Love is always in the air in the Empire State! From relaxing poolside in the Catskills to cozying up in a castle in the Finger Lakes to soaking up scenic views of Niagara Falls, pack your bags and let love lead the way on getaway to these 11 romantic destinations in New York State.

Originally published: 05/09/2019 

Niagara Falls (Greater Niagara)

Goat Island

We’re pretty sure we don’t have to sell you on why Niagara Falls is romantic—after all, it's one of the top honeymoon destinations in the country! But it’s only one part of the trip. Book your room somewhere cozy and charming, like the Tudor-style Red Coach Inn, just a few minutes from the Falls, with some rooms offering amazing views of the Upper Rapids. Relax and reconnect with the Romance Package that includes scattered rose petals, a bottle of bubbly, chocolates, and $75 gift certificate to their restaurant. The Honeymoon Package includes all of that plus a wine tasting and late checkout. Step out the front door and you’re already on a path that leads to Goat Island, a little plot of land within Niagara Falls State Park with awesome views of the Falls. Colorful LED lights turn the Falls into a work of art every night. It’s magical and the perfect sight for a romantic evening stroll. Fireworks also sparkle and crack above the Falls, illuminating the rushing water in the summer months. Take the romance to the max and book your own helicopter tour with Rainbow Air, Helicopter Tours. Or take it easy and enjoy some intense cuteness at the Aquarium of Niagara’s penguin exhibit and book a table at Wine on Third for an atmospheric setting, delicious cocktails, and excellent food.

Belhurst Castle (Finger Lakes)  

Outside Exterior view of Belhurst Castle

Take your Prince/Princess Charming for a getaway in an 1880’s castle in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Choose from Belhurst’s three lodging options: the castle, a Georgian Revival Mansion, and an inn—all offering luxurious and elegant accommodations. The castle and inn both overlook Seneca Lake while White Springs Manor, the historic mansion, offers views of vineyards and a pond. Belhurst’s staff will guide you through a tasting of their award-winning wines, or opt for the food and wine pairing dinner. The tasting room also has craft beers and ciders, so it’s equipped to please all palates; guests staying in the castle have access to a complimentary red wine spigot. You don’t have to travel far, or at all, for a delicious romantic dinner; just book a table at Edgar's Restaurant in the Castle or Stonecutter's, the two excellent restaurants on premises. To unwind even more, take yourselves to the Isabella Spa-Salon inside the castle for massages, skin treatments, manicures, facials, and hair care. When you’ve had enough pampering, venture outdoors to the lovely Seneca Lake State Park, for fishing, boating, biking, and hiking...then return back to Belhurst for more pampering.

Beacon (Hudson Valley)

interior of lounge at The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls

Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the town of Beacon brims with couple-friendly activities. First, set your home base at The Roundhouse, a historic mill that’s been transformed into a complex with lodging, a cozy lounge with fireplace (pictured), and a romantic restaurant on Fishkill Creek. The dining patio overlooks gorgeous gurgling waterfalls and the rooms are bright and chic. You’re close to numerous hikes thanks to Mount Beacon, Breakneck Ridge, and Bull Hill—all offering stunning panoramic views from their peaks. Work up a sweat, then come back into town for a cold beer at Hudson Valley Brewery or Two Way Brewing Company. Feel inspired together at the world-renowned center for art, Dia Beacon. The museum is housed in what used to be a Nabisco box printing factory, giving curators and artists wide open spaces to flex their creativity. It’s the perfect stop to spark some insightful conversation over dinner. Finally, get your last look at the beautiful nature from 212 feet in the air on the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Other noteworthy detours include the Poughkeepsie Waterfront and Franny Reese State Park for more sights and, of course, opportunities for hand holding.

Brooklyn (NYC)

View of hot tub with Brooklyn and city behind in the distance

You’ve seen a million rom-coms set in Manhattan, but with its charming brownstones, a smattering of cobblestone streets, and an epic nightlife, Brooklyn can make for an interesting and romantic alternative. Treat yourselves to a weekend in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood and check into The William Vale (pictured), a luxury hotel recommended by Forbes Travel Guide and ranked amongst the best hotels in NYC by U.S. News & World Report. The elegant rooms offer spectacular views of the city skyline and have balconies. Set your sights and appetite on Maison Premiere for cocktails, oysters, dinner, dessert, wine, beer, or brunch. Reservations are accepted up to a month in advance, so plan ahead! Once you’ve had your fill of aphrodisiacal bivalves, hit up the town. Brooklyn Bowl is a super-happening scene if you want to get competitive; the pumped-up bowling alley features first-rate food and drink, and often hosts well-known musical acts. Nitehawk Cinema plays new and old films and lets you order snacks and drinks right to your seats in the theater.

