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Category - Outdoors

A person dressed in a polar bear costume stands in the ocean water in Coney Island during the New Year's polar plunge

Say hello to 2026 in style in New York State by warming up with a variety of fun, exciting, and delicious events! Whether you want to take in a two-for-one show on Broadway, groove to the smooth

A couple relaxes in an infinity pool at a modern, multi-story home with large windows and white siding under a cloudy, blue-gray sky.

Don’t let your PTO disappear at the end of the year. December is the perfect excuse to take a day off, or a few, and explore the incredible experiences New York State has waiting for you. Carve twists

A family enjoying winter fun in Lake Placid going down a snowy hill on green and blue sleds.

Winter is here and it's time for your next adventure in New York State! Will you opt to head outdoors for snow-related activities like skiing the greatest vertical east of the Rockies or ziplining over snow-covered pines?

People skating on the ice rink at Central Park
Credit: @iamanar92 on Instagram

Strap on those skates! New Yorkers love winter sports, especially ice skating, so don’t be surprised to find amazing indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks all over the state. Whether you're focusing on improving your form, learning from scratch, or looking for an entertaining activity for a winter’s day—you can find the right rink for you with this list of spots offering amazing skating experiences.

Rushing waters of Niagara Falls surrounded by snow at sunset

Here’s the thing about winter getaway destinations in New York—they’re AMAZING! So it never hurts to start planning your trip to make sure you get a room in that cozy lodge or put together that perfect itinerary of things to do without stressing at the last minute. Read on for 11 ideas of where you can have a blast in New York in winter. 

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. Check out the Fall Foliage Report for weekly updates and read on for some of the best spots to soak up the season’s most breathtaking views.

Autumn view of a deep canyon with vibrant fall foliage in red, orange, and yellow. The river winds below, under a sky with scattered clouds at sunset.

Every autumn, New York State’s parks burst with vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and everything in between, blanketing the Adirondack Mountains, the rolling hills and valleys of Central New York

Colorful foliage dons the trees surrounding a cascading waterfall at the Thain Family Forest at New York Botanical Garden

It’s easy to think of New York City as a concrete jungle, but this region of New York State has many green spaces across its five boroughs that become embellished with colorful fall plumage. The same can be said for Long Island. While its beaches make this a hot summer getaway destination, Long Island gets its fair share of fall foliage across its parks, arboretums, and other public spots. Here is your guide for where to wander amid the leaves and trees across New York City and Long Island. 

Aerial view of the reds, oranges, yellows of fall surround a water fall

Can fall in New York get even more colorful? Besides the changing leaves, come experience epic outdoor adventures, family-friendly farms, historic sites, and so much more!

Sprawling view of the Adirondack Mountains covered in bright orange and green foliage  from the top of Owl Head Lookout

Fall in New York is like nowhere else! Each year, visitors from all over the world come to see the vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues that transform the state into a beautiful autumn mosaic. Whether you’ve already crossed foliage hotspots off your fall bucket list or you’re just looking for something a little off the beaten path, there’s something for everyone.