Top Activities in New York's Educational Hubs
College Town Adventures Across New York State
New York's academic cities offer an intoxicating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that attracts a fantastic range of visitors. Dive into these amazing college towns and experience the best they have to offer!
Ithaca (Finger Lakes)
Ithaca's charisma is captivating—whether you're part of the Cornell University family or a supporter of Ithaca College, everyone can agree Ithaca's dazzling beauty reigns supreme. This pedestrian-friendly town earned Livability.com's Best College Town in 2019 accolade. Stroll downtown for a day of shopping or hit the town nightlife with plenty of dining and casual eateries options. Are you a nature enthusiast? With over 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius, you’re in for a treat! Don’t miss the iconic Ithaca Falls on Fall Creek, Taughannock Falls State Park (pictured), Buttermilk Falls, or Cascadilla Creek Gorge. To fully experience the area's natural surroundings, hop aboard Ithaca Boat Tours!
Discover the local flavor by sampling seasonal produce at the lakeside Ithaca Farmers Market. Sip, swirl and savor inside the beer and wine scene at Ithaca Beer Company (pictured) and Six Mile Creek Vineyards. Need a sweet fix? Purity Ice Cream (an Ithaca mainstay since 1936) has you covered with delicious cones and shakes.
Oneonta (Central New York)
Small-town charm meets college town cool thanks to Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. Submerge yourself in the area with a visit to the Greater Oneonta Historical Society or peruse historic facades along the red brick sidewalks of Main Street. A favorite among locals and students is Tino's Pizza & Restaurant (pictured), known for its famous cold cheese slice.
If you adore birds, flock to the 100-acre Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary. The 2,000-acre Robert V. Riddell State Park offers expansive fields and forested woodlands to explore. Just a 30-minute drive away, you'll find baseball heaven in Cooperstown, home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, living history at the Fenimore Farm and Country Village, and quirky folk art at the Fenimore Museum (pictured). Raise your spirits at the Cooperstown Distillery or immerse yourself in the Cooperstown Beverage Trail featuring Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown Brewing Co., Pail Shop Vineyards, and more. Freshen up your pantry with local goodies from the Cooperstown Farmers' Market.
Binghamton (Central New York)
From nature lovers to history buffs and foodies, Binghamton attracts visitors galore. Wander on the wild side at Animal Adventure Park (pictured), get your green thumb on at Cutler Botanic Garden, or explore the latest exhibits in art, history, and science at the Roberson Museum and Science Center. Feeling hungry? Stop by the legendary Spiedie & Rib Pit (pictured) for mouthwatering spiedies (marinated meats served on a warm roll) or delightful specialties. Take a nostalgic ride with Binghamton’s six antique merry-go-rounds, and dance the night away at the last weekend of August’s Porchfest, a celebration of community that brings the streets to life with music.
Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park (Hudson Valley)
The Hudson Valley entices visitors with historic homes, breathtaking landscapes, and farm-fresh food. Admire the historical and architectural marvel that is the New York State Capitol (pictured), or immerse yourself in cultural and natural history dating back to the Ice Age at the New York State Museum. On school grounds, absorb the history and tradition of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, marvel at Erie Canal Museum, or let your taste buds tour the Salt Museum. Take in stunning views and sunsets at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park—the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. For more inspiring art from the 1960s-present, visit DIA Beacon and wonder at the oversized, sculptures at 500-acre Storm King Art Center.
Albany and Troy (Capital-Saratoga)
Immerse yourself in the Empire State’s history in Albany. Touring the New York State Capitol (pictured) takes you through legislative chambers and the Hall of Governors, while the New York State Museum explores cultural and natural history dating back to the Ice Age. Spy stunning views of the capital city from the Observation Deck at Corning Tower or experience the sights with sunshine and a breeze with Dutch Apple Cruises. Shops, galleries, cafes, and bars occupy 19th-century brownstones along Lark Street—known as the Greenwich Village of Albany––and the 84-acre Washington Park, one of the country’s oldest parks, features historic memorials, sculptures, trails, and garden paths.
Troy offers unique experiences just seven miles away, with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Sage Colleges, and Hudson Valley Community College connecting the vibrant community. Catch an outdoor summer concert at the grand Troy Savings Bank Music Hall (pictured), trace the final resting place of Uncle Sam at Oakwood Cemetery, feast on the freshest and finest offerings at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, and cheer on the Tri-City ValleyCats minor league baseball team. Satisfy your desire for board games and brisket at the cozy Bard & Baker, or kick back and relax with some live music at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen.
