The 15 Best Day Trips From New York City (Updated for 2024)

New York City might be the most well-known city in the United States, but many don’t realize that it’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery, close to historic cities, and near state parks packed with rugged trails and family-friendly outdoor recreation. 

The energy of the Big Apple is no doubt contagious, but it can quickly drain you if you don’t interrupt your trip with some laid-back outings away from the dazzling lights and crowds.

We’ll show you our top picks for the best day trips from NYC (all under 3 hours away) to get a taste of everything from charming downtown districts to the landmarks and museums in D.C. when you’re ready to venture beyond the Big Apple. 

The 15 Best Day Trips From NYC in 2024

The best day trips from NYC are exactly what you need to slow down and enjoy new perspectives during your Northeastern getaway.

1. Washington, D.C.

• Travel time: 2 hr 45 min+ by train
• Things to do: Sightseeing, museums, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: Take the Amtrak to D.C. to save time

Big on sightseeing and ready to see what’s beyond NYC? Visit our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., by taking the Amtrak from New York City and explore history, architecture, art and culture, and great spots to eat and shop. 

The trip takes around 3 hours by train, but if you’re keen on driving, it’ll be closer to 4 hours and worthy of a weekend trip. You can see all or most of the highlights while you’re here because the biggest attractions are in a relatively compact area. 

The D.C. Old Town Trolley Tour is our favorite way to see the city when you’re short on time and perfect for a day trip from NYC. The tours take 3-4 hours, leaving you plenty of time to grab a bite to eat on M Street in the Georgetown neighborhood when you’re done. 

Your tour includes stops at the city’s best attractions and you can hop on and off to explore the ones you’re most interested in. The White House, U.S. Capitol, National Mall, major monuments and memorials, Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, and more. 

If you’d prefer walking or biking, most of the attractions are centered near and around the National Mall so you can check out landmarks, monuments, and museums without venturing too deep into the city.

Read Next: What a Trip to Washington, DC Costs & The Best Boutique Hotels in DC

2. Cold Spring, New York

• Travel time: 1 hr 30 min by car
• Things to do: Trolley tours, shopping, dining, river recreation
• Essential tip: Take a boat ride to Bannerman Island to see the castle

Who knew that a charming little village like Cold Spring could be so close to New York City? Just an hour and a half from the city, this riverfront getaway lets you slow way down and enjoy some outdoor recreation, tours, and explore its lovely Main Street. 

Sitting on the banks of the Hudson River, Cold Spring offers a great mix of restaurants, boutiques and shops, and historic landmarks like Bannerman Castle (an old fortress-style military warehouse) that make for a fun tour along the riverfront. 

After popping into the shops and eateries on Main Street, sit on the benches or in gazebos overlooking the Hudson as you nibble an ice cream cone or listen to live music. Take the boat ride to Bannerman Island during the summer to see Bannerman Castle with a tour guide! 

You’ll find lots of places to explore in Cold Spring, like the Magazzino Italian Art Museum, Stone Crop Gardens, residential neighborhoods filled with Victorian and Colonial homes, and a trolley tour that takes you through the Historic District. 

Even getting here is a delightful experience. The Palisades Parkway you’ll travel to reach Cold Spring is lined with forests and river views, reminding you that you’re heading away from the chaos and into a quiet retreat. 

3. Beacon, New York

• Travel time: 1 hr 45 min by car
• Things to do: Breweries, galleries, dining, parks, antiquing
• Essential tip: Visit on a Sunday for smaller crowds and farmer’s market

Just an hour and 45 minutes from the Big Apple, Beacon is a bustling little town close to Cold Spring (12 minutes away) that’s nestled on the Hudson River in the scenic Hudson Highlands region. It feels worlds away from NYC and is one of our favorite day trips. 

Some small towns lack culture and opportunities for sightseeing, but not Beacon! Here, you’ll find lots of small museums, art galleries, historic homesteads, 19th-century cathedrals, and eclectic antique shops. 

Make time to see Dia Beacon Museum for artwork from the 60s to present day, Hudson Beach Glass studio, Hudson Valley Brewery, Denning’s Point Distillery, and the 18th-century Madam Brett Homestead to see what life here was like in centuries past. 

