Best Day Trips From NYC
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? You are in good hands! New York City may be full of endless things to do, but after living here for 10 years I quickly discovered that sometimes the best way to recharge is with a quick escape just outside the city. Yes, there are some of the coolest beaches on the East Coast just a short train or car ride away, but I'm a little biased because Chris and I spent most of our trips heading north through the Hudson Valley. Here are the trips I recommend I explored on my recent week-long road trip (sandy beaches included!), and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Hudson Valley - 2 hours from NYC
If you have time for just one day trip from NYC, you'll want to head to Hudson Valley! This is my favorite region for its history, amazing views, refreshing hikes and some of the best food in New York State! Overall, between our day trips and weekend getaways, Chris and I have spent over eight weeks in this area alone so picking the best things to do was a tiny bit of a challenge but here they are!
In Nyack (just 50 minutes from Manhattan!), we stopped at the Edward Hopper House, where we loved walking through the childhood home of the iconic American painter. It felt unusual to see where his creativity began, and the intimate galleries made it a hidden gem that left me inspired. Afterward, we relaxed at Art Café, serving fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes. For me, sharing a meal here felt like part of the cultural heartbeat of the valley.
Further up the Hudson, we explored Opus 40 in Saugerties (about 2 hours by car), where I was absolutely amazed by the sprawling bluestone sculpture park built by a single artist over decades. Wandering across terraces, ramps, and stone pools gave the visit a magical quality, like stepping into a landscape that was both art and nature. For me, Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a must-see here as well.
What I loved best:
Dinner at The Bocuse Restaurant in Hyde Park, NY (just under 2 hours from NYC) was my personal highlight, where we had refined French dishes with contemporary techniques applied (go for their Puff Pastry)!
2. Best Things to Do in The Catskills, NY
This region is also part of the Hudson Valley (map) and I love to head here when I'm in the mood for nature, culture, and cozy comfort. Chris and I both absolutely love The Catskills, and have been many times.
We drove up from our apartment in Manhattan (just about two hours) and were based at the 4-star Hotel Mountain Brook (around $169). Our Superior Main Lodge Room for five days had such a cozy, romantic cabin-like feel with warm woods, and a comfortable sofa in front of the romantic fireplace.
I loved that in the morning, it was just a short drive 7-minute to Kaaterskill Falls (two and a half hours round-trip-hike), one of New York’s most spectacular waterfalls!
Next day we drove just over an hour to Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith, a must-visit attraction, one of those hidden gems that feels like stepping straight into a living time capsule. We loved that it's actually still a fully operational 19th-century mill!
Afterwards, we drove 1.5 hours south to The Forestburgh Playhouse a must visit stop in The Catskills, where you can choose from Musicals, Plays, Cabaret, Broadway Concerts, and Theatre for Young Audiences! We spent a cozy night at 4-star Inn at Lake Joseph, just 4 minutes from The Forestburgh Playhouse.
What I loved best:
On our second trip to The Catskills (this time during the fall foliage season) we had the most amazing dinner at Peekamoose Restaurant, my personal highlight, a true farm-to-table Catskills experience! We spent two blissful days at the 5-star Urban Cowboy Lodge (around $247/night) just an 8-minute drive from Peekamoose Restaurant.
Best Day Trips from NYC Under 1 Hour
Looking to escape the city without spending hours on the road? Luckily, some of the best day trips from New York City are less than an hour away. First, let me single out two more of my Hudson Valley favorites (I told you I was biased!), then I promise we'll get to beach day trips too.
3. Stonecrop Gardens, Cold Spring - 1 hour from NYC
These magnificent gardens in Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley (in the Hudson Highlands!) are my go-to peaceful and inspiring escape from NYC. Still today, decades after my first visit, I’m amazed at how joyful it feels to step into such a carefully cultivated natural space.
Instead of driving, Chris, our son and I took the train about 1 hour and 15 minutes north from Grand Central Terminal to Cold Spring on the Metro-North Hudson Line (round-trip fares typically run $14–$22 depending on peak or off-peak hours).
