If you think New York is just skyscrapers and subway rides, get ready to be seriously surprised.
This road trip will take you along the Great Lakes, where you’ll find beach towns, historic forts, massive waterfalls, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
You’ll walk through centuries-old lighthouses, eat legendary local food, and maybe even spot a bald eagle soaring over the water.
From sandy shorelines to scenic hiking trails, this route is packed with hidden gems and epic views at every turn.
So grab some snacks, roll down the windows, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!
1. Barcelona
Barcelona is a tiny waterfront gem on the shores of Lake Erie, best known for its historic lighthouse and fresh-caught fish straight from the lake.
It’s part of the town of Westfield, right off Route 5, where you can grab a bite at a lakeside restaurant, watch the fishing boats come in, or search for beach glass along the rocky shoreline.
The Barcelona Lighthouse, established in 1829, was the first lighthouse in the world to be powered by natural gas, and you can still visit the old stone lighthouse that once guided sailors through the choppy waters of Lake Erie.
2. Dunkirk
Just down the road, Dunkirk brings small-city energy to the Lake Erie shoreline, with a bustling harbor, a sandy beach, and some of the best sunset views around.
Stop by the Dunkirk Lighthouse, also known as Point Gratiot Light, where the current 61-foot tower has been keeping sailors safe since 1875.
Originally established in 1826, the site also includes a museum next door, filled with shipwreck stories and military artifacts.
If you’re hungry, the pier is the place to be—grab a fish fry, watch the boats roll in, and soak up that perfect lakeside breeze.
Just be aware that the Dunkirk Lighthouse operates seasonally from May through October, so be sure to check online before planning your visit.
3. Buffalo
Keep heading east, and you’ll hit Buffalo, a city that’s all about big flavors, bold history, and a serious love for the waterfront.
You can’t visit without trying the city’s most famous creation—Buffalo wings—so stop by Anchor Bar or Duff’s for the real deal, extra napkins required.
After that, explore Canalside, where you can rent kayaks, catch a concert, or just kick back and watch the boats float by on the Buffalo River.
4. Niagara Falls
Drive just a little farther, and boom—you’re in Niagara Falls, home to one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the world.
Get up close to the thundering water on the Maid of the Mist, where you’ll don a blue poncho and sail straight into the misty chaos at the base of the falls.
For the best view, head to the Cave of the Winds, where a wooden walkway puts you just feet from the roaring Bridal Veil Falls—prepare to get absolutely soaked.
5. Fort Niagara State Park
Just north of the falls, Fort Niagara State Park is all about battlefield history with some of the best lake views in New York.
Step inside Old Fort Niagara, a 300-year-old fortress where costumed reenactors fire muskets, fly French and British flags, and bring the past to life.
After exploring the fort, take a stroll along the bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario—you can even spot Toronto on a clear day!
6. Hamlin Beach State Park
Heading east along the lake, Hamlin Beach State Park is where sandy shores and peaceful hiking trails come together for the perfect beach day.
Swim in the calm, shallow waters of Lake Ontario, spread out a picnic under the shady pines, or bike the paved trail that winds through the park.
History buffs should check out the remnants of an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where workers in the 1930s helped shape the park into the beauty it is today.
7. Rochester
Keep going east, and you’ll land in Rochester, a city that’s all about science, history, and seriously good food.
Start at the Strong National Museum of Play, where you can relive your childhood with giant arcade games, a life-sized Sesame Street set, and a hall of classic toys.
When hunger strikes, grab a legendary Rochester “Garbage Plate”—a glorious mess featuring home fries and macaroni salad as the base, topped with cheeseburgers or hotdogs and smothered in a signature meat sauce.
8. Sodus Point
Cruise a little farther along the lake, and you’ll hit Sodus Point, a laid-back beach town with postcard-worthy views and a whole lot of charm.
Walk out to the iconic Sodus Bay Lighthouse, a limestone structure with a black lantern dating back to 1871, then hit the beach for swimming, kayaking, or just kicking back with an ice cream cone.
For a little adventure, rent a boat and explore Sodus Bay, a massive, calm area that’s perfect for fishing, sailing, or spotting bald eagles along the shoreline.
9. Fair Haven Beach State Park
Next up is Fair Haven Beach State Park, a hidden gem with soft sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and some of the clearest water on Lake Ontario.
Swim in the lifeguarded cove, rent a kayak to explore Sterling Pond, or hike the Bluff Nature Trail for sweeping lake views that are pure postcard material.
If you’re camping, snag a site near Sterling Pond, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of frogs and wake up to a sunrise that’ll make you want to stay forever.
Please note that during the camping season (May through October), some loops or sites may open later or close earlier. Be sure to check the official website before your trip.
10. Oswego
Roll into Oswego, and you’ll find a city that’s all about lake life, maritime history, and some seriously good fishing.
Check out Fort Ontario, a historic fortress that has guarded the shoreline since the 1700s, with its current star-shaped structure dating back to the mid-19th century.
You can also stop by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum to see old tugboats and learn about Oswego’s shipping past.
If you’re into fishing, this is the spot—charter a boat on Lake Ontario for trophy salmon, or cast a line right from the riverwalk downtown.
11. Wellesley Island State Park
Keep heading north, and you’ll reach Wellesley Island State Park, a stunning place tucked right into the heart of the Thousand Islands.
Hike the trails at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, where you can explore peaceful forests and rocky shoreline paths, and maybe even spot a bald eagle during the winter months.
If you’re camping, this is one of the best spots in New York—choose a waterfront site and wake up to sunrise views over the St. Lawrence River, with boats gliding past like something out of a painting.
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