Introduction
When most people think of New York, it's the skyscrapers of Manhattan that immediately spring to mind, but the Empire State has so much more to offer than the exciting streets of its eponymous capital city. Take in the grandeur of Niagara Falls, experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in the Adirondacks, sample a delightful vintage at any number of wineries in Finger Lakes, or relive your youth at Rochester's Strong Museum.
New York, New York
It's no secret that The Big Apple is New York State's best-known city. Home to the Statue of Liberty – icon of American values, the Great White Way – also known as Broadway, and of course the billboard-laden Times Square, it is a mecca for tourists from all over the world. Here, family-owned pizza joints and Central Park hot dog stalls are just as popular as fine-dining restaurants and a trip on the subway can mean an impromptu concert from a roving musician. It's a melting-pot of people and cultures amongst a concrete jungle of soaring skyscrapers.
New York City
Coastal Beaches
New York State has its fair share of beaches, bordering both lakes and ocean. The wide swathe of sand at Rockaway Beach is a popular escape from the heat of Manhattan in summertime, while the carnivalesque atmosphere at Coney Island is nothing short of pure nostalgia. On the southern tip of Lake George, Million Dollar Beach's freshwater shores are set against the Adirondack Mountains, and on the Atlantic side, Fire Island Lighthouse, with spectacular views across the deep blue, is surrounded by rolling white sand dunes.
Lighthouse, Long Island, New York
Natural Beauty
New York State is home to diverse terrain including mountains, lakes and although many people don't realise, the vast Niagara Falls, which straddle the border with Canada. A visit to the falls is like nothing else on earth – the sheer scale and power can only be appreciated in person. The Finger Lakes are also well worth a visit, and Taughannock Falls State Park, a wooded sanctuary where 65-m high falls tumble into a cool, green pool. Or, explore the region's wineries and vineyards on one of four wine trails surrounding the picturesque lakes of Canadaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca.
Niagara Falls
