New York City is a fun place to visit any time of the year, especially during the Holiday Season. There is an endless assortment of affordable things to do, or you could spend time exploring things like historical sites or filming locations. Although you can easily spend a week in NYC, there are many day trips from New York City that visitors can also add to a NYC itinerary. The area surrounding NYC has so many fun things to offer.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in New York here. They are very affordable too!
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Where to Stay in New York City
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best New York hotels here!
My favorite area to stay in NYC is Midtown due to its central location to everything. You can typically find a good deal to stay in this area. I recommend anywhere between 34th Street and 60th Street.
Some of my favorite hotels include:
- Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central*
- Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square South*
- Hilton Times Square*
- New York Marriott Marquis
- Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street*
- Hotel Edison
- Voco Times Square South*
- Club Quarters Hotel Times Square, New York
- AC Hotel by Marriott New York Downtown
- DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
The Best Day Trips from New York City in New York
North Fork, New York
by Sam Oppenheimer of Find Love and Travel
Easily, one of the best day trips from New York City to experience is to the North Fork Long Island Vineyards! Known as New York’s wine country, you will find over 60 vineyards and wineries to explore. Most vineyards are open year-round, making it a great place to visit any time you’re visiting New York.
The vineyards are spread out along the North Fork of Long Island, but you can reach them from anywhere between 1.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on the vineyard. The closer vineyards will be around 70 miles to drive from Midtown Manhattan.
While you can take the Long Island Railroad out to Riverhead and then Uber to the nearest vineyard, there are also a few tours that will bring you out to several vineyards to go wine tasting. You can also rent a car and have a designated driver.
Some great vineyards to enjoy on the North Fork include Baiting Hollow Farm and Vineyard, Osprey’s Dominion, and Macari Vineyards. During the summer, these vineyards often have events and live music on the weekends, making it a great day trip. Most vineyards will also offer light bites to enjoy with your wine tasting. If you’re a real wine lover, consider looking into taking a vineyard tour where you learn more about the process of making wine. Macari offers such tours.
Poughkeepsie, New York
By Kelly of Travel New York Now
Poughkeepsie is one of the most overlooked day trips from New York City, and it is seriously sad because this place has just so much to offer. I may be a bit biased, though, since my brother lives here, but generally, I have always enjoyed exploring Poughkeepsie.
The best way to get to the city is to take the train from NYC. It’s just an hour-and-a-half journey, and it will set you back $22. Once you reach there, you should think about renting a car. It does have a local bus, but it is so much easier with your own mode of transport.
There are a ton of things to do in Poughkeepsie. The Marist College, for one, is a popular attraction. Don’t forget to head over to the Walkaway over the Hudson. This was once a railway bridge but is now a pedestrian crossing. It is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the area.
Other places that should be on your bucket list include Vassar College, the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Art Centro.
And if you want a scrumptious lunch, head to the Eveready Diner, where you can get a themed lunch. The restaurant has fun, art-inspired decor, and a super cool vibe. It’s perfect for a leisurely meal after walking around exploring. Just be warned that the place is super cozy, so you may spend longer eating lunch than you expected.
Irvington, New York
By Kelly of The Girl With The Passport
Irvington is one of New York’s best-kept secrets. Well, not so much because most locals know that this is a really cool place to visit. Getting to Irvington is pretty straightforward. You can take the Hudson line from Grand Central Terminal in NYC, and it’s about a 50-minute ride. Alternatively, you could choose to drive down from the city. No matter what, it is one of the best day trips from New York City.
The village is well known for the Armour-Stiner house, which is one of the unusual attractions in New York. This ultra cool one-of-a-kind pink octagon-shaped house draws people from all over the country to check it out. Though to be honest, most people don’t come here because they are visiting Irvington. Rather, they come here as a detour from Sleepy Hollow, which is really close by.
