• What are some great day trip destinations from New York City?
    • If you are looking for a quick getaway from New York City, there are many diverse destinations within 45 minutes to two hours by car or train.
  • What types of attractions can visitors explore on a day trip from NYC?
    • Whether you are interested in architecture, wine tasting, caves, mountains, or beaches, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from in New York State and beyond.
  • What are some popular day trip destinations for couples and families?
    • Popular day trips from New York City for couples and families include the Hudson Valley, various locations on Long Island, the Catskills, and other great vacation spots.

Best Time for Day Trips from New York City:

  • April to June – Spring brings blooming gardens, mild weather, and perfect conditions for exploring historic towns and parks.
  • July to August – Summer is ideal for beaches, lake escapes, and scenic train rides out of the city heat.
  • September to October – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage make this the best time for apple picking and Hudson Valley views.
  • November – Cool, quiet days great for museums, cozy cafés, and early holiday markets in nearby towns.
  • December to March – Winter brings festive villages, snowy hikes, and peaceful cultural retreats just outside the city.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay - 45 minutes From NYC

Admire vibrant blooms and explore historic greenhouses on a colorful spring getaway.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay - 45 minutes From NYC

© Courtesy of celeste clochard - Fotolia.com

  • What is Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park?
  • What can visitors see at the Planting Fields Arboretum?
    • The arboretum consists of 409 acres of rolling lawns, woodland paths, formal gardens, plant collections, and greenhouses.
  • What historic buildings are located at the Planting Fields Arboretum?
    • The original Gold Coast estate buildings include Coe Hall, a beautiful 65-room Tudor Revival style mansion that is open to the public.
  • What can visitors find inside Coe Hall?
    • The house contains original Coe family antique furniture, paintings, and spectacular stained glass windows.
  • Who designed the landscape at Planting Fields?
    • The grounds were landscaped by the famous Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts.
  • Why do visitors come to Planting Fields?
    • Thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the specimen trees, fabulous greenhouses, and diverse theme gardens. Planting Fields is also a popular destination for wedding photos.
  • Where is Planting Fields Arboretum located?
    • 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, NY,
      Phone: 516-922-8678

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, Riverhead - 1 hour 30 min From NYC

See sea lions and explore marine exhibits on a fun trip with kids.

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, Riverhead - 1 hour 30 min From NYC

© Courtesy of elgru - Fotolia.com

  • What is the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center?
  • What is the theme of the Long Island Aquarium?
    • The Aquarium and Exhibition Center is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis and features an array of marine and river creatures, as well as educational exhibits that emphasize the importance of marine life and environmental preservation.
  • What are the main attractions at the Long Island Aquarium?
    • The Aquarium is home to:
      • One of the largest all-living coral reef displays in the Northern Hemisphere
      • A 120,000-gallon shark tank filled with sharks and other fish
      • Numerous touch tanks where kids can learn through touch
      • Year-round sea lion shows
  • What can visitors find at the Exhibition Center?
    • The Exhibition Center features over 100 exhibits and interactive experiences.
  • Where is the Long Island Aquarium located?
    • 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901,
      Phone: 631-208-9200

City Winery, Hudson Valley - 1 hour 45 min

Sip local wines and enjoy live music on a relaxing couples retreat.

City Winery, Hudson Valley - 1 hour 45 min

© City Winery

  • What is City Winery?
    • City Winery is located in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley and offers visitors an ideal day trip destination just 90 minutes from NYC.
  • Where is City Winery located?
    • You will find the winery on the outskirts of Montgomery, which boasts many attractions, including the Storm King Art Center and Bannerman Castle.
  • What experiences does City Winery offer?
    • At the winery, you can embark on a guided wine tour and tasting or settle in at the restaurant to enjoy great regional cuisine accompanied by a delicious wine of your choice.
  • Does City Winery offer live entertainment?
    • Yes, you can enjoy live music shows every Wednesday during the summer season.
  • Where is City Winery located?
    • City Winery, 21 Factory Street, Montgomery, NY 12549,
      Phone: 845-424-0222

Mohonk Preserve - 1 hour 30 min Day Trip from NYC

Hike forest trails and admire cliff views on a scenic fall adventure.