First, we strolled through the display gardens, and I loved how unusual and diverse the plant collections were, from alpine beds to woodland trails and even water gardens, my favorite!
Moreover, the conservatory was another highlight, filled with unique species that added a spectacular burst of color and texture. It felt so magical to be surrounded by plants from so many corners of the world while still being in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
4. Peekskill in a Day - under an hour north from New York City
Just under an hour north from New York City and part of Hudson Valley, this town (about an hour north of Manhattan!), is one of my favorite weekend getaways from NYC. From the moment I arrived on my very first visit, I fell for its joyful riverside atmosphere.
I recommend starting with a walk along the waterfront at Riverfront Green Park where I loved the spectacular views of the Hudson. Watching boats drift by and families enjoying the open space felt like a hidden gem so close to NYC.
After burning off some calories, Downtown Peekskill was a standout too with its unusual mix of historic brick buildings and a growing arts scene.
What I loved best:
For lunch, we stopped at The Central, ordered burgers and fries, and enjoyed them on the patio overlooking the river - so simple and affordable, my personal highlight!
5. Port Washington, North Shore of Long Island
As promised, here are two of my favorite beach day trips from NYC that are less than an hour away. Fist, there's Port Washington, just 45 minutes east from Manhattan. For me, this is one of the most unexpectedly romantic day-trip destinations that's also super close to New York City.
We drove 45 minutes east from Manhattan (there is also excellent train service if you don't want to drive!) and started our day by the waterfront, watching boats in Manhasset Bay and breathing in the salty air. I loved walking along the scenic Manhasset Bay promenade, hand in hand, and feeling so far removed from the city rush, even though it was just a short, affordable train ride away.
We stopped for lunch at DiMaggio’s Trattoria which was my personal highlight! This family-owned gem serves up homestyle Italian comfort with old-school vibes. I loved the way the aroma of garlic and fresh basil drifted out onto the street greeting us when we got there!
In the afternoon, we drove 10 minutes to check out the 216-acre Sands Point Preserve’s wooded trails and historic mansions. We especially enjoyed the Historical Walking Tour ($25 per person) which began outside Castle Gould, wound around the freshwater pond, and ended in the grand rooms of Hempstead House. Just a heads up, though, the tour sells out quickly and you need to reserve in advance. Moreover, unfortunately it's only for visitors over 12 years old.
If you decide to stay overnight, I recommend staying at the 4-star Inn At Great Neck (from $204/night). My personal highlight is an evening walk by the harbor which feels quieter, with the water darkening and the lights from nearby homes reflecting gently across the bay.
6. Coney Island - 1 hour from NYC
Set along the Brooklyn shoreline, this is one of my favorite classic New York day trips. We took the subway 1 hour south from Manhattan to Coney Island. My plan was to enjoy the beach and also to explore exhibits that bring the boardwalk’s past to life.
We started with a walk along the boardwalk, and I loved the spectacular views of the beach stretching out beside the rides and arcades. The mix of salty ocean air, music, and the buzz of people gave the whole place a cool and lively vibe.
Of course, I couldn’t resist the rides. The Cyclone roller coaster felt like a blast from the past, and the Wonder Wheel gave us unusual, sweeping views of both the ocean and the city skyline. It’s a hidden gem of nostalgia that still delivers thrills today.
One stop you absolutely can't miss is the Coney Island History Project under the Wonder Wheel. It's just a few steps off the Boardwalk and easy to find but keep in mind it's seasonal, running only from Memorial Day Weekend in May through Labor Day Weekend in September.
What I loved best:
Grabbing a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous felt like a tradition, and I loved how something so simple could feel so iconic in this setting.
Best Day Trips 1 to 2 Hours from NYC
If you’re willing to travel a little farther, more incredible destinations open up, whether you decide to venture further north up the Hudson Valley or further out along Long Island.
