Road Trips in New York

As a road tripper in New York State, there are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Start your journey in the bustling city of New York, where you can take in world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. But don't stop there - venture out to explore the diverse regions of the state.

Head north to the Adirondack Mountains, where you'll find a natural wonderland of rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Hike to the summit of Mount Marcy, the state's highest peak, or kayak through the tranquil waters of Lake Cayuga. Further west, the Finger Lakes region offers a stunning landscape of rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes. Take a scenic drive along the Finger Lakes Wine Trail, stopping at local wineries to sample some of the state's best vintages.

For history buffs, there is no shortage of sites to visit in New York State. From the historic homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt in the Hudson Valley to the Erie Canal and the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor, there are countless opportunities to learn about the state's rich history. Visit Saratoga Battlefield and Fort Ticonderoga, where key battles of the Revolutionary War were fought, or explore the charming villages and historic homes along the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor.

But New York State is not just about natural beauty and history - it's also a food lover's paradise. From fresh seafood on Long Island to the famous Buffalo chicken wings, the state is home to a wide range of culinary delights. Be sure to try a slice of New York-style pizza or a bagel with cream cheese during your travels.

With its diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant cities, and delicious food, New York State is the perfect destination for a road trip. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover all that this incredible state has to offer.      

Suggested Road Trips in New York State

• The Hudson Valley: Take a scenic drive along the Hudson River and explore the charming towns and villages that dot the valley. Visit the historic homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, stroll through the gardens at the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, and hike to the top of the scenic Hudson Highlands.

• The Adirondack Mountains: Drive through the heart of the Adirondacks, a vast wilderness of pristine lakes, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife. Stop at the Olympic village of Lake Placid, hike to the summit of Mount Marcy, and explore the charming towns of Saranac Lake and Lake George.

• The Finger Lakes: Discover the beauty of the Finger Lakes region, a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and sparkling lakes. Drive along the Finger Lakes Wine Trail, stopping at local wineries to sample some of the state's best wines. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Seneca Lake or hike to the top of Watkins Glen State Park for breathtaking views.

These road trips offer a taste of the incredible diversity of New York State, from the historic Hudson Valley to the rugged Adirondacks and the picturesque Finger Lakes. Each trip provides an opportunity to explore the unique attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage that make New York State a must-visit destination for road trippers.

When taking a road trip in New York State, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Traffic: New York is a busy state, particularly in and around New York City. Plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to navigate traffic and find parking.

• Tolls: Many highways and bridges in New York State have tolls, so make sure you have cash or an E-ZPass transponder to pay for them.

• Weather: The weather in New York State can be unpredictable, particularly in the winter months when snow and ice can make driving conditions hazardous. Check the weather forecast before setting out on your trip and be prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment.

• Road conditions: New York State has a diverse landscape, from city streets to rural backroads. Some roads may be narrow, winding, or in need of repair, so exercise caution and be prepared for changing conditions.

• Parking: Finding parking in cities or popular tourist areas can be challenging and expensive. Consider using public transportation or parking outside of the city and taking a shuttle or other transportation into the city.

• Regulations: New York State has strict regulations regarding seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.

Make sure you are familiar with these regulations and follow them to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The best time of year for taking a road trip in New York State largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific activities you plan to do.

If you're looking to enjoy the outdoors and explore the state parks and natural attractions, the summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and the most daylight hours.

If you're interested in fall foliage, the months of September through November offer stunning autumn colors throughout the state.

Winter (December-February) can be a magical time to explore New York State, with opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as holiday events and festivals.

Spring (March-May) is a great time for a road trip if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild temperatures. This is also a great time to enjoy seasonal activities like visiting a maple sugar farm or attending a spring festival.

Keep in mind that weather conditions in New York State can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changing weather patterns regardless of the season you choose for your road trip.

The cost of a road trip in New York State can vary greatly depending on your travel style and preferences. Here are some estimated costs for a road trip in New York:

Accommodation: Budget accommodation options like hostels or camping can cost around $20-50 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost $100-200 per night. Luxury hotels or resorts can cost $300 or more per night.

Food and Drink: New York State has a diverse range of dining options, from street vendors to upscale restaurants. Budget travelers can expect to spend $10-20 per meal, while mid-range restaurants can cost $30-50 per person. Alcohol can add up quickly, with beers costing around $5-10 and cocktails around $10-15.

Transportation: Renting a car is a popular option for road tripping in New York State, with costs starting around $30-40 per day. Gasoline costs around $3 per gallon. Tolls are common in New York, especially around New York City, and can add up quickly.

Attractions: Many attractions in New York State are free or low-cost, but popular tourist destinations like the Statue of Liberty or Niagara Falls can cost $10-30 per person. Some museums and galleries may charge admission fees as well.

Overall, budget travelers can expect to spend around $50-75 per day per person, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $100-150 per day per person. Luxury travelers can easily spend $200 or more per day per person.

It's important to note that prices can vary greatly depending on the season, location, and type of accommodation and transportation chosen. Doing research and planning ahead can help you stay within your budget while still enjoying all that New York State has to offer.

Here are some guidebooks and road maps that can be helpful for a road trip in New York State:

• "Moon New York State" by Julie Schwietert Collazo: This guidebook provides detailed information on various regions of New York State, including popular attractions, hidden gems, and local culture.

• "New York State Road Atlas" by American Map Corporation: This road atlas is a comprehensive guide to navigating the highways and byways of New York State, including detailed maps and information on major cities, national parks, and scenic drives.

• "Lonely Planet Eastern USA" by Lonely Planet: This guidebook covers the entire eastern region of the United States, including New York State, with detailed information on popular attractions, local culture, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

• "New York State Parks Map & Guide" by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation: This guide provides detailed maps and information on all state parks in New York, including hiking trails, campgrounds, and recreational activities.

• "Rand McNally Easy to Read! New York State Map": This map provides a detailed overview of New York State, including major cities, highways, and scenic routes.

• "New York State Tourist Map" by the New York State Department of Transportation: This map provides a comprehensive overview of New York State's major highways and scenic routes, as well as information on popular attractions and destinations.

These guidebooks and road maps can be purchased at local bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon. Additionally, many tourism centers and rest areas in New York State provide free maps and guides to visitors.