The big bright lights and the fast pace of the city that never sleeps aren’t the only appeals of The Empire State. Opportunities for new business, excellent universities, and expansive green spaces outside the Big Apple make the state an attractive spot for new homebuyers of all ages.
If you’re hoping to settle down and buy a home in New York State, but long for outdoor adventure and green spaces, you can certainly have both! The region is full of gorgeous state parks and opportunities for recreation that will please the whole family.
As you begin searching for your next abode, you can look for neighborhoods and spaces to call home in proximity to some of the best parks to explore and enjoy. To get you started on your journey, here are the top 10 state parks in New York:
1. Nissequogue River State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Located 51 miles from New York City along the north shore of Long Island, Nissequogue River State Park is home to a variety of incredible ecosystems occupying its tidal and freshwater wetlands and stunning hardwood forests. Beautiful shorebirds and unique species of amphibians inhabit the wetlands, making wildlife spotting a popular pastime. A designated section is preserved for the State Bird Conservation Area.
Additionally, the park has a canoe and kayak launch, fabulous boating, a soccer field, and fishing opportunities. The Greenbelt Trail is appealing for hikers and bikers trekking along the Nissequogue River and offers panoramic views of the rushing water and the Long Island Sound from atop the bluffs. In the winter, visitors make the most of the weather by snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
2. Amsterdam Beach State Park
Google Rating: 4.3
Amsterdam Beach State Park is an undeveloped area on the Atlantic Ocean that is perfect for a day on the water. Bring the whole family for a day on the beach, outdoor games, sunset watching, and picnicking. It is maintained in its original form to preserve its character and value as a natural landscape. The area is a hotspot for migratory birds and several protected species that call this stretch of shoreline their home.
3. Wehle State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Situated 119 miles from Rochester in Henderson, New York, Wehle State Park offers excellent campsites, cabins, and lodging for a weekend stay or extended vacation. Hiking and hunting are both popular on the park grounds, as are biking and pickleball. The park boasts 1,100 acres and more than 17,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline. More than 10 miles of trails wind through the park and provide footpaths around the lake. Cottages and cabins onsite are a nice addition to the scenery and charm of this sweet little gem.
4. Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Nestled on a hill in Southern Otsego County, only 70 miles from Albany, is Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park. Almost two-thirds of the park is made up of hardwoods mixed in with small sprinklings of conifer plantations. This quaint 223-acre property is made even sweeter by soft rolling hillsides and meadows with two adorable ponds. A picnic area and sunset pavilion make this a perfect park for a romantic evening under the stars or a weekend family getaway. Enjoy fly fishing, hiking, camping, and even snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
5. Robert Moses State Park (Long Island)
Google Rating: 4.7
Boasting a shoreline of nearly five miles, Robert Moses State Park is the westernmost point of Fire Island. Located 40 miles from New York City at the southern end of the Robert Moses Causeway, the park is easily accessible by car or bus. The beach is very popular in the summer months when visitors can swim, sunbathe, and surf. From April through mid-November, visitors can enjoy the 18-hole Pitch & Putt Golf Course or the massive volleyball court area.
The cherry on top of a perfect day at the beach is enjoying a fabulous picnic in the park’s gorgeous gazebo and taking in the views of the historic landmark Water Tower. When you visit, be sure to stop by the park office, open seven days a week, to purchase any necessary permits for day-use activity passes, such as fishing, surfing, and star gazing.
6. Bethpage State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Located 30 miles from Brooklyn, Bethpage State Park is known for its five world-class golf courses. In 2002 and 2009, the park hosted the U.S. Open Championship on its world-renowned Black Course, as well as many other well-attended championship tournaments over the recent decades. Its tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, and cross-country ski trails are certainly part of the adventure to enjoy during your visit. Stop by the onsite restaurant for a bite to eat after your sightseeing or visit the Golf Pro Shop and driving range. This park is perfect for professional golfers and those aspiring to join a local training and practice group.
7. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Google Rating: 4.7
Located 43 miles from New York City is a scenic peninsula extending into the Long Island Sound and holding the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. The park offers tons of incredible recreation from its miles of hiking, biking, walking, and jogging trails to its rocky shoreline and salty marshes. Most popular activities include fishing, hiking, and birdwatching as well as nature photography and equestrian services. There is a little something for everyone to enjoy, making the park’s approximately 1,750 acres pure fun for the whole family.
8. Lodi Point State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Situated 68 miles from Rochester, Lodi Point is a smaller state park with modest accommodations. It is primarily a spot for boaters, picnickers, and anglers. There are excellent boat launches and areas for grilling up your prize catch of the day. Children enjoy the playgrounds and have a blast packing a picnic lunch to enjoy outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
9. Hallock State Park Preserve
Google Rating: 4.7
Located just 84 miles from New York City is Hallock State Park Preserve. This 225-acre shorefront park preserve supplies nearly one mile of gorgeous beach on the North Shore of Long Island. Popular activities include hiking, nature walks, and birdwatching. Overlooking the Long Island Sound, this beachfront gem is perfect for enjoying a secluded and quiet weekend getaway beside the rolling waves and bright sunny skies.
10. Joseph Davis State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Just 29 miles from Buffalo, Joseph Davis State Park is ideal for a variety of activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, disc golf, and even snowmobiling and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter. With a lovely nature trail and great opportunities to enjoy some wildlife watching among the various ecosystems, it’s no wonder this park is frequently visited year-round by locals and travelers alike. Fishing is also very popular throughout the year, especially for largemouth bass in the pond or for freshwater species along the lower Niagara River.
The Empire State
Interested in buying a house in New York? Learn more about moving to the area by reading some of our other articles including the best places to live and how to build a house in New York. When you’re ready to find your dream home in the Northeast, you can find incredible new listings any time at NewHomeSource.com.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.
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