10 Best Places to Visit in New York State for Couples

No trip to New York State would be complete without a visit to the Big Apple. Whether you’re diving into the city’s incredible restaurant scene or exploring its world-renowned museums, there are endless things to experience and discover in America’s cultural capital.

Get lost in the vast collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art then stroll through the many paths and landscapes of the unforgettable Central Park. Catch a dazzling musical performance on Broadway and get your fill of dumplings in Chinatown. Walk the storied streets of Greenwich Village, have yourself a New York slice of pizza, and be prepared for surprises around every corner.

The Hamptons are a collection of affluent seaside towns on the eastern end of Long Island. A favorite destination of New York City’s elite, a trip to the Hamptons is a luxurious and relaxing getaway.

Walk on the soft sands of Cooper’s Beach in Southampton or rent bikes to explore the stunning coast. Enjoy wine tastings at a Long Island vineyard or fresh-caught shellfish at one of the area’s gourmet farm-to-table restaurants. In East Hampton, you’ll find high-end shopping and a number of day spas and yoga studios where you can unwind and rejuvenate. For something a little different, visit the LongHouse Reserve, acres of beautifully landscaped gardens punctuated with art installations.

Lake Placid is a little mountain town with lots to do. Situated in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, the town is an ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a picturesque, serene environment.

Lake Placid is known as a hub for winter sports. See artifacts from Olympians past at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and head to the Olympic Sports Complex to hop on a bobsled yourself. Take your loved one on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or go ice skating at the Olympic Oval. The area offers challenging hikes with panoramic vistas, and a boat tour across the lake provides excellent views of the lush forests and towering mountains.

Called the Queen of American Lakes, Lake George is a majestic backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Water activities are the highlight here, with everything from speedboats and sailboats to kayaks available for rental, so you can navigate the waters at your own pace. If you prefer not to be in the driver’s seat, take a Thursday night fireworks cruise and catch the show from the water.

Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George offers hiking and activities like horseback riding and golfing. Visit the Fort William Henry Museum for your daily dose of history, a restored British fort from the French and Indian War. Exhibits showcase artifacts that give insight into the fort’s history and provide a glimpse of 18th-century life.

Montauk offers excellent seafood and some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Situated at the eastern tip of Long Island, the area boasts beautiful beaches on miles of Atlantic coastline as well as beaches facing the gentle waves of the Block Island Sound. Join the surfers at the popular Ditch Plains Beach or take a walk on the soft sands of the more tranquil Gin Beach.

The fresh-caught seafood is top-notch here, so indulge in a buttery lobster roll or some exceptional clam chowder. You’ll find panoramic views of the ocean from many places in Montauk. Climb the rolling hills and beach bluffs of Shadmoor State Park or admire from the higher vantage point of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.

The charming Seneca Lake is one of the most renowned wine regions in the United States. The deep waters of the lake and sloping hillsides around it create a unique climate well-suited for grape cultivation. With 25 wineries producing a wide variety of wines, each trip on the wine trail is sure to be a unique experience.

Stroll through the vineyards or tour a cellar to immerse yourself in the local wine culture. Take in scenic views of the lake and vineyards while you sip on award-winning Riesling and Chardonnay in the many tasting rooms. The area has plenty to explore, from local cafes and bakeries along the wine trail to the creeks and grottos of hiking trails in nearby Watkins Glen State Park.

Accessible only by ferry, the secluded Shelter Island is a peaceful refuge between the North and South Forks of Long Island. The island offers small-town charm, secluded beaches, and plenty of natural beauty for an intimate retreat.

One third of the island is protected as the Mashomack Preserve, a highly diverse area of lush forests, wetlands, and 11 miles of coastline. Wander its trails or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the bay. Mingle with the locals while you shop at the farmers’ market, tee up at the Shelter Island Country Club, and end your day with fresh seafood on the waterfront.

For more than 100 years the Catskills have been a popular getaway for New Yorkers seeking some peace and quiet. Follow the Hudson River 2 hours north of New York City and you’ll find yourself on winding roads through rolling green mountains and deep wooded valleys.

The area’s vast network of trails provides ample opportunities for hiking, many with stunning views of the mountains rolling into the distance. There are plenty of options for accommodation, from campgrounds and cozy cabins to all-inclusive resorts. Eat at one of the Catskills’ many local diners or find a spot to enjoy the farm-to-table dining the area is known for.

Niagara Falls are a spectacle not to be missed. Maid of the Mist, the most popular attraction, has you don a poncho as you take a thrilling journey along the Niagara River to get an up-close view of all 3 falls. Prospect Point is the prime viewing spot for the American Falls and its nightly illumination.

Grab your passport and walk across the international border to see the grand Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side, said by some to be the best view of all. Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, sit back and relax in a therapeutic salt cave, said to promote respiratory health and skin rejuvenation.

Saratoga Springs provides an excellent blend of relaxation, entertainment, and beautiful natural surroundings. The area is known for its mineral springs, and the historic Roosevelt Baths and Spa offers mineral baths and other therapeutic treatments using the mineral water.

Walk the charming streets of downtown with its many Hellenic-style buildings and spend an evening enjoying a concert or performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the renowned Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest and most prestigious horse racing venues in the United States.