The mile-long Main Street is packed with adorable shops and eateries where you can easily spend a few hours. From Hudson Valley Vinyl and Bank Square coffee to sweet shops galore and old-time general stores, it’s our favorite part of Beacon. 

You’ll pass tons of great restaurants and know which ones are worth trying when you see crowds of locals! The upscale Roundhouse Restaurant, Mexican fare at Tito’s Santana, and farm-to-table Kitchen Sink Food and Drink are must-visits. 

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Travel time: 1 hr 45 min by car
• Things to do: Sightseeing, markets, dining, museums
• Essential tip: Grab a warm, buttery Amish pretzel from Miller’s Twist 

It’s hard to believe that Philadelphia is under 2 hours from NYC, but its close proximity makes the historic City of Brotherly Love an amazing day trip. You’ll sightsee, eat tasty Philly favorites, shop at public markets, and check out museums while you’re here. 

For a broad overview of what the city has to offer, start at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River and check out its Great Plaza and Festival Pier. From there, you can walk or drive to Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell and the Ben Franklin Museum. 

If you want, the First Bank of the United States (the oldest in U.S. existence) is 2 blocks away and cool to see. That puts you close to the historic Market Street, where Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington spent lots of time. 

From there, head to Reading Terminal Market — a Philly favorite — to shop fresh produce and products, taste yummy foods (like beloved cheesesteaks and the famous John’s Roast Pork), and check out local wares and hand-crafted items. 

City Hall isn’t far if you’re driving, so park the car on Broad Street and walk to City Hall to admire the historic architecture. Divert over to Love Park (JFK Plaza) to snap photos with the famous LOVE sculpture.

You can turn onto the nearby Walnut Street to reach Rittenhouse Square Park for a great selection of bars and restaurants for dinner as you finish up your jam-packed day in Philly.

Read Next: Where to Stay in Philadelphia: Best Areas & The Best Time to Visit Philly

5. Sleepy Hollow, New York

• Travel time: 1 hr by car
• Things to do: Landmarks, historic estates, dining, recreation, parks
• Essential tip: Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery for a spooky stop

The fictional Headless Horseman created by Washington Irving wandered the streets of a real village in New York — Sleepy Hollow. It’s about an hour away from NYC (35 minutes by train) and makes a really neat place to visit on a day trip. 

This scenic, sleepy village on the banks of the Hudson River has garnered a chilling reputation thanks to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but it’s truly a picturesque town filled with huge old homes and opulent estates. 

You’ll see manicured parks with shade trees, old carriage roads, a quaint little downtown district, and forested acres spanning the beautiful Rockefeller State Park Preserve at the village edge. 

You can visit Kykuit, an estate owned by the Rockefeller family on a hilltop overlooking Sleepy Hollow, and its expansive gardens filled with ornate sculptures. Head into the wilderness at Rockefeller State Park Preserve to hike and take photos. 

The impressive 17th-century Philipsburg Manor sits on 52,000 acres and offers guided tours on the weekends if you’re interested in history. The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse in Kingsland Point Park offers amazing views over the river. 

Don’t skip a visit to the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where famous people like Washington Irving, Elizabeth Arden, and Andrew Carnegie are buried in a quiet, scenic spot. 

6. Bear Mountain State Park, New York

• Travel time: 1 hr 20 min by car
• Things to do: Hiking, swimming, fishing, skiing, biking, and skating
• Essential tip: Visit in late fall or winter for the outdoor ice skating rink

Situated on the West Bank of the Hudson River about an hour and 20 minutes from New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers a wilderness retreat in a wooded, mountainous setting where options for outdoor recreation are nearly endless. 

Its riverfront location means you’ll be able to swim (there’s a pool, too), take peddle boat rides, fish, and kayak or canoe on the water as you take in scenic views of the surrounding Hudson Valley and Bear Mountain. 

There are some great hiking trails running through the park, taking you to the river’s edge and deeper into the elevation of the forest. Pack lunch to enjoy at shady picnic areas or head up to Perkins Memorial Tower on top of Bear Mountain for incredible views. 

