Did you know that more than 60% of people say they work while on vacation? About 20 years ago the average vacation time was three weeks and now it has been cut down a week.
Vacationing has many great benefits, especially for your mental well being. Surveys of recent travelers indicated that an overwhelming majority, 94%, had more energy after their vacation.
Time away from home can reduce stress, increase happiness, and increase productivity. So think about taking a vacation to a place like upstate New York to give yourself a break. Keep reading for a list of things to do in upstate New York to make sure you have fun and enjoy the time away from work.
1. Check Out a Cool Museum
This museum is definitely for the knowledge nerds. If you love learning and visiting museums while on vacation then you have to check out one of the many unique and historic museums in upstate New York. There are all kinds of places for every interest you can think of.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a must-have for sports fans. This museum is full of information about the history of baseball and the most famous ballparks in the country. It also features hundreds of plaques for some of the sport’s most talented players.
The Strong National Museum of Play is another great place to visit. This museum explores all things play and why it’s been such an integral part of all of our lives. You’ll find some unique exhibits on everything from video games to dolls.
2. Tour a Winery
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, or if you’re just a wine lover, touring a winery is a great option while visiting upstate New York. The best suggestion we can give is to check out Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville.
This isn’t just one of the most beautiful wineries in the state but it’s also the oldest winery in the country. There are many activities to partake in while on your visit there, like dining and shopping.
An activity you must partake in, however, is checking out the largest underground wine cellar in the country, it’s one of the best parts of the tour. You’ll learn a bit of history while also enjoying some incredible wine.
3. Do Some Winter Sports
This activity is, of course, only available if you’re taking your vacation to New York during the winter holiday season. There are lots of great ski resorts in upstate New York, you can make it a day trip or spend an entire weekend there.
This popular sport is available all around upstate New York. One great option is Windham Mountain. This is a great choice because it’ll be fun for the whole family.
Windham offers classes for beginners and is determined to provide you with the most fun experience no matter how much or how little skiing you’ve done before. This is a fun activity to do while on vacation, you’ll also get to see some beautiful views of the mountains.
4. Have Fun at an Amusement Park
What better way to let out your inner kid when visiting New York than by going to an amusement park? This is also a great family outing. With a water park and tons of rides, everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.
You can’t forget about indulging in some of your favorite carnival food, you’re on vacation! Funnel cakes, corn dogs, you name it.
Which park do we suggest? Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester, New York. You’re guaranteed to have a great day.
Another plus is the beautiful view of Lake Ontario. You just can’t beat the fun you’ll have here.
5. Revisit a Part of History
Can you imagine going back in time to the Roaring Twenties? A time of dancing, drinking, and having a good time.
You can imagine what it was like if you visit Speakeasy 518 in Albany, New York. Speakeasies were hidden clubs where people could go to drink and have a good time when consuming alcohol was against the law.
This speakeasy is underground and it’s a neat place to go get some great food, have a couple of drinks, and do some dancing. If you want to know what another time period in history was like, we recommend Speakeasy 518.
6. Try Hiking Some Beautiful Trails
If you don’t want to spend your vacation being lazy and want to see some spectacular views, head out on some of the best hiking trails in the state.
If you’re an avid hiker and a pro, you’ll be excited to hear that there are tons of mountains in upstate New York that’ll present a great challenge. If you don’t have as much experience with hiking, there are less intimating options for you to choose from.
Prospect Mountain is a beautiful and serene trail where you’ll witness some breathtaking views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. If you’re visiting New York during the fall, going to see the trees is a must.
7. Visit a Waterfall
If you’ve never seen a waterfall in person before, we suggest adding it to your list of places to see. The best place to see a waterfall in New York? There’s nothing quite like Niagara Falls.
You’ll not only get to see one of the most beautiful marvels of nature but Niagara Falls State Park offers many different experiences you’ll want to take a part of. Check out the Cave of the Winds to witness the Falls from up close and personal. There are also many hiking trails to try out.
There’s also an aquarium for those lovers of ocean life. The Maid of the Mist takes you through the powerful waterfall, an experience you don’t want to miss out on.
8. Do Some Apple Picking in the Fall
This is an activity the kids will love! Apple picking is one of the most popular things to do in upstate New York. Getting the opportunity to visit some beautiful apple orchards if you’re visiting in the fall is something you’ll enjoy.
The changing fall colors are a beautiful site to see while your family is out apple picking. Picking some apples that you can then use to bake a delicious apple pie, together as a family, is a great activity to do while in New York.
9. See the Beautiful Lake Placid
Lake Placid in upstate New York is the perfect place to take your next trip. This beautiful town has all kinds of natural landscapes for all to enjoy. Here you’ll witness beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountains.
There are also so many great activities no matter the season. If you’ll be visiting in the summer you can kayak, hike, fish, rock climb, among other things. Some winter activities include dog sled rides, ice skating, and snowboarding.
Check out this cabin and vacation rentals guide to learn everything you need in order to plan your next trip to the beautiful Lake Placid.
10. Take Your Kids to the North Pole
Did you know that you can go to the North Pole while in upstate New York? If you’re looking for some fun things to do while in New York, this is a great choice for the entire family.
You can’t end your holiday vacation without taking a visit to the home of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This theme park has everything a kid would want to see from Santa’s House to the Reindeer Barn and the Toy Shop.
There are also lots of great Christmas themed rides and shows to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
11. Spend Some Time in Nature
While many of the activities on this list include things you can do outdoors, fully immersing yourself in nature can be a great way to spend your next vacation. Spending your time in nature can help reduce the stress you’ve been feeling from your hectic schedule, that’s why you might’ve taken a trip in the first place.
Spending time in nature can also make you happier in general. So on your next vacation, take a camping trip. This is a common activity in upstate New York.
There are lots of great places to camp upstate, one of the best is Moreau State Park. You can spend your day doing lots of fun outdoor activities like swimming or hiking.
Things to Do in Upstate New York You Should Try
If you’re planning on taking a vacation, upstate New York is a great option. The list above includes things to do in upstate New York that’ll be fun for everyone in the family.
Make sure you check out some of our other blogs to learn more about other great locations.
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