The summer travel season is one of the most popular times to explore new places and events, and visitors can find destinations and experiences and to fill up those long sunny days all throughout New York State. Whether it’s a quick weekend outing or a long week away, there is a vibrant selection of world class attractions and new offerings across the state’s 11 diverse vacation regions that will make for a perfect summer getaway.

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “New York summers are spectacular, with millions of acres of parkland, mountains, lakes, beaches, amusement parks, historic sites and a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities to satisfy any vacation appetite. There is never a shortage of things to see and do – whether it’s stepping back in time at a historical event, hiking at a state park, cooling off at a beach, or attending a Pride event. Visitors can plan their trip around a calendar full of festivals, concerts and events and choose from a variety of accommodations to round out a memorable stay for a weekend or longer, making it so easy to love New York.”

Below is a selection of the latest attractions and events to help visitors plan a trip, plus new hotels and upgrades to complement any stay. Visit www.iloveny.com for even more attractions, events and accommodations, along with blogs and suggested itineraries.

FAMILY TIME IS THE BEST TIME

·       100^th Anniversary of NYS Parks (Multiple Regions) – The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is celebrating a monumental milestone, marking a century since the establishment of the beloved state parks and historic sites system. Visitors will enjoy food trucks, crafts, vintage cars, swing dance lessons, a live jazz band and historical photos in celebration of the collection of more than 250 properties across the Empire State. Visitors can incorporate the Centennial Challenge on their next outdoor adventure, earning prizes for completing activities throughout the year.

National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown, Central New York

·       National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum (Central NY) – This museum, located in the heart of Cooperstown, is every baseball fan’s dream come true. New this summer, “The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball” offers narratives from men and women about the early days of Black baseball, the Negro Leagues, the impact of Jackie Robinson and current efforts for change within the sport. The exhibit also features equipment and artifacts from some of the best Black baseball players like Hank Aaron, Mookie Betts, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Frank Robinson.

Frederick Farms, Annual Sunflower fields where they take passengers on a wagon ride through the fields. Clifton Springs, NY, Ontario County, Finger Lakes Region

·       The Great New York State Fair (Finger Lakes) August 21 – September 2 – This cherished family event is an annual summer tradition that’s not to be missed and the 2024 fair promises to be even more thrilling with a diverse array of attractions and highlights across 13 days. Get up close with animals, be dazzled by spectacular fireworks, and indulge in an array of battered and deep-fried delicacies. Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to catch performances by rising stars like Megan Moroney and Stephen Sanchez, or headliners like Dropkick Murphys, Joan Jett, and Big Boi. With nearly one million guests attending last year, the fair is a must-visit event that embodies the spirit of summer in New York State.

Niagara Falls State Park- Oldest State Park in America

·       Great Lakes 360 at the Aquarium of Niagara (Greater Niagara) – Perfect for visitors of all ages, The Aquarium of Niagara offers guests a fun filled day of ocean discovery. Home to an array of aquatic creatures, big and small, families will have the opportunity to meet more than 120 aquatic species. This summer, the former Niagara Gorge Discovery Center will join the Aquarium as “Great Lakes 360” – a dynamic living museum dedicated to celebrating the Great Lakes ecosystem and its wildlife. This exciting addition allows visitors to experience and interact with a wide selection of marine life specific to the Great Lakes region.

Bear Mountain Bridge, Fort Montgomery, NY, Orange County, Hudson Valley Region

·       LEGOLAND New York (Hudson Valley) – Located just 60 miles northwest of New York City, LEGOLAND New York welcomes families with children ages 2-12 to embark on an adventure unlike any other. Experience the thrill of the new Minifigure Skyflyer and soar across the theme park while enjoying an aerial vantage point. Each pod plays signature tunes and features a dance floor that can accommodate groups of ten, and a bonus is that Minifigures party right alongside you.

·       Bronx Zoo 125^th Anniversary (New York City) – Through September, visitors to the iconic zoo can experience an array of weekend festivities including vibrant parades, performances, hands-on crafting workshops, specialty foods, exhilarating scavenger hunts and guided tours as part of its anniversary celebration. Guests can walk through Animal Chronicles, a special anniversary exhibit that highlights the Bronx Zoo’s history of conservation and features 13 scenes of 68 animal eco-sculptures.

Ausable Chasm, Keeseville, NY- Clinton County , Adirondacks Region

·       Six Flags Great Escape (Adirondacks) – This year, one of the early theme parks of the Adirondacks is celebrating its 70^th anniversary. Originally opened as a Mother Goose-themed park named Storytown USA in 1954, and with some original attractions still in operation today, Six Flags Great Escape has grown to become part of a national chain that is now a major part of the Lake George tourism landscape. New this year, thrill seekers can experience The Bobcat, a first of its kind roller coaster in Six Flags history and New York’s first wooden roller coaster in 25 years.

