The Empire State extends far beyond New York City, with many quaint and peaceful communities that offer visitors a chance to explore at their leisure.
Those looking to spend some time outside the hustle and bustle of America’s most populated city, which, according to the latest U.S. Census, is home to more than 8.3 million people, look no further than these 12 towns in New York, as determined by the World Atlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.
Here’s more about what World Atlas described as the 12 best New York towns for a weekend trip:
Aurora, NY
Located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is a small village (of roughly 735 people) with a rich culture and landmarks, including the notable Aurora Inn. The lakeside village is an “ideal retreat” with its slow-paced charm, according to the list. It was home to Wells College, which for years was a women-only liberal arts college and closed in 2024. Also known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, the village is filled with lakeside inns and estates, eateries and shops. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside recreations and water sports on Cayuga Lake.
Lake Placid, NY
This village in the Adirondacks twice hosted the winter Olympics and serves as an all-around sports mecca, from skiing to triathlons, and from skating to hiking.
Lake Placid sits on the southern shores of a lake by the same name and surrounds the much smaller Mirror Lake. Numerous wooded hikes start from trails in the village, which is also known for a wide array of quaint shops and restaurants. Fall foliage is simply spectacular here.
Alexandria Bay, NY
Located in Jefferson County, Alexandria Bay is along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Wellesley Island and the town of Rockport. It is home to Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House on a five-acre island. It is also near Grass Point State Park and Mary Island State Park, which each offer a variety of opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking. The ideal time to visit is the summer, when you can take full advantage of water activities including fishing and boating and dining on the waterfront.
Beacon, NY
Located along the Hudson River in Dutchess County, Beacon is known for its art scene, natural beauty and small town charm. The community has a historic Main Street with numerous boutiques, eateries, contemporary art galleries and museums. There’s an open-air farmers market on Sundays. It is also near the historic Bannerman Castle, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Mount Beacon, which offers plenty of hiking options.
Montauk, NY
Montauk, the easternmost community on Long Island, is known for its many beaches and pristine coastal parks, boating, paddling and fishing, as well as its luxury accommodations and fine dining, according to the World Atlas. The coastal haven is also home to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, built in 1796. It is the oldest such beacon in New York and the fourth-oldest in the nation.
Rhinebeck, NY
Located on the east side of the Hudson River in Dutchess County, “Rhinebeck is home to a rich history all its own,” according to the World Atlas. Along with the Wilderstein Historic Site and the Rhinebeck Historical Society, Rhinebeck is also home to God’s Acre, the burial place of 43 soldiers of the American Revolution.
Cold Spring, NY
Located in Putnam County, Cold Spring is on the Hudson River and is best known for its stunning landscape and quaint atmosphere. Nearby is one of the Hudson Valley’s most famous hikes: Breakneck Ridge, a challenging trail with steep climbs. Other notable spots are the West Point Foundry Preserve, an outdoor museum that offers a view of the village’s industrial history through ironworks, and the Magazzino Italian Art Museum, which features post-war and contemporary art. The central part of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its many well-preserved historic buildings that date back to the 1800s.
Hudson, NY
Located in Columbia County, the aptly named city of Hudson is roughly 2.5 hours north of New York City, on the Hudson River. The city boasts a historic downtown area, with an eclectic array of shops that add a modern vibe. It’s also home to a variety of landmarks: Olana State Historic Site, where acclaimed painter Frederic Edwin Church lived; Henry Hudson Riverfront Park; and the nearby outdoor Art Omi Sculpture Park. The nearby Greenport Conservation Area is perfect for romantic strolls.
Woodstock, NY
Located in Ulster County in the Catskill Mountains, Woodstock is best known for lending its name to a particularly famous music festival in 1969, even though the festival actually took place 40 miles away in Bethel, Sullivan County. Woodstock has several open-air and indoor performing arts centers, galleries and museums, but its also got a network of hiking trails. Slide Mountain Wilderness, Overlook Mountain and Catskill Center Thorn Preserve are nearby. Mower’s Flea Market, which is open every weekend, is also wildly popular. “Woodstock’s artistic soul and mountain setting make it a memorable, restorative getaway,” according to the list.
Lake George, NY
This charming town is home to a variety of attractions, including Prospect Mountain and Lake George, a 32-mile-long, spring-fed lake in the Adirondacks. The Fort William Henry Museum is also in the area and hiking 1.7 miles up to Shelving Rock Falls. With just over 100 miles of shoreline, Lake George is an ideal summertime retreat, from its vast public beach to more than 170 islands, some of which offer campsites accessible via boat or canoe.
“With a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family‑friendly attractions, and scenic beauty, Lake George stands out as one of New York’s most iconic weekend destinations,” according to the list.
Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. This unique spot, a progressive city with a small-town feel, is home to two top-level colleges: Cornell University and Ithaca College. Cornell, with its sprawling and hilly campus, houses landmarks such as the 1875 Sage Hall and 1887 Barnes Hall. Central within the city is the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall that spans several blocks in Tompkins County’s county seat. The area features many shops and eateries and is also a gathering spot for many, as well as a location where activists gather. The weekly farmer’s market, on the waterfront, is also a must-see. There are also several spectacular state parks nearby: Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls. Gorgeous gorges and waterfalls that cut through parts of the city include the famed Ithaca Falls and the multiple cascades known as Cascadilla Falls along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Nearby are many wineries in New York’s Finger Lakes.
Tannersville, NY
Located in Greene County within the town of Hunter, this mountain community is known as the “painted village in the sky.” With its colorful Main Street and access to the Catskill mountains its a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who adore canoeing on Lake Rip Van Winkle, hiking the Huckleberry Trail and skiing at nearby Hunter Mountain. Visitors also enjoy the town’s revitalized commercial district and treasure hunting in antique shops within the village.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New York towns good for a quick getaway, in Hudson Valley and beyond
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