Mohonk Preserve - 1 hour 30 min Day Trip from NYC

© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

  • What is the Mohonk Preserve?
    • The Mohonk Preserve is a popular, private 8,000-acre nature preserve located in New Paltz, New York, on the slopes of the Shawangunk Mountains.
  • Where is the Mohonk Preserve located?
    • The preserve is part of the Appalachian mountain range and is located about 90 miles from New York City.
  • What types of landscapes can visitors find at the Mohonk Preserve?
    • The preserve’s diverse environment includes dense old forests, cliffs, streams, and ponds.
  • What outdoor activities are available at the Mohonk Preserve?
    • The preserve has more than 70 miles of carriage roads and about 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and skiing.
  • Why is the Mohonk Preserve popular with climbers?
    • The area is very popular with mountain climbers, who come from all over the country to explore over 1,000 climbing destinations.
  • How is the Mohonk Preserve supported?
    • The preserve is supported by private donations, membership fees, and a modest entrance fee.
  • What conservation efforts are in place at the Mohonk Preserve?
    • The preserve offers programs in environmental education, land protection, and scientific research.
  • What rare species can be found at the Mohonk Preserve?
    • The preserve is home to over 1,400 plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species such as the peregrine falcon, and 2,000 acres of rare native dwarf pitch pine.
  • Where can visitors stay near the Mohonk Preserve?
  • Where is the Mohonk Preserve located?
    • 3197 State Route 55, New Paltz, NY 12561,
      Phone: 845-255-0919

Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury - 45 minutes Day Trip from New York

Stroll along elegant grounds and explore the mansion on a peaceful weekend escape.

Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury - 45 minutes Day Trip from New York

© Courtesy of demerzel 21 - Fotolia.com

  • What are Old Westbury Gardens?
    • Old Westbury Gardens were built in 1906 by the English architect George A. Crawley for John S. Phipps, his wife Margarita, and their children.
  • How did John S. Phipps acquire his wealth?
    • John inherited his fortune from his father, Henry Phipps, a steel magnate.
  • What is special about Westbury House?
    • The spectacular Charles II-style mansion is surrounded by 200 acres of magnificent and diverse gardens, woodlands, lakes, and ponds.
  • What can visitors see inside Westbury House?
    • Westbury House rooms are full of original English antiques, decorative arts, and art pieces, all exceptionally well preserved.
  • How did Old Westbury Gardens become a public garden?
    • When John and Margarita Phipps died in the 1950s, one of their daughters converted the estate into a botanical garden, which is today open to the public.
  • Are guided tours available at Old Westbury Gardens?
    • Yes, guided tours of the house and gardens are available every weekend.
  • Why is Old Westbury Gardens a great day trip from NYC?
    • If you are looking for day trips from New York City for garden lovers, this is a great place to visit.
  • Is Old Westbury Gardens a historic landmark?
    • Yes, the Old Westbury Gardens property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Where is Old Westbury Gardens located?
    • 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY,
      Phone: 516-333-0048

The Poconos - 2 hours from NYC

Go skiing and relax by the fire during a cozy winter trip.

The Poconos - 2 hours from NYC

© Courtesy of Christian Hinkle - Fotolia.com

  • What is the Pocono Mountains region?
    • Covering 2,394 square miles of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains region is a magnificent area of rolling mountains, thundering waterfalls, ancient forests, and winding rivers.
  • What winter activities can families enjoy in the Poconos?
    • If you are traveling with kids, the Poconos is the perfect place to go skiing, snowboarding, snow sliding, or snowshoeing in the winter.
  • What outdoor activities are available in the summer?
    • In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and wildlife observing.
  • Where can visitors see animals up close in the Poconos?
    • To get closer to animals, Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park features more than 100 species of animals.
  • What family-friendly attractions are in the Poconos?
    • Costa's Family Fun Park near Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike County offers go-karts, bumper boats, and laser tag.
    • Indoor laser tag is also a popular game at Camelback Lodge.
  • Is the Pocono Mountains region a good destination for families?
    • Yes! With so many activities and attractions, nobody can ever get bored in the Poconos.

Historic Huguenot Street Tour, New Paltz - 1 hour 30 min From NYC

Visit colonial homes and learn early history on a meaningful educational tour.

