If you’re wondering how to plan the seemingly endless things to do in New York State in the summer, look no further. We’ve planned your weekends for you, allowing you to sample the best of everything New York State has to offer, from surfing, hiking, and camping to festivals, fireworks, and live outdoor theater. Make your summer an unforgettable one in New York. 

Updated 05/29/2026 | Originally published 05/31/2022

Learn to Surf at Rockaway Beach (June 20-21): New York City

CREDIT: @NYSURFSCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM

Spend the weekend chasing the perfect wave at Rockaway Beach with New York Surf School. They’ve been teaching novices how to hang ten since 2005 and they offer instruction for both kids and adults. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available. Students will learn about surfing basics, paddling techniques, and ocean safety from CPR and first-aid certified instructors. If you want to extend your stay beyond the weekend, Surf School Summer Camp is offered on weekdays.

After class, take a walk on the 5.5-mile Rockaway Boardwalk. You’ll have worked up an appetite on the waves so stop in at Happy Jacks Burger Bar. They serve up everything from chicken wings and famous Jacks burgers to chopped salads and egg rolls and more. Tacoway Beach, known for fried fish tacos, tofu tacos, and cucumber and mango salads, is another favorite haunt for fueling up, as is Bungalow Bar, with menu items from mussels to lobster rolls to burgers and French dips.

Need to ease those sore surfing muscles? Book a room and a massage at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa. Want to catch a game while you’re in the city? The Yankees play at home on June 20 and June 21!

Listen to Live Music by the Light of a Bonfire (June 27-28): Chautauqua-Allegheny

COURTESY OF PEEK ‘N PEAK RESORT & SPA

Kick off your weekend at Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa with Bonfires & Brews, an evening of live music, food, and beer, along with lawn games and a s’mores station, making it an event the whole family (dogs included!) is welcome to attend. The free event series kicks off on June 27 from 6-10 PM at Gazebo Grill, with tunes from Theory of Evolution.

Spend the rest of your weekend at Peek’n Peak having summer adventures. Zip 2,000 feet over the treetops on a two-part zipline, navigate a series of treetop obstacles on the Aerial Adventure Course, ride the Soaring Eagle, a 1,400-foot seated zipline, play a few rounds of golf (regular or miniature), and relax at the indoor/outdoor pool complex (fees apply to activities).

For a dose of zen, book a massage, facial, or body treatment at the Spa at the Peak. Dining options at Peek’n Peak will meet your mealtime needs but if you prefer to dine off-site, there are plenty of choices. Go to French Creek Tavern for pizza and wings or Dutch Village Restaurant & Gift Shop for fluffy pancakes, hearty salads, and extensive sandwich options to choose from.

Celebrate Independence Day at Niagara Falls (July 4-5): Greater Niagara

What better way to observe summer’s biggest holiday than from Niagara Falls? Plan a long weekend and come in for the Fourth, where a special nine-minute firework show lights up the sky over the Falls, or if you can only come for Saturday and Sunday, stop by the 4th of July Weekend Street Festival on Old Falls Street from July 3-5 (free). The streets will be filled with food trucks, live music, vendors, and more.

Plus, this year is extra special for America’s 250th birthday! Stop by Old Fort Niagara throughout the weekend, where hundreds of reenactors will be gathering for the French and Indian War Encampment reenactment. You may even want to plan a trip back on August 1-2 for the county’s official America 250 celebration with even more living history programs, live music, and more. 

Check into your cozy homebase, the Red Coach Inn, just 500 yards from the edge of Niagara Falls. Set out and explore the world famous attraction up close on a Cave of Winds Tour, or hit the waters on a Maid of the Mist boat ride for a one-of-a-kind view. Cool off with a glass of ice wine from Arrowhead Spring Vineyards in Lockport.

If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, you’re in luck! The Red Coach Inn’s AAA Three Diamond Restaurant is a must-try. Dine falls-side at the Top of the Falls Restaurant for a one of a kind view. When it’s time for dessert, be sure to head to Lake Effect Ice Cream for an end of day summer treat.

Visit a Historic Waterfront Village in the North Fork (July 11-12): Long Island

Get to know Greenport, an adorable waterfront village packed with activities. After browsing antique stores, shops, and galleries, take a walk at Orient Beach State Park, then catch the French lavender in bloom at Lavender by the Bay.

