We’re not saying we don’t love living in New York City, but sometimes we just need a change of scenery, and from small towns to charming beach towns to these underrated towns there are so many places to explore.
And with fall travel on our mind we’re lucky enough that New York is filled with stunning historic towns to explore that offer breathtaking scenery–think: sprawling mountains, glistening blue lakes, and rolling hills–and they all make for quite the perfect quick escape or day trip from NYC!
World Atlas highlighted seven of New York’s most beautiful and well-preserved historic towns that should be on everyone’s New York travel itinerary.
From towns that saw action during the Revolutionary War to the town that was the birthplace of baseball, these towns add to the state’s charm, showcase America’s history, and draw visitors from all over. Here are seven historic towns in NY to visit, as according to World Atlas:
1. Cooperstown
Nestled near Otsego Lake in central New York, Cooperstown is a small village surrounded by hills founded in 1786 by William Cooper (the father of renowned American novelist James Fenimore Cooper).
Most known as being the home to the famous National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, upwards of 300,000 visitors walk the streets of Cooperstown each year to admire its waterfront views, 19th-century architecture, and Revolutionary War history.
🚗 ~3.5 hours
2. Skaneateles
We’ve suggested a trip to the Central New York town Skaneateles many times–it’s one of the most underrated towns in NY to take a trip to, one of the most picturesque small towns in NY, and a perfect Labor Day getaway. But the town is mostly known for its beautiful lake (formed by glaciers millions of years ago) and diverse architecture.
Skaneateles is enveloped by gentle hills, is home to a charming downtown marked by tree-lined streets, and is filled with beautifully diverse architectural styles. The town has a rich history and its historical landmarks include the John D. Barrow Art Gallery and The Sherwood Inn which was founded in 1807.
🚗 ~4 hours
3. Aurora
Situated on the eastern side of Cayuga Lake in Central New York as part of the Finger Lakes region, Aurora features stunning water views, picturesque rolling hills, and a downtown filled with historic buildings and many well-preserved attractions.
The town was once home to six Native nations though revitalization efforts supported by Pleasant Rowland, creator of the American Girl brand, has since added a new charm to the town.
🚗 ~4 hours
4. Cold Spring
Cold Spring was founded in 1730 by Thomas Davenport and got its start as a small trading post along the Hudson River before becoming a major industrial hub during the Civil War. The town was officially incorporated in the mid-1800s.
Today, Cold Spring showcases many well-maintained 19th-century buildings and, being its surrounded by the Hudson highlands, features stunning river views.
🚗 ~1.5 hours
5. Seneca Falls
Located in the Finger Lakes district on the Seneca River, Seneca Falls, which was first settled in 1787, is a historic hub for women’s rights due to it hosting the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. Today, the village is the site of the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Beyond its history, Seneca Falls is known for its charming downtown with water views and Victorian architecture. It’s also believed to have inspired the fictional Bedford Falls in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life!
🚗 ~5 hours
6. Sackets Harbor
Founded in 1801, Sackets Harbor played a key role in the War of 1812, serving as the headquarters for the army, navy, and marines. The village’s Madison Barracks provided housing for soldiers during the war and later became a ship building center in World War II.
As the village sits on the eastern edges of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor features picturesque waterfront views and its downtown is filled with stunning 19th-century architecture such as the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site.
🚗 ~5 hours
7. Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa was established two years before the Revolutionary War and has since become a popular destination for visitors from all over due to its natural spring.
Beyond the spring, however, the village is also home to Victorian-style homes, historic landmarks, and attractions such as the National Bottle Museum and Saratoga County Historical Society, which make it a must-visit.
🚗 ~3.5 hours