New York Metropolis has no scarcity of unbelievable things to do. If you’re planning a visit to the Massive Apple, relaxation assured that you simply’ll have an thrilling itinerary in your fingers. 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 improbable day journey locations, and Grand Central Station is simply as useful as it’s sightseeing-worthy. You would enterprise out utilizing public transport just like the prepare or Metro North or rent a rental car to go to someplace off the overwhelmed monitor.
1. Rockaway Seashore
Rockaway Seashore is an enormous sandy seaside on the outskirts of New York Metropolis. Its 5.5-mile boardwalk is a well-liked draw and, in summer time, Rockaway Seashore is the proper spot to flee town for seaside volleyball or enjoyable sunbathing. Visiting Rockaway Seashore is well a half-day exercise, though you’ll in all probability need 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 Seashore is the place to go on a day journey in order for you a seaside day, and it’s a common coastal getaway from New York City. 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 may nonetheless enterprise out to a different close by gem. Philadelphia is a metropolis recognized for its historical past, and it typically looks like there’s a nationwide historic landmark at each nook. Liberty Bell is probably the most well-known attraction in Philly and is taken into account an emblem of American Independence and civilian freedom. If you’re inquisitive about American historical past and politics, Philadelphia is the perfect day journey from NYC. Plus, you may catch public transport between the cities in simply over an hour or drive between them in two hours.
Aside from Liberty Bell, you may 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 allow 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 stunning views over the highlands; even higher, you solely want half a day to take action. Bear Mountain is common 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 adore it.
Bear Mountain State Park has 5,000 acres to discover and apart from its well-known peak guests can take pleasure in actions like boating, snowboarding, fishing, and extra.
The Bear Mountain Loop Path is 3.8 miles and has 1154 ft of elevation achieve. It’s a fairly medium-difficulty route and takes only a few hours to finish. You begin at a 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 kind of nature trails you crave after just a few 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 in all probability heard of Woodstock. The city in Ulster County is about a two-hour drive from town and is likely one of the finest day journeys from NYC. The city is famed for the Woodstock Competition of 1969, which was primarily 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 Warfare, Woodstock Competition was a message of peace and unity.
At the moment, Woodstock remains 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 Competition was situated 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. Identified for its vintage retailers and cute cafe tradition, Chilly Spring is a improbable day journey from NYC. It’s a good alternative in order for you a small-town vibe after just a few 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 may take pleasure in 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 buying, Chilly Spring has an additional choice of points of interest that make it common. 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 wanting leisure choices, which earns it its place on our record.
- One hour from New York Metropolis
6. Fireplace Island
Fireplace Island is a wonderful 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 recognized 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 take pleasure in sunbathing, crusing, biking, or admiring the well-known Sunken Forest. The sunken forest received its title from the distinctive double dune system what protects the bushes. 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 might 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 Highway 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 ft (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 common with locals and vacationers alike. The mound-like mountain is fully coated in greenery and bursts out of the bottom proper subsequent to the Hudson River, chopping a hanging pure landmark. This mountain is the one for you in order for you a mountain climbing day journey.
As we’re positive that you simply’ve already guessed, the mountain summit affords some stunning views. You’ll be overlooking the Hudson River and all the encircling greenery of the Hudson Valley countryside. It’s a comparatively simple five-mile hike to achieve the summit, navigating a handful of delicate switchbacks and principally sticking to the straightforward 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 outdoors NYC. The protect boasts three lakes, extra waterfalls than you may rely, and mountain climbing trails galore. Minnewaska State Park Protect can be improbable for mountain climbing and biking if you wish to go away your mountain climbing boots behind and get a bit extra adventurous. The protect is just accessible by automobile, so lease 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. While you mix this with over 50 miles of mountain climbing trails, it’s simple to see why it’s such a sought-after location. For a day of mountain climbing and pure points of interest, Minnewaska State Park Protect is an excellent 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. Outdoors town heart, you may go to improbable 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 just a few hours’ drive from NYC. For a resort expertise, you possibly can manage an in a single day keep. Nonetheless, it’s shut sufficient to go to for a day journey in case you are quick on time, particularly in case you are touring with a number of drivers to separate the driving time. Whether or not you’re a whole snowboarding beginner or a complicated 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 situated smack bang in the course of New York Harbor and is the proper day journey from town heart. You’ll be able to drive straight over to Governors Island by way of 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 quick on time, this can be a practical choice to your record.
So, what’s Governors Island? Governors Island is a 172-acre space that served as an early dwelling for Dutch colonists who have 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 displays, 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 prone 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. 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 be a handy addition, and you’ll all the time cease at points of interest like Bass River State Forest on the way in which.
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. When 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 an excellent alternative for an entertaining enterprise out of New York.
- Two hours from New York Metropolis
12. Iona Island Fowl Sanctuary
Iona Island Fowl 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 town heart. The island itself is beautiful to discover and a terrific place to expertise some off-the-beaten-track nature. It’s also possible to spot a whole lot of birds, from frequent wetland birds to well-known birds just like the bald eagle. Whether or not you’re a eager birdwatcher or need to immerse your self in nature on an NYC day journey, Iona Island Fowl Sanctuary is a wonderful spot to your itinerary.
