What to do and see in Albany, New York (NY): The Best Nature & Parks

August 10, 2021 Terina Blouin

A rich 300-year history, a thriving arts community and seemingly endless wilderness make this New York capital city on the Hudson River a great weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to ski, hike, canoe and fish; trout and small-mouth bass fishing is among the best in the U.S. Mountains surround the city, and the tapestry of golds and reds on an autumn day is breathtaking. The city is dominated by an elaborate 10-building complex that includes the State Capitol; the New York State Museum, with life-like dioramas such as American Indian life and an Adirondack logging operation; and the oval-shaped Empire State Performing Arts Center, nicknamed "The Egg." History buffs will enjoy the colonial homes, historic churches and museums, and can tour 18th-century mansions, like the Schuyler, a superb example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Whether nature or history is your passion, you'll find an abundance of both in this upstate New York gem.
Restaurants in Albany

1. Erie Canal System

30 S Pearl St Canal Corporation Albany Division, Albany, NY 12207-3427 +1 518-449-6036 http://www.canals.ny.gov
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Erie Canal System

2. Washington Park

Madison Ave and Willet St, Albany, NY 12210 +1 518-434-2032 http://www.washingtonparkconservancy.org
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 358 reviews

Washington Park

Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States

We came here for a quick walk to get some fresh air, and while it was maybe the wrong season (too cold for nice weather or flowers, and without the pretty fuss of the Christmas season), the park was still spacious and well-maintained. There were still other people going for walks or runs, and there are bridges over the bodies of water, plus benches for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. In warmer weather, it looks like it would be a lovely place for a picnic.

3. New York State Museum

Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12230 +1 518-474-5877 http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,092 reviews

New York State Museum

Under the leadership of the New York State Education Department, this museum and research center preserves New York State's artistic, social, historical and environmental legacies through such exhibits as "Native Peoples of New York," "The Cohoes Mastodont" and "Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s."

Reviewed By GypsyJules1111 - Albany, United States

We always enjoy visiting the NY State Museum, from the vast selection of exhibits, children’s play/ learning room, cafe & the top floor carousel, there is always more than enough to see & do to capture the interest & attention of my young son & his mom too! We highly recommend visiting here!

4. Albany Pine Bush Preserve

New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 +1 518-785-1800 http://www.albanypinebush.org/
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Albany Pine Bush Preserve

One of the most endangered regions in the Northeastern United Sates contains almost 6,000 acres of scenic and dramatic landscape rooted in glacial history.

Reviewed By kittykrazy2016 - Altamont, United States

The Pine Bush has great trails through all the preserves. Scenery is great! Perfect for a social distancing hike!

5. Rensselaer Lake

Albany, NY 12205 http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65369.html
Rensselaer Lake

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