From magnificent mountain peaks to spectacular city skylines, there’s no place like New York State in the summer! If you’re looking to impress with some amazing photos, we’ve got you covered. Your photographic expeditions may lead you to luxurious Gold Coast mansions, fields of bright yellow sunflowers, or to the top of New York’s fifth-highest peak. Don’t miss out! Add these photo spots to your next New York summer adventure. Photo credit: @emygin on Instagram. 

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Cascade Lakes

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Visit two stunning lakes in one trip! Located about 10 minutes from Lake Placid, the Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes offer a dramatic waterside mountain setting, making it the perfect place for a picture without a hike into the backcountry. Keene.

Whiteface Mountain 

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You’re sure to impress your Instagram followers from the top of Whiteface’s 4,867-foot peak. Drive, hike, or soar in a gondola up to the top for spectacular summer views. Wilmington. 

Wild Center and Wild Walk 

Go wild at the Wild Center and Wild Walk in Tupper Lake! Snap a photo from the four-story treehouse, swinging bridges, people-sized spider’s web, or a giant bald eagle’s nest (pictured), where visitors can look over the Adirondacks from a one-of-a-kind point of view. Tupper Lake. 

New York State Capitol (Albany)

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Amazing late 19th-century architectural grandeur awaits at the New York State Capitol. Truly dazzle and pose alongside the Million Dollar Staircase (pictured), Senate Chamber, or War Room, and the iconic exterior always makes a great photo-op. Albany.

Cohoes Falls

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Impress with a picture of New York State’s second largest waterfall (after Niagara Falls)! Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, Cohoes Falls is a true wonder and can be seen from multiple viewpoints at Overlook Park and Falls View Park. Cohoes.

Yaddo Gardens

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Summer romance vibes can be found among the dreamy turn of the century garden at Yaddo. Italian marble statues, rose-covered terra columned pergola, and beautiful roses scattered throughout make for great photo spots. Saratoga Springs.

Tinker Street

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Shop and stroll down Tinker Street, Woodstock’s hopping main street. Packed with local shops and boutiques that make for great photo-ops, you’ll find everything from intricately-designed rugs to page-turning books. Woodstock.  

Phoenicia Diner

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Phones eat first at this foodie-gram favorite! On your way in, snap a picture of the iconic exterior and before you dig in be sure to capture drool-worthy diner delights such as egg skillets, bourbon milkshakes, veggie reubens, and more. Phoenicia. 

Shavertown Trail

Treat your followers to some spectacular Catskill Mountain views along the Shavertown Trail. This out-and-back path is just under two miles long and features a jaw-dropping lookout of the Pepacton Reservoir. Andes.

Wintergreen Park and Falls

Fall for Canajoharie Falls at Wintergreen Park! A short walk will lead you to the beautiful natural water feature, The Boiling Pot, and the main attraction, Canajoharie Falls. Canajoharie.

Fenimore Art Museum

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Become immersed in the scenery that once inspired American novelist James Fenimore Cooper. Situated on the pristine shores of legendary Otsego Lake, the beautiful surroundings of the Fenimore Art Museum are as much a draw as the art within. Cooperstown.

Stone Quarry Hill Art Park

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Pose next to breathtaking statues as you ponder the relationship between art and nature at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. Wander through four miles of trails that wind through 104 acres overlooking the rural landscape of Cazenovia and Madison County. Cazenovia.

Rock City Park

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Explore a geological spectacle of enormous rock formations at Rock City Park! The park’s family-friendly trails will take you through a wonderland of natural rock formations, the largest outcropping of quartz conglomerate in the world. Olean.

Audubon Community Nature Center

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Embrace the outdoors from this dreamy 570-acre preserve in Jamestown. Photo spots are aplenty amidst the five miles of trails, native tree arboretum, educational gardens, and more. Jamestown.

Griffis Sculpture Park

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You’re sure to capture a one-of-a-kind photo from one of the largest sculpture parks in North America! Navigate miles of trails that wind through the park’s 250 large-scale sculptures set among the area’s natural beauty. East Otto.

Ithaca Falls

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For those in search of amazing waterfall views without a difficult hike, Ithaca Falls is the place to go! This 150-foot cascading fall is one of the city’s most iconic and just a short walk from downtown. Ithaca.

