Adventure Guide to New York: Outside New York City
Known all around the world for the Big Apple, it is easy to mistake that New York is just one big city. New York City is actually just a slice of the apple. It might surprise you just how much there is to discover in the State of New York outside New York City.
Here, we have gathered some of the most unique and exciting destinations to visit in New York. Gorgeous destinations that are away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Adirondack Mountains
The perfect retreat away from the city, Adirondacks offers a great landscape to lay back on and a multitude of outdoor adventures for those up for it. Stretching from the center of New York up to the Canadian border, Adirondack is brimming with so many things to do and see.
Here you can go hiking, trail running, canoeing, or some good fashioned camping. With more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails, over 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 1,200 miles of rivers — Adirondacks is just one of a kind. Come by the fall and see the forest turn into vibrant yellow, orange, and reds.
Pollepel Island
In contrast to the vastness of the Adirondack Mountains, Pollepel Island is a 6.5 acres island. It actually used to be an abandoned military warehouse. Located in the Hudson River New York, the island boasts of stunning greens and of two gorgeous castles on it. There are several ways to get there like through a guided boat tour or by bringing your own boat.
There are plenty of tours available as well such as a Guided Bannerman Island Walking Tour or a Self Guided Tour with Live Music. There is an option to hike to the summit or do a kayak tour if you are up for it as well!
Ithaca
Ithaca is a small city in the Finger Lakes region of New York. With over 150 waterfalls dotting around, surrounding its downtown, it is impossible not to fall a little bit in love with the place. What makes this town even more gorgeous is that it is actually known as the wine region of the East. Great wine underscored by some gorgeous sceneries just explains why everyone who’s been here loves this place.
Montauk: Amsterdam Beach
Sunbathing, swimming, and surfing may not be the activities you had in mind when you were planning to visit New York. Well, you are in for a treat. Montauk beaches are actually among the top-rated beaches in America. It features underdeveloped boardwalks, protected waters, low rolling dunes, and stunning high cliffs. Montauk is a spectacular outdoor destination that is not too far from the big city.
Our favorite, Amsterdam Beach, boasts of unspoiled shorelines and some of the most breathtaking vistas on the East Coast. There is a little bit of a hike to get there. It is not as accessible as all the other Montauk beaches, but precisely because it is so remote that it remains unspoiled and gorgeous.
Montauk: Ditch Pains Beach
If you are after some crowd and looking for some good rolls with long breaks, Ditch Pains Beach would be your best bet. It can get pretty crowded and rowdy, though, and parking spots easily run out. Just try to get there as early as you can.
Unlike Amsterdam where there are no facilities whatsoever, Ditch Pains Break has restrooms, outdoor. showers, even lifeguards during summer.
Another delightful destination would be Oyster Bay. It is a short hour away from New York City that also offers plenty of activities from sailing, kayaking, helicopter tours, and spectacular nature walks. Check out 7 Top Places Near Me to Visit in Oyster Bay.
