NEWSLETTER
Summer is an incredible time to explore the vast wonders of New York State. From paddling the serene waters of the Finger Lakes to soaking up panoramic summit views in the Adirondacks, or rocking out at free concerts in New York City's Central Park, the options for summer fun are endless. Whether you're seeking a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed adventure, New York offers something for everyone, without breaking the bank! So, pack your bathing suits and shades and embark on an unforgettable, affordable getaway. Photo Credit: @kryptonist on Instagram.
Originally published: 4/27/23 | Updated 4/24/26
Jump to: Adirondacks | Capital-Saratoga | Catskills | Central New York | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Finger Lakes | Greater Niagara | Hudson Valley | Long Island | NYC | Thousand Islands-Seaway
Adirondacks
Experience the ultimate Adirondack getaway by pitching a tent at the tranquil Luzerne Campground, where for only $22/night, you can revel in lakeside living at Fourth Lake. A more upscale camping experience can be found at Lake George Camping Village, where you can book a cabin from a range of sizes starting at $124.95/night. From there, it's just a 5-minute drive to the must-visit attraction of the area, Lake George Steamboat Cruises (pictured). Board the Minnie-Ha-Ha or the Mohican, two of America's last remaining steam paddle wheel ships and oldest continuously operated tour boats respectively, for as little as $13-$25.
Enjoy a refreshing swim at Million Dollar Beach (entry is free) while taking in the stunning scenery of paragliders soaring overhead, historic boats cruising by, and the majestic Adirondack Mountains enveloping you. For an unparalleled panoramic view of the village, lake, and mountains, take a moderate 1.5-mile hike up Prospect Mountain, or drive up the scenic Prospect Mountain Memorial Highway for only $10 and hop on the shuttle to reach the summit. There are plenty more hiking opportunities to explore, such as the Pinnacle, Pilot Knob, and Buck Mountain.
Transport yourself back in time to 18th-century living at Fort William Henry (pictured) and tour the site where two world powers fought for control of North America. (admission $9-$23.40) Rock out to free live music Fridays at the Lake at Shepard Park, and take in a free fireworks show on Thursdays starting July 4th. Indulge your taste buds at the Adirondack Winery, where for only $16 you can savor a signature tasting of seven wines and take home a branded wine glass.
To cap off your Adirondack adventure, catch a Glens Falls Dragons ball game, the area's minor league baseball team, and make the getaway a home run (admission $3-$5).
Capital-Saratoga
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When visiting the Capital District, you can stay at La Quinta for about $126/night, situated between Albany and Saratoga Springs. Alternatively, you can opt for a stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites for about $150 per night right in the heart of downtown Albany, which is the place to be in summer! Attend the popular free concert series, Alive at Five, every Thursday at 5 pm at the Tricentennial Park. And in nearby Schenectady you can enjoy Jazz on Jay, another free concert series happening every Thursday afternoon in the heart of the city!
If you're looking for a dose of nature, bring your kayak to Six Mile Waterworks and go fishing, or trek the trails. Thacher Park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and taking in sweeping landscape views from underneath a waterfall. A different kind of outdoor adventure can be found at nationally ranked Troy Farmers Market. Every Saturday, streets shut down to make way for over 100 local vendors to serve up their specialties, with live music and lively pets adding to the ambiance.
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Don't miss out on a Tri-City Valleycats ball game in Troy, where $11 will get you innings of home runs, concessions, fireworks and themed parties on select nights. If you head north 30 minutes to Saratoga Springs, you can take a dip in the Victoria Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park, where pool admission is $4-$8, or the Peerless Pool, which offers free admission! More outdoor adventures can be found in Congress Park, Yaddo Gardens, and Saratoga Lake. Also in Congress Park, you can enjoy live performances every Sunday and Tuesday during the Saratoga Concert Series. And you can bet on good times being had at the Saratoga Race Course, where the people-watching is just as entertaining as the historic horse racing. (entry fee $7-$10)
Catskills
Escape to the enchanting Catskills and relish in a serene camping experience at the coveted Devil's Tombstone Campground. Your pick of 24 lakefront campsites comes at a steal of just $16 per night. Alternatively, venture over to the Woodland Valley Campground for a peaceful retreat at $20 per night.
