All United States New York State

The Atlas Obscura Guide To New York State

807 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in New York State

Updated March 23, 2023

Email

Cities

Top Cities
All Cities
  1. Albany
  2. Amsterdam
  3. Beacon
  4. Binghamton
  5. The Bronx
  6. Brooklyn
  7. Buffalo
  8. Catskill
  9. Centerport
  10. Cold Spring
  11. Cooperstown
  12. Dobbs Ferry
  13. Dover Plains
  14. East Hampton
  15. Elmira
  16. Hammondsport
  17. Howes Cave
  18. Hudson
  19. Ithaca
  20. Jamestown
  21. Keene Valley
  22. Kinderhook
  23. Kings Park
  24. Kingston
  25. Lake George
  26. Lake Placid
  27. Newcomb
  28. New Paltz
  29. New York City
  30. Manhattan
  31. Niagara Falls
  32. Nyack
  33. Oneida
  34. Orient
  35. Oyster Bay
  36. Palmyra
  37. Pawling
  38. Queens
  39. Red Hook
  40. Rhinebeck
  41. Rochester
  42. Rome
  43. Romulus
  44. Roscoe
  45. Roxbury
  46. Sands Point
  47. Saratoga Springs
  48. Seneca Falls
  49. Shoreham
  50. Sleepy Hollow
  51. Staten Island
  52. Syracuse
  53. Tomkins Cove
  54. Troy
  55. Wellesley Island
  56. West Point
  57. Woodstock
  58. Yonkers

Unusual Attractions in New York State

See All 807 Things To Do in New York State

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in New York State

See all 10 Places to Eat in New York State
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

The Explorer's Guide to Hudson Valley, New York

Just a short trip north of New York City, the Hudson Valley is great for both day trips and road trips. Atlas Obscura co-founder Dylan Thuras is a local resident, and loves the natural wonders, as well as the incredible culture and history found in the region. This itinerary combines his favorite spots into one stunning road trip. Start your adventure at a living antique aviation museum near the historic town of Red Hook, and end with dinner at a Victorian resort. Along the way, you’ll make pit stops and at towering waterfalls, giant kaleidoscopes and incredible views of the beautiful Hudson Valley.

View Itinerary

Explore New York State

Art 93
Architectural Oddities 90
History 83
Museums And Collections 71
Abandoned 70
Shops 68
Cemeteries 63
Homes 63

New York State Leaderboard

Recent New York State Activity

Stories About New York State

What Is Lake-Effect Snow?

A snowstorm that slammed into Western New York left more than six feet of snow in places. Blame the Great Lakes.
by Michael A. Rawlins

Podcast: Lily Dale Spiritualist Community

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team

To Join This Community of People Who Speak to the Dead, Prepare to Be Tested

Think you have what it takes to be a spiritual medium in Lily Dale?
by Sarah Durn

The Many Lives and Fiery Deaths of the Silver Lake Sea Serpent

A small town in western New York loves its lake monster despite a shady past.
by Nicole Hebdon

What It Takes to Maintain 500 Acres of Art and Nature

Storm King's director of facilities has to be a landscaper, an art conservator, and even a structural engineer.
by Luna Shyr

Meet the College Student With 6,000 Takeout Menus

He's not quite sure what to do with them.
by Anne Ewbank

Meet the New York State Parks Interpreter Who Cooks to Uncover the Past

As a culinary historian, Lavada Nahon is working to bring the state's African American history to light.
by Vonnie Williams

A Show & Tell With Upstate New York’s 'Radio Guy'

His collection of scary-looking headgear from the past is sure to get into your head.
by Isaac Schultz

Lists Featuring New York State

The House of the Temple.
Statue of George Washington

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.

14

Including Zedekiah's Cave, Masonic Lodge of the Andaz Hotel, and House of the Temple

The Paddington Bear statue at Paddington station.
The Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park.
Mrs Mallard and her entire brood.
Dr Seuss, Cat in the Hat, and a book with lines from Oh The Places You'll Go.

9 Favorite Children's Book Characters, Immortalized in Bronze

Visit Paddington Bear, Ramona Quimby, and other childhood heroes in person.

9

Including Paddington Bear Statue , Alice in Wonderland Statue, and Make Way for Ducklings Statue

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.

Learn More