St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

Exterior view of Singer Castle
Photographer: Steve Sturtz

Live your own fairy tale and spend a night together with your sweetheart in a castle on its very own island. Singer Castle (pictured), the once-home of the president of the Singer Manufacturing Company, offers tours to the general public during the day, but also the chance to partake in a luxurious sleepover. Book your stay in the castle’s Royal Suite (actually an entire wing). Your room has a king-size canopy bed, and complimentary dinner and breakfast are included. While in the area, island-hop to Boldt Castle (reopening in May). You can’t sleep over at this one but you can tour the picturesque castle and learn all about its romantic yet tragic history. George C. Boldt, the proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, had the castle built for the love of his life, his wife Louise. But she died suddenly and he never returned. Another option is the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, a magnificent waterside hotel that’s also fit for a king (maybe a slightly more modern king). Consider your date plans made as you sip your way through Thousand Islands Winery, Coyote Moon Vineyards, and other wineries in the region. Or, combine the wine and the water views in one delightful wine and cheese cruise with Classic Island Cruises. Your tour is a relaxed three and a half to four hours long and includes a bottle of Coyote Moon wine of your choosing plus local meats and cheeses.

Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga)

Upscale restaurant in historic building in the heart of Saratoga Springs

Some folks love camping, but for others, a sleeping bag on the ground isn’t exactly the picture of romance. Enter glamping, the best of all worlds. Saratoga Escape Luxury Glamping rents 300-square-foot tents that come with a queen-size bed, mini fridge, table, chairs, bedding, towels, and full ventilation, and right outside is your own BBQ grill, fire pit, and picnic table. Enjoy the refreshing feeling of sleeping outdoors but with creature comforts so you can focus on bonding with your boo. Freshen up and head somewhere to eat, like 15 Church (pictured) for outstanding seasonal American food. And you simply cannot summer in Saratoga Springs without spending a day at the Saratoga Race Track. Starting mid-July, the thoroughbred racing season begins. Place your bets, or show up just to watch the action, or bet each other—loser buys dinner! Book seats in the grandstand, reserve picnic tables in advance, or BYO lawn chairs and coolers only in the backyard picnic area or the top of stretch. Plan at least one date night at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, where names as big as Dave Matthews Band, Hozier, and John Legend come to perform. Check the summer schedule on the SPAC website and buy your tickets now!

Cooperstown (Central)

Otesaga Resort Hotel Lobby in Cooperstown

Cooperstown is, famously, a baseball town, so if you’re a baseball couple, it’s an obvious choice. If you’re not a baseball couple (or one half of a baseball couple), Cooperstown has a wonderfully romantic non-sporty side that makes for the perfect getaway. Stay at the historic and majestic Otesaga Resort (pictured) situated right on the shores of Otsego Lake, aka the “Glimmerglass.” Swim in the lake or the resort’s outdoor pool, rent bikes, canoes, boats, and paddleboards, or visit the onsite Hawkeye Spa. Try an Alpine arnica deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, seaweed body wrap, facials for men and women, and more. Play a match of tennis or a round of golf on the award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course. Just a 15-minute drive away, hop on over to the famous Brewery Ommegang, a hype-worthy craft brewery where you can taste samples and walk away with a souvenir beer glass. If you happen to plan your Cooperstown trip between July 22 and August 19 in 2024, you’re in luck! You’ll be able to attend the Glimmerglass Festival, a celebration of arts with an incredible lineup of opera and musical theater performances.

