Looking to explore the United States on your honeymoon? Think about doing a driving journey! Our 7-day New York road trip itinerary is the perfect way to explore with your brand-new husband or wife.
Lauren from Where the Wild Kids Wander designed this 7-day New York road trip itinerary. Explore the whole state on a romantic honeymoon trip! This post also contains affiliate links.
New York is a gorgeous state with tons of mountains, waterfalls, and exciting history. This seven-day journey through New York state will take you to Tarrytown, where you’ll uncover historic charm and riverfront views. Then, you and your new spouse will explore the Catskills, where you’ll find adorable small towns and excellent hiking trails.
You’ll continue your adventure to Ithaca to be in awe of incredible waterfalls and natural wonders. Next, you’ll stop in Watkins Glen and Corning for breathtaking hikes and fantastic museums. Lastly, you’ll explore Rochester, known for its innovation and rich history.
So, let’s prepare to experience the unique flavors, sights, and experiences that this remarkable state has to offer. Exploring the state of New York is the perfect way for newlyweds to start off their marriage together! Spoiler: This New York state road trip itinerary doesn’t include NYC.
7-Day New York Road Trip Itinerary Overview
- Days One & Two: Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
- Days Three & Four: Saugerties and the Catskill Mountains
- Day Five: Ithaca
- Day Six: Watkins Glen
- Day Seven: Rochester
Day 1: Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
You’ll start this awesome New York road trip itinerary in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow in the Hudson River Valley. Start your day at Washington Irving’s historic Sunnyside estate to learn all about the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It’s one of the must-do things in Tarrytown!
Stroll through the charming streets of Tarrytown and savor a delightful lunch at one of the local eateries and enjoy some of the unique shops.
Head over to the Philipsburg Manor, a living history museum that gives you a look into 18th-century colonial life. Your tour includes the working farm, historic buildings, and the water-powered gristmill.
Wrap up your day at Scenic Hudson’s RiverWalk Park, and enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the river. It’s the perfect way to end the first day of your honeymoon trip.
Day 2: Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
After a restful night’s sleep, head to Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate. Take a guided tour of this magnificent estate, featuring stunning gardens, art collections, and commanding views of the Hudson River.
Enjoy lunch at one of the eateries along Beekman Avenue before heading to the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It’s where Washington Irving himself is buried. Enjoy a self-guided or guided tour to visit the final resting places of many notable figures, including Andrew Carnegie and Walter Chrysler.
If you’re not tired yet, take the time to explore the hiking trails of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. With a network of scenic paths, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Hudson Valley.
Then, grab some dinner before heading to our next stop in the Catskills. It is about a two-hour drive from Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. While you’re driving, reflect on your wedding day with your significant other during this New York state road trip itinerary.
Where to Stay in Tarrytown During Your New York Road Trip Itinerary
Recommended Budget Hotel: Hampton Inn Whiteplains/Tarrytown. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the complimentary breakfast has an assortment of hot and cold foods.
Recommended Upscale Hotel: The Castle Hotel & Spa is in a real castle! Treat yourself to a relaxing post-wedding spa treatment before you head out to the next stop. What a nice treat for your honeymoon.
You can see water, mountains, and more during your honeymoon with our New York road trip itinerary.
Day 3: Saugerties and the Catskill Mountains
Start your day at the Saugerties Lighthouse along the Hudson River. It’s one of the best places to see in the Catskills. Enjoy the half-mile walk to the lighthouse along the nature trail open every day from sunrise to sunset. The views along the river are incredible and perfect to view with your partner.
Head to Saugerties Village and dine at one of the local restaurants or cafes. We recommend saving room for some ice cream from Alleyway Ice Cream. Take the time to stop in some of the shops in town. They are all so unique, and many feature goods from local artisans.
Discover the breathtaking Opus 40, a unique and immense environmental sculpture that took artist Harvey Fite 37 years to build. The massive bluestone sculpture park has labyrinthine walkways and artistic formations, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
End the third day of your honeymoon exploring Woodstock, one of the cutest small towns in the Catskills. Explore the vibrant arts scene by visiting galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists and grab a bite to eat at Sharkie’s on Tinker Street.
Hopefully, you get a good night sleep because you and your spouse will be hiking tomorrow.
Day 4: Saugerties and the Catskill Mountains
Begin your day with an adventure to Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York’s highest waterfalls. Either try the moderately challenging hike leading to the bottom of the two cascades or try the short walk to the top of the waterfall. It’s up to you!
Head to the nearby village of Tannersville for a delicious lunch. Take the time to explore the village’s charming downtown, featuring a mix of eateries and unique shops.