To sample local craft beverages, order a pint at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, located inside a renovated firehouse, or taste award-winning wines at the waterfront Kontokosta Winery. When you’re ready to eat, Greenport has restaurants to suit every taste. Brix & Rye serves classic cocktails and pizza in a casual, speakeasy-type setting. Claudio’s Waterfront has your summertime seafood fix, and Noah’s offers fantastic higher end farm-to-table fare.

Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in the North Fork tend to fill up quickly so book accommodations now at Sound View Greenport, Harbor Knoll Bed and Breakfast (3-night minimum), or The Shoals Suites and Slips.

Explore the Ruins of a Castle on the Hudson River (July 18-19): Hudson Valley

CREDIT: @IAMSOPHIESTARK ON INSTAGRAM

The best way to explore Bannerman Castle, an early 20th century Scottish-style castle that’s now in ruins, is with a scenic cruise and walking tour of Bannerman Island. Your cruise and walking tour includes a 30-minute boat ride on the Hudson River followed by a docent-led tour describing the history of this intriguing island in the Hudson River. On July 19, you can hop on board the Estuary Steward, ride over to Bannerman Island and enjoy a self-guided tour and live music performance by The Costellos.

When you’re not poking around castle ruins, check out the charming town of Beacon. Stay at Beacon Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located near Main Street so you can easily get to popular downtown cafes and restaurants like Ziatun, Brothers Trattoria, and Meyer’s Olde Dutch. Be sure to leave time to see the large-scale sculptures at Dia Beacon, a must-see museum if you’re visiting Beacon.

Play in the Park in Saratoga Springs (July 25-26): Capital-Saratoga

Within the boundaries of Saratoga Spa State Park, you’ll find all the summertime fun you can pack into a weekend. Start by checking in at The Gideon Putnam, a historic hotel with on-site restaurants and a spa where you can book a massage or a mineral bath soak.

Grab a map at reception and strike out on the easy hiking trails; for a unique hiking experience, follow the trail that leads to a natural mineral spring spurting up out of the ground like a geyser. After hiking, cool down at the Victoria Pool or the Peerless Pool Complex, two fabulous swimming pool facilities at Saratoga Spa State Park. The Peerless Pool Bathhouse Complex includes a football-sized swimming pool, a smaller kids pool, and a 19-foot winding double water slide. There’s also a 27-hole golf course in the park.

At dinnertime, dine at Putnam’s Restaurant, which serves upscale dishes that change with the seasons. Or dine al fresco on the pet-friendly outdoor patio. Music lovers are in luck with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center nearby with performances from Tim McGraw on Saturday and the Calidore String Quartet (3pm) and Guns N’ Roses (6:25pm) on SundayAnd a visit to Saratoga in the summer is not complete without a trip to the Saratoga Race Course, so giddy-up over to the track on Saturday or Sunday where general admission is only $7 when purchased a day in advance.

Visit a Vintage Amusement Park in a Summer Resort Town (August 1-2): Central New York

Spend a weekend in Sylvan Beach, a resort community on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake. The village comes alive in the summer, when jet skis and boats zip across the lake, sun-lovers catch rays on the sand, and the sound of live music flows from beachfront restaurants and bars. In other words, summer is celebrated whole-heartedly at Sylvan Beach.

When you need a break from the sun, head to the midway at Sylvan Beach Amusement Park for a spin on nostalgic rides like the Scrambler and Tilt-A-Whirl. Then sharpen your arcade game skills at Playland, and get your fill of carnival treats like cotton candy and popcorn. 

Summer rentals are plentiful at places like The Cove, which offers two and three-bedroom cottages and is located in the heart of the village. You’ll also find the quintessential dining options that every good beach town should have.

Eat a hearty breakfast at Pancake House, feast on a seafood platter for lunch at Eddie’s Restaurant, have dinner with a view at the Canal View Cafe. Top it all off with ice cream from What’s the Scoop. If you’re feeling lucky, head to the Lake House at Sylvan Beach, a casino with more than 100 slot machines, a lakefront dining room, and live entertainment from local musicians.

Camp in the Catskills (August 8-9): Catskill

In addition to more than 200 tent and trailer sites, North-South Lake State Campground offers all sorts of amenities and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Numerous hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty lead to some of the most beautiful views in the Catskills. Be sure to get a look at the site of the Catskill Mountain House, a long-gone resort that was built in 1824. It’s a short easy walk with the reward of a truly breathtaking panoramic view. Longer hikes lead to scenic vistas like Artist’s Rock or Sunset Rock.

