New York is chock-full of must-see landmarks both natural and historical. From The Empire State Building to Niagara Falls, there is no shortage of amazing New York landmarks to check out. Here are the ones you absolutely must have on your itinerary.
Top Landmarks in New York
- The Empire State Building
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Stonewall Inn
- The Brooklyn Bridge
- Montauk Point Light
- Playland Amusement Park
- The Erie Canal
- Susan B. Anthony House
- The Grand Canyon of the East
- Niagara Falls
New York Landmarks
The Empire State Building
Arguably one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Empire State Building stands as a towering, iconic symbol of New York City.
Constructed in 1930 and ’31, the structure boasts a grand total height of 1,454 feet including its antenna, or 1,250 feet if you’re measuring from the roof. It’s known for its unique Art Deco architecture style and offers observatories with sweeping views on both its 86th and 102nd floors, as well as a newer indoor observatory on the 80th floor opened in 2019.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
It goes without saying that New York City has literally endless options for shopping, dining, and tourism in general. The Empire State Building’s midtown location puts it within easy walking distance of attractions like Bryant Park and the giant Herald’s Square Macy’s.
As far as lodging goes, we recommend Liberty Harbor RV Park, which is a quick and easy boat ride from the city.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Every American who was alive and old enough to be making memories at the time remembers where they were on September 11, 2001. Although the skyscrapers that once stood proud on this spot have tragically fallen, today, you can visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay your respects and learn more about these unforgettable attacks.
Along with a permanent collection of artifacts and rotating topical exhibitions, the museum also hosts educational programming for the general public, students and teachers, families and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located at the site of the World Trade Center towers in the southern part of Manhattan toward the battery, this memorial is close to other sober-but-important attractions, like the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Irish Hunger Memorial.
Skyline RV Camp is another NYC RV camping option that allows you to stay near the action and is perfect for smaller motorhomes.
Stonewall Inn
Whether or not you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, you’ve doubtless heard the name of the Stonewall Inn, the site of a 1969 police raid that led to a series of demonstrations that led to the ongoing evolution of gay rights.
Located in the West Village, this important cultural site was named a National Historic Landmark in the year 2000, and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places the year prior. More recently, the site has been upgraded to national monument status, making it the first American national monument dedicated to the LGBTQ rights movement.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Straddling Greenwich Village and the West Village, Stonewall’s location puts visitors within easy walking distance of plenty of other landmarks and sights to see. One option is to check out the apartment building that served as the exterior for the show “Friends.”
The two RV parks listed above are the only RV camping options near the city. That said, if you don’t mind a commute, you could look into Cheesequake State Park Campground.
The Brooklyn Bridge
As full of life and must-see tourism spots as Manhattan is, Brooklyn is also well worth seeing. One of the best ways to venture over into the more local borough? Walking or driving across the Brooklyn Bridge, which is not just a method of conveyance but an important landmark and destination in its own right.
First constructed between 1869 and 1883 with a central span of 1,595 feet, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and it’s still an impressive sight today.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Walking across the bridge itself is a great way to get started, but once you arrive in Brooklyn, there’s even more fun to be had. Check out Prospect Park or Brooklyn Museum or explore Coney Island.
By now, we’ve mentioned the RV parks and campgrounds located closest to Brooklyn. Choose one of the campgrounds listed above and you’ll be good to go.
Montauk Point Light
Montauk Point Light should definitely be on your list of must-see landmarks. Located adjacent to Montauk Point State Park at the easternmost point of Long Island, this lighthouse stands 111 feet tall and was first built back in 1796, making it the first such structure to be built in New York state and the fourth-oldest operating lighthouse in America.
Rumor also has it that this is the most-photographed lighthouse t in the world. We think you’ll understand why when you see it for yourself.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are many other beautiful spots to explore on Long Island, such as Hither Hills State Park and Wildwood State Park. Both offer RV camping, meaning you can stay right in the middle of the natural beauty.
