New York Metropolis has no scarcity of unbelievable issues to do. If you’re planning a visit to the Massive Apple, relaxation assured that you simply’ll have an thrilling itinerary in your palms. However what about day journeys from NYC? You possibly can 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 automotive 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 most likely wish to keep longer. You possibly can attain the seaside in lower than an hour by automotive, whereas public transport takes round an hour and a half.
Rockaway Seashore is the place to move on a day journey in order for you a seaside day, and it’s a fashionable coastal getaway from New York Metropolis. 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 may be unbelievable, however you may nonetheless enterprise out to a different close by gem. Philadelphia is a metropolis identified for its historical past, and it typically seems 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 considering 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.
Other than 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 possibly can view our full information on issues to do in Philadelphia right here.
You possibly can e book this extremely rated tour from NYC to Philadelphia and Washington DC. Verify 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 long-lasting 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 fashionable as a result of it’s a scenic however handy hike only a stone’s throw from New York Metropolis. And we predict you’ll find it irresistible.
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 achieve. It’s a moderately medium-difficulty route and takes only a few 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 kind of nature trails you crave after a number of days of metropolis life.
If you wish to see the Hudson Valley from above, e book this helicopter tour the place vacationers get a style of the New England fall foliage aboard a non-public 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 about a two-hour drive from town and is among the finest day journeys from NYC. The city is famed for the Woodstock Pageant 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 Struggle, Woodstock Pageant was a message of peace and unity.
Right this moment, Woodstock continues to be well-known for its music and artwork. You possibly can cease by the Woodstock Artists Affiliation 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. Identified for its vintage retailers and cute cafe tradition, Chilly Spring is a incredible day journey from NYC. It’s a good alternative in order for you a small-town vibe after a number of days within the fixed flurry that’s New York. You possibly can simply spend half a day puttering round all of the little retailers and grabbing brunch. And in summer time, you may get pleasure from picnics alongside the Hudson River. Chilly Spring is simply over an hour’s drive from the middle of NYC or below two hours utilizing public transport.
After an hour or two of vintage procuring, Chilly Spring has an additional number of sights that make it fashionable. Boscobel Home and Gardens have 68 acres of various 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. Hearth Island
Hearth Island is a good looking barrier island off the coast of Lengthy Island’s south shores. Rural, distant, and nonetheless ‘wild’, Hearth Island is an adventurous day journey from New York for anybody wanting to flee beeping automotive horns and dodging the crowds. It’s best identified for its coastal reserve, the Hearth Island Nationwide Seashore. Hearth Island is simply accessible by automotive and takes an hour and a half to succeed in from New York Metropolis middle.
Guests to the island can get pleasure from sunbathing, crusing, biking, or admiring the well-known Sunken Forest. The sunken forest obtained its identify from the distinctive double dune system what protects the bushes. None of which may develop taller than the dunes that shield them. Thus the forest is sunken within the dunes.
The island is a great spot for outside actions. Hearth Island is a relaxing however versatile seaside vacation spot simply reached with a rental automotive – what extra may you need on a sunny day? Notice: In the event you don’t have a automotive there’s this Tour of Hearth 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 middle 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 fashionable with locals and vacationers alike. The mound-like mountain is totally coated in greenery and bursts out of the bottom proper subsequent to the Hudson River, reducing 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 simply’ve already guessed, the mountain summit gives 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 succeed in 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 outdoors NYC. The protect boasts three lakes, extra waterfalls than you may 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 simply accessible by automotive, so lease a automotive, buckle up, and prepare for a two-hour drive by means of Hudson Valley.
The protect has a reasonably 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 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 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 would possibly really feel much less passionate about trudging round knee-deep in snow anyway. In winter, snowboarding is the reply. Outdoors town middle, you may 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 might set up an in a single day keep. Nevertheless, 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 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 positioned smack bang in the midst of New York Harbor and is the proper day journey from town middle. You possibly can 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 trip to the island. Governors Island is among the most central NYC day journeys. If you’re brief on time, this can be a real looking choice to your record.
So, what’s Governors Island? Governors Island is a 172-acre space that served as an early house for Dutch colonists who have been initially cautious of selecting the mainland. The island was then taken over by British rule within the late seventeenth century, coining its identify ‘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 possibly can even take a motorcycle tour. This explicit tour is the most effective one on the island and is more likely to promote out! We recommend 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 also be a handy addition, and you’ll all the time cease at sights 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. Whilst you go to Philadelphia for a day journey stuffed with historical past, you go to Atlantic Metropolis for a day journey stuffed 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 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 town middle. The island itself is gorgeous to discover and an important place to expertise some off-the-beaten-track nature. You can too spot a whole bunch of birds, from widespread 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 automotive to go to Iona Island since navigating solely on public transport is hard. However, when you have a rental automotive 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 may be considered one of New York’s most populous counties, nevertheless it additionally has some gorgeous pure areas. You possibly can trip alongside the gorgeous waterfront and wooded trails with Westchester Path Rides, stables are positioned simply an hour and 20 minutes drive from town middle.
