Day Trips From NYC

Location:

Oyster Bay, NY

Highlights:

Love gardens, mansions, and a perfect place to stroll and breathe deep? Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay is a Long Island treasure filled with lush landscapes, stately architecture, and year-round beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, architecture buffs, photographers, history fans, and anyone in need of a peaceful nature escape.

What We Love:

The majestic Tudor-style mansion, rolling lawns and woodland trails, and the elegant greenhouses that make this place feel like a living museum.

• Wander through 409 acres of woodland paths, formal gardens, and rare plant collections.
• Step inside Coe Hall, a grand 65-room Tudor Revival mansion filled with antique furnishings, stained glass windows, and original family artwork.
• Admire the work of the Olmsted Brothers, legendary landscape designers who crafted the sweeping grounds with elegance and intention.
• Visit spectacular greenhouses and curated theme gardens—perfect for nature walks or a romantic afternoon.
• Capture the moment—this arboretum is a beloved backdrop for wedding and engagement photos.

Distance from NYC:

Around 1 hour by car or LIRR from Manhattan to Oyster Bay.

How to Get to Planting Fields:

Drive from NYC or take the LIRR to Oyster Bay station, then grab a cab or rideshare to the entrance at Planting Fields Road.

Address:

1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, NY
Phone: 516-922-8678

Location:

Riverhead, NY

Highlights:

Planning a family adventure on Long Island? The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center is a fun and immersive escape packed with marine life, hands-on exhibits, and one epic Lost City of Atlantis theme—all just 90 minutes from NYC.

We Recommend This For:

Families, school groups, marine life lovers, and anyone with kids (or kid-at-heart curiosity) looking for a full day of discovery.

What We Love:

The jaw-dropping coral reef tank, touch pools, sea lion shows, and the center’s strong focus on education and environmental stewardship.

• Enter a world inspired by the Lost City of Atlantis, filled with aquatic wonders from rivers and oceans around the globe.
• Marvel at one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in the Northern Hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, and colorful reef ecosystems.
• Get hands-on with touch tanks where kids can safely interact with marine creatures and learn through play.
• Cheer on during year-round sea lion shows—a favorite among visitors of all ages.
• Explore the Exhibition Center, home to 100+ educational exhibits and interactive experiences that blend science with fun.

Distance from NYC:

About 1.5 hours by car or Long Island Rail Road to Riverhead station.

How to Get to the Aquarium:

Drive via the Long Island Expressway or take the LIRR to Riverhead, then walk or grab a cab to East Main Street—it’s a breeze either way.

Address:

431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631-208-9200

Location:

Montgomery, NY

Highlights:

Looking for the perfect day trip that pairs wine, music, and Hudson Valley charm? City Winery in Montgomery offers just that—rustic elegance, vineyard views, and a glass of something special, all just 90 minutes from NYC.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, wine lovers, foodies, live music fans, and city dwellers in need of a countryside reset.

What We Love:

Guided tastings, gourmet bites, local ambiance, and laid-back summer concerts that make the whole place feel like a personal escape.

• Visit a scenic winery in the heart of the Hudson Valley, surrounded by historic sites like Storm King Art Center and Bannerman Castle.
• Join a guided wine tour and tasting to learn about the winemaking process and sample regional favorites.
• Dine on locally inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant, perfectly paired with wines from their curated collection.
• Relax on warm Wednesday nights with live music shows during the summer season, surrounded by vineyard views and great vibes.

Distance from NYC:

About 1.5 hours by car.

How to Get to City Winery:

Drive north on I-87 or take a Metro-North train to Beacon, then cab or rideshare to Montgomery for a scenic and stress-free escape.

Address:

City Winery, 21 Factory Street, Montgomery, NY 12549
Phone: 845-424-0222

Location:

New Paltz, NY

Highlights:

Craving mountain air, forest trails, and jaw-dropping cliff views just 90 miles from NYC? Mohonk Preserve is your go-to escape for hiking, climbing, and nature appreciation in one of the Northeast’s most spectacular outdoor playgrounds.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, climbers, conservationists, families, trail runners, and anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic mountain retreat.

What We Love:

The carriage roads through towering forests, panoramic ridges, epic rock climbs, and thoughtful conservation efforts that protect this wild, beautiful place.

• Explore 8,000 acres of protected land in the Shawangunk Mountains, just outside New Paltz, NY.
• Discover dense forests, streams, ponds, and rocky cliffs across 70+ miles of carriage roads and 40+ miles of trails.
• Climb at over 1,000 climbing routes—Mohonk is one of the most iconic and respected climbing destinations in the eastern U.S.
• Visit with purpose—your entrance fee helps fund land protection, scientific research, and environmental education programs.
• Look for rare wildlife, including the peregrine falcon and dwarf pitch pine ecosystems that thrive in this pristine habitat.
• Stay nearby at the Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian-style resort set beside the preserve with mountain lake views and full guest amenities.

