Day trips from Syracuse, NY
From Syracuse, New York
12 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Syracuse, New York, is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of nearby attractions to explore. Whether you're looking for a day of adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, there are numerous day trip opportunities within driving distance. From the stunning natural beauty of state parks to the historic charm of small towns, Syracuse offers a diverse range of experiences for friends to enjoy together.
1. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, offering breathtaking views and thrilling experiences. Take a boat tour to get up close to the falls, or enjoy the observation decks for a panoramic view. The nearby town of Niagara Falls, New York, also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Maid of the Mist boat tour
- ✓Observation decks
- ✓Cave of the Winds
- ✓Niagara Falls State Park
2. Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes Region is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous lakes, waterfalls, and state parks to explore. Visit Watkins Glen State Park for its breathtaking gorges and hiking trails, or enjoy wine tasting at one of the many local vineyards. The region also offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Watkins Glen State Park
- ✓Wine tasting at local vineyards
- ✓Hiking trails
- ✓Scenic drives
3. Old Forge
Old Forge is a charming Adirondack village located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, Old Forge offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Visit the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, a family-friendly amusement park, or explore the nearby Adirondack Wild Forest for stunning natural beauty.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Enchanted Forest Water Safari
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Kayaking and fishing
- ✓Scenic drives
4. Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a historic village known for its rich baseball history and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Explore the museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits from the sport's past, or visit the nearby Otsego Lake for boating and fishing. The village also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓National Baseball Hall of Fame
- ✓Otsego Lake
- ✓Hyde Hall
- ✓Fenimore Art Museum
5. Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a picturesque village located in the Adirondack Mountains, known for its outdoor recreation and Olympic history. Visit the Olympic Museum to learn about the village's role in the Winter Olympics, or enjoy hiking, biking, and water sports on the nearby lakes. The village also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Olympic Museum
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Water sports
- ✓Scenic drives
Available Tours:
6. Corning
Corning is a charming town known for its glassmaking history and the Corning Museum of Glass. Explore the museum's exhibits and demonstrations, or visit the nearby wine country for wine tasting. The town also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Corning Museum of Glass
- ✓Wine tasting
- ✓Glassmaking demonstrations
- ✓Scenic drives
7. Ithaca
Ithaca is a vibrant college town known for its natural beauty, with numerous waterfalls, gorges, and state parks to explore. Visit Buttermilk Falls State Park for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, or enjoy the local food scene, which includes a variety of dining options from casual eateries to fine dining.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Buttermilk Falls State Park
- ✓Cornell Botanic Gardens
- ✓Ithaca Commons
- ✓Scenic drives
8. Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a historic town known for its mineral springs and horse racing. Visit the Saratoga Race Course to watch a race, or explore the town's historic district, which includes a variety of dining and shopping options. The town also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Saratoga Race Course
- ✓Historic district
- ✓Saratoga Performing Arts Center
- ✓Mineral springs
Available Tours:
9. Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is a charming village located in the Finger Lakes Region, known for its stunning natural beauty and wine country. Visit Watkins Glen State Park for its breathtaking gorges and hiking trails, or enjoy wine tasting at one of the many local vineyards. The village also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Watkins Glen State Park
- ✓Wine tasting
- ✓Hiking trails
- ✓Scenic drives
Available Tours:
10. Auburn
Auburn is a historic city known for its rich history and cultural attractions. Visit the Seward House Museum, the home of William H. Seward, or explore the Cayuga Museum of History and Art. The city also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Seward House Museum
- ✓Cayuga Museum of History and Art
- ✓Historic district
- ✓Scenic drives
11. Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a charming village located on the shores of Skaneateles Lake, known for its natural beauty and historic architecture. Visit the Skaneateles Historical Society Museum, or enjoy a scenic drive around the lake. The village also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Skaneateles Historical Society Museum
- ✓Skaneateles Lake
- ✓Historic architecture
- ✓Scenic drives
12. Cazenovia
Cazenovia is a picturesque village located in the Finger Lakes Region, known for its natural beauty and historic architecture. Visit the Lorenzo State Historic Site, or enjoy a scenic drive around the lake. The village also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Lorenzo State Historic Site
- ✓Cazenovia Lake
- ✓Historic architecture
- ✓Scenic drives
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