While there are so many cool activities to engage in NYC, it’s not a bad idea to consider taking a day excursion from New York City. The noise, traffic, and crowds of the Big Apple can be a bit much at times, and there are many wonderful places near Manhattan that you can reach within just a few hours.
You can choose to rent a vehicle for your trip from NYC or take your own car. If driving is not preferable, there are many other options for travel. NYC is very well connected through public transportation to numerous cities and towns nearby ( $11 discount on bus and train fares).
Additionally, you may find some day excursions departing from New York City to several of the destinations mentioned in this guide.
Here, I am sharing the 15 best daily trips outside NYC, ranging from the most beautiful state parks to major cities and historic places. So, whether you’re looking for the best coastal escape from NYC or a mountain excursion, I’ve got you covered! Additionally, for even more ideas, check out our guide on the best activities outside NYC.
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1. Philadelphia, PA, one of the best day trips from New York City
Philadelphia offers something for everyone, and it’s just a couple of hours outside Manhattan, so it’s a perfect choice. You can easily get there by car or make it an Amtrak day trip from NYC if you prefer to travel by train (check schedule and best rates here).
Individuals interested in history will find an abundance of experiences to engage with in the City of Brotherly Love, where landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and Independence Mall can be visited. Those seeking art and culture will discover reputable institutions along the Avenue of the Arts, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Franklin Institute. It’s also worthwhile snapping a photo with the iconicLOVE sculpture or the renowned Rocky statue for interested sightseers.
Stretch your legs while traversing along the Schuylkill River Trail, browse the shops on South Street, and check out Penn’s Landing, which frequently hosts festivals and events. If you want more ideas, we have a complete guide on the best activities to partake in Philadelphia.
When hunger strikes, Reading Terminal Market is a sizable food court where an array of eats can be found, including cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and Amish baked goods. Speaking of which, Philly isn`t too far from Amish Country in Lancaster, PA. If wanting to maximize a day visit from New York City to Philadelphia, consider this tour, which takes in both Philadelphia and Lancaster in a day.
2. Washington, D.C., the best NYC day trip to take in the spring
A visit to the nation’s capital town won’t disappoint, as Washington, D.C. is complete with significant monuments, intriguing museums, and a few hidden gems. A day journey from New York City to Washington, D.C. is something one can do as a family or with your partner since there are activities for all ages.
If visiting this location, notable structures and historic landmarks commemorating former U.S. presidents should be explored, many of which date back in history. Some highly recommended sites include the Lincoln Memorial, structurally representing Abraham Lincoln, the Washington Monument symbolizing George Washington, the Jefferson Memorial honoring Thomas Jefferson, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial chronicling Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr.
I also recommend stopping by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, or World War II Memorial to pay your respects.
Moreover, the National Mall is one of the best places to see in Washington, D.C. Here, you can capture gorgeous photos of the Washington Memorial and Reflecting Pool. Also, the National Mall is bordered by Smithsonian museums such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of NaturalHistory, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
If visiting during springtime, you can see the renowned cherry blossoms blooming, however if missed, plenty remains to see. While primarily known for its historic landmarks, the city also delightfully boasts a wide variety of globally diverse culinary options.
To simplify your excursion, you can enroll in this tour considered the best single-day journey to Washington, D.C. from NYC, or this full-day excursion to D.C. and Philadelphia (all in one day).
3. The Hamptons, the best beach day trip from NYC
Any savvy New Yorker knows that the Hamptons area is one of the premier summer getaways from NYC, so if you’re looking for a place to visit during the warmer months, don’t hesitate to go!
The Hamptons encompass several beach communities and towns on the eastern end of Long Island, NY. Here, you can uncover some of the best beaches near NYC, such as Main Beach, a family-friendly and well-managed beach. It’s in East Hampton, one of the most popular summer colonies in The Hamptons, which includes smaller villages like Montauk and Sag Harbor.
Montauk is a pleasant township in East Hampton with cute B&Bs and a historic lighthouse. As for Sag Harbor, it has a charming, small-town feel and several old buildings dating back to the early 1800s.
If you want to enjoy some water activities, Cooper’s Beach in Southampton is a great selection. The coastline is pristine and has lifeguards on duty during the peak season, so you can go swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. Plus, the downtown area has scenic shops and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat.
As is visible, a trip to The Hamptons forms one of the optimum beach vacations from NYC. If you prefer not worrying about driving and finding a place to park, take into account this day tour from New York City, incorporating stops in Southampton, Sag Harbor, and the Tanger Outlets, the top outlets in New York.
4. Beacon, NY, the best NYC day trip to upstate New York
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, merely 60 miles north of NYC, Beacon is a lovely historic town with an artistic vibe. That said, it also offers many outdoor activities, so it’s the perfect upstate NY day trip from New York City.
