• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

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

Category: Activities
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay - 45 minutes From NYC
© Courtesy of celeste clochard - Fotolia.com

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

Category: Activities
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, Riverhead - 1 hour 30 min From NYC
© Courtesy of elgru - Fotolia.com

3. City Winery, Hudson Valley - 1 hour 45 min

Category: Food & Drink

4. Mohonk Preserve - 1 hour 30 min Day Trip from NYC

Category: Activities
Mohonk Preserve - 1 hour 30 min Day Trip from NYC
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

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

Category: Activities
Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury - 45 minutes Day Trip from New York
© Courtesy of demerzel 21 - Fotolia.com

6. The Poconos - 2 hours from NYC

The Poconos - 2 hours from NYC
© Courtesy of Christian Hinkle - Fotolia.com

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

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

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

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

9. Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties - 2 hours From NYC

Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties - 2 hours From NYC
© Catskill Animal Sanctuary Tours

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

Category: Activities
Blue Hill Farm, Tarrytown - 50 minutes Day Trip From NYC
© Courtesy of kichigin 19 - Fotolia.com

11. Bear Mountain State Park - 1 hour Trip From NYC

Category: Activities
Bear Mountain State Park - 1 hour Trip From NYC
© Courtesy of Andrew Kazmierski - Fotolia.com

12. Caumsett State Park, Huntington - 45 min From NYC

Category: Activities
Caumsett State Park, Huntington - 45 min From NYC
© Courtesy of Lake in the park - Fotolia.com

13. Fire Island, NY - 1 hour 45 min Day Trip From NYC

Romantic Islands
Fire Island, NY - 1 hour 45 min Day Trip From NYC
© Scott Heaney/stock.adobe.com

14. East End Bike Tours, Mattituck - 1 hour 45 min

Tours
East End Bike Tours, Mattituck - 1 hour 45 min
© Vintage Bicycle Tours Day Tours

15. Stonecrop Gardens, Cold Spring - 1 hour 10 min

Category: Activities

16. Glass House, New Canaan, CT - 1 hour 10 min

17. Sayen House and Gardens, Hamilton, NJ - 1 hour 10 min

Category: Activities
Sayen House and Gardens, Hamilton, NJ - 1 hour 10 min
© Courtesy of Birute Vijeikiene - Fotolia.com

18. The Explorer’s Passage

The Explorer’s Passage
© Courtesy of Alisha - Fotolia.com

19. Bannerman Castle

Romantic Castles
Bannerman Castle
© Cavan/stock.adobe.com

20. Dia:Beacon, Beacon, NY - 1 hour 30 min From NYC

21. The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park

Category: Activities
The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park
© Courtesy of emerald photo - Fotolia.com

22. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, Short Hills, NJ - 45 minutes

Category: Activities
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, Short Hills, NJ - 45 minutes
© Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

23. Shelter Island

Romantic Islands
Shelter Island
© alison/stock.adobe.com

24. Storm King Art Center

Category: Attractions

25. Greenwood Gardens

Category: Activities
Greenwood Gardens
© Virender Singh/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

If you are looking for a quick getaway from New York City, our list includes a selection of diverse things to see and do within 45 minutes to two hours by car or train. Whether you are interested in architecture, wine tasting, caves, mountains or beaches in New York State and beyond, there are many awesome ideas to choose from. Popular day trips from New York City for couples and families include the Hudson Valley, many locations on Long Island, the Catskills and other great vacation spots.

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