11,633 New York Vacation Rentals & Short Term Rentals

About New York

Home to a myriad of historic points of interest, New York is a culturally and geographically diverse state nestled on the northeastern coast. Its capital is the city of Albany. The state stretches from the grand Appalachian Mountains to the renowned Great Lakes Region to several small islands on the Atlantic Ocean. Nicknamed “The Empire State,” New York is best known for its namesake city that is also the country’s most populous city. With an abundance of its landmarks featured in television and movies, New York is a prominent tourist destination offering a part of the quintessential American experience.

Things to do in New York

The majority of top attractions in the state can be found in New York City. At New York Harbor’s Liberty Island, visitors can take a ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty to admire and enter the national monument. Fast-paced Manhattan features the famed Central Park and Times Square which houses the Broadway Theatre district and copious retail stores. For an unparalleled selection of ethnic eateries including Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Italian, and Chinese cuisines, the Bronx is the go-to borough due to its strong multicultural community. Situated in the northern part of the state near the U.S.-Canadian border is Niagara Falls with boat tours available.

Best cities to visit in New York

As mentioned previously, New York City is the state’s most dynamic city. The global city is divided into five distinct boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island Manhattan, and the Bronx. For a more relaxed experience, Long Island boasts gorgeous white sand beaches, incredible seafood, and top-rated wineries. New York’s capital city Albany is replete with significant sites, museums, and festivals such as the Tulip Festival, Capital Pride Parade and Festival, and Albany Food and Wine Festival.

Best small towns in New York

Situated on northern Long Island is the quaint waterfront village of Greenport with a carousel from the 1920s and annual Maritime Festival in the fall. Another charming small town is Cooperstown. This town offers the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as well as Cooperstown Historic District that has architecture dating back to the early and pre-1900s. Famous for the Woodstock Festival, the town of Woodstock is now home to one of the country’s oldest arts and crafts colonies and a number of cultural festivals.

Best lake vacations in New York

Lake Placid is a noteworthy lake town in the Adirondack Mountains that has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. As its name implies, Lake Placid has a quiet and peaceful ambiance as it is surrounded by nature. On the other hand, Lake George comprises a more exciting vibe since visitors can go whitewater rafting and parasailing. The city of Syracuse is in proximity to the Finger Lakes region. Skaneateles Lake, arguably the nation’s cleanest lake, is Syracuse’s primary water source and offers a scenic coastline.

Best National Parks in New York

In total, New York boasts 22 national parks recognized by the National Park System. With over 26,000 acres, Gateway National Recreation Area is an expansive park nearby New York Harbor with wetlands and salt marshes. In the town of Stillwater, Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the legacy of the Battles of Saratoga from the American Revolutionary War. Accordingly, another national park is the Appalachian Trail which provides over 2,000 miles of public footpath through the Appalachian Mountains.