10 Best Places to Visit in New York State for Couples
What to Do on a Romantic Trip to New York State?
There is truly no shortage of romantic getaways for couples in New York State. From the awe-inspiring wonder of Niagara Falls to serene waterfront retreats at Lake Placid and Lake George, the state is blessed with diverse natural beauty, rich history and culture, and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Wine enthusiasts will love a journey on the picturesque Seneca Lake Wine Trail, while Shelter Island provides a secluded haven for those seeking tranquility. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the idyllic shores of Long Island, here are 10 enchanting New York spots sure to capture your heart.
What are the best places for couples to visit in New York State?
1. Manhattan
Where culinary delights meet artistic heights
Good for: History, Nightlife, Photo
No trip to New York State would be complete without a visit to the Big Apple. Whether you’re diving into the city’s incredible restaurant scene or discovering its world-renowned landmarks, there are endless things to experience in America’s cultural capital.
Take in prized collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art before exploring the many landscapes of iconic Central Park. Catch a dazzling musical performance on Broadway or get your fill of dumplings in Chinatown. Walk the storied streets of Greenwich Village, have yourself a New York slice of pizza, or visit major architectural feats like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Read more
Location: Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Manhattan
2. The Hamptons
Experience this quintessential Long Island retreat
Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury
The Hamptons are a collection of affluent seaside towns on the eastern end of Long Island. A favorite destination of New York City’s elite, a trip to the Hamptons offers a luxurious and relaxing getaway.
Walk on the soft sands of Cooper’s Beach in Southampton or rent bikes to explore the stunning coast. Enjoy wine tastings at a Long Island vineyard or freshly caught shellfish at one of the area’s gourmet farm-to-table restaurants. In East Hampton, you’ll find high-end shopping and a number of day spas and yoga studios where you can unwind and rejuvenate. For something a little different, visit the LongHouse Reserve (acres of landscaped gardens punctuated with art installations).
Location: The Hamptons, New York, NY, USA
The Hamptons
3. Lake Placid
A winter sports wonderland
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Lake Placid is a little mountain town with lots to do. Situated in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, it’s an ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a picturesque, serene environment to unwind in.
Lake Placid is known as a hub for winter sports. See artifacts from Olympians past at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum or head to the Olympic Sports Complex to hop on a bobsled yourself. Take your loved one on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or go ice skating at the Olympic Oval. The area offers challenging hikes with panoramic vistas. A boat tour across the lake provides glorious views of the lush forests and towering mountains.
Location: Lake Placid, New York 12946, USA
Lake Placid
4. Lake George
Visit a lakeside paradise in the Adirondacks
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Called the Queen of American Lakes, Lake George provides a majestic backdrop for outdoor adventures. Water activities are the highlight here, with everything from speedboats and sailboats to kayaks available for rent. If you prefer not to be in the driver’s seat, take a Thursday night fireworks cruise and catch a sparkling show from the comfort of a boat.
Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is also a haven for hiking, horseback riding, and golf. Visit the Fort William Henry Museum for your daily dose of history—it’s a restored British fort from the French and Indian War. Exhibits showcase artifacts that lend insight into the building’s past while providing a riveting glimpse of 18th-century life.
Location: Lake George, New York, USA
Lake George
5. Montauk
Long Island’s idyllic coastal haven
Good for: Couples, History, Luxury
Montauk is home to excellent seafood and some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Situated at the eastern tip of Long Island, and edging miles of Atlantic coastline, visitors can surf the swell at Ditch Plains, splash about in gentle waves at Block Island Sound, or walk barefoot on soft sands at tranquil Gin Beach.
Hit the town’s restaurants to indulge in a buttery lobster roll or a bowl of exceptional clam chowder. You’ll find panoramic views of the ocean from many places in Montauk. Climb the rolling hills and beach bluffs of Shadmoor State Park or admire the water from the higher vantage point of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.
Location: Montauk, New York 11954, USA
Montauk
6. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Savor each sip in New York wine country
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Luxury
The charming Seneca Lake is one of the most renowned wine regions in the United States. The deep waters of the lake and sloping hillsides around it create a unique climate well-suited for grape cultivation. With 31 wineries producing a wide variety of vino, each trip on the wine trail is sure to be a unique experience.
Stroll through the vineyards or tour a cellar to immerse yourself in the local wine culture. Take in scenic views of the lake and vineyards while you sip on award-winning Riesling and Chardonnay in the many tasting rooms. The area has plenty to explore, from local cafes and bakeries along the wine trail to the creeks and grottos of hiking trails in nearby Watkins Glen State Park.
Location: NY-14, NY 14527, USA
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
7. Shelter Island
A secluded island escape
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Accessible only by ferry, secluded Shelter Island is a peaceful refuge between the North and South Forks of Long Island. The island offers small-town charm, secluded beaches, and plenty of natural beauty for an intimate retreat.
One third of the island is protected as the Mashomack Preserve, a highly diverse area of lush forests, wetlands, and 11 miles of dramatic coastline. Wander its trails, rent a kayak, or paddleboard across the bay. Mingle with the locals while you shop at the farmers’ market, tee up at the Shelter Island Country Club, and feast on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
Location: Shelter Island, NY, USA
Shelter Island
8. Great Northern Catskills
New York’s beloved mountain getaway
Good for: Adventure, Food, Photo
For more than 100 years, the Catskills have been a popular getaway for New Yorkers seeking peace and quiet. Follow the Hudson River two hours north of the Big Apple and you’ll find yourself on roads that wend their way over rolling green mountains and across deep wooded valleys.
The area’s vast network of trails provide ample opportunities for hiking, many with stunning views of the mountains in the distance. There are plenty of accommodation options, from campgrounds and cozy cabins to all-inclusive resorts. Eat at one of the Catskills’ many local diners or find a farm-to-table restaurant.
Location: Great Northern Catskills, NY, USA
Great Northern Catskills
9. Niagara Falls
Discover one of America’s national treasures
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Niagara Falls are a spectacle not to be missed. Maid of the Mist, the most popular attraction, has you don a poncho as you take a thrilling journey along the Niagara River to get a close-up view of all three falls. Prospect Point is the prime viewing spot for the American Falls and its nightly illuminations.
Grab your passport and walk across the international border to see the grand Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side, said by some to be the best view of all. Once you’ve had your fill, sit back and relax in a therapeutic salt cave, which is said to promote respiratory health and skin rejuvenation.
Location: Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Phone: +1 716-286-8579
Niagara Falls
10. Saratoga Springs
Unique retreat imbued with elegance
Good for: Couples, History, Luxury
Saratoga Springs offers an excellent blend of relaxation, entertainment, and beautiful natural surroundings. The area is known for its mineral springs and the historic Roosevelt Baths and Spa offers mineral soaks and other therapeutic treatments using healing natural waters.
Walk the charming streets of Downtown with its many Hellenic-style buildings and spend an evening enjoying a concert or performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the renowned Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest and most prestigious horse racing venues in the United States.
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
Saratoga Springs
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