The capital of the state of New York, Albany, has experienced a tourism renaissance in the last decade. From museums to the performing arts, this former railway and banking center is now packed with activities that are well worth a visit in the capital.
But just a short drive away, so many picture-perfect day trips will complete a visitor’s dream to upstate New York. Hit the road with these ideal day trips in Greater Albany!
10/10 A tour of the lives of the Hudson River School artists
Less than an hour from Albany, the Hudson River School – an iconic movement of American landscape artists in the 19th century – thrived in the quaint towns around the Hudson.
Two of these prominent artists, Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, built magnificent homes that can be visited by visitors today.
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, NY and Olana, home of Frederic Edwin Church in Hudson, NY offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the artists and enjoy the scenery of the Hudson River Valley.
9/10 Mini Route 66 in the Adirondacks
While Route 66 is an iconic overland ride, the Mini Route 66 in Speculator, NY is a short one-hour jaunt from Albany.
The town of Speculator may only have a few hundred residents, but it’s also home to a mini model of actual Route 66 with buildings to explore and a real road for visitors to drive down.
Spend the day experiencing this abridged version of a classic road trip and taking the best Instagram-worthy fun photos!
8/10 Jump over to western Massachusetts
Fancy state-hop for a change of scenery? Western Massachusetts is only 45 minutes away and the Berkshires are another mountain paradise full of quintessential New England small towns.
There are so many things to do in the Berkshires (with plenty of luxury options) that visitors may even want to extend their day trip into a weekend getaway!
7/10 Be blown away at the Corning Museum of Glass
The Netflix show Blown Away gave viewers a new appreciation for glassware, and the show’s winners received residencies at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY.
Located just over three hours from Albany, this museum has stunning (not just glassblowing!) exhibitions on this impressive art form.
6/10 Explore the Herkimer Diamond Mines
Don’t be fooled by the name of the mines! Herkimer diamonds are actually not diamonds at all, but quartz crystals! Don’t be disappointed though, the mines in Herkimer, NY are a unique place to tour and visitors can keep any quartz they find there for free!
Nearby, visitors can enjoy a selection of unique gift shops, jewelry stores and delicious restaurants.
5/10 Visit Fort Ticonderoga, a turning point in the American Revolution
A two-hour drive from Albany is Fort Ticonderoga, the famous site of the American Revolutionary War that changed the tide of American history. Visitors today can view re-enactments, take history and boat tours around the grounds, and try to escape the “Heroic Corn Maze.”
4/10 Caving tours at Howe Caverns
Just an hour outside of Albany, one of New York’s top natural attractions makes a fantastic day trip for the whole family. Howe Caverns offers a variety of tours and activities to keep visitors entertained during their stay, including rock and mineral collecting and lock trough quarrying.
3/10 Kaaterskill Falls, a perfect Instagrammable destination
Another gem of the Hudson River Valley, Kaaterskill Falls is a beautiful nearly 300-foot waterfall (the state’s tallest!) located an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Albany.
Visitors can hike, bike, or run along the Hudson River Valley (on a beautifully paved trail) to see this natural wonder. For centuries, this two-tiered waterfall has fascinated artists, writers, and naturalists, and is now a popular, stunning photo spot.
2/10 Wine tasting and art in New Paltz
Just over an hour south of Albany, this historic city is home to the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, SUNY New Paltz’s famous art gallery, which features an impressive program of rotating exhibitions.
Spend the morning exploring everything from textiles to paintings, and spend the afternoon wine-tasting at the city’s local wineries while enjoying New Paltz’s beautiful idyllic surroundings.
1/10 Niagara Falls, a natural wonder of the world
The oldest state park in the country, Niagara Falls has been open to visitors every day of the year for over a century. While a major hike takes from Albany — it takes visitors around 4 hours to get there from the city — it’s worth spending a few hours exploring this stunning natural attraction.
The park has impressive trails around the falls that you can hike to get different perspectives of the waterway. Visitors can also participate in other activities offered in and around the park, such as the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour or the Niagara Aquarium.
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