This protected wilderness of dense forest and soaring mountains feels like another world but is actually a modest road trip of around 370 kilometres north of central Manhattan. For a hit of adventure, go rafting between the ancient sandstone cliffs known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks” at Ausable Chasm or hike epic alpine vistas in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Area.

Saratoga Springs is a charming historic town where you can stroll streets lined with grand Victorian homes, sip naturally carbonated water from public springs or take a leisurely paddle around the lake. Architecture, culture and nature come together in the town’s Saratoga Spa State Park, which includes the Saratoga Performing Arts Center open-air amphitheatre (a scenic spot to catch the likes of the New York City Ballet or Philadelphia Orchestra) and a hiking trail that takes you past active geysers, including the famed Geyser Island Spouter. It’s en route to the Adirondacks, around 295 clicks north of the city.

Fire Island’s beaches are wild, the small communities are peak seaside charm and, with no cars (you can walk, bike or hail a water taxi), the vibe couldn’t be any more laid-back. While the name is said to have come from beach fires or poison ivy, today it could just as easily refer to the blazing sunsets or the isle’s famously vibrant LGBTQIA+ nightlife (Cherry Grove is a hotspot). At around 80 kilometres from the city to Long Island’s ferry dock, it’s a popular spot for NYC locals to visit for a weekend in the sunshine. 

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If you thought the North American ski scene was all on the west coast, think again. New York state’s Catskills region is the perfect addition to a Christmas trip to New York City. It’s also home to five mountain resorts, the largest of which, Belleayre Mountain, boasts 175 runs, five glades and a solid mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. If skiing isn’t your thing, hop on a snowmobile, slide around on a tube, strap on some snowshoes for a magical winter hike – or skip the snow season altogether and come in autumn for the vibrant mountain foliage. If you’re on the right side of traffic you can be here in just over two hours from Midtown.

It is hard to imagine rolling farmlands so close to Manhattan but travel just 50 kilometres north and you’ll be in the breadbasket that is the Hudson Valley. A visit to Blue Hill at Stone Barns is a must. Here you’ll dine on two Michelin-starred, modern American farm-to-table cuisine, most of which is sourced from the very farm you’re on. This sustainable “locavore” approach has also earned the restaurant a Michelin Green star. You’ll be offered a selection of what’s freshest on the day (there’s no menu and it is never the same) but expect to see vegetables elevated to a level you never thought possible. Reservations essential.

Travel nearly 48 metres underground to ride a boat along twisting underground streams passing through illuminated limestone caves at Howe Caverns – one of New York State’s most popular natural attractions for all ages. At around 267 kilometres from the city, you could do it in a day at a stretch but while you’re in the region it’s worth staying and exploring other nearby highlights, such as the historic village of Cooperstown (a postcard of Americana) or the staircase-like falls that give Chittenango Falls State Park its name. 

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The Thousand Islands is a famed archipelago of 1864 islands scattered along an 80-kilometre stretch of the St Lawrence River: some are inhabited, some are populated by no more than a few trees. On Heart Island, you can visit the hauntingly magnificent Boldt Castle – a 120-room property commissioned in 1900 by millionaire George Boldt before his wife tragically died just four years later and construction on the near-complete project halted. Preservation began in 1977 to ensure classic features like the drawbridge, tower and tunnels could be enjoyed by others. It feels like Europe but it's a doable daytrip from the Adirondacks.

As you zoom on the map of New York State it’s hard to miss the 11 distinct claw marks that signify the Finger Lakes, located around 390 kilometres north-west of New York City. While water is definitely a drawcard here, the region is equally as popular for its wine country. On a cider, wine and waterfalls tour you can combine both drawcards: sample sips of orchard-grown sparkling cider or crisp Cayuga white at a local cidery and winery before visiting towering Taughannock Falls. 

This forested state park is a true treat in autumn when the abundance of foliage transforms into bursts of yellow, orange and red. Hike the trails by day, then cosy up overnight, camping by a creek or in a cabin on the edge of one of its two lakes. Extend your visit and head 138 kilometres south to feel the mist of Niagara Falls.  

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You don’t have to travel far to experience Little Island at Pier 55, a verdant haven worth exploring right in the city. This hive of raised platforms is covered in greenery and “floats” above the Hudson river – offering not only an urban parkland oasis but also some stellar views of the downtown Manhattan skyline (and even a distant peek at the Statue of Liberty). Grab a bite to eat at nearby Chelsea Market then walk along the High Line Park to complete an idyllic afternoon appreciating nature on the Lower West Side.