During the late fall and winter, the park’s outdoor ice skating rink opens up and makes a fun opportunity whether you’re a skilled skater or a novice. Sledding and skiing are other great winter sport options in the park. 

Make sure to visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo, which is located on a small part of the massive Appalachian Trail and features native wildlife exhibits as well as 4 small stone museums covering area wildlife, geology, and history. 

7. Shelter Island, New York

• Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes+ by train
• Things to do: Hiking, wineries, beaches, biking, shopping, dining
• Essential tip: Go outside of summer for smaller crowds

People from New York City love the quiet getaway of Shelter Island, an ideal place for a day trip that sits on Long Island’s eastern shore and offers waterfront fun and laid-back glamour not too far from NYC. 

You can only get to Shelter Island by ferry, but it’s a beautiful and relaxing ride that culminates in a nice view of the island’s sandy beaches and impressive homes settled on the hillsides. Take a train to Greenport, NY to hop on the 8-minute ride to Shelter Island.

Locals love Shelter Island in the off-season because it’s less crowded, but if you’re coming for beaches and outdoor recreation, you might appreciate the warmth of summertime. 

Play in the sand and beachcomb at Wades Beach or Shell Beach, swim, kayak, take boat rides, ride a rented bike around town, and check out the menagerie of cool shops by the waterfront while you’re here. 

There are plenty of great spots to eat on Shelter Island (The Islander and SALT are awesome) as well as wineries like White Oak Wine Garden where you can indulge in a glass or two of regional and classic wines. 

On the southeastern end of the island, you’ll find some nice spots for hiking and views. The Mashomack Preserve boasts 11 miles of shoreline, wildlife, and great trails winding past creeks, meadows, forests, and marshes. 

8. Montauk, New York

• Travel time: 2 hrs 50 min by train
• Things to do: Beaches, fishing, hiking, wineries, shopping, dining
• Essential tip: Summer visits are ideal, but very expensive

Take the LIRR train from Penn Station to enjoy an amazing day trip in the hamlet of Montauk, Long Island when you want to escape the hectic city. 

Montauk, known as “The End” by locals, is famous for its Montauk Point Lighthouse on the eastern end that has overlooked the ocean since 1796. It’s a postcard-worthy village in Long Island that draws tons of visitors during the warmer months. 

Nearby is Montauk Point State Park, where you’ll find incredible surf fishing opportunities on the rocky coast along with hiking and biking trails, horseback riding trails, playgrounds, and water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. 

But Montauk’s reputation as a luxurious getaway for New Yorkers is really due to its upscale dining options, impressive waterfront homes, and wide selection of spas and luxe retail shops on the hamlet. 

Get a massage at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, surf and play on the Ditch Plains beach, visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse museum, shop boutiques and dine downtown, and grab beers at Montauk Brewing Company while you’re here for the day.

Read Next: Where to Stay in the Hamptons & Best & Worst Times to Visit the Hamptons

9. New Windsor, New York

• Travel time: 1 hr 30 min by car
• Things to do: Hiking, biking, history and art tours, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: Visit the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, May-October

You won’t regret heading out of NYC and into New Windsor if you’re looking for a laid-back place to spend the day exploring historic landmarks and sites, perusing small shops, and tasting delicious food and sweets from local restaurants. 

New Windsor is a very small town just an hour and a half north of New York City (close to 2 hours by train) and offers lots to get into if you like history, art, or getting to know new culinary scenes. 

While you’re here, make time to visit the Storm King Art Center. It’s a shockingly massive outdoor sculpture gallery and complex spanning over 500 acres! On a sunny day, it’s really nice to stroll the grounds and see the cool artist creations. 

History and military appreciators should check out The Purple Heart Hall of Honor to learn about Purple Heart recipients through the years and see items representing centuries of military history. 

Nellys Mofongo Restaurant and Bar offers Spanish and Mexican dishes and drinks, while Blend Smoothie and Salad Bar offers a great spot to grab a light lunch before heading out to enjoy the scenery here. 

