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Category - New York City

Street view of orange and red trees surrounding shops in Beacon

As summer winds down, New York State transforms into an autumn dreamland! After exploring New York City, why not add a day or two to your trip and get to know the Empire State’s other vibrant cities…

New Croton Dam and spillway with a graceful stone arch bridge above cascading waterfalls and a stepped stone dam, surrounded by vivid orange foliage at Croton Gorge Park.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute retreat, have limited time to explore on your weekends, or you’re just looking to get out of the city for a few hours, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see within an hour of New York City.

The Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a 19th-century double-decker paddlewheel boat, on the lake at sunset surrounded by fall foliage

Get out on the water and see New York State’s marvelous fall foliage from a different perspective! Witness the beautiful shades of autumn reflected on the water’s surface as you cruise along historic canals, pristine lakes, and tranquil rivers passing everything from lighthouses to castles aboard steamboats, luxury yachts, and other majestic vessels.

The Lake George Steamboat Company's vessel, Mohican, takes a fall foliage cruise

If you’re looking to plan a weekend fall getaway to New York State, we’ve got countless ideas to help you get started. Our suggestions run the entire season of autumn and will bring you to just about every region in New York State. You can go pumpkin and apple picking, attend festivals, Halloween and other holiday events, enjoy a tasting at a winery, brewery or cidery, or simply admire the beauty of fall foliage at many nature spots through New York State. Here are our tips for fall weekend trips in New York. 

Two brightly-colored hot air balloons float over a waterfall at Letchworth State Park

New York State is home to one of the most vivid autumns in the world! Whether you prefer a hot air balloon ride above roaring waterfalls, an exhilarating hike to a fire tower in the Catskills, or a relaxing foliage cruise on the Hudson River, there are all kinds of unbe-leaf-able ways to experience fall’s vibrant colors firsthand.

Views of Manhattan buildings from the Top of the Rock observatory

Who says New York City has to be expensive? We rounded up great finds to help you plan your city getaway, no matter if you’re on a budget or looking to treat yourself to a luxury experience.

The top of the Empire State Building lit up in the colors of the Pride flag

From historic and cultural sites to energetic and inclusive neighborhoods, New York’s role in LGBTQ history is unrivaled. In fact, New York is the birthplace of the modern Pride movement and is consistently ranked as the favorite destination in the world for LGBTQ travelers.

Bright red, white, and blue fireworks decorate the sky over east river
Credit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

Festivals, parades, and air shows, oh my! There’s so much to do in New York State this summer. Try delicious new foods, jam out to live music in beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, take a spin on midway rides, celebrate rich culture and community, watch hot air balloons take flight, and more, all season long. Mark your calendars. Here are some Empire State events you don’t want to miss! …

A pink and white RV camper nestled in the green forest

Across New York State, Black-owned businesses are shaping culture through craftsmanship, storytelling, and design.

Colorful fireworks light up the sky over Niagara Falls

If you’re wondering how to plan the seemingly endless things to do in New York State in the summer, look no further. We’ve planned your weekends for you, allowing you to sample the best of everything New York State has to offer, from surfing, hiking, and camping to festivals, fireworks, and live outdoor theater. Make your summer an unforgettable one in New York.