25 Best Day trips from NYC In 2023

New York Metropolis has no scarcity of unbelievable things to do. If you’re planning a visit to the Huge Apple, relaxation assured that you just’ll have an thrilling itinerary in your palms. However what about day journeys from NYC? You’ll be able to escape metropolis life and discover the smaller nation cities within the Hudson Valley or take a day journey to Philadelphia or Atlantic Metropolis. Whether or not you need mountain climbing and biking trails or a glitzy day journey to a neighboring metropolis, this information will cowl all the most effective day journeys from NYC. Let’s dive straight in.

Prime Day Journeys from NYC

New York is surrounded by incredible day journey locations, and Grand Central Station is simply as practical as it’s sightseeing-worthy. You might enterprise out utilizing public transport just like the practice or Metro North or rent a rental car to go to someplace off the overwhelmed monitor.

1. Rockaway Seaside

Rockaway Seaside is an unlimited sandy seaside on the outskirts of New York Metropolis. Its 5.5-mile boardwalk is a well-liked draw and, in summer time, Rockaway Seaside is the right spot to flee the town for seaside volleyball or stress-free sunbathing. Visiting Rockaway Seaside is definitely a half-day exercise, though you’ll most likely wish to keep longer. You’ll be able to attain the seaside in lower than an hour by automobile, whereas public transport takes round an hour and a half.

Rockaway Seaside is the place to go on a day journey in order for you a seaside day, and it’s a in style coastal getaway from New York City. The town can get stifling in summer time, and this seaside is a dreamy place to catch a coastal breeze and funky off within the waves.

• One hour from New York Metropolis

2. Philadelphia

New York Metropolis is likely to be unbelievable, however you’ll be able to nonetheless enterprise out to a different close by gem. Philadelphia is a metropolis identified for its historical past, and it typically looks like there’s a nationwide historic landmark at each nook. Liberty Bell is essentially the most well-known attraction in Philly and is taken into account a logo of American Independence and civilian freedom. If you’re involved in American historical past and politics, Philadelphia is the perfect day journey from NYC. Plus, you’ll be able to catch public transport between the cities in simply over an hour or drive between them in two hours.

Aside from Liberty Bell, you’ll be able to go to Independence Corridor, the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, and the Museum of the American Revolution. For a lot of causes, visiting Philadelphia is a well-liked day journey from NYC. You’ll be able to view our full information on issues to do in Philadelphia here.

You can book this highly rated tour from NYC to Philadelphia and Washington DC. Test off seeing three of America’s finest cities (together with NYC) with this journey as you permit early within the morning from New York and go to the enduring landmarks of Phili and DC together with the Lincoln Memorial, White Home, the U.S. Capitol, and Independence Corridor.

• Two hours from New York Metropolis

3. Bear Mountain State Park

A day journey to Bear Mountain is one for mountain climbing and nature lovers. Bear Mountain is a 1289 foot (393-meter) excessive peak within the Hudson Highlands and is only a one-hour drive from the middle of New York Metropolis. Guests can drive up Perkins Memorial Drive for lovely views over the highlands; even higher, you solely want half a day to take action. Bear Mountain is in style as a result of it’s a scenic however handy hike only a stone’s throw from New York Metropolis. And we expect you’ll like it.

Bear Mountain State Park has 5,000 acres to discover and apart from its well-known peak guests can get pleasure from actions like boating, snowboarding, fishing, and extra.

The Bear Mountain Loop Path is 3.8 miles and has 1154 toes of elevation acquire. It’s a moderately medium-difficulty route and takes just some hours to finish. You begin at a car parking zone by Bear Mountain Inn and loop previous Hessian Lake, shortly reaching gorgeous views over the Hudson River and the encircling peaks. Be ready for a little bit of scrambling and pack some sturdy mountain climbing boots; it’s a type of nature trails you crave after a number of days of metropolis life.