You’ll want a automobile to go to Iona Island since navigating solely on public transport is hard. However, when you have a rental car and revel 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 using 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 considered one of New York’s most populous counties, nevertheless it additionally has some gorgeous pure areas. You’ll be able to experience alongside the gorgeous waterfront and wooded trails with Westchester Trail Rides, stables are situated simply an hour and 20 minutes drive from town heart.
Cross streams, lope alongside woodland trails, and admire the Westchester surroundings. Even higher, the stables are additionally accessible by way of the Metro North. Horseback using in Westchester County is a simple, 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 probably 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 splendid for rising the proper wine. It’s nicknamed Lengthy Island wine nation and is a improbable day journey when visiting NYC. The 30-mile stretch of the peninsula is round two and a half hours from town heart and is just accessible by way of automobile. Nonetheless, to benefit from the tasting expertise, we advocate booking a tour from NYC, which covers transportation for you.
Many of the finest wineries are situated alongside Foremost Highway and embrace Peconic Bay Vineyards, Jason’s Winery, and Paumanok Vineyards. You would simply stroll between them, though those that buy excursions can have the luxurious of car transfers. Wine tasting in Lengthy Island’s North Fork is a enjoyable exercise, particularly for wine fans 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 may be taught extra concerning the lighthouse and its historical past. Among the best 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 instances out of all our day journeys and takes almost 4 hours to achieve by automobile. Due to this, we advocate pacing the drive out as a one-day highway journey and stopping at points of interest like Parrish Artwork Museum and Hook Windmill alongside the way in which. You would mix it with a seaside day at East Hampton Foremost Seashore. Take your time, take within the sights alongside the way in which, 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 target 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 well top-of-the-line choices in case you are in search of an ice-skating day journey. The NHL regulation-size rink is only a forty-minute bus experience or drive from New York City center. You’ll be able to don a pair of skates your self or go away it to the professionals and watch a determine skating or hockey event. The Rink is improbable because it caters to those that need to get entangled and people who are ‘passionate onlookers’.
Wrap up heat and get excited to tug off or watch some cool strikes; ice skating is considered one of 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 be a terrific 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 a terrific day journey for individuals who prefer to get entangled 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 certainly.
- 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 proper coastal getaway in order for you a conventional seaside expertise. You’ve got all the pieces from a picket boardwalk to seaside arcades with video games and machines relationship again to the Thirties. It’s a common vacation spot for these eager to unwind and have a enjoyable, light-hearted day. Asbury Park will hold you entertained whether or not you might be touring as a household or simply need to unleash your inside little one.
You would loosen up on Asbury Park Seashore, which has sometimes calm waters excellent for swimming or paddling. In any other case, you possibly can deal with your self to a meal overlooking the ocean, stroll the scenic boardwalk, or spend just a few hours in Silverball Retro Arcade. The very best factor about Asbury Park is its old-world ambiance; 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 all over the place in New York. One of the vital common 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 points of interest. Prepared for extra journey, although? Among the best 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 just a few 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 points of interest, 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 earth and is nicknamed the ‘river that flows each methods’ as a result of the circulate is managed by the tide. It’s simple 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
While you consider issues to do close to New York, whale watching in all probability isn’t considered one of 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 in case you don’t spot whales, you’ll doubtless see bottlenose or frequent dolphins.
One of the best ways to see whales on a day journey from NYC is to guide 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 totally 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 proper stability for a metropolis break.
- One hour from New York Metropolis
22. Storm King Artwork Heart
Storm King Art Center is a day journey for artwork lovers. The open-air museum showcases an enormous assortment of up to date sculptures, some so weird that you simply’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 Heart additionally invested a staggering $45 million in redesigning the middle. It’s a massively common day journey from New York, partly for its artwork and partly as a result of it makes such a beautiful out of doors time out.
The out of doors artwork gallery is an hour and a half’s drive from town heart or simply underneath two hours on public transport. You’ll have some nice views alongside the way in which, 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 time out, that includes a sports activities area, zoo, and mountain climbing trails galore. The reservation is the proper 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 sizzling 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 common 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? Nicely, New Paltz must be one other in your record. The faculty city is an hour and a half’s drive from NYC and is about within the dramatic countryside proper on the curve of the Wallkill River. The city has that healthful ambiance, with farmers’ markets and romantic mountain climbing trails that whisk you straight from the city heart. It makes a terrific time out, and New Paltz is well one of the crucial common locations to go to within the stunning Hudson Valley.
Be certain 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 inquisitive about early American historical past. And when you’re glad with a historical past repair, we advise embarking on the Ridge-to-Ridge Path for stunning 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 critical sightseers, it’s a improbable add-on to your NYC itinerary. You would 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 is best to permit for an eight-hour spherical journey of driving. If you happen to can rotate drivers, you may handle this on a self-guided day journey, but when not, we advocate reserving a guided tour. These tours include transfers from NYC. You’ll be able to chill and simply benefit from the experience.
- Three hours and 45 minutes from New York Metropolis
To Conclude
Are you excited to check out these day journeys from NYC? You have 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 town heart.
If you happen to’ve received any extra questions on visiting New York, you may try our guides on where to stay and a particular New York Christmas guide. Have a improbable journey.
