Looking for the 10 Best Day Trips from NYC?
New York City is a world-known, exciting travel destination with no shortage of things to do. Made famous by numerous appearances in movies and TV, NYC is sought out by both domestic and international travelers. But what about those of you who live and work in the city? Sometimes the excitement can become a little too much. Luckily, NYC is also situated in a prime location with easy access to a wealth of easily-reachable day-trip opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for some adventure, history or wellness, I’ve got you covered. Check out ten of my recommendations for best day trips from NYC.
While I make it a point to note public transportation options wherever possible, a few of the following trips do require a car. Be sure to check traffic apps and plan your trip accordingly, especially if traveling on a holiday or at the height of summer.
Fire Island, NY
Why You Should Visit: Only about one and a half hours from NYC, Fire Island is the longest barrier island on Long Island’s south shore. Here, you’ll find pristine ocean beaches, hiking trails, an ancient maritime forest, historic estates and lighthouses and an overall escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
How to Get There: If you don’t have a car, take the LIRR to Bay Shore, Sayville or Patchogue to access the ferry terminals that will take you to Fire Island.
Whale Watching from Long Island
Why You Should Visit: Did you know the waters off Long Island are full of marine animals? We’re talking humpback, fin, North Atlantic right whales and dolphins. A whale-watching trip from Long Island is perhaps one of the best wildlife trips you can take from NYC. Just remember to pack some Dramamine because the Atlantic waters are rarely calm.
How to Get There: Take the LIRR to Freeport and join one of the tours.
New Hope, PA
Why You Should Visit: New Hope is a quaint, artsy little town on the Delaware River. Named one “America’s Favorite Towns” by Travel + Leisure magazine, New Hope is a perfect day trip for eclectic shopping, riverside dining and antiquing. You can catch a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, ride the historic steam locomotive, or take a walking ghost tour. After dark, the town comes alive with many restaurants boasting live entertainment.
How to Get There: It’s about 2 hours by car from New York City.
New Paltz, NY
Why You Should Visit: Home of the famed Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz is a college town set into the dramatic countryside of Upstate New York. While Mohonk Preserve can be a daytrip on its own, the town is its own attraction with a highly walkable downtown area, farmers markets, historic housing and quirky boutiques. If you’re looking to escape into nature, then set your sights on Mohonk Preserve for a day’s worth of trails and outdoor activities.
How to Get There: It’s about 1.5 hours by car, or bus from New York City.
Minnewaska State Park, NY
Why You Should Visit: Talk about a nature escape from the city. Minnewaska State Park is home to several waterfalls, stunning cliff-edge views, over 50 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing and biking. In the summer, it is also a sought-after location for lake swimming.
How to Get There: It’s about 2 hours by car from New York City.
Governors Island
Why You Should Visit: When you’re looking to escape the city, but don’t feel like traveling very far, Governors Island could be that perfect getaway. Located in New York Harbor, the island is open for public access with outdoor recreational areas, bike tours, national monuments, hiking trails, and picnic areas. If you’re in need of some R&R, be sure to check out QC NY Spa for a truly reinvigorating wellness experience.
How to Get There: Take a ferry to the island from Battery Park.
Asbury Park, NJ
Why You Should Visit: For a laid-back beach experience, with just a touch of boardwalk entertainment, head to Asbury Park. The coastal town has a rich rock-n’-roll history, which is celebrated every summer with live shows at the Stone Pony Summerstage. After soaking up the sun on the beach, spend some time connecting with your inner child at the vintage boardwalk arcade, and grab a bite at the Biergarten downtown.
How to Get There: About a 1 hour drive from New York City. Or take the NJ Transit from Penn Station to Asbury Park.
Mountain Creek Resort, NJ
Why You Should Visit: When was the last time you had fun at a waterpark? Mountain Creek boasts one of the most fun waterpark experiences I’ve had in recent years. Set in the lush mountain forestry, the spring water that feeds the waterpark is perfect on a hot summer day. If a waterpark isn’t your idea of fun, there’s still plenty of other activities to do on site, including a scenic sky ride, zip lining, golfing, biking and alpine coaster. If visiting in the winter, then you’ll be able to hit the slopes.
How to Get There: It’s about 1.5 hours by car or direct bus from NYC.
Wine Tasting on Long Island
Why You Should Visit: Another fun fact about Long Island—it is home to many award-winning wineries. The North Fork, nicknamed wine country, is a fantastic day trip for wine lovers looking for a relaxing day-trip from NYC. The majority of the best wineries are located along Main Road, which makes it a highly walkable area. For an even more relaxed experience, look into this tour which will not only take you to the North Fork, but will provide a cheese platter and lunch at one of the wineries.
How to Get There: It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from New York City.
Hudson River Cruise
Why You Should Visit: River cruising around NYC is one of the most popular things to do. In the fall, you can even take a cruise up the Hudson for a different leaf peeping experience. For a romantic date, board a historic passenger tall ship for a sailing in New York Harbor. For a truly luxury experience, take a private yacht around Manhattan.
How to Get there: Depending on the tour, most river cruises depart right from New York City.