Historic Huguenot Street Tour, New Paltz - 1 hour 30 min From NYC

© Historic Huguenot Street Tour

  • What is Historic Huguenot Street?
  • Who were the Huguenots?
    • The Huguenots were French-speaking European Calvinist Protestants who fled their European countries due to religious persecution and established a colony in New Paltz in 1678, just a short time after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
  • Why is Historic Huguenot Street significant?
    • Historic Huguenot Street is a National Historic Landmark District where everyday objects, buildings, and stories preserve the legacy of the original Huguenot settlers.
  • What can visitors see on Historic Huguenot Street?
    • The site includes an informative Visitor Center, seven beautifully preserved 17th-century stone houses, a reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church, archaeological sites, and a burial ground where some of the very first settlers rest.
  • What historical resources are available at Historic Huguenot Street?
    • Huguenot Street has an extensive historic archive with collections of early local history and family papers, as well as a research library.
  • Where is Historic Huguenot Street located?
    • 88 Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY 12561,
      Phone: 845-255-1660

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY - 2 hours

See world-class performances and explore striking architecture on a cultural day trip.

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY - 2 hours

© Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

  • What is the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts?
  • What types of performances are held at the Fisher Center?
    • The center offers facilities for orchestral music, chamber music, jazz, theater, opera, and dance programs and performances.
  • Who designed the Fisher Center?
    • The center was designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry and includes two theaters, four rehearsal studios, and various other facilities.
  • What are the main performance spaces in the Fisher Center?
    • The Sosnoff Theater is a 900-seat theater featuring an orchestra, two balconies, parterre, and an orchestra pit.
    • The smaller Theater Two has 200 seats and houses Bard College’s Dance and Theater Programs.
  • What major event takes place at the Fisher Center?
    • Every summer, the Fisher Center hosts the Bard Music Festival, a festival featuring theater, opera, and dance performances.
  • Where is the Richard B. Fisher Center located?
    • 60 Manor Ave, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY 12504,
      Phone: 845-758-7900

Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties - 2 hours From NYC

Meet rescued animals and tour peaceful grounds on a heartwarming family outing.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties - 2 hours From NYC

© Catskill Animal Sanctuary Tours

  • What is the Catskill Animal Sanctuary?
    • The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a 110-acre safe haven for farm animals and horses that were rescued from neglect and cruelty by various people or the sanctuary staff.
  • What does the Catskill Animal Sanctuary offer besides shelter?
    • In addition to providing a safe home for animals, the sanctuary also offers education to the public about the humane treatment of farm animals and the impact of agribusiness on animals, humans, and the planet.
  • How many animals has the Sanctuary rescued?
    • Since its opening in 2001, the sanctuary has rescued more than 3,500 animals and successfully found new homes for many of them.
  • What can visitors experience during a tour?
    • During the tour of the sanctuary, visitors can meet the animals, learn about their plight and rescue stories, receive vegan recipes, or even decide to volunteer to help.
  • How many animals live at the Sanctuary?
    • There are always at least 300 animals on site, receiving care and rehabilitation.
  • Can visitors stay overnight at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary?
    • Yes! Guests can stay for a few days in the Homestead, a meticulously renovated 1813 farmhouse that offers lodging accommodations.
  • Where is the Catskill Animal Sanctuary located?
    • 316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties, NY 12477,
      Phone: 845-336-8447

Blue Hill Farm, Tarrytown - 50 minutes Day Trip From NYC

Dine farm-to-table and explore scenic grounds on a romantic food-lovers escape.

Blue Hill Farm, Tarrytown - 50 minutes Day Trip From NYC

© Courtesy of kichigin 19 - Fotolia.com

  • What is Blue Hill Farm?
    • Blue Hill Farm is a family-owned and operated institution that includes a working farm, two restaurants by the same name, and a farmers’ market.
  • Who owns Blue Hill Farm?
    • The farm is owned by Dan, David, and Laureen Barber, a family dedicated to fresh, sustainable farming and high-quality farm-to-table dining.
  • Where are Blue Hill’s restaurants located?
    • Blue Hill operates two restaurants: one in New York City and another at Stone Barns in Westchester County.
  • What can visitors find at the Blue Hill Market?
    • The Blue Hill Market serves as a farmers’ market where locally sourced, fresh farm produce is sold, including:
      • Fruit and vegetables
      • Honey and herbs
      • Baked bread and pastries
      • Handmade products and gifts
  • Does Blue Hill host special events?
    • Yes! Blue Hill hosts events at both restaurant locations and also offers off-site catering through Blue Hill On the Road, bringing the farm-to-table experience directly to guests.
  • Is Blue Hill Farm a good day trip from NYC?
    • If you're asking yourself "Where should I go for a one-day trip from NYC?", this is a great choice for those who appreciate fresh food, sustainable farming, and a relaxing countryside experience.
  • Where is Blue Hill at Stone Barns located?
    • Blue Hill at Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591,
      Phone: 914-366-9600

Plan Your Trip


Table of Contents: