to curb the debilitating conflict that erupted between the two men.

Few feuds among top executives have ever reached the level of intensity and bitterness of the one between Mr. Iger and his handpicked successor. Mr. Iger has called hiring Mr. Chapek for the top job the worst mistake of his career. Still, the question lingers: How could Mr. Iger have so misjudged Mr. Chapek after working with him for nearly 30 years? “I’ve tried hard to conduct my own post-mortem, just so that we as a company don’t do it again,” Mr. Iger said at The New York Times’s DealBook Summit last year, but declined to disclose any conclusions.

Disney said Mr. Iger had nothing further to add.

Last summer, Disney’s board extended Mr. Iger’s contract yet again, until late 2026. Mr. Iger is adamant that this will be the last extension.

James B. Stewart has been a reporter and business columnist for The Times since 2011, focusing on the human drama of the business world and the struggle for corporate power. More about James B. Stewart

Brooks Barnes covers all things Hollywood. He joined The New York Times in 2007 and previously worked at The Wall Street Journal. More about Brooks Barnes

Inside the Media Industry

Disney:  The inside story of how Bob Iger undermined and outmaneuvered Bob Chapek , his chosen successor, and returned to power at Disney.

Paramount:  An F.C.C. filing shows that companies affiliated with Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, will own most of the voting interest  currently held by Shari Redstone, replacing her as the company’s most influential shareholder.

CNN:  Brian Stelter, who left CNN two years ago, is returning as the network’s chief media analyst  and writer of the network’s “Reliable Sources” newsletter, but without the Sunday morning show of the same name.

DirecTV:  Amid a dispute, Disney’s channels went dark on the satellite TV service , leaving millions of subscribers without access to ESPN and ABC.

Apple:  After a middling run at the box office, the company is rethinking its movie strategy , including curtailing the theatrical release of “Wolfs,” a new film starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

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