Within the previous, Beacon was one among New York’s industrial facilities, and at the moment it’s a hidden gem that you simply shouldn’t move by. You’ll quickly change into captivated by the town’s historic allure and small-town feel. Stroll by means of the downtown space and pop into the museums and galleries, probably the most well-known being the previous Nabisco packaging manufacturing unit turned modern artwork gallery, Dia Beacon.
Beacon is also home to historic structures and colonial architecture such as the Madam Brett Homestead and the Eustatia cottage. Venturing towards the outskirts of the city allows enjoyment of fresh air and natural scenery in the Hudson Valley.
Spending a few hours investigating the hiking paths surrounding Hudson Highlands State Park or Mt. Beacon Park is worthwhile. The natural beauty is particularly radiant in autumn, so planning this Hudson Valley trip from NYC for September or October could be best.
This greenhouse structure houses a large collection of exotic plants from mountainous and low-lying tropical regions, including carnivorous and aquatic plants.
5. Niagara Falls, NY, a fun family day trip from NYC
Without uncertainty, a Niagara Falls day outing from New York City will not disappoint. Niagara Falls is a gorgeous natural wonder that you should see at minimum once. It extends into Ontario, Canada, although you’ll discover plenty of amazing things to do in Niagara Falls on the New York side.
The U.S. section of Niagara Falls includes many outlook points where one can obtain stunning perspectives of the waterfalls known as the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the massive horseshoe-shaped Horseshoe Falls. For instance, Terrapin Point, located on Goat Island, is a private place where the immense Horseshoe Falls can plainly be seen. Of course, Prospect Point is the most renowned viewpoint, giving a panoramic vista of the American Falls and the neighboring region of Ontario in Canada.
While taking in the magnificent cascades, you’ll notice individuals riding through the Niagara Gorge on the Maid of the Mist boat, as well as people walking along the Cave of the Winds platforms at the base of the falls. For those not afraid of getting wet, these two activities present a great way to get closer to the waterfalls and witness their sheer power firsthand.
For something gentler, check out the walking routes along the Niagara River Gorge, or journey to Old Fort Niagara, a colonial fortification and museum about 20 minutes from the falls.
As you can see, there is much to experience here, so consider taking a full-day bus ride from New York City to Niagara Falls resembling this one. If you have additional time available, taking this two-day ride would be worthwhile.
6. Full-day Long Island wine tour, a romantic day trip from NYC
Another lovely warm-weather area near NYC is Long Island, where you’ll find everything from water sports to wineries. Stretching from New York Harbor to the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island encompasses several densely populated cities and communities, such as The Hamptons, Great Neck, and Mineola.
Planning a day excursion to Long Island from NYC can be a bit puzzling, but I’ll tell you that one of the best activities to partake in here is to visit a winery. Vineyards and wineries housing superb ones can be found throughout the region, although some of the top ones are Pellegrini Vineyards and Sannino Vineyard in Cutchogue; SparklingPointe Vineyard in Southold; and Baiting Hollow Vineyard in Calverton.
For an exemplary vineyard excursion from NYC, undertake this bicycle tour of the wineries in North Fork, combined with sightseeing of the beaches in The Hamptons region.
Indeed, one of the most pleasant aspects of Long Island is the ability to sip on some delightful wines while also visiting the beach within the same day. Some of the top beaches on Long Island include Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Montauk, and Fire Island, which will be discussed next. Therefore, if you`re searching for a enjoyable day excursion from NYC, Long Island is an excellent choice.
7. Fire Island, NY, one of the best summer getaways from NYC
As I mentioned, Fire Island stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere, summertime activities, and pristine natural parks, located as it is on Long Island. If you`ll be in the region during summer, taking a beach day trip from NYC to Fire Island is the perfect way to relax and cool off.
Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island National Seashore both offer coastal scenery along the Fire Island shoreline. Spending time with family and enjoying water activities like swimming in the sea or exploring the nearby nature trails along the boardwalk through the Sunken Forest are recommend experiences here. The area is also home to various bird and animal species that can be observed, particularly along the 1.5-mile boardwalk route through the forested region.
If you want to indulge on something fancier, you can book a boat rental at Barrett Beach Park, a quieter and more secluded coastal community. Alternatively, Watch Hill has a scenic and serene campground, marina, nature trail, and lifeguarded beach.
8. Boston, MA, a great daytrip from NYC for history lovers
For a change of surroundings, the city of Boston, Massachusetts provides culture, cuisine, history, and additional features, rendering it among the prime destinations near New York City for a day outing. It takes a bit over 3.5 hours to travel to Boston from Manhattan by automobile, and there is never an unfavorable time to visit the community, while it is prone to New England`s winter storms.
Of course, it’s that New England charm that draws so many visitors to Boston. Here, you can explore the Boston Public Garden, the country’s first botanical garden, as well as Boston Common, the city’s central square and the oldest public park in the U.S.