Sunny days are great at Schunnemunk State Park, where you can hike and ride 20 miles of trails that wind through meadows, shady groves, and mountains.

Stewart State Forest boasts 18 additional trail miles through marshes and wetlands if you’re up for a full day of hiking! 

10. Albany, New York

• Travel time: 2 hr 40 min by car
• Things to do: Sightseeing, museums and galleries, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: Check out Nine Pin for NY alcoholic cider

As the capital of New York, it’s surprising how little credit Albany gets for its sightseeing and wide range of things to do. It’s one of the best day trips from NYC, especially if you’re able to visit when the weather is nice. 

The Empire State Plaza (home to the capitol building) is a great place to start your trip with large-scale Neoclassical architecture. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers.

Visit the New York State Museum to learn about the history and development of the state, and you can see the USS Slater moored downtown on the Hudson River. 

Lark Street is home to a range of interesting shops, bakeries, and restaurants that are well-worth checking out. Don’t miss Nine Pin Tasting Room, where there are 18 local apple ciders on tap and available to purchase in cans. 

Keeping with the theme, head to Cider Belly Donuts and try some confections. Look for Nipper, a huge dog statue on Broadway, and grab lunch at the Olde English Pub (second-oldest building in the city) or Cardonas, a popular Italian deli. 

If you’re here during the week, climb Corning Tower Observation Deck to get some great views over the city. Outdoor adventurers should hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher State Park! 

11. Catskill Mountains

• Travel time: 2 hrs 45 min by car
• Things to do: Hiking, biking, fishing, zip lining, swimming
• Essential tip: Visit Kingston in Ulster County for great food and bars

From New York City, you’re close enough to visit the Catskill Mountains for a day with a car ride under 3 hours or 2 hours by train. This is a beautiful area with excellent hiking, waterfalls, lakes, streams, and adventures in the Catskill Mountains. 

In Ulster County, you’ll find a great (and easy) hike up to Overlook Mountain Fire Tower. It’s a local favorite because it leads to some truly stunning views of the Catskills and valleys. 

Along the trail, you’ll find a crumbling, burned-down old mountain hotel that you can explore. The trail is under an hour from Kaaterskill Falls, another great place to check out if you’re into chasing waterfalls. 

Hike Devil’s Path to make your way up Hunter Mountain and see more spectacular views over the mountain range from a fire tower that rises above the trees. 

If you’re really seeking adventure, you can go cliff jumping at the 24-foot high Fawn’s Leap by Kaaterskill Falls! Other fun options in the area include zip lining, fishing, swimming, boating, and biking through the scenery at Mohonk Preserve.

12. Morristown, New Jersey

• Travel time: 1 hr by train
• Things to do: Parks, museums and historic homes, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: Grab a bite at the locally-loved Pierogies House

With a bustling downtown district and charming small town vibes, Morristown in nearby New Jersey makes a wonderful day trip from NYC when you’re looking to slow your pace a bit without getting bored.

Situated on the Transit Railway, you can take a train to get here in roughly an hour for a fun-filled day exploring museums, historic homes and parks, great little eateries and shops, and the local arboretum. 

Be sure to swing by Washington’s Headquarters at the Ford Mansion House, where George Washington lived between 1779 and 1780. It’s furnished in period decor and feels like stepping back in time! 

Head to Jockey Hollow to see a farmhouse from the 1700s with soldier hut replicas on the grounds to explore. The Morristown National Historical Park is packed with historic sites, forts, and monuments honoring the Revolutionary War. 

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum features native trees, flowers, and garden paths you can meander in a serene setting that feels like a traditional English garden. 

There are some great places to eat in Morristown, with Pierogies House, TOWN, and End of Elm offering delicious food and drinks in the heart of the downtown district. 

13. The Poconos

• Travel time: 2 hrs 30 min by car
• Things to do: Hiking, water sports, wineries, antiquing, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: Charming Stroudsburg is the closest town and great to visit

The Pocono Mountains, or Poconos, are close enough to New York City for a day trip when you’re itching to get outside, enjoy a little relaxation in luxury, or take in some lush, forested mountain views. 

