Best Day Trips from New York

If there's one city on earth that has enough to keep you occupied almost indefinitely, it would have to be New York. Wandering the streets of this US metropolis is like taking a trip around the world, with so many different cultures and nationalities meeting in this great American city.

But even with everything that the city has to offer, like incredible street food and the best museums in New York, you may find yourself wanting to get out of town now and then. After all, there's so much more to discover outside New York City. Upstate New York has some fascinating places to explore, and New York is surrounded by other incredible American cities too.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in New York, and you'll be ready to experience the best day trips from New York. This is a region with so much to offer that it would be a shame not to see more of it when you get the chance.

How to get out of New York

New York is something of an anomaly among US cities in that public transit is more popular than driving. The truth is, driving within New York City is an ordeal to be avoided wherever possible. And thanks to the city's excellent subway and train network, including major transportation hubs like Grand Central Station and Penn Station, it's not difficult to get around New York without using a car.

It's also possible to use public transport to get from New York City to locations like Long Island and Philadelphia to enjoy incredible day trips from NYC. However, if you want to explore more out-of-the-way places like the Hudson River Valley, you may need to rent your own vehicle. The best thing to do is get out of the city on public transit and pick up a car on the outskirts, so you don't have to deal with the traffic situation in Manhattan.

From New York to Hudson River Valley

The Hudson River Valley is one of the most picturesque parts of New York State. This region is home to incredible natural beauty, as well as charming small towns and villages.

There are many different ways to explore the Hudson Valley. You could take a scenic drive up the river or hop on a train from Grand Central Station. For a more active day trip, you could go hiking or biking in the Catskill Mountains.

And, of course, no visit to the Hudson River Valley would be complete without admiring the stunning views of the river itself. You could do this by taking a cruise from New York City or simply by spending a day relaxing at one of the many parks and scenic outlooks along the river.

From New York to Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is one of the most popular day trip destinations from New York City. This huge park offers something for everyone, with hiking trails, a lake for swimming and boating, and even a zoo.

Bear Mountain is transformed into a snowy wonderland in the winter, perfect for a day of sledding and skiing. And in the fall, the leaves changing color create a breathtaking landscape.

No matter what time of year you visit, Bear Mountain State Park is sure to be a memorable day trip from New York City.

From New York to The Hamptons

The Hamptons are a group of towns on Long Island that are synonymous with luxury. These towns are home to some of the wealthiest people in the United States, as well as gorgeous beaches and stunning mansions.

Although the Hamptons are often seen as a summer destination, there's plenty to do here year-round. In the winter, you can enjoy the quieter side of the Hamptons, with fewer crowds and lower prices. And in the spring and fall, the weather is perfect for exploring the many parks and nature trails in the area.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day or an active day of hiking, the Hamptons have something for everyone.

From New York to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, and although it's a hefty six-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, it may be worth considering an overnight trip to see this unique wonder of nature. This incredible waterfall is truly a sight to behold, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy for a day or two.

You could tour the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat or go hiking along one of the many trails that lead to different vantage points. For a birds-eye view, you could ride the Niagara Falls Aerial Tramway or take a helicopter tour.

No visit to Niagara Falls would be complete without getting soaked by the spray from the falls. You can do this by standing on Goat Island in the middle of the falls or by taking a ride on the Cave of the Winds elevator.

There's no doubt about it, Niagara Falls is an unforgettable day trip from New York City.

From New York to Cornwall, New York

The main attraction in this small town outside New York City is the presence of the Storm King Art Center. This 500-acre outdoor museum is home to more than 100 sculptures by artists like Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Louise Bourgeois.

But the Storm King Art Center is not the only thing to see in Cornwall. This town is also home to several charming bed and breakfasts, as well as a number of antique shops.

And for nature lovers, there's no better place to spend a day than Cornwall. The town is surrounded by woods and fields, perfect for a peaceful hike or a picnic lunch.

From New York to Greenwood Gardens

Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre public garden in Short Hills, New Jersey. This oasis features rolling lawns, woodlands, and formal gardens, as well as a historic mansion that dates back to the early 1900s.

