11 Underrated New York Towns For A Laid-Back Getaway

When we think of New York, the first thing that comes to mind is the city that never sleeps. New York City getaways are anything but laid-back — marked by massive crowds, honking horns, towering buildings, and countless things to do that are especially ideal for first time visitors. But if you pass on a New York getaway because of Manhattan's bustling reputation, you're missing out. 

Upstate New York has many underrated towns offering chill activities like museums, Main Street shopping, hiking, canoeing, and more. Unlike New York City, these towns sleep — and they welcome you to do so, too — after a day of easygoing fun.

From destinations home to interesting and unique activities for all interests, to towns that are still relatively undiscovered, we evaluated and rounded up 11 New York towns offering low-key getaways all across the state. That way, you don't have to worry about fighting the crowds or losing some well-deserved shut-eye along the way.

Years ago, Beacon was a small industrial town lined with brick buildings. Although its industrial past has been left behind, it still has that Norman Rockwell-esque charm thanks to its historic structures — except, now, there are also modern cultural destinations and foodie hotspots for visitors to enjoy. One of these places is Dia: Beacon. Covering 240,000 square feet — and housed inside a former Nabisco box printing plant — it's one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country for contemporary art. Today, visitors can see renowned works by artists like Richard Serra, Sol LeWitt, and Dan Flavin. Additionally, other art galleries — including the Marion Royael Gallery — as well as public art, line Beacon's Main Street. One of the most notable examples includes Ron English's "Heaven on the Hudson," which decorates the exterior of Bank Sq. Coffeehouse.

Beacon is also a beloved food and beer hangout. The town is home to the Hudson Valley Food Hall, an international food destination in the former Roosevelt Theater. For nature with a bite, head to The Roundhouse, a hotel with a restaurant overlooking the town's waterfalls. Thirsty? Wash it all down at one of Beacon's four breweries, or with a glass of wine at Estilo y Vino Wine Bar.

For visitors who want to enjoy more of Beacon's outdoor beauty, there are many options. Head to Long Dock Park for kayaking and to take in views of the Hudson River. Or, climb 1,610 feet up Mount Beacon for unmatched views. 

The Thousand Islands feature waters so blue they look more like a postcard than a real-life scene. One of the best spots to witness the scenery is the waterside town of Clayton, which blends scenic beauty with a rich past. Dating back more than two centuries, the former shipbuilding and lumbering community is a living piece of history thanks to its many 19th-century buildings, along with its one-of-a-kind museums. This includes the Antique Boat Museum, which houses 300 antique boats, as well as the Thousand Islands Museum, which opened its doors in 1964. Also in the Thousand Islands is New York's heart shaped island in Alexandria Bay that's home to a gorgeous, historic mansion.

Clayton also offers activities for nostalgic fun. The town is 15 minutes from the Bay Drive-In Theatre and is also home to the Clayton Opera House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the space hosts year-round events, including comedy shows, live music, movies, and more.

To get a look at more boats, head to Cedar Point State Park along the St. Lawrence River. At this park — one of the oldest in the state — visitors can swim, fish, camp at one of its 178 sites, picnic, and book a scenic cruise.

Roughly 2,000 people live in the quiet community of Cold Spring. However, there is still a ton to do in this town, ranging from hiking and unique shopping experiences, to visiting historic homes and hitting up museums. History buffs will relish a visit to the Putnam History Museum, which showcases exhibits about the West Point Foundry — a local iron manufacturer used during the Civil War  — as well as the county's history.

For those itching to get outside, pay a visit to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve in Cold Spring. One of the most popular hikes is Breakneck Ridge, a 3.1-mile hike that climbs 1,200-plus feet. Another favorite is the Cornish Estate Trail, which takes visitors on a 1.8-mile jaunt through the remnants of a historic estate. To enjoy the surrounding waters, head to Dockside Park. Located along the waterfront, visitors can rent kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle.

If the only hiking you like to do is traipsing in and out of stores, you'll love downtown Cold Spring. Perfect for browsing, it's home to must-visit spots like Cold Spring Cheese Shop, Cold Spring Apothecary for skin, hair, and beauty products, Poor George for unique clothing, and Supplies for Creative Living for arts and crafts supplies. These are all complemented by plenty of eateries, like the popular breakfast and lunch spot Cozy Corner Café, Cro'Nest wine bar, and ice cream shop Moo Moo's Creamery.

