Discover the Best Summer Activities in New York State: Beaches, Lakes & Campgrounds
Happy summer! From exploring award-winning beaches to campgrounds to serene lakes, the warm months bring out the best adventures across New York. So grab a hat, some sunscreen and a camera and get outside to explore our great state!
Life’s a Beach
Swim the best beaches in New York and discover some of the most beautiful and exciting summer vacations around!
Enjoy the sun and surf at the expansive (and sometimes exclusive) beaches across Long Island. Some of the most famous beaches include Jones Beach State Park, Main Beach and – of course – the world-renowned Hamptons.
In the Adirondacks, Inlet Arrowhead Park has a sandy beach and accommodations with awesome lakefront swimming. Spacious and popular, Southwick Beach State Park in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region is known for outstanding swimming and sunning on its long sandy beach.
Nestled cozily on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario is Newfane and Olcott Beach. With a small town feel and beautiful, refreshing waters – this is the perfect place to bring your partner, friends or the entire family!
Ever been to a glacial lake? Central New York's Green Lake State Park boasts two of ‘em, with swimming, boating, camping, an 18-hole golf course and more, nestled in verdant upland forest. It’s a must-visit for sure!
Get Groovy
The only thing better than beautiful weather is enjoying beautiful music in beautiful weather! Get groovy across the state this summer with a host of concerts and events for every musical taste!
Get the big amphitheater feel in a beautiful outdoors setting! Sit inside or under the stars at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in the Capital-Saratoga region, with performances throughout the season including New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Lake George Opera…plus some of the biggest names in entertainment!
Head to the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel: the state-of-the-art 15,000-capacity Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. This outdoor performing arts venue, offers a diverse selection of musical talent, orchestral performances, and educational and community programs.
Get a rich, soulful taste of jazz at Amateur Night at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem. This storied music competition series started the careers of legends like Ella Fitzgerald. Further downtown in Manhattan, another world-famous music venue, Carnegie Hall, presents classical, jazz, folk, world and popular music with breakthrough and veteran performers. The 1891 landmark has showcased the world's finest artists-from Tchaikovsky to The Beatles.
Refresh.
Grape expectations? Nothing says summer quite like sipping a glass of wine overlooking gorgeous scenery.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or just want to taste some good wines and learn a little more about them, a New York wine tour is sure to please. Discover award-winning wineries, from Long Island’s North Fork to Lake Erie Wine Country.
Multiple Finger Lakes wine trails - Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca - host special events all throughout summer like the Finger Lakes Wine Festival at Watkins Glen every July. In Canandaigua, the New York Wine & Culinary Center highlights New York’s wines, breweries and farms with delicious events and tastings.
Head to the Hudson Valley - one of America’s most historic regions – and check out the nation’s oldest vineyard, Benmarl Winery and America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood Winery.
Whichever New York destination you choose this summer, you’re sure to delight in the amazing variety of activities and an endless supply good times and great places to discover!
Share your photos across the state of New York this summer on Instagram and Twitter with #NYSummerSelfie and #ILoveNY and tag us on Facebook!