Hunter Mountain (Catskills)

Interior of wood-paneled lobby at Scribner's Catskill Lodge in Hunter, New York
Credit: Read McKendree

Make for the mountains with your loved one at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (pictured). This beautiful contemporary lodge features many rooms with private decks, perfect for taking in the romantic views of the Catskill Mountains. You’ll also find luxurious additions like rain showerheads, lofted beds, and large windows. The lodge is at the foot of Hunter Mountain, a popular skiing destination in the winter and a more relaxed but equally beautiful spot in the warmer seasons. Take your adventure partner to try the Scenic Skyride, a 3,200-foot-long chairlift ride to the summit with breathtaking views. Find some calm and relaxation at the Hudson-Chatham Winery's tasting room, where you can sip local wines and nosh on cheese plates, charcuterie, and tapas. If you want to enjoy nature without soaring through it, take a leisurely walk around the gorgeous Mountain Top Arboretum, open every day from dawn till dusk. Check out its website for maps and self-guided tours of the four main areas. You’ll pass boardwalks, forests, bogs, marshes, and wildflowers, an excellent place to stop and take selfies amongst the roses.

Greenport (Long Island)

Lavendar by the bay
Credit: Jen Rozenbaum

Combine ocean views with local wineries, amazing food, and a reasonable drive from New York City and you have the picture-perfect couple’s trip in Greenport, on Long Island’s North Fork. Book your room at the Harborfront Inn at Greenport for views of Peconic Bay, Greenport Harbor, and Shelter Island. You’ll also receive access to a nice outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast and their sister property, Sound View Greenport. A morning coffee on a private balcony overlooking the water? Yes, please! From mid-June, you can take amazing couples photos at Lavender by the Bay in East Marion (pictured), one of the country’s largest lavender farms. June and July are the best months to visit to find the largest varieties in bloom. Purchase bundles of lavender or shop for soaps, lotions, and other items from the charming gift store. The North Fork of Long Island features dozens of respected wineries, so choose at least one to visit, like the popular Sannino Vineyard. Try Cabernet Francs, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, White Merlots, and Chardonnays in their casual and cozy tasting house. After you wine, it’s time to dine! Take your sweetheart to Noah's, a small plates focused restaurant serving “farm to fork” fare.

Lake Placid (Adirondacks)

Mirror Lake Inn Resort - Photo Courtesy of Mirror Lake Inn

Welcome to the ultimate rest and relaxation station in the Adirondacks. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa (pictured) promises a view of Mirror Lake and the mountains in every single one of its 127 guest rooms and suites. The rustic aesthetic is cozy and comfortable, and some of the rooms have attention-getting features. The Presidential Suite features a multi-floor layout that includes a full kitchen, expansive living room, oversized Jacuzzi tub, infrared sauna, and spacious deck overlooking the lake and mountains. The Mirror Lake Inn houses two distinct restaurants overlooking the lake: The View Restaurant and Cottage Café. Both feature local and regional ingredients and offer signature cocktails, craft beers, wines, and spirits. The View Restaurant is the region’s only AAA 4-Diamond “Exceptional” rated restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about trading convenience for quality. The lake is a great place to cool off on hot summer days, with complimentary paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The resort also has its own, small fleet of cruising bicycles, which guests can rent by the hour or by the day. If you love adorable small towns, dip into the village of Lake Placid and explore the antique shops, jewelry stores, bookstores, and more. Treat your love to the most spectacular views on scenic tours with Adirondack Flying Service.

Chautauqua (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Lake Erie Grape Discovery Center

You and your love will fall head over heels in love for the idyllic surroundings in Lake Erie Wine Country. Indulge in an upscale stay at the Spencer Hotel and Spa, where you can choose between Junior Suites (don’t let the name fool you, they’re huge!) and guest rooms, most of which offer porch access and dreamy views of Chautauqua Lake. You might notice a few nods to your favorite books in various rooms. In fact, the Spencer prides itself on being the first literary-themed hotel in the country. Each guest room is dedicated to a famous author and features furnishings by local artists. The hotel offers an Inn the Mood package, which adds to your stay a candlelight breakfast, wine, chocolates and rose petals with complimentary snacks and beverages. When you’re ready to venture out, enjoy the fact that there are nearly two dozen wineries within 50 miles waiting to be visited. A complete listing of the wineries can be found at Lake Erie Wine Country website. If you’re feeling lucky, take your honey to the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.


Share your New York State adventures with us on Instagram and Twitter and tag us on Facebook!