The sights to be seen here are unmatched, so if you enjoy art, history, or entertainment, you`re in for a real experience. Be sure to check out the 900-foot-tall Prudential Tower, the deCordova Museum & Sculpture Park, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the museums at Harvard.
You can also get a superb panoramic view of the city by wandering along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, a one-mile stretch through Chinatown, the Financial District, and the North End. The Greenway encompasses several parks and passes Boston Harbor, where you can enjoy a cruise or watch from the Harborwalk.
You can also find walks and nature spaces near the city, and leave room for seafood sandwiches, creamy soup, and sweet treat since there is nothing better than a day excursion from NYC to Boston!
Ideally, Boston makes for a wonderful road outing from NYC, but if you’re short on time, this day trip from Manhattan will help you see all the city’s highlights in a single day.
9. Jersey shore, a fun summer daytrip from NYC for families
Another fun excursion from New York City extending across state lines is the expansive Jersey shoreline. Stretching from South Jersey’s scenic Cape May coast up to vibrant Asbury Park in the north, the 130-mile coast includes over 40 beaches. We have a detailed guide to the prime beaches located in New Jersey, allowing you to find precisely the type of setting you seek.
If you wish to find a Jersey shore location that is not too distant from Manhattan, consider the historic beach town of Asbury Park, which contains amusements, a waterpark, and a pinball arcade museum. Alternatively, Island Beach State Park is much more rustic and natural, making it well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
If you travel additional south, you can visit Ocean City, NJ, an additional premier household holiday location with a boardwalk, entertainments, and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. You can additionally go kayaking, parasailing, and paddleboarding in Great Egg Harbor Bay.
Lastly, in South Jersey, you can enjoy two of the best beach day trips from NYC. Firstly, Wildwood has a youthful atmosphere with plenty of amusements, arcades, and beach bars. Just 20 minutes away, Cape May is a quieter beach community with colorful Victorian mansions. If you visit here, be certain to check out the Cape May Point State Park and Lighthouse, the wineries, or one of the Cape May dolphin-watching tours.
10. Storm King Art Center, another excellent day trip from NYC
In the Hudson Highlands region, the Storm King Art Center is another NYC day trip worth undertaking. Situated just an hour from Manhattan and near Storm King Mountain, the scenery there is spectacular.
The Art Center is a massive open studio and sculpture backyard, so it’s excellent to visit when the climate is warmer (it closes in the winter.) Also, since it’s in the Hudson River Valley, it would make for an excellent autumn day outing from NYC. Alongside the superb works of art, you can delight in the fall foliage and colorful leaves.
There are over 100 sculptures here, like pieces by well-known artists such as Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, Richard Serra, and David Smith. The Art Center also hosts exceptional displays from time to time, so it’s worth visiting more than at one time.
Finally, this open air gallery spans about 500 acres of wooded areas, meadows, and hills, so take your time enjoying the environment and art. You can even rent a bike and follow the bike paths around the premises.
11. Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown, NY, the best daytrip from NYC to take in the fall
Sleepy Hollow is a historic and, as believed by some, haunted village situated along the Hudson River just 30 minutes from New York City, rendering it one of the best day trips from NYC. The town is most renowned for the short story,The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which was written in 1820 and portrays the village’s Headless Horseman.
While the horseman character was fictional, that did not stop Sleepy Hollow from becoming a place steeped in history and folklore. Even though some say that the location is haunted, it has more of a quaint atmosphere than a creepy one.
That said, Sleepy Hollow is a popular day trip from NYC during autumn since the fall colors and Halloween season bring lots of events. Be sure to visit the Old Dutch Church and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, two unique sites from the 17th century. If you’re a fan of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman Bridge is a small, rustic footbridge nearby.
Directly next to Sleepy Hollow is Tarrytown, another fascinating town with a storybook feel. Tarrytown has a strong Dutch history and several impressive structures dating back to the 1800s, like the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns, the Lyndhurst mansion, the Sunnyside house, and the Tarrytown Music Hall. I also recommend visiting the Tarrytown Lighthouse and the Philipsburg Manor House, built in the late 1600s.
12. Cold Spring, NY, another wonderful daytrip from NYC
Next to Beacon, you’ll find Cold Spring, another beautiful town close to NYC. Situated along the Hudson River, Cold Spring is a pretty village known for its art, culture, and proximity to gorgeous natural areas.
Spending some time strolling along Main Street, the lively town center where you can dine outdoors, go antique shopping, and enjoy live musical and theatrical performances. There is also Dockside Park, a lovely riverside park that provides views of Storm King Mountain.
For those who enjoy museums, be sure to check out the Magazzino Italian Art gallery and the Putnam History Museum, which conserves the history of the West Point Foundry ironworking shop. The outdoor area of the museum retains an old Civil War-era artillery site.
