Whether its a day trip or a weekend getaway, Summer is vacation time and there are several places to visit that are only a short drive away. Check out the Top 20 New York Summer vacation destinations.

The New York State Fair has something for the entire family. From rides and games to great food and entertainment at Lakeview Amphitheater. Lets not forget the free music at Chevy Court. Its no wonder the NYS Fair has been rated one of the best in America. Get all the details at NYSFair.org.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
loading...

Enchanted Forest Water Safari is a great place to take the kids and cool off during the Frog Days of Summer. Its just a short drive to Old Forge, New York. Water Safari is open 9:30am-7pm, 7 days a week. Get details and tickets prices at WaterSafari.com.

Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
loading...

If you're into the outdoors, the Adirondack Mountains in Old Forge is your destination. Enjoy camping, swimming, hiking, kayaking or just relaxing in the great outdoors. In the fall, you can see some the best foliage around.

Michael Dodge/Getty Images
Michael Dodge/Getty Images
loading...

If you're a sports fan, visit Cooperstown, home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can also enjoy great dining options in the quaint town, as Cooperstown was among 'Best Little Food Towns' in Food & Wine magazine. Enjoy beer sampling during a tour of the Ommegang brewery or just relax while sitting by Otsego Lake. See everything Cooperstown has to offer at ThisCooperstown.com.

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
loading...

5. Watkins Glen International

If NASCAR and racing is more your style, head to Watkins Glen International. The Cheez-It 355 is scheduled for August 4th-7th this year. Get details at TheGlen.com.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Tom Pennington/Getty Images
loading...

Spend a day at the track and a night at SPAC in Saratoga Springs.  Enjoy playing the ponies during the day at Saratoga Race Track. Then head to SPAC for a nightly concert. You can sit in the pavilion or enjoy the show from the lawn, under the stars. Get the concert lineup at SPAC.org.

Al Bello/Getty Images
Al Bello/Getty Images
loading...

7. The Strong National Museum of Toys in Rochester

What kid wouldn't be excited to visit the world's largest collection of toys, games, dolls, and video games at The Strong National Museum of Toys. There's also hundreds of butterflies in 'Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden.' All at an affordable price, at only $13.50 per person. Not bad for a day of fund. Get details at MuseumofPlay.com.

Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
loading...

8. Finger Lakes Wine Tour

Visit the 4th wine destination in the US.  Whether it's a day trip or a weekend getaway, the Finger Lakes has plenty of wine trails to choose from among beautiful, peaceful views. Book a trip at FingerLakesWineCountry.com.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
loading...

Summer is a peak time to visit Niagara Falls, where you can see it lit at night from the Canadian side. If you dare, you can get a close up look on the 'Maid of the Mist,' a boat ride that takes your right next to the falls. Or for the even more daring, take a zipline over the falls; new this year. You can even enjoy fireworks over the falls at night. It's been one of the top tourist destinations in the world for years. Get details to plan your trip at NiagaraFallsTourism.com.

John Moore/Getty Images
John Moore/Getty Images
loading...

10. Trenton Falls

Trenton Falls near Barneveld once rivaled Niagara Falls as a tourist destination. It's only open twice a year and thousands flock to Trenton Falls Gorge to hike the trails, see wildlife and picnic. This year the falls are open to the public May 7-8, Sept. 6-7 and again Oct. 4-5.

TSM
TSM
loading...

11. White Water Rafting

There are several options for white water rafting fans in Upstate New York on the Hudson, Moose and Black Rivers. Spring is the best time to go, with the snow melt creating fast moving currents for weeks. Calmer rides for families run until mid-October. Book your white water rafting trip at Adirondack.net.

Nick Laham/ALLSPORT
Nick Laham/ALLSPORT
loading...

12. Thousand Islands Boat Cruise

Enjoy the Thousand Islands in the St Lawrence river on a boat tour. Stop to tour Boldt Castle or Singer Castle on Dark Island. There's nothing like feeling the wind through your hair, while you glide across the water on a sunny day. Get details on everything there is to see and do at Visit1000Islands.com.

TSM
TSM
loading...

13. Lake Placid Training Center

Experience the trill of gliding down ice in the middle of summer at the Lake Placid training facility where you can take a bobsled or luge ride on the same track used by Olympian Erin Hamlin used. Step on the ice in the Herb Brooks Arena, the site of Team USA's 'Miracle' hockey win over Russia at the 1980 Olympics. Watch the country's best ski-jumpers train at the Olympic Jumping Complex, where they practice in a pool or tour the Olympic Museum. Or view the Adirondacks in a gondola ride up Whiteface Mountain. See everything Lake Placid has to offer at Whiteface.com.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
loading...

Destiny USA in Syracuse is about more than just shopping. Oh there's plenty of places to shop, but there's also great restaurants like The Melting Pot, The Cheesecake Factory, and Margaritaville, just to name a few. The kids can enjoy Wonderworks, an amusement park for the mind, Laser Tag, the Amazing Mirror Maze, Canyon Climb, Glow Golf, Go-Karts , Dave & Busters and an indoor play center at Billy Beez. There's something for everyone, even a place for a laugh or two at the Funny Bone. Get more details at DestinyUSA.com.

TSM
TSM
loading...

15. Herkimer Diamond Mines

Diamonds are a woman's best friend. Take her to the Herkimer Diamond Mines where you can keep everything you find. Get details at HerkimerDiamond.com.

Chatabox/ThinkStock
Chatabox/ThinkStock
loading...

16. Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

Explore the historic Erie Canal Locks 67-71, constructed in 1838, at the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride in Lockport, NY. See stalactites, flow stone, various geological formations and artifacts left behind in the underground caves by the men who built the tunnel on America’s longest underground boat ride. Get tickets details and hours of operation at Lockportcave.com.

Bergwacht Bayern via Getty Images
Bergwacht Bayern via Getty Images
loading...

There's so many things to see and do in New York City. From Time's Square and Broadway plays to vising the 9/11 museum or catching a ball game. A weekend stay is too short to see it all, but may be long enough if you're not into large crowds. Find all New York City has to offer at NYCGo.com.

TSM
TSM
loading...

18. Salmon River Lighthouse

Into ghosts? Why not stay at the Selkirk Lighthouse, on the Salmon River. It's one of only three lighthouses in the Northeast visitors can rent for overnight stays. But the season is short. It's only available from mid-June until mid-August. Book your haunted stay at SalmonRiverlighthousemarina.com.

Dean Treml/Red Bull via Getty Images
Dean Treml/Red Bull via Getty Images
loading...

19. Sterling Renaissance Festival

Go back in time at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, where you can enjoy a pub crawl and wench auction. Themed weekends run until August 14th. Get details and ticket information at SterlingFestival.com.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
loading...

20. Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at Oswego Speedway

Channel your inner NASCAR driver at the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at the Oswego Speedway. Choose to ride along with a professional driver or take the wheel for the ultimate driving experience. Get details, prices and book your trip around the track at RaceWithRusty.com.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images for NASCAR
Jeff Gross/Getty Images for NASCAR
loading...

MORE: Zip Lining Through Adirondacks in Lake George, New York

More From Big Frog 104