Embark on a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the Ashokan Rail Trail or cast a line at the Ashokan Reservoir. Discover the remnants of the mountain house ruins and fire tower by hiking up Woodstock Overlook Mountain (pictured). Visit the six-acre environmental bluestone sculpture, Opus 40, constructed by one person from an abandoned quarry. (entry fee $13-20)
Roll the windows down and breathe in the fresh Catskill air with a drive on the Catskill Scenic Byway or Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. These routes boast magnificent views of the mountains and countryside, and will only cost you the price of gas!
Delve into the rich and art-filled history of the area with a visit to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site (admission $5-$20 to explore the homes and exhibits, free to roam the grounds and gardens). Relive the legendary Woodstock Festival by immersing yourself in the museum dedicated to the 1960s music movement at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. (entry fee $20)
Central New York
Head to Central New York this summer and descend 156 feet below the earth's surface into Howe Caverns. This unbelievable underground experience is the largest cavern in the northeast and is sure to impress ($19.50-$29.50). You can even spend the night next door at the Howe Caverns Motel, where rooms start as low as $125/night and come with a 20% discount on adult tickets for the Traditional Cave Tour.
Continue the fun and head to Brewery Ommegang (pictured). Join in on a guided beer tasting for $24, and enjoy a complimentary pour at the end! Catch one of the top-notch summer concerts hosted by Brewery Ommegang or groove to free live music at the Cooperstown Lakefront Concert Series, held at the bandstand in Lakefront Park every Tuesday evening.
Slide into the Baseball Hall of Fame, an iconic landmark in town that celebrates the legacy of the sport and its greatest players. Whether you're a baseball fanatic or not, the museum offers an enriching experience for all. (entry fee $25-$35) If you haven’t had your fill of baseball, catch one of the region's minor league teams in action. The Oneonta Outlaws, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, and Auburn Doubledays (pictured) all guarantee a season of excitement and entertainment for as low as $5-$15 a ticket.
From the outfield to the shores, make your way to Glimmerglass State Park where you can bask in the sun, hike, and swim or paddle the crystal-clear waters of Otsego Lake. (entry fee $7)
Chautauqua-Allegheny
Explore the natural beauty of Allegany State Park Campground (pictured) within the state park which represents an expansive 65,000-acre wilderness of undisturbed forests, valleys, and wildlife, making it the largest state park in the system. Choose from a range of accommodations, including a tent for $20-$33 per night or a cabin or cottage for $38-$149 per night, and take advantage of your serene setting by hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Once you've had your fill of camping, venture to nearby acclaimed Ellicottville Brewing Company, recipient of numerous International World Beer Championship awards. For those seeking outdoor adventure, head to nearby Holiday Valley Resort and soak in a scenic lift ride ($14/person), speed down the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster ($12/ride), or bike along picturesque trails. Challenge yourself at the resort's aerial adventure course, an exhilarating challenge high in the trees, where swaying logs and hanging obstacles test your strategy, balance, and agility.
Summer brings with it a slew of fairs and festivals in the region, and the Chautauqua County Fair is a must-visit from July 21-26, with tickets at $10. Garlic lovers can rejoice at the Cuba Garlic Festival from September 19-20, featuring garlic-themed activities, live music, and food vendors. The best part? Admission is free! Just under an hour from your campground is the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally from July 17-19, a free event featuring over 30 hot air balloons taking flight from Island Park.
Finger Lakes
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Retreat to the restorative La Tourelle Hotel, a luxury venue just minutes from downtown Ithaca and perched on 70 acres of scenic beauty ($170/night). The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, breathtaking gorges, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. Chase wondrous waterfalls from Watkins Glen to Ithaca Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Robert H. Treman State Park. With a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you're equipped with a kayak or canoe, you can take advantage of the free launches available at any of the 11 Finger Lakes (Cayuga Lake being the closest), or opt for one of the many nearby kayak rental spots, including Paddle-N-More.
