Start spreadin’ the news … New York is an exciting place to visit! Of course, there are the museums, shows, and attractions of New York City. But other areas of the state have great parks, lakes, wineries, historic sites, and much more. In fact, you may want to make a New York bucket list to ensure you see everything you want.
By making a New York bucket list, you give yourself a way to organize your thoughts and ideas, keeping only the best ones and ensuring you remember which things you want to do most while you’re in the state.
Hopefully, this New York bucket list inspires you and gives you some great ideas.
African Burial Ground National Monument
The African Burial Ground National Monument is the oldest and largest excavated burial ground for free and enslaved Africans in North America. It plays an important role in educating people on the history of slavery in New York and the United States.
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
You can learn a lot about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt during a visit to the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. See where the Roosevelts entertained company and walk through the nation’s first Presidential Library. Learn all about this presidential couple and how they lived their day-to-day lives.
Ellis Island at Statue of Liberty National Monument
Ellis Island at the Statue of Liberty National Monument was once the gateway to a new life for thousands of immigrants. Today, the island has been made into a monument that reminds us all of the incredible price that so many paid for the freedom to live the lives they wanted.
Federal Hall National Memorial
Visit Federal Hall National Memorial where George Washington was sworn in as President of the United States. This same site was also home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. Later, the current structure that stands on this site was used as a Customs House. You’ll learn a lot about the nation’s history by visiting this spot.
Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore features plenty of sandy beaches and dunes to explore, as well as historic landmarks and glimpses of local wildlife. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax here in nature.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Alexander Hamilton was an interesting character who certainly did his part to help shape a young United States. Learn more about this man and his life by visiting and touring his country estate, which is now Hamilton Grange National Memorial.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was a determined, strong woman who spent her entire life fighting for human rights. She emancipated herself as well as several members of her family, after which she moved to New York and fought for women’s rights. Learn more about her amazing life at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
The home of Franklin D. Roosevelt provides a peek into what life might have been like for the 32nd President of the United States. We highly recommend visiting before or after touring the Eleanor Roosevelt house to learn more about the President and First Lady.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site
As thousands upon thousands of people flocked to the United States, they sought a better life. While many of them did find a life of freedom, they also found one of poverty. Many of these poor immigrants were forced to live in cramped tenements. Learn what life was like for them at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site was the home of Theodore Roosevelt. It has 83 acres and several historic buildings, and shares a look at the life of one of the United States’ most well-known presidents.
Saratoga National Historical Park
On this site in 1777, American troops battled the British and won. This was the first time in world history that the British army surrendered, and it was a crucial victory for the American troops. Visit the Saratoga National Historical Park to learn how this battle changed the course of history.
Statue of Liberty National Monument
The Statue of Liberty is a must-see for anyone visiting NYC. The statue is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, and is a powerful reminder of who we are and where we started.
Stonewall National Monument
Before the 1960s, living as an openly gay person was not only frowned upon, but illegal in many places. The Stonewall Uprising of 1969 helped provide momentum for the movement away from these discriminatory laws and is a huge milestone for the LGBTQ community. The Stonewall National Monument commemorates this important moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park
Another great place to learn about the history of human rights is the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. This park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848 and the fight for women’s rights.
National Trails
There are also several national trails that criss-cross the state of New York. These include:
- Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Check Out the Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are a beautiful range of forest-covered mountains that stretches for miles. They are particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Ausable Chasm for an extra dose of nature’s beauty.
Cruise the Thousand Islands
Along the St. Lawrence River, there is a 50-mile stretch of tiny islands. There are thousands of these islands in all, and cruises along the river give sightseers an opportunity to check them out and take in the unique beauty of the area.
Tour the George Eastman Museum
An enormous mansion once owned by the inventor of the Kodak camera, the George Eastman Museum gives visitors a glimpse of Eastman’s life 100 years ago. Additionally, the museum features exhibits of photography and film that are engaging and a great way to learn about this art form.
Hike Watkins Glen State Park
New York’s Finger Lakes area is a beautiful area with lakes and wineries. Watkins Glen State Park is a natural area featuring 18 waterfalls, awesome rock formations, and a 165-foot-high bridge to cross.
Admire Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most visited natural wonders in the country. The falls are enormous and stunning to see. A boat tour is a unique way to see the falls up close, but you can also view them from the American and Canadian sides of the Niagara River as well.
Get Outside at Lake Placid
A visit to Lake Placid is a relaxing way to spend a day (or several) unwinding in the great outdoors. Go boating or fishing on the lake, learn some Olympics history, and explore the cute shops and restaurants the town has to offer.
Snap a Photo of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a New York landmark you’ll definitely want to see. Be sure to take a camera and snap a photo at the top. Ride the elevator up to the observation deck and take in some of the very best views of the city.
Stroll Central Park
Central Park is a nature-filled oasis in the middle of the biggest city in the United States. Go for a walk, let the kids play on the many playgrounds, and enjoy a picnic in the green space.
Catch a Show in NYC
If there is one thing New York City does well, it’s put on a show. The Big Apple has some of the greatest venues in the world to enjoy the arts, including Lincoln Center and the theaters on Broadway.
Learn at the Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is perfect for film and TV buffs, but will likely entertain and educate everyone. Check out props from popular films, try your hand at video editing, and more.
Have a Blast on Coney Island
Coney Island has been a summertime escape for decades. Come see what the fuss is all about by visiting this historic vacation town yourself. Ride the Wonder Wheel, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, and attend the annual Mermaid Parade.
Take In the Art at the Corning Museum of Glass
Run by the Corning Glass Works company, the Corning Museum of Glass is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art, history, and science of glass. Wander the awesome exhibits, make your own glass, and learn about the science and history behind glassmaking.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
September 11th, 2001 was a tragic day that changed the course of history forever. Visit this touching museum to learn about the events of that day and pay your respects to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.
Wander the Storm King Art Center
This open-air art museum features one of the largest collections of outdoor sculptures in the United States. The contemporary pieces here are lovely and thought-provoking, and an afternoon stroll in this park is very refreshing.
Enjoy the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Since 1939, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown has worked to preserve the history of America’s favorite pastime. The museum features exhibits on the most important players in baseball history and presents information using audio, video, and interactive displays.
Step Back in Time on Historic Huguenot Street
In 1677 a group of Huguenot families settled on what is now called Huguenot Street. Today, the street is considered the oldest continuously inhabited street in the country and features a visitor center, historic buildings, and many opportunities to learn about the history of the area.
Step Back in Time at the Farmers’ Museum
The Farmers’ Museum presents another great way to step back in time. This living history museum focuses on teaching visitors about history by demonstrating farming practices and the activities of day-to-day life in the early 19th century.
Be Awed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the country. While you’re there, make sure to check out the famous Met Cloisters.
With so many amazing things to see and do in New York, we don’t think you’ll get bored anytime soon. You’ll probably get tired by the end of each day though. For this reason, we highly recommend renting an RV while you’re there. This will ensure you can rest in comfort no matter where in the state you wander.
Check out our New York RV rental options.