Irvington is a really quiet village that has a surprising number of things to do aside from the famed pink house. You could walk along the Old Croton Aqueduct historic trail, head to Main Street for some shopping, or walk around the Bridge Street commercial area. Other attractions in the village are the Town Hall theater, the Irvington- Hudson River Tiffany trail, and the Tiffany reading room.
Saugerties, New York
By Lauren of Wild Kids Wander
Saugerties in the Catskills is another world compared to New York City, but it’s only two hours (or 115 miles) away, making it a perfect day trip destination. The best way to get to Saugerties and the rest of the Catskills from New York is to drive. However, you can also take the train to Poughkeepsie and then Uber/taxi the remaining distance.
Saugerties is a gorgeous small town with several fantastic, unique shops and restaurants. You’ll especially want to try Alleyway Ice Cream for a sweet treat. And since Saugerties is right on the Hudson River, you can do plenty of water activities, like kayaking and boat cruises.
The Saugerties Lighthouse is a big draw for tourists. Their one-mile nature trail is open from sunrise to sunset all week and guides you along the shores of the Hudson River. If you’re curious about the lighthouse, you can attend one of their Sunday tours offered on Memorial Day through Labor Day.
While in Saugerties, you’ll want to head right outside of town and visit an incredible sculpture park, Opus40, which was built on an old bluestone quarry. The 6.5-acre sculpture was handmade by artist Harvey Fite and sits in a beautiful 63-acre park. There are even more things to do in the Catskills, close to Saugerties, including some beautiful hiking. Kaaterskill Falls and Sunset Rock are two fun trails to try. The Catskills are one of the best day trips from New York City.
New Paltz, New York
By Sam of New England Wanderlust
New Paltz is a fun little college town in the Hudson Valley that is one of the perfect day trips from New York City. Between a cute Main Street with independent shops and boutiques, awesome dining options, and incredible hiking, there’s such a great variety of options to plan the perfect escape from the city.
If you plan to stick to just the town, one of the best things to do is explore the historic Huguenot Street. A designated National Historic Landmark, the street perfectly showcases preserved stone houses that reveal the stories behind the French Huguenot settlers when they arrived in New Paltz in the 17th century. If you’re on a budget, this is the perfect place to visit, as it’s completely free – including the guided tours!
You definitely don’t want to leave New Paltz without exploring all the amazing hiking nearby, too. One of the best ways to enjoy hiking in the area is by getting a day pass at Mohonk Mountain House, which is an iconic resort in town that’s been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows. With different day pass options, you can easily spend the whole day at the resort, and you’ll have access to all the trails, as well as their restaurants and spa, depending on the package you choose.
Nearby is also Minnewaska State Park and Gertrude’s Nose is an absolutely gorgeous hike for some of the best views in the area. This hike is especially stunning in the fall season.
New Paltz is about 85 miles, or 1.5-2 hours from the city by car (depending on traffic), and is a very easy drive. If you plan to do any hiking, having a car for the day is the best way to visit. If you need to take public transit, the best option for a day trip is the Adirondack-Pine Hill Trailways bus, which brings you right to the bus station in New Paltz. You can also use Uber or Lyft to get around once you arrive, but the town center is very walkable.
Warwick Valley, New York
By Sckylar of Adventuring Dreamers.
One of the best day trips from New York City is to the Warwick Valley Winery, and Distillery is a delightful escape, only a 1.5-hour drive away from the city. Nestled 55 miles northwest of Manhattan, this adventure takes you on a picturesque route along the Hudson River. While the winery is open year-round, it’s an especially beautiful drive during the fall as you’ll pass through the stunning Hudson Valley and Harriman State Park just as the leaves are changing colors.
Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery’s tasting space allows you to savor Warwick Valley Wines, Doc’s Ciders, American Fruits Cordials & Liqueurs, Warwick Gin, Gin Pig, and Black Dirt Bourbon & Rye, all crafted with precision and care. They have a package where you can sample a little bit of every flavor, and it comes with three high-quality souvenir cups! And if you get a little hungry, the café is a fabulous place to indulge in locally sourced, scratch-made dishes, including brick-oven pizzas and fresh-baked bread.