If you wish to see the Hudson Valley from above, book this helicopter tour the place vacationers get a style of the New England fall foliage aboard a personal helicopter over the Hudson Valley. 

• One hour from New York Metropolis

4. Woodstock

Music lovers, you’ve most likely heard of Woodstock. The city in Ulster County is ready a two-hour drive from the town and is likely one of the finest day journeys from NYC. The city is famed for the Woodstock Pageant of 1969, which was basically a hippie get-together as individuals gathered to make use of music as an outlet for rising socio-political tensions. Within the face of occasions such because the Vietnam Conflict, Woodstock Pageant was a message of peace and unity.

As we speak, Woodstock continues to be well-known for its music and artwork. You’ll be able to cease by the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum or embrace nature on the Woodstock Waterfall Park. Whereas the unique Woodstock Pageant was positioned on a close-by farm, many individuals additionally deal with visiting Woodstock as a musical pilgrimage. If you’re impressed by the story of 1969 or love musical historical past, it’s a nice day journey from NYC.

• Two hours from New York Metropolis

5. Chilly Spring

Chilly Spring is a tiny city within the Hudson Valley. Recognized for its vintage retailers and cute cafe tradition, Chilly Spring is a incredible day journey from NYC. It’s a good selection in order for you a small-town vibe after a number of days within the fixed flurry that’s New York. You’ll be able to simply spend half a day puttering round all of the little retailers and grabbing brunch. And in summer time, you’ll be able to get pleasure from picnics alongside the Hudson River. Chilly Spring is simply over an hour’s drive from the middle of NYC or underneath two hours utilizing public transport.

After an hour or two of vintage procuring, Chilly Spring has an additional number of sights that make it in style. Boscobel Home and Gardens have 68 acres of numerous gardens to walk, together with woodland and dainty flowerbeds. There’s additionally the Putnam Historical past Museum and West Level Foundry Protect. Chilly Spring has that small-town aesthetic, however you’ll by no means be in need of leisure choices, which earns it its place on our record.

• One hour from New York Metropolis

6. Fireplace Island

Fireplace Island is a good looking barrier island off the coast of Lengthy Island’s south shores. Rural, distant, and nonetheless ‘wild’, Fireplace Island is an adventurous day journey from New York for anybody wanting to flee beeping automobile horns and dodging the crowds. It’s best identified for its coastal reserve, the Fireplace Island Nationwide Seashore. Fireplace Island is just accessible by automobile and takes an hour and a half to achieve from New York Metropolis heart.

Guests to the island can get pleasure from sunbathing, crusing, biking, or admiring the well-known Sunken Forest. The sunken forest bought its title from the distinctive double dune system what protects the timber. None of which might develop taller than the dunes that shield them. Thus the forest is sunken within the dunes.

The island is a great spot for out of doors actions. Fireplace Island is a relaxing however versatile seaside vacation spot simply reached with a rental automobile – what extra may you need on a sunny day? Word: If you happen to don’t have a automobile there’s this Tour of Fire Island that leaves from the Lengthy Island Rail Street Station on the Ronkonkoma Department from Penn Station, Manhattan.

• One and a half hours from New York Metropolis

7. Storm King Mountain

Storm King Mountain sits within the heart of Storm King State Park and rises over 13,123 toes (400 meters) above sea degree. Simply an hour and a half’s drive north of NYC, the mountain is a handy close by hike, which makes it in style with locals and vacationers alike. The mound-like mountain is completely coated in greenery and bursts out of the bottom proper subsequent to the Hudson River, slicing a placing pure landmark. This mountain is the one for you in order for you a mountain climbing day journey.

As we’re positive that you just’ve already guessed, the mountain summit provides some lovely views. You’ll be overlooking the Hudson River and all the encircling greenery of the Hudson Valley countryside. It’s a comparatively straightforward five-mile hike to achieve the summit, navigating a handful of delicate switchbacks and principally sticking to the simple footing on well-defined paths.