Playland Amusement Park
Also known as Rye Playland, Playland Amusement Park is known for both its long-standing cultural cache and its completely contemporary array of amusements.
With more than 50 rides, a children’s museum, a summer-friendly ice-skating rink, a swimming pool and more, there’s a vast array of fun to be had at Playland Amusement Park. Given that it was originally constructed in 1928, it’s a history-lover’s fantasy, too.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked just north of New York City proper near White Plains, Playland Amusement Park is only a short drive from scenic Rye Beach, a great spot for a beach day. It’s also very close to the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and more.
Wondering where to park your RV? We recommend Croton Point Park Campground.
The Erie Canal
One of the most important feats of engineering in human history, the Erie Canal was constructed to create a navigable water route between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean by way of New York City.
This was an ambitious project that was first proposed all the way back in the 1780s. When it was finally completed in 1825, it was the second-longest canal in the world after China’s Grand Canal, measuring some 363 miles from Albany’s Hudson River to Buffalo’s Lake Erie.
Today there are many ways to visit the canal, including paddling and cycling tours alongside and on the waterway itself.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Given that the canal stretches across much of the northern section of the state between Buffalo and Albany, you’ll find plenty to see and do. We love Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House in Buffalo and the New York State Museum in Albany.
One of the best places to stay is Twilight on the Erie Campground, which allows you to camp right on the canal.
Susan B. Anthony House
Don’t let the portrait of a graying lady in glasses fool you: Susan B. Anthony was one of the greatest revolutionaries in history. You can see the place where she lived and worked for much of her life — and also the place where she died — when you visit the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, New York.
Along with the opportunity to simply walk through the house and grounds that hosted this important leader, you can also participate in social and educational events held here, including lecture series, scout programs, school programs and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the upstate city of Rochester, the Susan B. Anthony House is surrounded by other worthy sites, such as the Hinchey Historical House and Park and The Strong Museum. And that’s not mentioning, of course, the nearby river- and lakefront views.
Gravel Ponds Campground is a great place to stay while in the area and gives you easy access to all of the nearby things to see and do.
The Grand Canyon of the East
Think you have to book a flight — or a long drive from New York — to see the grand canyon? Well, if you’re talking about the official Grand Canyon National Park, that’s the case. But New York’s Letchworth State Park is known for its own amazing canyon, known by many as the Grand Canyon of the East.
Located in the west-central part of the state in between Rochester and Buffalo, this incredible natural landmark is a convenient drive from most New York population centers, and offers more than 60 miles of hiking trails, river rafting opportunities, and so much more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Silver Lake State Park and Stony Brook State Park are two other amazing parks nearby that you are sure to want to explore. These parks offer camping, as does Letchworth State Park, so there is no shortage of amazing places to stay.
Niagara Falls
Widely considered one of the wonders of the world and easily one of the most beautiful places out there, Niagara Falls is a worldwide destination for a reason.
Tucked between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie just a few miles north of Buffalo, these falls are actually a stretch of three separate waterfalls. They have a total height of 167 feet, boasting the highest flow rate of any falls in the United States with a mind-boggling 168,000 cubic meters of water cascading over the edge every minute.
The falls are protected and preserved by Niagara Falls State Park, and the nearby city of the same name offers plenty of dining, shopping, and other visitor resources.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
A quick drive from Buffalo and views of both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls is centrally located to many worthwhile New York State ventures. If you’re in need of even more beautiful outdoor adventures, try out nearby Amherst State Park or Golden Hill State Park.
Affordable and beautiful camping can be found nearby at Four Mile Creek State Park.
Planning an RV Trip to New York
From Brooklyn to Buffalo and everywhere in between, we’ve got you set for your once-in-a-lifetime New York RV trip! We have guides to the best state parks and wildernesses in the state as well as the bustling cities. We’ve also got you covered when it comes to RV rentals and campgrounds, of course.