The gardens are open year-round, and there's always something blooming, no matter what time of year you visit. In the spring, you can see tulips and daffodils in bloom. In the summer, the roses are in full bloom. And in the fall, the leaves change color to create a breathtaking landscape. Greenwood Gardens also incorporate some of the forests of the South Mountain Reservation, so you'll also find some wilder places to wander.

No matter what time of year you visit Greenwood Gardens, you're sure to be impressed by this hidden gem.

From New York to Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore is a barrier island off the coast of New York. This island is home to miles of sandy beaches, as well as a number of hiking trails and nature preserves.

There's also a wide range of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking. And if you're looking for a more relaxing day trip, you can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.

Fire Island National Seashore is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City and enjoy some time in nature.

From New York to Long Island Wine Country

Long Island Wine Country is home to more than 50 wineries, as well as a number of beautiful beaches. This region is the perfect place to spend a day or two if you're looking to relax and enjoy some of the best wines in the world.

There are several ways to tour the wineries, from self-guided tours to guided tours. You can also participate in wine tastings and learn about the different types of wines produced on Long Island.

And, you can't visit Long Island Wine Country without spending some time at the beach. The region is home to some of the best beaches in New York, so you can soak up the sun and relax by the water.

Long Island is a beautiful region that has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to enjoy the outdoors or sample some of the best wines in the world, you'll find what you're looking for in Long Island Wine Country.

From New York to Philadelphia

Many people are surprised to find that New York and Philadelphia are as close to each other as they are. A drive of fewer than two hours will bring you to what was once the capital city of the US, and history buffs should definitely make time for one of the most fascinating day trips from NYC.

Make sure to visit Independence Hall, part of the Independence National Historical Park, to see where America was born, and don't forget to check out the Liberty Bell while you're there. Additionally, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is ideal for art lovers and makes a great addition to all the excellent art galleries you'll find in New York. Philadelphia also has its share of great restaurants and excellent street food, and a visit here offers a glimpse of city life that's very different from that in New York but no less exciting.

From New York to Princeton, New Jersey

Of course, Princeton is famous for its university, one of the leading educational institutions in the world. But the town has a lot more to offer than that. The beautiful architecture of the campus is definitely worth admiring, and you can even take a free tour led by student volunteers. If you're interested in art, make sure to visit the Princeton University Art Museum, which has an impressive collection of both ancient and modern art. And if you want to get away from the city for a bit, head to Palmer Square, a lovely park in the center of town. Princeton makes for a great day trip from New York, whether you're looking to learn something new or just enjoy some time in a beautiful setting.

From New York to Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a nature lover's paradise. Located in the Catskill Mountains, this park is home to miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views. The preserve is also home to several rare and endangered plants and animals, so you can be sure you're seeing something special when you visit.

There are many ways to explore Minnewaska State Park Preserve, from short hikes to longer backpacking trips. And if you're looking for a challenge, you can even take part in the park's popular rock-climbing program.

No matter your interests, you'll find something to love at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. So why not add it to your list of day trips from New York City?

From New York to Cold Spring, NY

Cold Spring is a charming village located in the Hudson Valley, just a short train ride from New York City. The village is home to a number of historic sites, including the Cold Spring Depot, which is the oldest surviving railroad depot in the country.

Make use of the hiking and biking trails in Cold Spring to get those steps in. It's the perfect place to spend a day if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And if you love antique shops and farmers' markets, you'll definitely want to add Cold Spring to your list of day trips from New York.

Conclusion

It's hard to imagine ever getting sick of a city like New York. But with so much going on in the Big Apple, it's more likely that you may get overwhelmed. City life is fun to explore for a while, but sooner or later, even the biggest fan of cosmopolitan living needs a break.

Luckily, it's easy to take one of these excellent day trips from New York City. Whether you travel by bus, train, or via rental car, you'll have your pick of great places to explore. From the bucolic charm of upstate New York, the Hudson River Valley, and Bear Mountain to the fascinating history of Philadelphia, these New York City day trips will show you another side of the region.