Located on the edge of Otsego Lake, Cooperstown spans just 1.6 square miles. But this hidden gem is packed with attractions. Its biggest claim to fame is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses over 40,000 artifacts and 140,000 baseball cards. Sports fans will also relish a visit to Cooperstown's Leatherstocking Golf Course at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a par-72 course that's considered one of the top public golf destinations in the country. The hotel also boasts a spa that offers treatments unique to the area.

If downing a few beers is your favorite part of watching sports, you'll find paradise in Cooperstown. Home to the nationally-distributed Brewery Ommegang — America's first farmhouse brewery in over a century — hop-heads can enjoy Belgian-style beers like a witbier, a quadrupel ale, and a Trappist-inspired dark ale. Cider fans should grab a glass at Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, a family-friendly cidery that produces fresh ciders and seasonal drinks. 

Cooperstown is also home to one of the oldest living history museums in the country: Fenimore Farm & Country Village. A former working farm with a village, the space recreates what life looked like in the 1800s.

Many towns around the Finger Lakes have laid-back vibes. One destinations that embodies this atmosphere is Geneva, which borders Seneca Lake — the largest of all the Finger Lakes. One of the town's biggest draws is its wine scene. Although only 4.5 square miles in size, Geneva is home to eight wineries. Favorites include the Mediterranean-themed Ventosa Vineyards, which overlooks Seneca Lake, as well as Belhurst Castle, a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places that boasts its own winery. Even if you're not a wine drinker, the jaw-dropping castle — which dates back to the late 1800s — is worth a visit.

Geneva also has tons of history in its charming downtown. Its Main Street features some of the oldest row homes in the country, adorned in colors like pink and turquoise. Shops, restaurants, and bars also fill the downtown area, including the Finger Lakes' only speakeasy, Vinifera. Hidden behind a nondescript door, this opulent spot serves craft cocktails in an intimate, moody setting.

For an immersive historic experience, visitors can stay at the William Smith Inn, which dates back to the 19th century and has rooms named after famous local figures. Paired with a visit to the Geneva History Museum, it's the perfect way to travel back in time.

Keuka Lake might not have the same recognition that Seneca Lake does, but this 19-mile-long lake has a claim to fame of its own. It has some of the warmest waters in the Finger Lakes, and it also has a one-of-a-kind "Y" shape. One of the best spots to enjoy this lake is Hammondsport, a small town on the water's edge. Once in town, head to Depot Park, where you can access a lifeguarded dock to enjoy the water's pleasant temperatures and picnic on its grassy land. You can also rent boats, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks at Champlin Beach to enjoy the water.

Exuding the Finger Lakes region's signature appeal, Hammondsport is also home to several wineries. That includes Pleasant Valley Wine Company, the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes with production facilities housed in historic buildings. Another beloved historic winery is Bully Hill Vineyards, with a sprawling properly overlooking Keuka Lake. This winery also has an on-site restaurant offering an ever-changing menu of seasonal dishes. 

If you love history, don't miss the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. A Hammondsport resident — as well as an instrumental figure in the aviation industry — Curtiss helped pioneer early aircraft design and earned a reputation as "the fastest man in the world."

Kingston is a city of nearly 24,000 residents that dates back to the 1600s and briefly served as the capital of New York. But what Kingston lacks in small-town appeal, it more than makes up for in elegance, history, and natural beauty. Bordered by both the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, the city has three neighborhoods: artsy Midtown Kingston, where artists have set up shop in former factories, Downtown Kingston, home to both the city's main drag and the Hudson waterfront, and Uptown Kingston, where stores and restaurants have found homes in colorful, historic buildings.

Downtown Kingston — otherwise known as the Rondout — should be your hangout if you're interested in making the most of the city's natural surroundings. From here, you can bike, book sightseeing cruises, and visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum. 

Those looking to relish the city's foodie atmosphere should go to Uptown Kingston, also called the Stockade. Here, farm-to-table restaurants are aplenty, including Chleo, a creative eatery that serves fire-roasted cuisine paired with wine. Stockade stayers should find their temporary home at Hotel Kinsley, a sophisticated and stylish hotel in the heart of Kingston's historic area.

Whether you're into natural wonders, historic buildings, one-of-a-kind shopping, or unforgettable dining, you'll likely find all of it (and more) in Medina. A tiny town on the Erie Canal, Medina is home to Bent's Opera House, a former entertainment venue transformed into a boutique hotel where every guest room features a distinctive vibe. History continues to come alive at the Medina Railroad Museum, a former freight depot that's now home to an expansive model train route outfitted with homes, trees, and more.