Syracuse (Finger Lakes)
Discover local dining, shopping, and entertainment spots in Armory Square at some of Syracuse’s most popular spots such as Funk n' Waffles, Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge, and the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). Embark on a sailing adventure with Syracuse Pedal Tours, exploring Syracuse’s impressive architecture. Taste authentic Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar or Duff’s Wings; these delectable offerings are sure to make your taste buds tingle with joy. Experience Syracuse’s history with a tour of the Erie Canal Museum or the M.O.S.T. museum. Can’t get enough of Syracuse? Explore the decluttered wonders of the Everson Museum of Art, the first museum in America dedicated to the collection of American art, or indulge in retail therapy at the six-story shopping and entertainment venue Destiny USA.
Buffalo (Greater Niagara)
Get handy navigating New York's second-largest city with a tour by land, water, or wheels with Explore Buffalo, Buffalo Harbor Cruises, or Buffalo Bike Tours. Set sail on Spirit of Buffalo (pictured) and enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie. Prefer to stay on land? Traverse Canalside’s bustling waterfront with diverse restaurants, frequent concerts, and seasonal events. Soak up the sights from Canalside's 28th-floor observation deck at the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck. Afterward, indulge in an elegant steak dinner—fit for a king—at Buffalo Chophouse.
Adrenaline junkies will hit their stride at the adventurous RiverWorks (pictured) entertainment complex, offering thrilling activities such as zip lining, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. Craving are you wings? Sampling the mouthwatering creations from Buffalo wing spots along the Buffalo Wing Trail is an absolute must. Take a seat at the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a Syracuse staple since 1988, or marvel at the grandeur of the Buffalo Zoo, the third oldest zoo in the U.S.
New Paltz (Hudson Valley)
Take a step back in time at the picturesque, 300-year-old Historic Huguenot Street, an enchanting National Historic Landmark filled with beautifully maintained historic homes, buildings, and artifacts. Embark on a fun-filled, fascinating hike along the 23-mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, flowing with stunning streams, hillsides, and forests. Taste sun-ripened fruits while exploring Dressel Farms, or immerse yourself in premium artisan wines at Robibero Family Vineyards. On Saturdays May-November, meander through the Hudson Valley Open Air Market and enjoy live music, delicious food, and dozens of local vendors.
Stony Brook (Long Island)
Whether kayaking, paddleboarding, or hiking, the picturesque hamlet of Stony Brook will provide you with adventure galore! Stony Brook Village Center will instantly transport you to a New England-style village with its array of charming shops, restaurants, a museum and performance space dedicated to jazz, plus more! A short drive west will bring you to the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, and even closer to Teddy Roosevelt’s home at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. Delight in local wine-tasting experiences at Harmony Vineyards while enjoying breathtaking harborside views. For waterfront dining, Drift 82 offers a fresh and tasty surf-and-turf menu with stunning views of Patchogue Bay.
West Point (Hudson Valley)
Step back in time with a 2-hour tour of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, exploring the history and tradition of America's oldest military school. Don't forget to check out the stunning views from Trophy Point, site of the Battle Monument—one of the largest columns of granite in the world. Conquer Shawangunk Ridge with friends and family or enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole West Point Golf Course. History buffs will love the nearby Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium and the immaculate display of decorative arts at the Boscobel House and Gardens (closed for renovations).
- In Ithaca, you can visit Taughannock Falls State Park and the iconic Ithaca Falls, part of more than 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius.
- Binghamton is home to Animal Adventure Park and the Roberson Museum and Science Center, where you can explore exhibits in art, history, and science.
- In Oneonta, don't miss Tino's Pizza & Restaurant, known for its famous cold cheese slice, or the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary if you're a bird enthusiast.
- For history lovers, Albany offers tours of the New York State Capitol, the New York State Museum, and the Erie Canal Museum.
- If you're in Poughkeepsie, you can take in stunning views and sunsets at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
- Syracuse has popular spots like Funk n' Waffles and the Museum of Science & Technology, and is famous for its Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar or Duff's Wings.
- Buffalo offers exciting activities at RiverWorks entertainment complex, such as zip lining and rock climbing, and the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for delicious BBQ.
- New Paltz is home to the 300-year-old Historic Huguenot Street and the 23-mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, perfect for hiking or biking.