Additionally, Cold Spring is considered one of the optimum New York City day trips to undertake if you want some fresh atmosphere and outdoor recreational activities. Stonecrop Gardens is a 12-acre public alpine garden that’s suitable for visiting if you’re short on time. However, if possible, I would recommend exploring the cycling or hiking trails in the locality. The Breakneck Ridge Loop is a challenging hike with a steep incline, while the Fjord Trail is a shorter out-and-back route that goes through Hudson Highlands State Park from Cold Spring to Beacon. Both are fantastic options if you’re seeking hikes near NYC.
This city is also one of the best getaways from NYC during the warmer months, so if you visit during that time, you must go boating, paddleboarding, or kayaking on the Hudson River.
13. The Catskills, the ultimate winter day trip from NYC
If seeking the ideal winter day excursion from New York City, I highly recommend The Catskills region. The Catskill Mountains are a popular winter destination for New York locals and among the top attractions in New York state, guaranteeing an excellent experience there.
The Catskills are part of the Appalachian Mountain range and offer breathtaking scenery, majestic views, and plenty of activities. There are several ski facilities in the area, which positions the Catskills as one of the top places for a day ski trip from NYC. Spend the day skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at mountains like BelleayreMountain or Hunter Mountain, then head to nearby towns such as Phoenicia or Saugerties. One of my favorite all-inclusive resorts in NYC is located here, the Villa Roma Resort.
Phoenicia has a pleasant downtown area filled with galleries, antique shops, and breweries, and it’s near to the Phoenicia Mt. Tobias Wild Forest. Saugerties, which is nearby, is home to the Opus 40 Museum and Sculpture Park, the Saugerties Lighthouse, and the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. If you love to hike, you can locate more hiking routes in the towns of Hudson and Woodstock.
While winter sports bring many visitors to the Catskills region, summer is also a fine time to appreciate waterfalls, hiking trails, activities such as rafting and tubing. The scenic Catskill Trail proves quite popular, as does driving along the scenic byway stretching 52 miles through the Catskill Mountains.
14. Bear Mountain State Park, a nice daytrip from NYC for nature lovers
Situated an hour`s travel north of Manhattan, Bear Mountain State Park is a lovely natural area nestled beside the Hudson River and shadowed by Bear Mountain. Spread over 5,200 acres, the entire park offers many activities and attractions suitable for all ages. Undoubtedly, it`s one of the best family day trips from NYC that can be taken anytime of the year.
During summer months, visitors can cool off with a swim at the park`s publicly accessible pool or Hessian Lake, where paddleboat rentals are also available. The park grounds likewise feature a playground area, picnic sites, and numerous bicycling and hiking paths to explore. The 1.5-mile Hessian Lake Loop offers an easy route while the more physically demanding Fort Montgomery Trail begins at the Appalachian Trail and leads to the remains of Fort Montgomery, a defensive structure dating back to the American Revolution.
Bear Mountain State Park, another quick roadtrip getaway from New York City, can be enjoyed year-round, allowing for skiing, ice skating and sledding activities in winter. Families visiting will find entertainment at the on-site Trailside Museums, housing a reptile and amphibian exhibition, geology display and historical museum.
15. New Canaan, CT, a day trip from New York City you can do on the weekend
Finally, New Canaan, Connecticut, about 1.5 hours from Manhattan, has architecture, parks, activities, and nature, making it the perfect destination to round out our list of New York City daytrips. New Canaan may not be the first place coming to mind near NYC, but it’s a beautiful small town to enjoy with family or as a couple.
Several parks in town offer great opportunities for stretching your legs, having a picnic, and enjoying outdoor activities. Waveny Park is among the best options, with attractions like a pool, a paddle tennis court, walking trails, and even a castle. It`s worth seeing Mead Memorial Park, Mill Pond Park as well, or Irwin Park, known for its family of goats.
In reference to wildlife, the Bristow Bird Sanctuary has over 100 bird species, and the New Canaan Nature Center is filled with meadows, ponds, and wetlands, as well as an arboretum, botanical garden, and greenhouse. The Olive and George Lee Memorial Garden is a stunning hidden gem, particularly during azalea season.
For those interested in art and culture, New Canaan’s downtown district is a must-see. In addition to its restaurants, vintage shops, bookstores, and theater, it’s near the Philip Johnson Glass House, a contemporary art museum.
As one of the finest parks in NYC, Prospect Park offers plenty of natural areas, open spaces, and historic landmarks. Its Long Meadow section is a hub for families since it has playgrounds, the Picnic House, and the Bandshell, which hosts free summer concerts, one of the best outdoor options in NYC.
I hope you found some day trips from NYC that interest you! If you have any inquiries, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to assist. Have an enjoyable trip!