Explore the lush trails and blooming flowers at The Cornell Botanic Gardens, where admission is free. Or sip your way through Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, part of the renowned Finger Lakes Wine Country. Not a wine enthusiast? Not a problem. Every weekend, the Ithaca Farmers Market offers over a hundred vendors selling fresh locally grown produce and homemade foods.
The Finger Lakes is also home to The Great New York State Fair, a quintessential summer event, taking place August 26-September 7 and offering a world of amusement with fair food, big-name performers, thrilling rides, farm animals, captivating exhibits, and more! (entry fee $8)
Greater Niagara
Settle in at Buffalo Marriott Niagara for $189 per night, and you’re just 20 minutes away from the revitalized waterfront gem that is Canalside. During summer, Canalside comes alive with exciting entertainment including free concerts and comedy shows. Experience it all from the water by renting kayaks or paddle boards for $25. In the mood for a game? Canalside offers shuffleboard, cornhole, and giant Jenga. Moreover, you can unwind at the man-made beach area, build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, or stroll along the beautiful boardwalk.
Visit furry friends at the Buffalo Zoo, where entry costs $22.50 for adults and $16.50 for children. For nature lovers, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens offer a serene outdoor setting and a chance to explore the rich flora of the area, with entry fees ranging from $9.50 to $19. A trip to the Greater Niagara area is incomplete without a visit to Niagara Falls State Park. Get up close to the falls with a Maid of the Mist boat tour (pictured) ($30.25/adults, $19.75/kids ages 6-12, free if under 5) or opt for a Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge to the “Hurricane Deck” for a close-up view of the crashing water. ($23/adult, $19/youth; Beginning October 19, 2026: Adult: $14, Youth: $10).
For foodies, the largest two-day food festival in the United States, Taste of Buffalo, takes place on July 11-12. (no entry fee, but $7 gets you 10 food tickets) The Transit Drive-in movie theater is a great spot to see the latest flicks on the biggest screens, at just $12, you can enjoy two shows for the price of one! Finally, don't forget to catch a game of minor league baseball with the Buffalo Bisons and Batavia Muckdogs, tickets are around $15.
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is a treasure trove of mountainous beauty and charming campgrounds. We recommend Croton Point Park campgrounds for a scenic stay for just $40/night for a tent site. The campground also has cabins available starting at $250/week. If you're looking for a more standard stay, book a comfortable room at the Homewood Suites in New Windsor, offering prime proximity to top attractions, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool.
To satiate your appetite, the Hudson Valley has a wealth of farmers' markets, each showcasing a diverse array of local vendors. On Saturdays Cold Spring Farmers Market, and on Sundays peruse the Beacon Farmers Market.
If you're seeking outdoor adventures, head to Bear Mountain State Park (pictured), where you can hike, bike, swim, fish, or rent paddle boats and rowboats at Hessian Lake (check website for trail closures, entry fee $10) The Hudson Highlands State Park is also an excellent destination for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Frolic the fields of Storm King Art Center, a sprawling 500-acre outdoor sculpture park and museum renowned for its colossal art pieces and stunning landscape. (entry fee $25)
Summer concert opportunities are endless in Hudson Valley, many of which are totally free! And if you're in the mood for a ballgame, head to the home fields of the New York Boulders and Hudson Valley Renegades where $14-$22 will get you in on all the action.
Long Island
Life is better at the beach! Take a beach getaway without breaking the bank by staying at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, starting around $215/night. Long Island boasts some of the nicest beaches in the country, including miles of white sand beaches at Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park ($10 vehicle entry fee for both beaches). Take a walk or bike on the Jones Beach bikeway or catch a free concert at the Jones Beach Bandshell, which features a variety of musical acts throughout the summer.
For more free musical performances, check out the Huntington Summer Arts Festival in nearby Huntington. The vibrant, walkable town showcases art galleries and museums including the Heckscher Museum of Art (free admission), the town’s first and only micro-brewery, Six Harbors Brewing Company, and bountiful boutique shopping, all amongst waterfront views.