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Times Square, NYC

·       Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (New York City) – The country’s first national monument to commemorate the LGBTQ+ equal rights movement will open its official visitor center in June during Pride month as part of the National Parks System. By reuniting the original Stonewall Inn footprint, the new visitor center will celebrate the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall uprising that served as a flash point in our nation’s history. It will include a theater, reception spaces and exhibits like a working 1969 jukebox. Visitors are invited to Stonewall Day in Hudson Yards on Friday, June 28 for live music, performances, food and community spirit.

·       150^th Anniversary of the Chautauqua Institution (Chautauqua-Allegheny) – For the last century and a half, the Chautauqua Institution has provided visitors with a summer experience that fosters creativity, education, relaxation and recreation with visits from world renowned artists, authors, heads of state, motivational speakers and spiritual leaders. The 2024 season offers nine consecutive weeks of enrichment programming including interfaith lectures and memorable performances. The legendary Beach Boys and opera star Renee Fleming are among those who will perform at the outdoor amphitheater this season.

·       Pride Month in New York State (Multiple Regions) – I LOVE NY LGBTQ continues to showcase New York‘s rich LGBTQ heritage and popular attractions, while extending a warm invitation to LGBTQ travelers. Guests can experience iconic communities such as Fire Island and Buffalo’s Allentown and attend renowned festivals and Pride activities statewide. Pride Month events include Saratoga Pride Festival on June 23; Harlem Pride on June 29; Rainbow City Pride (Niagara Falls) on June 29; NYC Pridefest on June 30 and the Fire Island Invasion (July 1-7).

·       Juneteenth Across New York State (Multiple Regions) – New York State is honoring Juneteenth with a diverse selection of events. Embracing African American culture and history, these celebrations commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Highlights include the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, featuring exhibits and presentations of the stories of fugitives from slavery; Rochester Juneteenth Festival showcasing arts and cuisine; and live music performances in Lake Placid at the Juneteenth Celebration at John Brown Farm.

·      Fort Ticonderoga (Adirondacks) – Ahead of America’s 250^th birthday in 2026, the Real Time Revolution program is starting the celebration this year and will continue through 2027, paralleling the years 1774 to 1777. This year, Fort Ticonderoga is offering daily programs on the 26th Regiment of Foot under Captain William Delaplace and daily life during peacetime for soldiers and their families. This area played a crucial role in the American Revolution, being recognized early on as the site of remarkable bravery set against New York’s breathtaking natural scenery.

·       Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Final Tour (Multiple Regions) – In 1824-1825, French aristocrat and military officer Lafayette made his final tour of America. This year marks the beginning of the Bicentennial celebration, beginning in New York City on August 16 with a series of events that follow the exact itinerary Lafayette took during his tour as the “Guest of the Nation.” Visitors can step off the Staten Island Ferry onto the same shoreline Lafayette did upon his arrival in the United States.

UNIQUE UPSTATE LODGING

·       Adelphi Hotel (Capital Saratoga) – Thanks to a recently completed expansion, the landmark hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs added 33 new guest rooms and suites by incorporating the historic Rip Van Dam hotel, a 19th-century gem. Originally built in 1840, the Adelphi Hotel has been restored to offer guests a breathtaking home away from home. Significant modifications were made including adding accessible ramps and elevators to make it easy for everyone to navigate the floors and gardens. Four of the hotel rooms are fully ADA compliant, providing a comfortable and convenient stay for guests with disabilities. Furry companions are also welcomed.

·       The Chatwal Lodge (Catskills) – A trio of new state-of-the-art treehouses in White Lake add to a private and elevated escape immersed in nature. The new accommodations complement the 11 existing suites and cottages on the former wildlife reserve. Horseback riding, yoga, flyfishing, canoeing and paddleboarding are some activities guests may enjoy.

·       The Cambria Hotel (Greater Niagara) – Located just blocks away from Niagara Falls State Park and a short distance from attractions like the Maid of the Mist and Seneca Niagara Casino, the new Cambria Hotel is ideal for visitors ready to explore one of New York’s most iconic attractions. The hotel provides upscale amenities, including indoor and outdoor spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a stylish bar serving locally crafted beverages. Business travelers benefit from flexible meeting space within reach of the convention center and Niagara Falls International Airport.

·       Gatherwild Ranch (Hudson Valley) – This upscale, design–forward farm founded by creatives and artists Laura Sink and Paul Jacobsen offers immersive experiences like a pick-your-own veggie garden and artist-led workshops. Gatherwild Ranch welcomes guests with eight choices of overnight options to suit all preferences. A sunset deck, bathhouse, cold plunge tubs and sauna add for a unique glamping experience. Nearby towns of Hudson and Rhinebeck invite quaint, small-town exploration.

For more information on new developments and other happenings in New York State, visit iloveny.com