As much as we love living in NYC sometimes we just desperately need to get away for a bit, and just outside the concrete confines of this city we call home you’ll find there’s so much to explore, from picturesque small towns and charming historic towns to underrated towns that definitely deserve a road trip.
New York remains one of the most visited regions of the United States in 2024, and World Atlas set out to find the smaller, less traveled communities across the state that have been rated among U.S. favorites in 2024. And right about now we’d say an escape from the city sounds like a really good idea. Here are the 12 small NY towns that, according to World Atlas, are 2024 U.S. favorites:
1. Saratoga Springs
Beyond being home to one of our favorite castles in NY, Saratoga Springs is also home to a number of lovely bed and breakfasts and other old historical lodging. Nestled in eastern New York, the town is known and celebrated for its revitalizing mineral springs as well as its horse racing track, Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest racetracks in the U.S.
For those looking to get the most out of being in the great outdoors, Saratoga Spa State Park is home to scenic walking trails, the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, and performing arts venues. The park’s lush greenery makes it a popular spot year-round.
🚗 ~3 hrs 15 min from NYC
2. Lake Placid
Honestly there’s so much to love about Lake Placid we don’t even know where to begin, and we’re certainly not surprised it made it onto this list. This quaint town was named one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by Travel & Leisure and one of the best mountain towns in the U.S. by Architectural Digest.
Lake Placid is home to the longest mountain roller coaster in the country, is a fabulous place for skiing and snowboarding thanks to its local ski resort at Whiteface Mountain, and even offers dog sledding on both its sprawling Mirror Lake or throughout the Adirondack wilderness. Basically, the town deserves an entire weekend excursion.
🚗 ~5 hrs from NYC
3. Hudson
The riverside gem of Hudson is, of course, located in in New York’s Hudson Valley. Once a historic whaling port, this quaint town has evolved into quite the tourist destination, mostly thanks to Warren Street, the town’s central artery, which is filled with various art galleries and shops to explore. Those looking to eat their way through the town will find a fabulous selection of farm-to-table restaurants, cozy cafes, and cocktail bars.
Hudson also has ample opportunity to explore the great outdoors, offering sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains and easy access to the Hudson River. The Greenport Conservation Area is also just north of the town and is home to a mix of meadows, forestlands, and marshes.
🚗 ~2 hrs 20 min from NYC
4. Ithaca
Nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes region is Ithaca, known for its natural beauty–like Triphammer Falls, a 55 foot multiple cascading waterfall–college football, and lively downtown area.
Unique shops, farmers markets, and locally owned restaurants make up the downtown area, though nature takes center stage–the town is home to over 150 waterfalls, like this 70-foot tall one you can actually swim in, has natural wonders like Taughannock Falls State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park, and offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront exploration at Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes.
🚗 ~3 hrs 45 min from NYC
5. Skaneateles
We’ve suggested a trip to the Central New York town Skaneateles many times, so we’re not surprised it made its way onto this list. Situated at the top of the 16-mile-long Skaneateles Lake (one of the highest Finger Lakes), the town is home to unique shops, restaurants, and a charming downtown area marked by tree-lined streets.
With a population of just over 7,000, the town is mostly known for its beautiful lake (formed by glaciers millions of years ago), is enveloped by gentle hills, and has a rich history that dates back to revolutionary times.
🚗 ~4 hrs from NYC
6. Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is known for being a fabulous visit during spooky season–it’s pretty much a real-life Halloween town due to its haunted history and fall street fair–though it’s actually a great town to visit during other times of the year as well (and its festive Christmas stroll proves it).
Other major attractions in the area include the 17th-century Philipsburg Manor, Kykuit–a Rockefeller family estate–and Rockefeller State Park Preserve, filled with miles of winding trails through woodlands and nearby serene lakes.
🚗 ~4 hrs from NYC
7. Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a small village nestled near Otsego Lake in central New York and surrounded by hills. The town was founded in 1786 by William Cooper (the father of renowned American novelist James Fenimore Cooper) and, known as the birthplace of baseball, is home to the famous National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Beyond the Baseball Hall of Fame, the town is also home to the Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum, so it certainly has a rich culture. 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 hrs 30 min from NYC
8. Beacon
One of our favorite fall getaways for colorful foliage viewing as well as one of our favorite Christmas towns, Beacon is an artsy town that makes for the perfect quick day getaway from the city (though it’s also expansive enough to make a weekend trip out of).
A cultural hotspot with all the cozy vibes of a small town, this charming Hudson Valley town has plenty of shopping opportunities along Main Street, a ton of nature to immerse yourself in, and an eclectic mix of art galleries and locally-owned restaurants.
🚗 ~1 hr 30 min from NYC
9. Rhinebeck
Dutchess County’s town of Rhinebeck has a lot going for it: it’s home to an adorable candy shop owned by Paul Rudd, it has stunning Catskill Mountain views, and it has an awesome indie-shopping scene!
The popular Sheep and Wool Festival, which draws thousands of artisans to the region, happens here each year, and you can also find some of the oldest buildings of Upstate NY here such as the oldest hotel in the country. Oh, and if you’re looking to pamper yourself at a lavish wellness retreat it has that too!
🚗 ~2 hrs 30 min from NYC
10. Kingston
This Catskills town that’s accessible either driving or via Metro-North is perfect for a cozy getaway from the big city. The original capital of New York State, the town is divided into three distinct neighborhoods–Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown–each of which offers a unique view of the town’s past and present.
🚗 ~3 hrs from NYC
11. Cold Spring
50 miles north of Manhattan in the Hudson Highlands you’ll find Cold Spring, a rural area with very rich history. The town 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.
As an extremely walkable village, Cold Spring allows you to explore old ruins such as a crumbling mansion, swim in the Hudson River, hike Breakneck Ridge, or head to town for delicious restaurants, antique shops, coffee shops, and more.
🚗 ~1 hr 30 min from NYC
12. Greenport
Greenport is a small little fishing village located on the North Fork of Long Island filled with diners, ice cream shops, and quaint boutique stores.
Greenport dates back to the 1800s when at the time it was home to a burgeoning fishing industry, and here the water is always just a hop, skip and a jump away–and filled with delicious waterfront dining options! From setting sail to tanning at the beach, there are many ways to enjoy your time in Greenport.
🚗 ~2 hrs 30 min from NYC
Beyond these 12 towns if you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, you’ll be happy to know that not only is NY home to one of the best mountain towns in the U.S., but NY’s largest ski resort is also the most affordable one in the U.S.!