Northeast USA
New York
Discover the best things to do in New York
New York is a state that’s both familiar and full of surprises. From the thrill of deep-sea fishing off the shores of Long Island to tranquil hiking and paddling in the Adirondack Mountains, there are four seasons of attractions here, whether you’re indoors or out.
I Love New York
Only here can you glide over the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park, on a hot-air balloon ride, participate in live glass-blowing demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass and sample vintages from award-winning wineries along the Finger Lakes. Ride the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls and experience up close one of the natural wonders of the world. Explore a museum in the Catskills at the site of the 1960s Woodstock music festival. Cruise the longest canal system in the country, tour a craft brewery, and go underground at Howe Caverns. Relive American colonial and Revolutionary War history in the Capital Region surrounding Albany, and watch a thrilling race as the world’s best thoroughbreds compete at the USA’s oldest sports venue, the Saratoga Race Course. Cruise to two castles in the Thousand Islands, walk across the Adirondack treetops at the Wild Center, or experience artistic performances in a lakeside Victorian village in Chautauqua-Allegheny.
In New York City, catch a Broadway show, view the famous skyline from a skyscraper observation deck or visit the National September 11 Memorial, an inspiring tribute to American resilience. For the ultimate road trip, drive through the scenic Hudson Valley, stopping to sample delicious cuisine at the renowned Culinary Institute of America. Tour West Point, the country’s oldest military academy, and visit historic estates like the Vanderbilt Mansion and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s home. Whatever you choose to do, New York delights.
New Jersey
Appealing attractions in every direction
Known for its proximity to New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey also has a diverse landscape that feels far from city life. The famous Jersey Shore is lined with sandy beaches and quiet towns, plus the not-so-quiet Atlantic City, where you’ll find busy casinos and nightlife. But don’t forget: New Jersey is called the Garden State. The Meadowlands District near New York hosts more than 265 species of birds, and at Princeton University, you’ll be surrounded by a lush, green landscape. For an education of your own, visit Morristown National Historical Park, home to George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters.
From serene to bustling, New Jersey has a range of beach experiences. Island Beach State Park, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches. The 1,214-hectare park offers educational programs, trails, swimming and vantage points for watching birds, especially ospreys.
Year-round resort towns such as Seaside Heights and Cape May are famous for their boardwalks, fishing piers and activities and events like the Polar Bear Plunge, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and seafood and barbecue festivals.
Nightlife doesn’t get better than in Atlantic City, where the famous beachfront boardwalk guides visitors to casinos, shops and hotels. Spend time in Newark and Jersey City for dining, shopping and culture. Combine a love of art and history at attractions such as the Newark Museum, the Morris Museum in Morristown, the New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium in Trenton and smaller venues throughout the state. In East Rutherford, you could spend days exploring the shopping and entertainment mega-complex known as American Dream. It boasts retail shops, dining and major attractions such as the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and DreamWorks water park. An added bonus for all your New Jersey shopping: There is no tax on clothing and shoes in the state.
The Garden State offers activities in all four seasons, from beach vacations to winter skiing on the slopes at Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah and Mountain Creek in Vernon. Opportunities abound for golfing, riding horses, hiking, parasailing, and fishing in the ocean, bays and lakes.