Distance from NYC:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Mohonk Preserve:

Drive north on I-87 to Exit 18 (New Paltz), then follow signs west to State Route 55. Parking lots and trailheads are well marked throughout the preserve.

Address:

3197 State Route 55, New Paltz, NY 12561
Phone: 845-255-0919

Location:

Old Westbury, NY

Highlights:

Craving a garden stroll with Gilded Age elegance? Old Westbury Gardens is one of Long Island’s most enchanting estates—perfect for a refined, floral-filled escape just a short drive from NYC.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone in need of a quiet, cultured getaway from the city.

What We Love:

The storybook-style mansion, antique-filled interiors, and vibrant formal gardens that change with the seasons—all steeped in Gilded Age glamour.

• Tour the exquisite Charles II-style Westbury House, surrounded by 200 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, lakes, and ponds.
• Step inside to see original English antiques, fine art, and decorative objects beautifully preserved from the Phipps family’s 20th-century legacy.
• Learn about the estate’s roots—designed by architect George A. Crawley in 1906 for John S. Phipps, son of steel magnate Henry Phipps.
• Join a guided weekend tour of the house and gardens, offering rich insight into the property’s architecture, history, and botany.
• Explore one of the best garden-focused day trips from NYC, complete with seasonal blooms and wide open green spaces.
• Visit a designated National Register of Historic Places landmark that feels both grand and wonderfully serene.

Distance from NYC:

About 45 minutes by car or 1 hour via LIRR and local transit.

How to Get to Old Westbury Gardens:

Drive east on the Long Island Expressway or take the LIRR to Westbury Station, followed by a short rideshare or cab ride to the gardens.

Address:

71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY
Phone: 516-333-0048

Romantic Day Trips From NYC:

Location:

Pocono Mountains, PA

Highlights:

Looking for a place where your whole crew can play, no matter the season? The Pocono Mountains region is a playground of forested trails, rolling hills, rivers, and all-ages fun—just a few hours from NYC or Philadelphia.

We Recommend This For:

Families, outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone planning a nature-filled escape with kids in tow.

What We Love:

The four-season adventure options, from snowshoeing in winter to whitewater rafting in summer, plus unique animal encounters and go-kart fun that keep kids smiling all trip long.

• Explore 2,394 square miles of northeastern Pennsylvania’s finest terrain—think waterfalls, forests, mountains, and winding rivers.
• Play in the snow with skiing, snowboarding, snow sliding, and snowshoeing in the winter months.
• Adventure in summer with hiking, biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting, or simply spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Meet more than 100 animal species up close at Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park.
• Laugh and compete with the family at Costa’s Family Fun Park near Lake Wallenpaupack, where you’ll find go-karts, bumper boats, and laser tag.
• Play indoors too—Camelback Lodge offers indoor laser tag and other kid-approved activities when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Distance from NYC:

About 2 to 2.5 hours by car.

How to Get to the Poconos:

Drive via I-80 W or I-84 W depending on your destination within the region. Public buses and shuttles also run seasonally from NYC and surrounding metro areas.

Region Info:

Pocono Mountains, PA

Location:

New Paltz, NY

Highlights:

Want to step back in time and walk the same stone paths early settlers did over 300 years ago? Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz offers a truly immersive look into colonial life, heritage, and the powerful legacy of early Huguenot settlers in the Hudson Valley.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, educators, ancestry researchers, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking meaningful cultural experiences in New York State.

What We Love:

The authentic 17th-century homes, reconstructed church, family artifacts, and the quiet reverence of the burial ground that reminds you—you’re walking through living history.

• Learn about the Huguenots—French-speaking Calvinist Protestants who fled religious persecution and founded this community in 1678.
• Visit seven preserved stone houses from the 1600s, a reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church, archaeological sites, and an early colonial burial ground.
• Start at the Visitor Center, which provides a helpful orientation and background on the settlement and its impact.
• Explore the site's National Historic Landmark District and see how everyday life was shaped by faith, resilience, and survival in the New World.
• Dive deep into the historic archives and research library, home to local history records and family documents for those interested in genealogy and early American studies.

Distance from NYC:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Historic Huguenot Street:

Drive north on I-87 to Exit 18 (New Paltz), then follow signs to Huguenot Street. It’s a walkable experience once you arrive in the charming village of New Paltz.