• One hour and a half from New York Metropolis

8. Minnewaska State Park Protect

Minnewaska State Park Protect is a dreamy spot to embrace nature exterior NYC. The protect boasts three lakes, extra waterfalls than you’ll be able to depend, and mountain climbing trails galore. Minnewaska State Park Protect can also be incredible for mountain climbing and biking if you wish to depart your mountain climbing boots behind and get a bit extra adventurous. The protect is just accessible by automobile, so hire a automobile, buckle up, and prepare for a two-hour drive via Hudson Valley.

The protect has a fairly particular location, perched on Shawangunk Mountain Ridge and overlooking the countryside of Ulster County. The protect is thought for cliffs, sweeping views, and pure water options. If you mix this with over 50 miles of mountain climbing trails, it’s straightforward to see why it’s such a sought-after location. For a day of mountain climbing and pure sights, Minnewaska State Park Protect is a superb day journey from NYC.

• Two hours from New York Metropolis

9. Go cross-country snowboarding

So, in case you are visiting New York in winter, what then? Many mountain climbing trails shut, and also you may really feel much less keen about trudging round knee-deep in snow anyway. In winter, snowboarding is the reply. Exterior the town heart, you’ll be able to go to incredible ski resorts – spending your day on the slopes or exploring the countryside by cross-country snowboarding.

West Mountain is a well-liked place for snowboarding actions and is a number of hours’ drive from NYC. For a resort expertise, you could possibly set up an in a single day keep. Nonetheless, it’s shut sufficient to go to for a day journey in case you are brief on time, particularly in case you are touring with a number of drivers to separate the driving time. Whether or not you’re a complete snowboarding beginner or a sophisticated skier, going cross-country snowboarding is a enjoyable day journey from New York.

• Three hours from New York Metropolis

10. Governors Island

Governors Island is positioned smack bang in the midst of New York Harbor and is the right day journey from the town heart. You’ll be able to drive straight over to Governors Island through a connecting bridge from Brooklyn, which take lower than half an hour (closely depending on visitors). Alternatively, catch a ferry ride to the island. Governors Island is likely one of the most central NYC day journeys. If you’re brief on time, it is a lifelike choice to your record.

So, what’s Governors Island? Governors Island is a 172-acre space that served as an early residence for Dutch colonists who had been initially cautious of deciding on the mainland. The island was then taken over by British rule within the late seventeenth century, coining its title ‘Governors Island’ after being reserved for His Majesty’s Governors. The island is open for public enjoyment, that includes recreation areas, cultural reveals, and common occasions and actions. You’ll be able to even take a motorcycle tour. This particular tour is the most effective one on the island and is more likely to promote out! We advise checking its schedule to see if something catches your eye.

• half-hour from New York Metropolis

11. Atlantic Metropolis

Fancy a celebration break or one other glitzy city expertise? Atlantic Metropolis is an outgoing, flashy coastal metropolis simply two hours from New York in New Jersey. The town is thought for casinos and seashores, a well-liked area of interest for these eager to let their hair down. If you wish to mix a number of states in a single journey, New Jersey can also be a handy addition, and you’ll all the time cease at sights like Bass River State Forest on the best way.

Like many cities across the US, Atlantic Metropolis has a big American-Italian inhabitants, and you’ll count on loads of scrumptious eating places and bars. Whilst you go to Philadelphia for a day journey filled with historical past, you go to Atlantic Metropolis for a day journey filled with enjoyable and partying. Atlantic Metropolis is a superb selection for an entertaining enterprise out of New York.

• Two hours from New York Metropolis

12. Iona Island Chicken Sanctuary

Iona Island Chicken Sanctuary is one other of our NYC day journeys for nature lovers. The sanctuary is on Iona Island, a 556-acre island an hour and a half drive from the town heart. The island itself is gorgeous to discover and an excellent place to expertise some off-the-beaten-track nature. You may also spot tons of of birds, from frequent wetland birds to well-known birds just like the bald eagle. Whether or not you’re a eager birdwatcher or wish to immerse your self in nature on an NYC day journey, Iona Island Chicken Sanctuary is a good looking spot to your itinerary.

