New York State of Mind: Top 10 Attractions in the Empire State

Taking a trip to New York but don’t know where to go first? New York State boasts some of the most unique locations to explore, so it can be difficult to plan your travel itinerary on your own. Luckily, you don’t have to.

Jen Reviews, a blog that offers in-depth reviews, life hacks and money-saving tips, created a list of the 100 best things to do in New York. Here we list the top 10 attractions from that guide.

To see the entire list, click here.

1. Adirondack Mountains (Plattsburg)

Situated only few hours north of New York City, the Adirondack Mountains offer a beautiful landscape and a host of fun outdoor adventures like skiing, hunting and fishing. Other area allures include museums, breweries and other seasonal events.

2. The Finger Lakes (Rochester)

Fishing, hunting, biking, boating — the Finger Lakes are a great place for outdoor activities. But the area is also known for its wine, breweries and hard cider. You won’t want to miss out on a weekend full of indulging and relaxing.

3. Thousand Islands (Various)

Thousand Islands is known for its endless shorelines and beautiful environment to experience the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, boating and even hot air balloon adventures await you on the islands.

4. The Statue of Liberty (New York City)

The Statue of Liberty has always been a beacon of democracy and hope. Experiencing this monument should only take about 1 or 2 hours. You can even climb all the way to the top and get the grand view from Lady Liberty’s crown.

5. Central Park (New York City)

In 1853, 750 acres of land were set aside to turn into Central Park. You could easily spend a day or two here exploring the myriad bridges, streams, waterfalls and statues — even a boathouse and a zoo.

6. Grand Central Terminal (New York City)

It’s easy to spend half a day in Grand Central Terminal with all of the shops and restaurants it offers. There’s also a long and interesting railroad history to learn about on your visit to this New York landmark.

7. Coney Island (New York City)

Coney Island is much more than a beach — there’s a boardwalk with amusement park rides, an aquarium, an ice skating rink and a minor league baseball stadium. After spending a fun and exciting day on Coney Island, you’ll still want to come back for more.

8. 9/11 Memorial/Museum (New York City)

The 9/11 Memorial serves as a beautiful tribute to those we lost on that fateful day. The museum offers an opportunity to learn about events leading up to 9/11, as well as see the faces of those who lost their lives. Experiencing the entire memorial should take about 2 to 3 hours.

9. Brooklyn Bridge (New York City)

Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension/cable-stayed bridges in the country. It crosses the East River to connect Brooklyn to Manhattan and has an impressive pedestrian and bicycle path. Crossing the impressive bridge should take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you stop to take in the spectacular view.

10. Cave of the Winds (Niagara Falls)

Cave of the Winds is as close to the falls as you can get. Grab your poncho and special shoes for seasonal tours up close and personal to Niagara Falls. Make this a part of your Niagara Falls trip and plan to spend about 2 hours of your day getting soaked.