This Charming New York City Near Lake Ontario Offers Fun Outdoor Recreation

New York is one of the most stunning destinations in the world, and it's no wonder millions of visitors flock to its iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. Yet beyond these crowded landmarks, the state is also home to charming towns you'll never believe are in the U.S., each packed with endless outdoor activities. Among them, Watertown stands out as a true hidden gem. Located in Jefferson County, this city sits near Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes.

Settled in 1800, Watertown's early pioneers built around the powerful Black River, which served as a power source for the community over 200 years ago, and the waterfalls along the river inspired the city's name. Incorporated in 1869, Watertown's identity has also been shaped by its strong military presence, as it lies about 9 miles from Fort Drum, a 107,000-acre U.S. Army base. Today, Watertown has transformed into a welcoming destination for any kind of getaway, whether you're planning the perfect holiday trip in New York or seeking a quiet weekend escape.

This city is about 63 miles from Kingston, Ontario, and 70 miles from Syracuse, with Syracuse Hancock International Airport being the best option for international visitors. The closest airport, however, is the smaller Watertown International Airport, offering flights to Philadelphia. From there, downtown Watertown is a quick 10-minute drive or taxi ride. Once you arrive, you'll know you're in for endless outdoor adventure, and, as its name suggests, water activities are part of the charm.

Your outdoor adventure in Watertown starts at its crown jewel, Thompson Park, perfect for a family getaway. Kids can splash around in the pool, while nature-lovers can hike the 1.7-mile Thompson Park Trail, an easy, scenic route where leashed dogs are welcome. Within the park, the 32-acre Zoo New York — the only zoo in the world dedicated exclusively to native New York wildlife — is a must-visit. Here, you can spot various wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, eagles, and Canada lynx, making it one of the best places for spotting rare wildlife up close. While entry to the park itself is free, zoo admission runs up to $12 (prices accurate as of this writing), depending on age, and it's open daily from May through October and on the weekends from November through April.

Winter transforms Watertown into a snow sports paradise, with Dry Hill Ski Area offering several trails perfect for snowboarding, skiing, and snowtubing. There are options for all experience levels, and you can rent a complete package which includes boots, poles, a snowboard or skis, and a helmet for $45. If you're visiting in the summer, the 125-mile Black River is ideal for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, with guided trips priced around $85 per person. For those who prefer a calmer pace, rent a kayak or paddleboard for $25 from B.O.B. Rafting.

If you'd prefer to not get wet, Watertown is filled with scenic trails. The 0.25-mile Veterans' Memorial Riverwalk offers beautiful views of the Black River and is perfect for a short stroll. The 6-mile Black River Trail welcomes both hikers and bikers, while the 0.2-mile White Water Park Trail lets you watch rafters and paddlers on the river.

Step into Watertown's history by visiting the Jefferson County Historical Society, housed in the 1870s Paddock Mansion. Inside, you'll find exhibits, artifacts, and photographs that trace Watertown's growth, its military past, and the stories of residents who helped shape the city. Admission ranges from $4 to $6, with doors open Wednesday through Saturday. Afterward, stop by the Sci-Tech Museum. Although a flood damaged its original site, its interactive exhibits on science and technology are temporarily displayed at Zoo New York. While libraries don't usually top adventure lists, the Flower Memorial Library is a must-visit. Once hailed as the most beautiful small library in the United States when it opened in 1904, it still retains its charm today. The building's architecture and interior design make it arguably one of the best historical sites to visit in America and well worth a quiet tour, as the library often hosts important meetings and events.

For a taste of local delicacies, enjoy Italian dishes at Pete's Trattoria or classic gourmet sandwiches at Fairground Inn. Visitors can also explore Salmon Run Mall, filled with a variety of stores, eateries, and a theater. For the best local products, plan your trip between late May and early October, when the Watertown Farm and Craft Market takes place every Wednesday.

For overnight stays, Watertown offers familiar hotel names such as Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousand Islands, Ramada by Wyndham, and Best Western Watertown Fort Drum. Whether you visit in summer, winter, fall, or spring, outdoor adventures fill the calendar year-round. And if you have extra time, the Thousand Islands, just 35 miles from Watertown, make the perfect nature-filled escape.