If you’re visiting the winery in the fall (August 29th to November 8th), don’t miss the opportunity to pick your own apples in the orchard that contains more than 65 different types of apple trees. It’s a chance to connect with nature while enjoying a refreshing sip of cider or a glass of fine wine.
And if music and wine aren’t your thing, the town of Warwick is still worth the day trip. In addition to the winery, you can also explore country roads on a bike, hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy a round of golf, or experience a horseback riding adventure. In the summer, Greenwood Lake offers boating and swimming opportunities, while the fall paints the town in vibrant hues, with farms and orchards inviting you to pick apples and pumpkins.
Hudson, New York
By Megan of Bobo and Chichi
One of the most charming day trips from New York City can be found along the Hudson River in the town of Hudson. Located in the Hudson Valley, Hudson is also a great place to visit for exploring the Hudson River Valley as well as the Catskill Mountains.
Located only 2 hours from New York City by car (~120 miles) or by Amtrak, you can easily visit this incredibly cool and historic town in a day with or without a car.
The shopping along Warren Street is worth a visit alone. There are so many cool and creative independent shops to be found here, whether you’re looking for home decor and inspiration or clothing. The shops tend to be a bit higher end, and if you’re into antiques, you can easily spend hours inside the Antique Warehouse.
In addition to the shopping, the architecture is stunning here, and there are plenty of great places to eat, like Kitty’s Restaurant, which is the perfect brunch spot if you’re coming by train, as it’s directly across from the train station!
And if you need a drink break, head to a brewery or stop at the Spotty Dog Books & Ale, a bookshop with a bar set in an old firehouse – which has to be the coolest combination ever.
If you come by car, you can also take advantage of a few of the nearby sites like Olana State Historic Site, where you can either tour the grand estate or freely walk along the pathways and trails through the wooded area around this Hudson Valley castle!
Better yet, each season offers something different here. The town looks whimsical, with a fresh dusting of snow in the winter. You feel like you’re in a storybook in the fall with foliage, spring brings pretty flowers, and the summer is also just a stunning time to be here!
Delaware Water Gap, New York
By Anastasia of Travel Realist
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the best day trips from New York City for outdoor lovers. The area is on the Delaware River, right on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.
A car is a must to reach the Delaware Water Gap, as well as to drive to its different attractions. A trip from New York City is around 70 miles on I-80W. You could be enjoying the first attractions 75 minutes after leaving the city. Consider driving early to beat the traffic and get a parking spot.
Start your exploration of the Delaware Water Gap by hiking a trail at Kittatinny Point. An uphill hike will reveal an iconic gap in the mountains. You will see Arrow Island, Mount Minsi, and Mount Tammany. Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail if you have some time.
Continue your exploration of the area by picking a couple of waterfall hikes. Most waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap are on the Pennsylvania side. You need to cross a toll bridge on the way to the falls. Make sure to visit Dingman Falls, Silverthread Falls, and Raymondskill Falls.
Enjoy the picturesque country roads as you drive from one trailhead to another. If you visit the area during the warmer months, go kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, or tubing. All are excellent ways to enjoy nature and relieve the stress of the city.
A visit to Delaware Water Gap is free (outside of the toll bridges) unless you go to the river beaches. An expanded amenity fee of $10 per vehicle applies in this case. This fee could be worth it if you are looking to swim at a lifeguarded beach.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
By Anna of Tatted Nomad
Looking for something both spooky and full of legends yet enchanting? Sleepy Hollow should be on the top of your list and makes for one of the best day trips from New York City.
It is about 30 miles north and about 1 hour drive with the car up north on the I-87. If you’re taking the train, opt for the Hudson Line and get out at TarryTown station, which will take about 40 minutes and take you along the scenic edges of the Hudson River. From TarryTown station, the village of Sleepy Hollow is a 5-minute cab ride or a leisurely 20-minute walk away.