You’ll want a automobile to go to Iona Island since navigating solely on public transport is hard. However, if in case you have a rental car and luxuriate in discovering extra distant locations on day journeys, the sanctuary is an thrilling spot to go to.

• An hour and a half from New York Metropolis

13. Go horseback driving within the Westchester County

There’s one thing ridiculously romantic about exploring the countryside on horseback, and what higher place to take action than Westchester County? The county is sandwiched between two our bodies of water – the Hudson Valley Sound and the Hudson River. It is likely to be one in all New York’s most populous counties, however it additionally has some gorgeous pure areas. You’ll be able to trip alongside the gorgeous waterfront and wooded trails with Westchester Trail Rides, stables are positioned simply an hour and 20 minutes drive from the town heart.

Cross streams, lope alongside woodland trails, and admire the Westchester surroundings. Even higher, the stables are additionally accessible through the Metro North. Horseback driving in Westchester County is a straightforward, romantic, and enjoyable day journey from NYC.

• One hour and 20 minutes from New York Metropolis

14. Go wine tasting in North Fork

Do you know that award-winning wineries encompass New York Metropolis? North Fork is essentially the most well-known area for wine tasting and is located on the jap finish of Lengthy Island – surrounded by water, which is alleged to be excellent for rising the right wine. It’s nicknamed Lengthy Island wine nation and is a incredible day journey when visiting NYC. The 30-mile stretch of the peninsula is round two and a half hours from the town heart and is just accessible through automobile. Nonetheless, to benefit from the tasting expertise, we suggest booking a tour from NYC, which covers transportation for you.

A lot of the finest wineries are positioned alongside Essential Street and embody Peconic Bay Vineyards, Jason’s Winery, and Paumanok Vineyards. You might simply stroll between them, though those that buy excursions may have the luxurious of car transfers. Wine tasting in Lengthy Island’s North Fork is a enjoyable exercise, particularly for wine fanatics eager to expertise New York’s tackle vino.

• Two and a half hours from New York Metropolis

15. Montauk Level Lighthouse Museum

Montauk Level Lighthouse Museum is an attraction for historical past buffs. The 1796-built lighthouse was approved by President George Washington and was the primary ever lighthouse to be inbuilt New York. It’s now the fourth oldest working lighthouse within the US – a fairly staggering title. The museum is an adjoining attraction the place you’ll be able to study extra in regards to the lighthouse and its historical past. The most effective methods to discover is on an electrical bike. This tour takes you across the island with minimal effort.

Montauk Level Lighthouse has one of many longest journey occasions out of all our day journeys and takes practically 4 hours to achieve by automobile. Due to this, we suggest pacing the drive out as a one-day street journey and stopping at sights like Parrish Artwork Museum and Hook Windmill alongside the best way. You might mix it with a seaside day at East Hampton Essential Seaside. Take your time, take within the sights alongside the best way, and have a number of drivers take turns on the wheel.

• 4 hours from New York Metropolis

16. Sleepy Hole Cemetery

Sleepy Hole Cemetery is likely one of the strangest NYC day journeys. Not solely was the cemetery the main focus of the story The Legend of Sleepy Hole, however it’s also the burial place of many wealthy and well-known individuals, together with William Rockefeller. You’ll be able to go to to identify famed resting locations and tour the cemetery. If you’re visiting New York within the fall, visiting Sleepy Hole Cemetery is a well-liked, spooky exercise, and the graveyard is exceptionally atmospheric.

The cemetery is an hour and a half drive or an hour on the metro. You’ll be able to hop on at Grand Central Terminal and take the Hudson Line 745 to Philipse Manor, strolling round fifteen minutes to achieve the cemetery. Visiting this famed cemetery as a day journey from NYC is simple and an uncommon addition to your itinerary.

