Best General New York State Travel Guides of 2026

"Walk With Me: New York" by Susan Kaufman is a stunning collection of over 200 photographs that capture the beauty and charm of New York City. The author, a longtime fashion editor and photographer, invites the reader to see the city from a different perspective: from the sidewalk. Kaufman showcases the often-overlooked spots that make NYC so beautiful, from its parks and cafes to building facades. This coffee table pick is perfect for both denizens and strangers to the Big Apple's streets. "Walk With Me" is a lovely reminder to slow down, be reflective, and appreciate the small discoveries that offer us balance in a fast-paced world.

The StreetSmart NYC Map Midtown Edition by Van Dam is an essential tool for navigating Manhattan. The map includes all top attractions such as museums, hotels, theaters, shopping destinations, and the subway system. The legible scale of 1:32,000 and 3-D building illustrations make it easy to read from three feet away. The map is laminated and pocket-sized, making it convenient to carry around. With transit information and an address finder covering all of New York City, this map is a must-have for both tourists and locals. The stunning dimensional detail of Midtown Manhattan with Times Square at 1:17,000 scale at its center is a unique feature. Overall, this map is an excellent resource for exploring the city.

Moon USA RV Adventures: 25 Epic Routes is the ultimate guide for RV road trips in the US, featuring 25 flexible itineraries with ideas for side trips and strategies for linking routes together. The book includes the best routes for national parks, historic sites, natural wonders, beaches, and pet-friendly destinations. It also offers expert advice from seasoned RV-ers and comprehensive planning resources, including easy-to-use maps and tips for health and safety on the road. With beautiful full-color photos and a fold-out map, Moon USA RV Adventures is a must-have for anyone planning an RV adventure in the US.

Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries is a comprehensive guide for foragers in the Northeastern United States. The book includes clear photographs, identification tips, and suggestions for eating and preserving wild plants. It also provides a seasonal planner to help readers know which plants are available during every season. Written by a lifelong forager and certified ethnobotanist, Leda Meredith, the book emphasizes local varieties and traditions, and provides information for safe identification and sustainable harvesting. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for both new and experienced foragers in the region.

Dinner in French: My Recipes by Way of France: A Cookbook is a collection of 150 recipes that reflects a modern yet distinctly French sensibility. Melissa Clark, one of the nation's favorite cookbook authors and food writers, updates classic French techniques and dishes to reflect how we cook, shop, and eat today. From Salade Nicoise with Haricot Vert to Apricot Tarte Tatin, the recipes are traditional yet fresh, and the writing is informative yet playful. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves French cuisine and wants to cook and share delicious food anywhere they are.

The Birds of New York Field Guide is an indispensable tool for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. This guidebook features 126 species of New York birds, organized by color for ease of use. The book includes naturalist tidbits and facts, along with crisp, stunning full-page images. Author Stan Tekiela has updated this new edition with more species, updated photographs and range maps, revised information, and even more of his expert insights. The guidebook is perfect for identifying birds in New York and making bird-watching even more enjoyable.

The New York Times Sunday Crossword Omnibus Volume 11 is a must-have for any crossword enthusiast. With 200 puzzles in one volume, it offers convenience and value. The Sunday puzzles are more than 50% bigger than the weekday ones and feature contemporary themes, fun vocabulary, and challenging clues. The book is edited by Will Shortz, the crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times since 1993, and founder and director of the annual American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. This book is a great addition to any puzzle lover's collection, providing hours of entertainment and brain exercise.

Fodor's New York City (Full-color Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guidebook that provides travelers with everything they need to know to explore the city that never sleeps. The book includes multiple itineraries, maps, and practical tips to help visitors save time and money while experiencing the best that the city has to offer. The guidebook also features honest recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, as well as photo-filled "Best of" features on various topics. Overall, Fodor's New York City is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to the Big Apple.

The Not For Tourists Guide to New York City 2023 is the ultimate guidebook for navigating the Big Apple. This map-based, neighborhood-by-neighborhood guidebook is perfect for both locals and travelers who want to explore the city's best restaurants, shopping, and more. With user-friendly icons identifying NFT's favorite picks, the book includes invaluable neighborhood descriptions written by locals. It covers everything from restaurants, bars, shopping, and theater to information on hotels, airports, banks, transportation, and landmarks. The foldout map for subways and buses and more than 130 city and neighborhood maps make it easy to navigate the city. Overall, this pocket-sized book is an indispensable guide to the city and a must-have for anyone visiting or living in New York City.

prettycitynewyork is a city photography book that uncovers the hidden beauty of New York City. The book showcases stunning images of the city's quaint alleys, markets, and boutiques that are often overlooked by tourists. It also provides helpful tips for photographers and travelers alike to plan their own prettycitynewyork experience. The author, Siobhan Ferguson, is a photographer and social media consultant who founded the popular Instagram accounts @prettycitylondon and @theprettycities. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the hidden gems of New York City and capture its beauty through photography.