New York is home to the most populated city in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Aside from the Big Apple, New York State has several attractions for both locals and tourists to explore. From the South Shore to the Adirondacks, New York has it all, and there’s no better time than summer to explore what the state has to offer.
5: Montauk
The Hamlet of Montauk, located in East Hampton on the South Shore of Long Island, is a major tourist attraction in the summer. With hotels right on the beach, six state parks, and several restaurants, shops, and bars, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, whether you’re on a relaxing vacation with family or looking to party it up with your friends. During your stay, be sure to check out the Montauk Point Lighthouse located at Montauk Point State Park, which was the first lighthouse to be built in New York State. Vistors can get to Montauk by car on Montauk Highway, or by taking the Long Island Railroad.
4: Lake George, New York
Located along the Adirondack Mountains, in Northeastern New York, Lake George is another huge tourist destination in the summer. The village has several lake-front hotels, including Surfside and the Georgian Resort. If you’re looking for something more private, Twin Birches is just a short drive from the strip, offering cottages with kitchens and living rooms, a pool, and a large field to let the kids run around on. Conveniently, the lake is right across the street from Twin Birches. During your stay, get a bite to eat at several restaurants including the Mouse Tooth Grill, grab a souvenir at Riley’s or DILIGAF, and take a ride around the Lake on the Minne-Ha-Ha, a steamboat overlooking the town.
3: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens
Rockaway Beach is a neighborhood on the Rockaway Peninsula in the New York City borough of Queens. It is named after Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, which is the largest urban beach in the United States, stretching from Beach 3rd to Beach 153rd Streets on the Atlantic Ocean. The neighborhood is also known as the “Irish Riviera” because of its large Irish American population. On a hot Summer day, Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk is the perfect place to spend your time with family and friends. Work on your tan, ride the waves in the ocean, or grab a bite and a drink at one of the bars or restaurants, conveniently located just a walking distance from the beach.
2: Cedar Beach, Long Island
Cedar Beach is a public recreational beach in the Town of Babylon, in Suffolk County, New York. It is located on Jones Beach Island, a barrier island off of Long Island, between the populated places of Gilgo and Oak Beach. Aside from the beach, there is a playground, a trail, and several bars and restaurants, including the Salt Shack, which serves tons of summer drinks such as Rocket Fuel.
1: Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is the large center island of the outer barrier islands parallel to the South Shore of Long Island. Just a short ride from the Island, visitors can take a ferry to different towns in Fire Island, all with a beach, bars, and restaurants. Spend the day tanning and riding the waves, then grab a delicious dinner at several restaurants including Albatross, Hideaway, and Castaway Bar and Grill, then finish the night with drinks at The Sandbar, Island Mermaid, or C.J’s, all in Ocean Beach.