• An hour and a half from New York Metropolis

17. Go ice skating at The Rink

New York has some large ice-skating rinks; that a lot is for positive. Nonetheless, The Rink is definitely top-of-the-line choices in case you are on the lookout for an ice-skating day journey. The NHL regulation-size rink is only a forty-minute bus trip or drive from New York City center. You’ll be able to don a pair of skates your self or depart it to the professionals and watch a determine skating or hockey event. The Rink is incredible because it caters to those that wish to become involved and people who are ‘passionate onlookers’.

Wrap up heat and get excited to tug off or watch some cool strikes; ice skating is one in all NYC’s most entertaining day journeys. For these wanting a winter sports activities expertise however aren’t eager to enterprise to the closest ski slopes, ice skating can also be an excellent compromise.

• Forty minutes from New York Metropolis

18. New Hope Railroad

New Hope Railroad is a heritage railway just below two hours drive southwest of NYC. If you’re a locomotive fanatic or simply love all issues classic, New Hope Railroad is an interesting and immersive place to go to. It makes an excellent day journey for many who wish to become involved and expertise historical past for themselves. The 18-mile route has each steam and diesel trains, and guests can embark on scenic rides via Buck Nation.

New Hope Railroad is an ideal standalone day journey from NYC, however in case you are okay with an extended journey day, take into account combining it with a go to to Philadelphia. Philadelphia is simply over an hour south of the railway – too shut to not be tempted by absolutely.

• Two hours from New York Metropolis

19. Asbury Park

Asbury Park is one other New Jersey gem simply an hour’s drive from New York Metropolis. The seaside metropolis is the right coastal getaway in order for you a standard seaside expertise. You’ve got every little thing from a wood boardwalk to seaside arcades with video games and machines relationship again to the Nineteen Thirties. It’s a in style vacation spot for these eager to unwind and have a enjoyable, light-hearted day. Asbury Park will maintain you entertained whether or not you’re touring as a household or simply wish to unleash your interior little one.

You might chill out on Asbury Park Seaside, which has usually calm waters good for swimming or paddling. In any other case, you could possibly deal with your self to a meal overlooking the ocean, stroll the scenic boardwalk, or spend a number of hours in Silverball Retro Arcade. One of the best factor about Asbury Park is its old-world environment; for a classic seaside day, don’t look any additional.

• One hour from New York Metropolis

20. Go on a ship cruise alongside the Hudson River

You may get river cruises in every single place in New York. Probably the most in style issues to do in New York Metropolis is to cruise up the East River for ultimate views of the cityscape and New York’s main waterfront sights. Prepared for extra journey, although? The most effective day journeys from NYC is to go up the Hudson River on a cruise. You’ll be able to often take cruises straight from New York City, so your journey time is low, and the cruises often final a number of hours.

The Hudson River splits New Jersey and New York, with the state boundaries falling someplace within the river itself. From New York Metropolis, you’ll cruise upstream, underneath the George Washington Bridge and previous gorgeous surroundings like Tallman Mountain State Park. You’ll additionally get to sightsee a few of each states’ lesser-known sights, together with waterfront mansions just like the Gothic revival property Lyndhurst Mansion. The Hudson River is likely one of the most well-known rivers on the planet and is nicknamed the ‘river that flows each methods’ as a result of the circulate is managed by the tide. It’s straightforward to see why the Hudson River makes such a well-liked day journey.

• Just a few hours from New York Metropolis

21. Go Seal and whale watching from Lengthy Island

If you consider issues to do close to New York, whale watching most likely isn’t one in all them. The waters off of Lengthy Island are filled with marine animals, although, together with humpback, fin, and north Atlantic proper whales all through summer time and fall. Even when you don’t spot whales, you’ll seemingly see bottlenose or frequent dolphins.