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 japanese finish of Lengthy Island – surrounded by water, which is alleged to be best for rising the proper 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 town middle and is simply accessible by way of automotive. Nevertheless, to benefit from the tasting expertise, we advocate reserving a tour from NYC, which covers transportation for you.
A lot of the finest wineries are positioned alongside Predominant 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 posh 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 licensed 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 reasonably staggering title. The museum is an adjoining attraction the place you may be taught 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 almost 4 hours to succeed in by automotive. Due to this, we advocate pacing the drive out as a one-day highway journey and stopping at sights like Parrish Artwork Museum and Hook Windmill alongside the way in which. You might mix it with a seaside day at East Hampton Predominant 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 among the strangest NYC day journeys. Not solely was the cemetery the main focus of the story The Legend of Sleepy Hole, however additionally it is the burial place of many wealthy and well-known individuals, together with William Rockefeller. You possibly can 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 possibly can hop on at Grand Central Terminal and take the Hudson Line 745 to Philipse Manor, strolling round fifteen minutes to succeed in the cemetery. Visiting this famed cemetery as a day journey from NYC is easy 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 great ice-skating rinks; that a lot is for positive. Nevertheless, The Rink is well 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 Metropolis middle. You possibly can don a pair of skates your self or depart it to the professionals and watch a determine skating or hockey match. 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 drag 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 also be an important compromise.
Forty minutes from New York Metropolis
18. New Hope Railroad
New Hope Railroad is a heritage railway slightly below two hours drive southwest of NYC. If you’re a locomotive fanatic or simply love all issues classic, New Hope Railroad is a captivating and immersive place to go to. It makes an important day journey for individuals who prefer 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 by means of Buck Nation.
New Hope Railroad is an ideal standalone day journey from NYC, however in case you are okay with an extended journey day, think about 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 standard seaside expertise. You might have every thing from a wood boardwalk to seaside arcades with video games and machines courting again to the Nineteen Thirties. It’s a fashionable 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 inside little one.
You might calm down on Asbury Park Seashore, which has sometimes calm waters good for swimming or paddling. In any other case, you might 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 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 in every single place in New York. Some of the fashionable issues to do in New York Metropolis is to cruise up the East River for final 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 move up the Hudson River on a cruise. You possibly can normally take cruises straight from New York Metropolis, so your journey time is low, and the cruises normally 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, below 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 among the most well-known rivers on the planet and is nicknamed the ‘river that flows each methods’ as a result of the stream 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
While you consider issues to do close to New York, whale watching most likely isn’t considered one of them. The waters off of Lengthy Island are stuffed with marine animals, although, together with humpback, fin, and north Atlantic proper whales all through summer time and fall. Even for those who don’t spot whales, you’ll probably see bottlenose or widespread dolphins.
One of the simplest ways to see whales on a day journey from NYC is to e book a whale-watching boat journey from Lengthy Island. You possibly can simply drive or take public transport to Lengthy Island, having fun with a totally organized tour expertise from there. In the event you’ve by no means seen whales up shut, going whale watching from Lengthy Island is among 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 Middle
Storm King Artwork Middle 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 Middle additionally invested a staggering $45 million in redesigning the middle. It’s a massively fashionable day journey from New York, partly for its artwork and partly as a result of it makes such a stunning outside time out.
The outside artwork gallery is an hour and a half’s drive from town middle or simply below 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 among the finest New York Metropolis day journeys. The two,000-acre public park is the final 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 possibly can 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 fashionable amongst New Yorkers and far much less touristy than any parks within the metropolis middle. 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? Effectively, New Paltz ought to be one other in your record. The school 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 middle. It makes an important time out, and New Paltz is well probably the most fashionable locations to go to within the lovely Hudson Valley.
Make certain to cease by Historic Huguenot Road, a Nationwide Historic Landmark District consisting of seven stone homes constructed by Huguenot settlers within the 18th century. The road normally has immersive historical past demonstrations in full stream. It’s a fascinating spot for historical past lovers and people considering 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 formidable day journey from NYC. Washington, D.C., is the U.S. capital metropolis and probably the most famed cities on Earth. Washington is thought for its historical past, memorials, and museums. For any critical 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 Should-See Washington DC Monuments and Memorials in Photographs
For full disclosure, attending to Washington, D.C., is tiring, and you must enable for an eight-hour spherical journey of driving. In the event you can rotate drivers, you may handle this on a self-guided day journey, but when not, we advocate reserving a guided tour. These excursions embody transfers from NYC. You possibly can 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 have to be. New York Metropolis may 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 middle.
In the event you’ve obtained any extra questions on visiting New York, you may try our guides on the place to remain and a particular New York Christmas information. Have a incredible journey.