Explore the Frederic Law Olmsted-designed Bayard Cutting Arboretum along the Connetquot River or the Connetquot River State Park Preserve, featuring 50 miles of nature trails.
Finally, don't forget to save room for peanuts and crackerjacks while cheering on the Long Island Ducks at the ballpark. (Ticket prices $16-$19)
NYC
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Visiting the city that never sleeps doesn’t have to come at a steep cost. Book a budget-friendly stay at the LIC Hotel or The Ly New York Hotel, offering nightly rates starting as low as $200-$230. Both hotels are in Queens, and from the LIC Hotel you can easily access the subway just two blocks away at 21st St & 44th Ave. The Ly New York Hotel is in close proximity to multiple public transit points.
Take a walk and marvel at sweeping cityscape views from High Line Park, or get lost in the natural beauty of the 843-acre Central Park. While you’re there, you can even visit creatures like snow monkeys, sea lions, and puffins at the Central Park Zoo for $22,95!
Appreciate art, history, and culture in the city’s renowned museums. Admission into the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or The Met) is $30 for adults, $17 for students, and pay-what-you-wish for NY residents and free for those 12 and under. On the first Friday of every month, New York State residents can enjoy free admission from 5:30-8:30pm, courtesy of UNIQLO NYC Nights. The American Museum of Natural History offers pay-what-you-wish admission for NY, NJ, and CT residents, otherwise admission is $37 for adults, $30 for students and seniors, and $22 for kids. The Brooklyn Museum offers free admission to all visitors on the first Saturday of each month. The Whitney Museum of American Art offers free admission every Friday from 5-10 pm, and free admission every second Sunday of the month.
Outdoor live music is bustling in the city, and you simply cannot miss the famous free concerts in Central Park, from GMA Summer Concert Series (pictured) which has featured: Old Dominion, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, and Kane Brown, to SummerStage featuring a variety of free musical performances spanning all genres. Washington Square Music Festival offers free classical music concerts at Washington Square Park. Lincoln Center Summer For The City showcases free music, dance, and theater performances at Lincoln Center's plazas and outdoor spaces. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is another famous summer festival that offers free concerts, dance performances, and movies at the Prospect Park Bandshell. And, if you're looking for food and cultural experiences, check out the Queens Night Market, which offers up to 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food, and featuring small-scale cultural performances celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens.
Indulge in fine dining on a budget during NYC Restaurant Week in July/August. Choose from a lunch or dinner option: two or three-course meals at reduced prices from some of the city’s best restaurants. (Lunch/$30, dinner/$45) For an authentic NYC food experience, grab a cheap slice at 2 Bros Pizza or 99 Cent Fresh Pizza. Grab a flavorful meal from The Halal Guys street carts for under $10. Cap the trip off with a ball game! You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy baseball in the city. The Brooklyn Cyclones (pictured) and Staten Island FerryHawks rep their boroughs for under $15 per ticket.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Enjoy the splendor of the Thousand Islands-Seaway region without overspending! Stay at 1000 Islands Campground in a tent, cabin, or glamping experience for $49, $119, and $72, respectively. Situated just a few minutes away are the Clayton Island Tours and Uncle Sam Boat Tours, where you can cruise the St. Lawrence River and tour Singer and Boldt castles (pictured), or choose from sunset tours, lighthouse tours, fireworks tours, and sip n' sail tours. (prices vary, but start as low as $21) If you have a liking for maritime history, you can admire nautical vessels from land at the Antique Boat Museum. ($15/adult, $9/youth, $44/family of any size)
Credit: @howiep33 on Instagram
Hit the beach, traverse the trails, and pack a picnic at Wellesley Island State Park, where $7 will give you access to the expansive park's offerings. Quench your thirst with the region’s finest wines at Thousand Islands Winery, where you can enjoy a complimentary tour and taste up to six wines for just $7, or taste two wines for free! It’s movie night at Bay Drive-In movie theater where adults can watch two flicks for $7, kids 7-11 for $3 and kids under 6 are free. Or get on your feet and groove to free music at the Summer Concert Series in the Park.
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