Address:

88 Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY 12561
Phone: 845-255-1660

Location:

Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

Highlights:

Ready for a dose of world-class performance in a stunning architectural setting? The Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College blends bold design by Frank Gehry with music, theater, dance, and opera in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

We Recommend This For:

Art lovers, architecture fans, concertgoers, theater buffs, and anyone seeking cultural inspiration in a uniquely intimate setting.

What We Love:

The striking design, the acoustics of the Sosnoff Theater, the intimate creative energy of Theater Two, and the stellar lineup of performances, from chamber music to modern dance.

• Experience performances in a 110,000-square-foot performing arts center that’s as much a work of art as the productions it hosts.
• Attend concerts, theater productions, and dance showcases in the 900-seat Sosnoff Theater with full orchestra and balconies.
• See cutting-edge student and professional work in Theater Two, an intimate 200-seat space home to Bard’s Dance and Theater Programs.
• Visit in summer for the world-renowned Bard Music Festival, where the center comes alive with opera, orchestral music, and dramatic productions.
• Appreciate the visionary work of Frank Gehry, whose innovative design defines the center’s dramatic, flowing architecture.

Distance from NYC:

Approximately 2 hours by car or Amtrak to Rhinecliff, with a short drive or rideshare to Bard College.

How to Get to the Fisher Center:

Drive north via Taconic State Parkway or take Amtrak from Penn Station to Rhinecliff. The center is located on Bard College’s campus in the scenic Hudson Valley.

Address:

60 Manor Ave, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY 12504
Phone: 845-758-7900

Family Day Trips From NYC:

Location:

Saugerties, NY

Highlights:

Looking to connect with animals in a meaningful way? The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a peaceful, 110-acre haven where rescued farm animals are loved, healed, and given a second chance at life—just two hours from NYC in the beautiful Hudson Valley.

We Recommend This For:

Animal lovers, families, vegans and vegetarians, wellness seekers, and anyone looking for a thoughtful and educational day (or overnight) trip with heart.

What We Love:

The deeply personal animal rescue stories, the immersive tours, the Homestead stay experience, and the Sanctuary’s mission to inspire compassion through education.

• Meet rescued horses, cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and more—over 300 animals live on site and receive round-the-clock care and rehabilitation.
• Tour the sanctuary to hear the animals’ rescue stories, learn about humane living, and receive vegan lifestyle tips including recipes and ethical insights.
• Support their mission—since 2001, the Sanctuary has rescued over 3,500 animals and helped many find loving forever homes.
• Stay at the on-site Homestead, a restored 1813 farmhouse offering cozy lodging for guests who want to extend their visit and wake up among peaceful pastures.
• Volunteer your time or energy to help with animal care, groundskeeping, or outreach efforts—visitors are welcome to contribute to the cause.

Distance from NYC:

About 2 hours by car.

How to Get to Catskill Animal Sanctuary:

Drive north on I-87 to Exit 20 for Saugerties, then follow local roads to Old Stage Road. The Sanctuary is nestled in a tranquil area just minutes from the heart of town.

Address:

316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties, NY 12477
Phone: 845-336-8447

Location:

Tarrytown, NY (Stone Barns location)

Highlights:

Looking for a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table day trip from NYC? Blue Hill Farm blends sustainable farming, fine dining, and local market shopping into a thoughtful countryside experience just under an hour from Manhattan.

We Recommend This For:

Foodies, day-trippers, couples, sustainability advocates, and anyone who appreciates seasonal cuisine and a gorgeous rural setting.

What We Love:

The immersive experience—taste the farm’s produce in a fine-dining setting, shop at the market for handmade goods, or simply enjoy the slow pace of farm life with a purpose.

• Visit a working farm and market run by the Barber family, champions of fresh, sustainable agriculture and culinary excellence.
• Dine at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester or the original NYC location, both known for refined, locally sourced tasting menus.
• Shop the Blue Hill Market for seasonal produce, pastries, herbs, honey, and handmade gifts crafted with care.
• Celebrate with a special event on-site or book Blue Hill On the Road for catered farm-to-table events delivered to your location.
• Escape the city for a day and enjoy rolling farmland, fresh flavors, and food with a story—all in a serene, scenic Hudson Valley setting.

Distance from NYC:

About 50 minutes by car or Metro-North train to Tarrytown, then a short cab ride.

How to Get to Blue Hill at Stone Barns:

Drive north on the Saw Mill River Parkway or take the Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal to Tarrytown. From there, it’s a 10-minute ride to the farm.

Address:

Blue Hill at Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: 914-366-9600