7. New Paltz - 1 hour 30 min From NYC
We absolutely love New Paltz, and have been many times. This town, tucked into the Shawangunk Mountains of the Hudson Valley, is one of my favorite towns to visit when I want a mix of history, food, and outdoor adventure. It's about 2 hours north from New York City, or, if you prefer, you can ride the bus from NYC (fare around $24–$30 each way).
We started at Historic Huguenot Street, and I loved walking past the stone houses dating back to the 1600s. It felt unusual to see so much preserved history in one place, and learning about the early settlers gave the day a meaningful and grounding start.
From there, we grabbed breakfast at Main Street Bistro, a hidden gem that’s beloved by locals.
What I loved best:
Mohonk Preserve ($15 day use fee for hikers) where the views absolutely took my breath away was my favorite highlight we keep returning to.
8. Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties - 2 hours From NYC
This is one of my favorite places in the Hudson Valley for a meaningful and joyful day trip. I was impressed by the warmth, compassion, and connection that radiate from this special place.
We joined a guided tour, and I loved meeting the rescued cows, pigs, goats, and horses while hearing their stories. It was unusual and inspiring to see how each animal had been given a second chance at life.
Afterward leaving the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, we explored nearby Saugerties and stopped at Opus 40 which I mentioned before.
9. Riverhead, NY - 1 hour 30 minutes from NYC
About an hour and a half east of New York City, life in this town moves with an easy coastal rhythm, and it quickly became one of my absolute favorite day trips from NYC.
We started near the Peconic Riverwalk, and following the boardwalk as it wound past boats and marshes. Nearby, the Long Island Aquarium was a huge hit with our son who adores aquatic life.
Downtown Riverhead was delightful with its vintage storefronts, murals, cafes and boutiques. For lunch, we stopped at Tweed’s Restaurant & Buffalo Bar, housed in a historic building that’s been a fixture since the 1890s, a real standout!. Their menu is hearty and classic, and the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.
What I loved best:
As the afternoon light faded, we lingered by the river, watching kayakers drift by and the town settle into an easy evening pace.
10. Poughkeepsie - 90 minutes north from New York City
This place, right in the heart of the Hudson Valley, is one of my favorite spots to spend a day along the river. The train takes just 90 minutes north from New York City, so it's affordable for a quick day trip, around $18–$27 one way.
We started at the Walkway Over the Hudson, and I loved the joyful feeling of standing on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. The spectacular views of the Hudson River and surrounding hills made the walk unforgettable, and it felt like a hidden gem worth the trip on its own.
Afterward, we explored the historic downtown, where cafés, bookstores, and galleries gave the city a creative and welcoming vibe.
What I loved best:
We had some time before catching the evening train back home so we visited Locust Grove Estate, the former home of inventor Samuel Morse. Walking through the mansion and gardens added a layer of history to the day. I adored the garden and our peaceful escapes into nature here!
Best Day Trips Over 2 Hours from NYC
Within three hours of New York City, you can reach destinations that feel like a full vacation but I usually prefer to check into a hotel or rental for a day or two and make it a weekend getaway.
11. Montauk Day Trip - 3 hours east from New York City
If you don't mind a bit more travel to get there, this Long Island spot in the Hamptons (nicknamed "The End") is one of my favorite coastal getaways in New York. Every time I make the drive out (3 hours east from New York City), I’m reminded how joyful it feels to leave the city bustle behind and step into wide-open beaches, salty air, and a slower pace of life.
First, The Montauk Lighthouse and Museum is absolutely worth a visit, for the spectacular views alone. Secondly, standing by the oldest lighthouse in New York felt both historic and magical, a hidden gem that makes the trip feel complete.
Later, we wandered along Ditch Plains Beach, watched the surfers while we relaxed on the sand.
What I loved best:
For me, Montauk is one of the best day trips From NYC because it's peaceful and unique!
Sharing a plate of freshly caught fish overlooking the water felt joyful and authentic, the kind of experience that captures Montauk’s unique spirit.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