Nestled along the east bank of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow isn’t just a destination; it’s an enchanting escape into a storybook world that seems to come alive, especially as the colors of fall cascade across the landscape. Sleepy Hollow is immortalized by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” tale and offers a delectable blend of haunted places, spooky stories, and fall festivities that make it an unmissable day trip – especially as the leaves begin their vibrant transformation.
Besides getting lost in the timeless tales of the Headless Horseman, you can wander through the charming yet haunted streets and landmarks.
When visiting, you can
- Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery – where the author Washington Irving and soldiers from the Revolutionary War rest eternally (it’s believed that Irving’s characters are also buried there! Dare to find out?)
- Explore the Old Dutch Church going back to 1685 (making it the oldest church in the state!)
- Take a peek into Irving’s world through his Sunnyside home
- The RiverWalk offers gorgeous views and peaceful spots to rest
Don’t miss the haunted Sleepy Hollow Halloween events! You can find everything from haunted hayrides, gothic mansions, pumpkins, farmer’s markets, live music, and more! You may even be lucky and get to see the Headless Horseman. Get lost and explore the village that’s lined with cute shops and restaurants – who knows, maybe you’ll uncover other whispered tales?
Jones Beach, New York
By Victoria of Guide Your Travel
Jones Beach is 45 miles and approximately 1.5 hours. The best way to get there is to rent a car and drive as public transport is limited. Jones Beach makes for one of the best day trips from New York City.
Long Island is the best place close to New York City to enjoy a clean and beautiful beach, and Jones Beach is one of the best places on the island for a day on the water. You won’t have to drive too far, and since the coastline stretches for so long, there is almost always a quiet spot.
Long Island has plenty of things to do and see, and the Jones Beach area specifically is fantastic for water sports and adrenaline-pumping activities. Go boating, kayaking, windsurfing, or jumping in the water for a swim. Just keep an eye on the currents, which can be strong.
Of course, driving along the coast and exploring the different beaches is a fun activity if hiking doesn’t sound very tempting. Jones Beach seamlessly melts into West Gilgo Beach and Gilgo Beach, which is just as beautiful. Definitely keep exploring and add more stunning beaches to your itinerary.
Definitely rent a car for the day if you don’t have your own since getting to Jones Beach with public transport is almost impossible. Leaving as early as possible is highly recommended, as the NYC traffic can be disastrous.
The Best Day Trips from New York City to Other States
New Haven, Connecticut
By Abby of Trekking Princess
One of the top day trips from New York City is to New Haven, Connecticut. It takes about 2 hours to travel from New York City to New Haven, whether you are driving or taking the Amtrak train. The distance between the two cities is around 80 miles. However, the Amtrak ride is more relaxing because you can avoid the hassles of city traffic and parking.
A day trip to New Haven is well worth it because the city offers a tremendous amount of activities and experiences. Some of these include the prestigious Yale University, fantastic pizza joints, many museums, beautiful parks, and much more.
Despite being a city, New Haven offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a coastal town in Connecticut.
One of the highlights of New Haven is its exceptional pizza spots. Be sure to visit popular establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana or Sally’s Apizza for unforgettable pizza.
New Haven is worth a visit from New York City and is a fabulous day trip. It allows you to take a break from New York City’s business while still providing you with plenty of things to see and do in a smaller, more relaxed setting like New Haven.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
By Jess from Travel + Tannins
Philadelphia is one of the best day trips from New York City. It lies 95 miles and an hour and 40 minutes.
Taking the train from New York City to Philadelphia is often the fastest and most convenient way to get to Philadelphia. The average time to get to Philadelphia by train is 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are several direct train routes daily, ranging in price from $10-$200 one way, depending on the time of departure. If you have a car, you can drive from New York City to Philadelphia by taking I-95 South for approximately 95 miles.
