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The spectacular Taughannock Falls is worth the hike to view it

© Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

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Overview

For most, any trip to the Empire State starts or finishes in its iconic metropolis: New York City. However, if you confine your travels only to the five boroughs there's a considerable amount you're missing out on.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • OCTOBER 2015: Visitors paddle in boats near a bridge at Central Park..

    Central Park

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    One of the world’s most renowned green spaces, Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways,…

  • The entrance to the American Museum of American History.

    American Museum of Natural History

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    Founded back in 1869, this venerable museum contains a veritable wonderland of more than 34 million objects, specimens and artifacts – including armies of…

  • The Frick Collection courtyard garden.

    Frick Collection

    New York City

    This spectacular art collection sits in a mansion built by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, one of the many such residences lining the section of Fifth Ave…

  • New Museum of Contemporary Art.

    New Museum of Contemporary Art

    New York City

    The New Museum of Contemporary Art is a sight to behold: a seven-story stack of ethereal, off-kilter white boxes (designed by Tokyo-based architects…

  • View of Governors Island and Manhattan from air

    Governors Island

    New York City

    Off-limits to the public for 200 years, former military outpost Governors Island is now one of New York's most popular seasonal playgrounds. The fort…

  • Hudson River Park

    Hudson River Park

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    The High Line may be all the rage these days, but one block away from that famous elevated park stretches a 5-mile-long recreational space that has…

  • CONEY ISLAND - MAR 14: Children from around the world still ride the famous Astro Land Wonder Wheel in Coney Island, March 14, 2010, over 90 years after it was built.; Shutterstock ID 53769967; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Coney Island

    New York City

    About an hour by subway from Midtown, this popular seaside neighborhood makes for a great day trip. The wide sandy beach has retained its nostalgic,…

  • Lincoln Center

    Lincoln Center

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    This stark arrangement of gleaming modernist temples houses some of Manhattan’s most important performance companies: the New York Philharmonic, the New…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

After the action of New York City, slow down with Hudson Valley outdoor art museums, Long Island mansions and Thousand Island cruises.

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Best Places to Visit

From one end to the other, New York State is crammed with outdoor adventures, cool art, great food and friendly people. Here are the highlights.

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Best Time to Visit

New York State is the perfect place to get a feel for the real America no matter what the season. Here's our guide to the best times to visit.

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Things to Know

New York State is so varied, everyone will find something to love. Here’s where to go, what to do, what to eat, and how to get around the Empire State.

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Transportation

Escape the urban jungle and explore New York State's incredible landscapes and charming towns. Here's how to get around when you get there.

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Free Things to Do

A hidden place in upstate New York where you can find chickadees and fairies? That’s just one of the unique things to do in the state that’s totally free.

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Money and Costs

The delights of New York State don’t always come cheap. Yet with a little planning – and some insider tips – it’s not hard to economize.

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Best Road Trips

From the Great Lakes to Long Island, New York serves up a banquet of landscapes and experiences. Here are the best road trips for soaking it all in.

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