A fun weekend getaway in Upstate New York, especially during the fall, can be enjoyed on almost any budget. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time, as there are plenty of affordable or even free activities. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape just a couple of hours from New York City or looking to explore further afield, options abound from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks and beyond.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of New York State’s top tourist destinations, offering a bucket-list experience without breaking the bank. The main draw is the stunning view, and many lookout points are completely free. You can also enjoy hiking scenic trails, witnessing the Falls’ year-round illumination, and catching free summer fireworks shows. For additional savings, consider the Discovery Pass, which provides up to 35% off admissions to key attractions such as the Observation Tower, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Discovery Center, and the Aquarium of Niagara. The pass also includes unlimited rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley, a three-mile guided tour that stops at all major attractions within the state park.
Albany
New York’s capital, Albany, offers plenty to explore, including the stunning 80-acre Washington Park. This picturesque spot features peaceful walking paths, ponds, wooded glens, and a variety of monuments and statues. In May, the park comes alive with thousands of vibrant tulips, while summer brings free professional theater performances at the Park Playhouse. Other must-see attractions include tours of the historic Capitol Building, scenic walking trails at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Hudson River Valley from the 42nd floor of Corning Tower.
Saratoga Springs
Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Saratoga Springs is renowned not only for its famous horse racing—which can be enjoyed for a low admission fee—but also for its over 20 public mineral springs scattered throughout the city. These naturally carbonated springs, each with a distinct flavor, can be sampled for free on a fun self-guided tour. The city also offers beautiful parks and gardens to explore, a farmer’s market with affordable local treats, and two public pools located in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Hudson
Charming Hudson, nestled in the Hudson Valley along a picturesque stretch of the Hudson River, is known for its vibrant downtown filled with artisan boutiques, antique shops, and stores offering handcrafted home goods. Farm-to-table dining is a highlight, with acclaimed restaurants like the James Beard Award-winning Fish & Game. Visitors can explore scenic hillsides and hiking trails, and history buffs can visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to learn about one of America’s earliest and most influential landscape painters.
Rochester
Experience stunning scenery, recreational activities, historic landmarks, and much more in Rochester. If you visit during baseball season (April through September), snag some affordable seats at Frontier Field and cheer on the Rochester Red Wings, a Minor League Baseball team. For some friendly competition, try your hand at mini-golf, or explore the city’s expansive free parks, which cover 12,000 acres and offer a variety of historical, natural, zoological, horticultural, and geological attractions. When the weather is nice, be sure to check out Ontario Beach Park on the northwest side of Lake Ontario, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, boating, and a charming century-old carousel.
New Paltz
Just under two hours from New York City, New Paltz is an excellent weekend getaway for those looking to connect with nature through various outdoor adventures. The Lemon Squeeze is one of the state’s top hiking trails, taking about four hours to complete and rewarding hikers with breathtaking valley views. After your hike, grab delicious sandwiches from Main Street Bistro for a lakeside picnic at Mohonk Preserve. Additional activities include birdwatching at Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary and apple picking at Dressel Farms.
Phoenicia
Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains along Esopus Creek, Phoenicia is a fantastic destination packed with fun activities. It boasts some of the best fly fishing on the East Coast, exhilarating tubing rapids during the warmer months, and stunning fall foliage. Don’t miss the incredible 56-foot-tall Kaatskills Kaleidoscope, the largest of its kind in the world, where you can enjoy an affordable Kaleidoshow, a captivating visual and sound experience. Just southeast of town, Mount Tobias offers scenic hiking trails and other outdoor adventures at no cost. Strolling through downtown is also a delight, with art galleries and charming shops showcasing everything from rustic antiques to trendy trinkets.
Ithaca
Ithaca is located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region, renowned for its sparkling lakes, lush forests, and vineyard-covered hills. There are plenty of free and affordable activities to enjoy, including waterfall hopping at stunning sites such as Ithaca Falls in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area and Taughannock Falls in nearby Taughannock Falls State Park, which is considered one of New York’s best state parks. The seasonal weekend market is always a fun experience, featuring crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, street food, wine tastings, and live music. Families will especially enjoy the Sagan Planet Walk, a to-scale replica of the solar system that allows visitors to explore the sun, the moon, and other celestial bodies while tracing the path of the stars.
Long Beach
You can reach Long Beach in just an hour by train from New York City, making it one of the most affordable weekend getaways from the city. Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. Enjoy a five-mile stretch of beautiful beach alongside a vibrant local arts and music scene, highlighted by the Arts in the Plaza Festival. This event showcases locally handcrafted artwork and features live music every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend to Halloween. For delicious and budget-friendly food, check out the Shoregasboard Food Truck Market, which is known for its mouthwatering tacos. Additionally, the boardwalk offers a perfect spot for a seaside stroll to help burn off those calories!
Lake George
Lake George is the centerpiece of the town that shares its name, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a warm day with its beautiful beaches and pristine waters for swimming. For a fun weekend getaway, consider renting a lakeside cabin. Usher Park Beach and Shepard Park Beach both offer free access, with Shepard Park even hosting free concerts in its amphitheater almost every night during the summer. Pack a cooler, bring a blanket or lounge chairs, and spend the entire day soaking up the sun. If you’re in the mood for a hike, head to Sleeping Beauty Mountain for some breathtaking views. In town, stroll along Canada Street to enjoy window shopping and people-watching, while also indulging in delicious and affordable eats at places like Taqueria Paloma.
Geneva
Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Geneva is surrounded by serene countryside filled with lakes, vineyards, forests, and farmland. This charming town has a rich farming history, featuring numerous breweries, wineries, and restaurants that either grow their own products or source them locally. At the north end of Seneca Lake, Seneca Lake State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor activities, where you can picnic, swim, hike, or bike along the trails. Kids will love the playground and sprayground, which features over 100 water spray jets. History buffs should not miss the Johnston House and Rose Hill Mansion, both of which are open to the public for a low admission fee. Several local breweries and wineries offer tasting rooms with affordable samples, many of which feature live music to enhance your experience.
Narrowsburg and the Upper Delaware River Valley
The Upper Delaware River Valley is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring a protected wilderness teeming with white-tailed deer, beavers, and black bears. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead as you enjoy some of the best fly fishing in the Northeast on the Delaware River. Here, you can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring being the peak season. The area offers opportunities for kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and glamping, as well as scenic drives that showcase stunning autumn foliage. Narrowsburg, a charming riverside village, is an excellent spot to experience it all, with a diverse array of eateries to suit any budget, unique shops to explore, walking trails, and museums. The Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History features a recreation of a colonial fort staffed with period-dressed reenactors, providing a fascinating glimpse into life during the country’s early years, both inside and outside the fort walls.