Whether you choose easy, moderate, or difficult trails, you’ve earned some relaxation time at North-South Lake’s beach. Swimming is allowed and canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and paddle boats are available to rent. And while you may be immersed in nature, you’re only about five miles away from the cafes, boutiques, and restaurants in the colorful village of Tannersville. If you’re looking for a break from campsite cooking, try a cheese plate, steak, or sandwich from Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe or sit down to fine farm-to-table fare at Tabla.

Round out a nature-filled day with a relaxing and scenic Golden Hour Tour with Rail Explorers. Pedal along the Ulster & Delaware Railroad under a canopy of trees alongside the Esopus Creek as the sun sets in the Catskill Mountains.

Discover a treasure trove of fun in Alexandria Bay (August 15-16): Thousand Islands-Seaway

Ahoy! Become a pirate for the weekend in Alexandria Bay at Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days. Set sail on fun with treasure hunts, live music, pirate games, arts and crafts, special appearances from friendly pirates and mermaids, and more all weekend long. 

While you’re in Alexandria Bay, hit the waters with Uncle Sam Boat Tours for a scenic boat ride out to the 120-room Rhineland-style Boldt Castle. Refresh after a day of adventure at Riveredge Resort or Otter Creek Inn in Alexandria Bay.

Head to Blu Anchor Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with waterfront views, and top off any meal with dessert at Gal’s Place or Lil’ River Fudge Co. End your day at the Bay Drive-In Theater, where you can catch a movie under the stars.

Score a Home Run on Summer Fun in Cooperstown (August 22-23): Central New York

With history, baseball, outdoor adventure, and more, Cooperstown truly has it all and more! Start off with a visit to Glimmerglass State Park (pictured), where you’ll be greeted with dazzling views of Otsego Lake. Explore one of the picturesque hiking trails, stroll along the sandy beach, or get out on the water for yourself with a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rental. 

Travel back in time to the 19th century at Fenimore Farm & Country Village, one of the country’s oldest living history museums. The recreated 1845 village comes to life with horse-drawn wagon rides, farm animals, demonstrations, and seasonal events like Fiber Arts Weekend taking place August 22-23 and special America 250 Voices of History weekends throughout August. Knock summer fun out of the park with a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, featuring interactive exhibits, special events, and the famed Plaque Gallery.

When you’re ready to unwind, make a stop at Brewery Ommegang with refreshing Belgian-style ales and live music every Friday throughout summer. Settle in for a night at iconic Cooperstown stays like the Otesaga Resort Hotel or Landmark Inn.

Spend a day at the New York State Fair viewing exhibits that feature the very best the Empire State has to offer. If you’re there for the live music, Suburban Park features Flo Rida on Sunday at 8pm. On the Chevy Court stage you can jam out to Maddox Baston on Saturday at 6pm and Air Supply on August 30 at 6pm.

Book a stay at an area hotel like Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area, Hilton Garden Inn Syracuse, Homewood Suites by Hilton Syracuse/Liverpool, or Staybridge Suites Syracuse (Liverpool). 

After the fair, get to know Syracuse on a deeper level by visiting attractions that shaped the city and in some cases, all of New York State. Did you eat your fill of salt potatoes at the fair? Find out why at the Salt Museum, where you’ll learn that Syracuse was once the center of the salt industry. At the Erie Canal Museum, gain a deeper understanding of the canal and the impact it had on the economy and growth of New York State.

A visit to Syracuse isn’t complete unless you spend some time in the Armory Square Historic District, and then sample succulent barbecued meats at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The Syracuse location was the first of what’s now a popular chain of restaurants.

Close Out Summer at a Three-Day Music Festival (September 5-6): Adirondacks

CREDIT: @TACOMANATE ON INSTAGRAM

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the Adirondack Independence Music Festival, made up of three days of music and partying at The Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George. Plan to jam all weekend long to the music of premier touring bands in a family-friendly atmosphere.

When you’re not rocking out, take advantage of summer’s last hurrah by taking a dip in the lake at Million Dollar Beach or Shepard Park Beach, and dining at The Lagoon and other waterfront restaurants. See even more of the 32-mile long lake with The Lake George Steamboat Company. Their triumphant trio of historic cruise ships offers about a dozen tours daily.

As a summer resort town, Lake George has no end of lodging options from resorts, to motels, to camp sites. Accommodations convenient to the Adirondack Independence Music Festival include Holiday Inn Lake George, Fort William Henry Hotel, and Lake George Battleground State Campground.

Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!