One of the best ways to see whales on a day journey from NYC is to e-book a whale-watching boat trip from Long Island. You’ll be able to simply drive or take public transport to Lengthy Island, having fun with a completely organized tour expertise from there. If you happen to’ve by no means seen whales up shut, going whale watching from Lengthy Island is likely one of the finest wildlife day journeys from NYC. Seeing whales within the wild is a humbling and awe-inspiring day journey – the right stability for a metropolis break.

• One hour from New York Metropolis

22. Storm King Artwork Middle

Storm King Art Center is a day journey for artwork lovers. The open-air museum showcases an enormous assortment of latest sculptures, some so weird that you just’ll be head-scratching for some time earlier than you work them out. There are over 100 sculptures unfold out over 500 acres. In the summertime of 2022, Storm King Artwork Middle additionally invested a staggering $45 million in redesigning the middle. It’s a massively in style day journey from New York, partly for its artwork and partly as a result of it makes such a beautiful out of doors day trip.

The out of doors artwork gallery is an hour and a half’s drive from the town heart or simply underneath two hours on public transport. You’ll have some nice views alongside the best way, although, and can drive alongside the banks of the Hudson River and between Harriman and Bear Mountain State Park.

• An hour and a half from New York Metropolis

23. South Mountain Reservation

South Mountain Reservation is likely one of the finest New York Metropolis day journeys. The two,000-acre public park is the last word day trip, that includes a sports activities enviornment, zoo, and mountain climbing trails galore. The reservation is the right place to spend a day – particularly in spring or summer time on a heat, sunny day. You’ll be able to pack a picnic, stroll the grounds, and even go pond fishing. And on a scorching day, there’s a pavilion with ceiling followers to retreat to.

The reservation is a 45-minute drive from NYC or round an hour on public transport. It’s massively in style amongst New Yorkers and far much less touristy than any parks within the metropolis heart. A win, win.

• 45 minutes from New York Metropolis

24. New Paltz

Has Woodstock made you intrigued to go to the Hudson Valley’s small cities? Properly, New Paltz must be one other in your record. The faculty city is an hour and a half’s drive from NYC and is ready within the dramatic countryside proper on the curve of the Wallkill River. The city has that healthful environment, with farmers’ markets and romantic mountain climbing trails that whisk you straight from the city heart. It makes an excellent day trip, and New Paltz is definitely one of the crucial in style locations to go to within the lovely Hudson Valley.

Ensure that to cease by Historic Huguenot Avenue, a Nationwide Historic Landmark District consisting of seven stone homes constructed by Huguenot settlers within the 18th century. The road often has immersive historical past demonstrations in full circulate. It’s a fascinating spot for historical past lovers and people involved in early American historical past. And if you end up happy with a historical past repair, we propose embarking on the Ridge-to-Ridge Path for lovely views.

• An hour and a half from New York Metropolis

25. Washington D.C.

Final however not least, right here’s our most bold day journey from NYC. Washington, D.C., is the U.S. capital metropolis and one of the crucial famed cities on Earth. Washington is thought for its historical past, memorials, and museums. For any severe sightseers, it’s a incredible add-on to your NYC itinerary. You might go to the Lincoln Memorial, United States Capitol, Nationwide Gallery of Artwork, or Library of Congress. Learn extra: 12 Must-See Washington DC Monuments and Memorials in Photos

For full disclosure, attending to Washington, D.C., is tiring, and it’s best to enable for an eight-hour spherical journey of driving. If you happen to can rotate drivers, you’ll be able to handle this on a self-guided day journey, but when not, we suggest reserving a guided tour. These tours include transfers from NYC. You’ll be able to chill and simply benefit from the trip.

• Three hours and 45 minutes from New York Metropolis

To Conclude

Are you excited to check out these day journeys from NYC? You need to be. New York Metropolis is likely to be an action-packed, thrilling place, however these locations additionally deserve a spot in your itinerary. In addition to, it all the time feels extra adventurous to stray out of the town heart.

If you happen to’ve bought any extra questions on visiting New York, you’ll be able to take a look at our guides on where to stay and a particular New York Christmas guide. Have a incredible journey.