Green Lakes State Park

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You don’t have to go far for sparkling blue waters!  Bask in the beauty of two deep glacial lakes, which dazzle in the summer sun, just 15 minutes outside of Syracuse at Green Lakes State Park. To truly make your Insta followers jealous, rent one of the crystal kayaks (pictured) with a clear bottom. Fayetteville. 

Living Roots Wine & Co.

Sip back and relax with a glass of award-winning wine at Living Roots. The aesthetically-pleasing tasting room is full of great photo spots, and a breathtaking view of Keuka Lake can be seen from the outdoor patio. Hammondsport.

Niagara Falls State Park

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Your Instagram isn’t complete without a shot from the world’s most Instagrammed waterfall! Niagara Falls is truly spectacular, so be sure to make the most out of your experience and take a Maid of the Mist Boat ride, travel down the Cave of Winds, or soar above the falls in a Rainbow Helicopter Tour. Niagara Falls. 

Letchworth State Park

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Scenic beauty unlike any other can be found among the 14,350-acre “Grand Canyon of the East.” Home to three jaw-dropping waterfalls, reaching as high as 600 feet, and 66 miles of hiking trails, revel in the loveliness of Letchworth’s lush terrain. Castile.

Sunflowers of Sanborn

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Add a burst of color to your feed and snap a photo among a field of sunflowers in Sanborn. From August through September, you can even pick your own bunch of sunflowers! Sanborn.

Untermyer Gardens

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Wander through 43 acres of garden elegance along the Hudson River at Untermyer Park & Gardens. Beautiful photo spots are aplenty including the Vista, Temple of Love, Temple of the Sky (pictured), and Rock and Stream Garden. Yonkers.

Croton Gorge Park

Did you know that the Croton Dam is the third largest hand-hewn structure in the world after the Great Pyramid of Giza and Great Wall of China? It also makes for an amazing photo op with a beautiful waterfall tumbling down the rocks beside it. Croton-on-Hudson.

Saugerties Lighthouse

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Surrounded by the waves of the Hudson River sits the historic Saugerties Lighthouse. Plan a picnic and a photoshoot with this picturesque 1869 landmark as your backdrop. Saugerties.

Montauk Lighthouse

Make your way out to Long Island’s easternmost point to the state’s oldest lighthouse! Admire the iconic exterior as it sits atop Montauk Point, or climb the steps of this historic lighthouse to the top and unlock an amazing 360-degree view. Montauk.  

Lavender by the Bay

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Breathe in the scent of fresh lavender from one of the largest lavender farms in the United States! The photo opportunities are endless with more than 40 acres of vibrant purple plants split across the two farm locations. Riverhead and East Marion.

Sands Point Preserve

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Step into your Gatsby era and experience the grandeur and elegance of the Gold Coast period at Sands Point Preserve. You’ll find all kinds of luxurious photo spots scattered throughout the 216-acre preserve that inspired the Great Gatsy’s “East Egg,” including the Great Lawn, Hempstead House (pictured), Woodland Playground, and more. Sands Point.

Met Cloisters

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Discover the wonders of medieval Europe alongside unparalleled views of the Hudson River at the Met Cloisters. Capture an elegant shot as you stroll through enchanted gardens and admire artistic and architectural masterpieces of medieval sculpture, stained glass, tapestries, and more. Manhattan.

Governors Island

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A 172-acre car-free island oasis awaits just minutes from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Truly a one-of-a-kind destination, Governors Island is home to acres of wide open green space and an amazing view of the city, plus all kinds of activities such as glamping, biking, picnicking, concerts, and more. Manhattan.  

DUMBO

For a truly iconic capture, head to Brooklyn’s trendy DUMBO, which stands for down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass. Make your way down Washington Street between Front and Water Streets for that perfect shot featuring cobblestone streets, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Empire State Building. Brooklyn.

Boldt Castle

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The most regal photo spot around can be found at this 120-room Rhineland-style castle in Alexandria Bay! Enjoy a scenic boat ride over the five-acre island where you can roam the grounds, tour the castle, and add some royalty vibes to your Instagram feed. Alexandria Bay.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse

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Marking the point where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River is one of the country’s oldest lighthouses. Make your way out to this breathtaking and historic spot for a photo that’s sure to impress, and for a real treat plan to go at sunset. Cape Vincent.

Selkirk Shores State Park

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If you’re looking to add some spectacular sunsets to your Instagram, Selkirk Shores State Park is the place to go. Head to the shores and admire the unparalleled view of Lake Ontario alongside lush meadows and woodlands. Pulaski.