New York City has amazing museums, shows, and sights, but some of the most interesting cultural and historic sites are just outside the city. A quick drive can take you to presidential history in the Hudson Valley, scenic river views in Poughkeepsie, or live music and horse racing up north. 

This guide highlights some key spots to see, along with tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum – Hyde Park

If you're into history, Hyde Park is a must-see. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum was the first of its kind in the US, and it’s still super interesting. Inside, you'll find cool interactive stuff, theaters that pull you in, and real artifacts that make the Roosevelt years feel real.

You can look at real letters, speeches, and personal stuff from Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The exhibits cover big events like the New Deal and World War II, giving you background and stories you don't get in books. It’s a full day of hands-on history that’s great for serious history fans and anyone just looking for something cool to do.

Hyde Park is about 90 minutes north of Manhattan, making it an easy and worthwhile drive — especially if you pick up a coffee and enjoy a scenic playlist on the way.

Walkway Over the Hudson – Poughkeepsie

Want to see history up close? Walk it! The Walkway Over the Hudson is the world's longest elevated bridge for people. It goes for 1.28 miles over the Hudson River. Back in 1889, it was built for trains, but now it's a cool walking path 212 feet in the air. Since it reopened in 2009, over seven million people have walked or biked across it, taking in views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. As you walk, you'll see signs that tell the bridge's story, like about the fire in 1974 that closed it for years.

It's open all year, costs nothing to visit, and is right off I-87. If you want some fresh air, cool photo spots, or just a place to walk around during a drive, check it out.

Summer Concerts and Festivals

Summer in New York State? Get ready for a packed schedule of cool stuff to do! Outdoor shows and music fests are all over the place – from mountains to city parks – so there's music for everyone.

Mountain Jam – Catskills. Up at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, there's a weekend party with jam bands, rock, and roots music in a great mountain spot. You can camp there, catch late-night shows under the stars, eat well, and take in that festival feel.

Governors Ball – New York City. This fest in NYC kicks off the summer. It happens in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens every June, and has over 60 acts on three stages. Big names have played the fest. Between shows, grab some eats from the city's best food trucks and soak up the vibe from afternoon until night.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) – Saratoga Springs. Set in Saratoga Spa State Park, SPAC is outdoors and has it all – rock, pop, plus the New York City Ballet and Philharmonic. Big names are coming in 2025. Bring a blanket for the lawn, relax with the trees, and enjoy music in a good-looking spot.

Saratoga Race Course 

Saratoga Springs is cool, and it's got one of the oldest, most famous horse racing spots in the US. Saratoga Race Course has been getting people excited since 1863. The summer racing season goes from mid-July to Labor Day, with the Travers Stakes in late August as the big event – people call it the Midsummer Derby. Race days can draw over 40,000 people, so it's really lively. Even if you don't gamble, it's a fun day because of the tradition and excitement.

Picture shady picnic tables, thundering hooves, and a cold lemonade in hand. Be sure to book hotels early, as summer races fill up fast.

Other Must-See Upstate Museums

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute – Utica. Known locally as Munson, this arts center is the cultural heartbeat of Central New York. The museum’s collection spans more than 13,500 works, and the campus includes a performing arts program and an arts college. Expect a mix of fine art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and even a summer arts festival.

Roberson Museum and Science Center – Binghamton. A family favorite, the Roberson Museum combines art, history, science, and a digital planetarium all under one roof. Exhibits range from model trains to regional artwork, and kids love the hands-on science displays. Seasonal events – like the popular holiday decoration showcase – keep visitors coming back year after year.

Tips for planning your cultural road trip

• Heads up on times: some places change their hours depending on the season. Big events like the Travers Stakes only happen on certain days.
• Book it now: tickets for popular shows, races, and exhibits can be gone weeks in advance.
• Get there early: avoid the crowds and get a better parking spot. Plus, you will have more time to look around.
• Drive: a rental car lets you go wherever you want, even spots that buses don't reach.

The Road Awaits

New York is more than just Manhattan. You can walk where a president once did or dance at a music festival in the mountains. These road trips are close by and super memorable.

Drivo makes it easy to get out of town. Grab a rental in the city or at the airport, pack your stuff, and go whenever you want. Whether you like history, music, art, or everything, New York's cool stuff is waiting.