There are several direct bus routes from New York City to Philadelphia that range in price from $15-30 for one way. Taking the bus is the slowest way to travel, taking approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Philadelphia is a fun and vibrant city that is often thought of as the birthplace of America, making it well worth a day trip from NYC! There are tons of historical sites, as well as beautiful parks, and great dining experiences. Philadelphia has tons of free things to do, making it a perfect place to explore while not breaking the bank!
No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without seeing a little bit of history! Visit Independence National Historical Park, where you can tour Independence Hall for only $1 with a reservation. You will also find the Liberty Bell in the park, which is free to see. Other recommended parks to visit include LOVE Park and FDR Park.
For food, visit the Reading Terminal Market, where you can browse around for whatever you are in the mood for! For a more upscale dining experience, eat at JG’s Sky High, a restaurant on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, for phenomenal small plates and cocktails. Even if you decide not to dine at JG’s Sky High, you should absolutely stop in, as it has spectacular views of the city!
Be sure to book any tours in advance, as there is often not any availability for booking the day of!
Kent, Connecticut
By Tara of Tour Guide Tara
Kent, Connecticut, is a charming town located just under two hours north of New York City. It is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Kent is the perfect escape from the city, with beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and historic architecture.
Kent is about 75 miles from New York City. You can get there by car or train. Barring city traffic, the drive can be as short as 80 minutes. If you’re without a car, you can also take the train from Grand Central Station to Dover Plains. That’s only 11 miles from Kent, and you could take an Uber or taxi from there. A car will give you the greatest flexibility, but the train is still an option.
Especially in the fall, any visitor would be remiss to skip out on visiting Kent Falls State Park. It’s an easy 0.8-mile loop to the top of the falls and back down. After admiring the stunning waterfall and the covered bridge, why not enjoy a picnic on the grounds of the park? One thing to note if you have an out-of-state vehicle, there will be a $10-15 parking fee depending on the day you visit. In summer, this small lot can fill up very quickly!
Kent is also worth a day trip for its restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. Along Main Street, enjoy lunch at the Villager or dinner at the Fife ‘n Drum. Pop in and out of the various gift, book, and antique shops along your way. There are even a few historical sites and museums that are open seasonally.
Ten minutes north of Kent, Macedonia Brook State Park is also home to the most gorgeous views of the surrounding hills. Active visitors can also fish, walk, or bike along the Housatonic River. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day in nature or a vibrant cultural experience, Kent is one of the best day trips from New York City.
The Jersey Shore, New Jersey
By Eleanor from Elevate Your Escape
The New Jersey shore is one of the perfect summer day trips from New York City! You can discover the state’s extensive 130-mile coastline, where local beach spots offer a refreshing escape.
The beach is the top attraction of the Jersey Shore are. Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, the beaches here are a testament to the state’s dedication to summer tourism. Visitors are required to purchase a beach pass through convenient apps or beachside booths and wear a wristband for access throughout the day.
Some beach towns, like Asbury Park, have boardwalks with activities and walkable towns. In Asbury Park, you can find food, games, mini-golf, cafes, and even concert venues right on the boardwalk.
While the shore towns are best explored by car, traffic can be challenging. It’s about 56 driving miles from New York City to Sea Bright, the closest shore point of interest.
From New York City, the NJTransit coast train is a convenient alternative. This efficient service connects you to picturesque beach towns like Long Branch, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, and Belmar, with trains departing approximately every hour from Penn Station during the summer. The shortest distance is one hour and 15 minutes to Red Bank. Once you’re down the shore, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for your convenience.
Other Day Trips from New York City
There are many fun and exciting options for day trips from New York City. Other options include Coney Island, a great place to enjoy the beach and boardwalk, easily accessible by public transport. The Hudson Valley is full of historic towns and wineries. Check out Princeton in New Jersey, where you can visit Princeton University. Of course, you will not want to miss the Hamptons with its beaches, wineries, and upscale shops. No matter your choice, getting out of the city for a day will add to a fabulous NYC vacation.