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania is the first mountain town you’ll reach when traveling from NYC. It happens to make an excellent place to spend a day! The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is here and the perfect spot to start your day with maps showing nearby attractions, restaurants, spas, trails, and scenic areas. 

Antiquing here is excellent at long-standing shops like the 22,000 square foot Olde Engine Works Market Place. Browse bookshops and boutiques downtown, then catch live music while you enjoy a tasty lunch downtown at Sarah Street Bar and Grill. 

Hiking in the area is really scenic and trails range from easy to challenging. We really like the 2.3-mile Cherry Valley Ridge trail that runs through a beautiful, secluded wildlife refuge (easy) and the 2.9-mile Kittatinny Mountain to Lunch Rocks vista trail with amazing mountain views (moderate). 

The town also has a few spots that are nice for vino lovers, like The Renegade Winery and Tolino Vineyards, while nearby distilleries and breweries (like Mountain View) are fun if wine isn’t your drink of choice. 

14. Wildwoods, New Jersey

• Travel time: 2 hrs 45 min by car
• Things to do: Beaches, water sports, rides, wineries, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: The Wildwood Crest neighborhood is dry, but North Wildwood has tons of bars

Wildwoods, New Jersey is your chance to experience the famed Jersey Shore less than 3 hours from New York City — and it’s a much more laid-back area than Ocean City.

With 5 miles of beaches, amusement parks, and tons of dining and drink options, you’ll find it easy to spend a day here. Be sure to make time to snag the famous fish and chips at Cattle N’ Clover Irish Pub and Steakhouse! 

Wildwoods is made up of 5 smaller districts or towns and each one has its own flavor. While the Wildwood Crest town is dry with amazing, quiet beaches, North Wildwood is loaded with bars, pubs, and nightlife within walking distance. 

There’s the Sightseer tram car that can take you up and down the 38-block long Wildwood Boardwalk, where you’ll find amusement rides, waterparks, shops, and games for the entire family.

And with 5 miles of beaches to lounge and play on, you’ll be tempted to spend the entire day just soaking up the sand and sun if you visit in summer!

Venture out to the Doo Wop Experience museum to be transported into the 1950s and ’60s or head to a brewery to get the party started. 

15. New Haven, Connecticut

• Travel time: 2 hrs 50 min by car
• Things to do: Parks, university campus, museums and galleries, dining, shopping
• Essential tip: Walk Chapel St. to Broadway to find the most shops downtown

Most famous for being the home of Yale University, New Haven makes a great day trip from NYC with its manicured public parks, museums, art galleries, and ample opportunities to eat, drink, and shop at local boutiques and stores. 

New Haven is downright charming with an old world elegance blended with modern design that is apparent as soon as you arrive. It’s a larger town with lots to see and do. 

The stately Yale University campus invites visitors to come tour museums and galleries like the Yale University Art Gallery, Peabody Museum, and Center for British Art. 

You’ll have to stop for a burger at the ever-popular Louis’ Lunch after hitting the trails and walking paths at New Haven Green, a 16-acre park downtown. The indoor ropes course at It Adventure is fun if you’re seeking thrills! 

Shopping and exploring the downtown district provides endless entertainment with live music at Toad’s Place and College Street Music Hall, the Connecticut Children’s Museum, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and bakeries to suit your taste. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve looked at the 15 best day trips from NYC, but you might be left with a few more questions that need answers before you can pick the perfect day-long getaway.

Take a look at the most frequently asked questions from other travelers heading out of NYC for a day trip below! 

So, What’s the Best Day Trip From NYC?

From trolley tours around Washington D.C. landmarks to the upscale Yale town of New Haven, CT, the best day trips from NYC are as varied as they are fun.

Majestic mountains, forested parks and rugged trails, tiny, picturesque towns with bustling Main Streets, and charming cities with lots of history and sightseeing options are all within a short drive or train ride from New York City. 

Pick places that mesh well with your goals for your NYC trip. You’ll round out your metropolitan visit with great food, cool shops and stops, interesting history, and thrilling outdoor adventures under 3 hours away from the Big Apple. Happy travles!