After lunch, go to Pratt Rock in Prattsville, known as the “Mount Rushmore of the East.” The short trail leads to interesting stone carvings commemorating Zadock Pratt’s contributions to the area.
Are you interested in more hiking? Then, do the short but beautiful hike to Sunset Rock to enjoy the sunset over the mountains. It’s the perfect way to end your time in the Catskills honeymoon before heading to your next stop.
Where to Stay in the Catskills During Your New York State Road Trip Itinerary
Recommended Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Saugerties keeps you close to all the above activities.
Recommended Upscale Hotel: Mirbeau Inn & Spa is a boutique hotel with a spa and a property worth exploring on a New York honeymoon.
No matter the season, a New York state road trip itinerary is bursting with natural beauty.
Day 5: Ithaca
Head out early and drive to Ithaca from the Catskills, which will take about three hours Once you arrive in Ithaca, grab lunch in town. We recommend DiBella’s Subs for a delicious sandwich.
Ithaca is known for its waterfalls, so after lunch, plan to see some of them. If you’d like a fun, moderate hike, visit Buttermilk Falls State Park and complete the gorge trail. There are several falls along the trail. And in the summer, you can swim at the base of Buttermilk Falls.
For a more leisurely waterfall hike, drive up to Taughannock State Park and walk the easy, 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the gorgeous 215-foot tall waterfall.
Stop at one of the several vineyards nearby, like Bet the Farm Winery. Finally, end your day with a romantic sunset cruise on Cayuga Lake before snuggling to sleep with your love.
Where to Stay in Ithaca During Your New York Road Trip Itinerary
Recommended Budget Hotel: Hampton Inn Ithaca is a nice hotel with complimentary breakfast, close to Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Recommended Upscale Hotel: The Taughannock Inn is within walking distance of Taughannock State Park and sits on Cayuga Lake.
Nature-loving couples will enjoy all of the New York waterfalls peppered through the whole state.
Day 6: Watkins Glen & Corning
The first stop you’ll make in Watkins Glen is Watkins Glen State Park. The gorge trail is one of the most popular trails in the state and gets crowded mid-day, especially during the summer and fall.
After you’ve completed the trail, head into town for lunch and shopping. There are plenty of great places to eat, like Nickel’s Pit BBQ.
After lunch, drive 30 minutes to the Corning Museum of Glass. This museum features science, art, and history all under one roof. Make sure to watch the glass-making demonstrations. You can even make your glass piece, which would make an excellent souvenir from your New York honeymoon trip.
After the museum, explore the town of Corning. Market Street is straight out of a Hallmark movie and has many great restaurants and shops.
Where to Stay in Watkins Glen During Your New York Road Trip Itinerary
Recommended Budget Hotel: Hampton Inn Elmira/Horseheads offers complimentary breakfast mid-way between Watkins Glen and Corning.
Recommended Upscale Hotel: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel sits on Seneca Lake and is within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park.
Watkins Glen Park is a must-add for honeymooners on a New York road trip.
Day 7: Rochester
Start your day with a 90-minute drive to Rochester. Before you head into town, stop in Pittsford to take a boat ride on the Erie Canal. You’ll learn the canal’s history and even go through one of the locks. It’s a neat experience.
Head into Rochester for lunch. The Genessee Brew House is a tasty option and is across from the Pont de Rennes Bridge, which gives you amazing views of High Falls.
There are plenty of things to do in Rochester to fill the rest of your day. Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, the Strong National Museum of Play and the National Toy Hall of Fame are worthy stops.
History lovers will enjoy visiting the George Eastman Museum (founder of Kodak) and the Susan B. Anthony Museum. Or you can see New York’s largest living history museum, Genesee Country Village, which features over 50 historical buildings from the late 18th to early 20th centuries.
Where to Stay in Rochester During Your New York Road Trip Itinerary
Recommended Budget Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites is within walking distance of the Strong National Museum of Play and features complimentary breakfast.
Recommended Upscale Hotel: The Inn on Broadway is a historic boutique hotel with 25 luxury rooms.
Rochester combines urban vibes with nature, which is perfect for a romantic trip.
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Why travel to New York? It is a beautiful state with many things to see and do that go well beyond New York City in the US.
Why travel to New York City only when you can see so much more of the state? This 7-day upstate New York road trip itinerary only touches on a small part of what’s available.
Even at each stop, there are plenty of ways to customize this itinerary with other things you can see and do. We hope this week-long itinerary helps you plan the perfect honeymoon through New York for you and your partner.