If you would rather get in touch with Medina's natural side, head to Medina Falls. A 40-foot manmade waterfall along the Erie Canal at the crux of Oak Orchard Creek, the site can be reached via the Erie Canal towpath or kayak. To see more of the state's majestic waterfalls, head to the "Grand Canyon of the East," a gorgeous, waterfall-rich state park in New York.

That said, you don't want to leave Medina without doing some shopping along Center Street, where you'll find shops unlike anywhere else in the area. That includes The English Rose Tea Shoppe, which sells everything tea-related inside an adorable space, and The Downtown Browsery. Like a miniature mall for artisans, this shop showcases multiple vendors selling items that range from homemade pies to antiques.

Most people cruise by Lockport, a small town along the Erie Canal, on their way to Niagara Falls, which is a mere 30-minute drive away. But those that don't stop in town are missing out. Nicknamed "Lock City," the town is perfect for foodies, who will have many eateries to choose from. Stooges overlooks the canal and serves up creative burgers, including an option with peanut butter and pepperberry jam. Those with a sweet tooth — and an indecisive side — will love Lake Effect Artisanal Ice Cream, which offers ice cream flights with five samplers. All that fare will hopefully set the tone for a laid-back night at the Transit Drive-In movie theater.

While in Lockport, be sure to explore the canal. With Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, visitors can ride through the only double set of locks on the canal and venture under one of the waterway's widest bridges. The canal is also to thank for the Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride, a spooky manmade water tunnel once featured on "Ghost Hunters."

Surrounded by 17 miles of lakes and the Adirondack Mountains, New York's renowned mountains that boast breathtaking scenery and hiking trails, the best part of visiting Saranac Lake is the chance to relish its unspoiled wilderness. There are endless opportunities to become one with nature here, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and camping at one of the nearly 90 boat-in campsites on Saranac Lake Islands Campground. It's also just a 25-minute drive from Tupper Lake, upstate New York's charming lakeside village that offers winter fun with mountain views.

Hiking up one of the many mountains in the area is another must-do. For a shorter hike that offers great views of everything from Saranac Lake Village to the Adirondack High Peaks, your best bet is to embark on the 1.6-mile round-trip journey up and down Baker Mountain. More demanding treks can be found on St. Regis Mountain and Scarface Mountain.

The village of Saranac Lake has one of the most renowned art scenes in the area. Art studios, public murals, and art installations dot Main Street. This creative energy reaches its peak in August, when the month-long Plein Air Festival takes place.

We're not the only ones who think that Skaneateles, which sits on the edge of Skaneateles Lake, is underrated. Oprah Winfrey's lifestyle publication, Oprah Daily, named it one of the top little-known towns worth visiting across the country. One of the best things to do in this town is to enjoy the lakeside ambiance, as Skaneateles Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in America. Visitors can swim and stroll around the lake, take a seasonal sightseeing cruise, or snag a dinner reservation at one of the lake's surrounding restaurants with outdoor patios. Another favorite pastime is enjoying a picnic at Clift Park, which is at the lake's edge and offers free live music every Friday in July.

The off-season is just as eventful in Skaneateles, thanks to the Dickens Christmas festival, which takes over the town every weekend from Thanksgiving until Christmas. No matter the season, visitors can always appreciate Skaneateles' shops. Must-visit spots include Rhubarb for gourmet food, Nest 58 for home décor, and Skaneateles Antique Center for vintage treasures. Surrounding the shops are historic homes with colonial charm and fantastic eateries of all kinds.

New York is home to nearly 1,000 towns — as well as more than 60 cities — that deserve attention. Some of them already get it, such as Saratoga Springs, which is home to a famous horse racing track and music venue, and Watkins Glen, where you'll find a stunning state park that boasts incredible scenery and waterfalls. While the towns in this guide are often overlooked, they offer world-class attractions, a laid-back atmosphere, and extraordinary natural beauty. 

We looked at regional tourism boards, renowned local guides like ILoveNY.com, and reputable travel blogs for the state's best hidden gem towns. From our research, we narrowed down the destinations with the widest range of unique activities that appeal to travelers of all types. We also ensured that these activities are highly rated by previous visitors on Tripadvisor. Other key factors were also considered, such as access to nature, hotels and amenities for travelers, historic appeal, community events, and opportunities to unwind and relax.