28 Top Day Trips From New York City [2023]

New York City may be one of the top travel destinations in the United States, but there’s plenty to explore outside of the Big Apple. Whether you’re in New York on vacation or already call the city home, NYC is the perfect starting point to explore other areas of the Northeast.

Ready to venture out of the city? Continue reading to discover the 28 best day trips from New York. 

1. The Hamptons, Long Island 

Distance from New York City: 97 miles

Situated on the eastern end of Long Island approximately 100 miles from New York City, the Hamptons provides a serene beach escape. Encompassing a variety of seaside towns and villages, you can spend your day shopping at high-end boutiques and eating at delicious beachside restaurants. 

The most popular time to visit the Hamptons is the summertime, so if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying beautiful weather, consider planning your day trip for May or September. 

2. Catskill Mountains

Distance from New York City: 126 miles

Located roughly 120 miles from the city, the Catskill Mountains are a perfect day trip for anyone looking to breathe in some fresh mountain air. As a region of the Appalachian Mountains, the Catskills have plenty of scenic hiking trails and winding rivers to explore. 

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Distance from New York City: 94 miles

The easiest way to take a day trip to Philadelphia is by train, and it will only take you a little over an hour. Once you arrive in the historic city, begin your day by sightseeing. From visiting the Liberty Bell to the Rocky Statue, there are plenty of things to do in Philadelphia. 

4. Woodstock, New York 

Distance from New York City: 107 miles

Woodstock is a charming mountain town located approximately three hours by car from the city. Wander down Tinker Street and stop in the eclectic shops and boutiques or pick up a cup of coffee from a local cafe. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, hike the trails at Overlook Mountain and enjoy scenic views of the Hudson River Valley. 

5. Fire Island, Long Island 

Distance from New York City: 63 miles

Nestled on the south shore of Long Island, Fire Island is a quaint barrier island only accessible by ferry. Once you’re on the car-free island, transportation methods include golf carts and bikes. 

Here, you can climb the infamous lighthouse or relax on the pristine beaches. Fire Island is also home to Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines — two popular LGBTQ+ destinations. 

6. Princeton, New Jersey  

Distance from New York City: 51 miles

Home to Princeton University, this New Jersey city sits just over 50 miles from NYC. Take a walking tour of the Ivy League college campus and stroll through the historic downtown. Consider bringing a blanket and having a picnic in Palmer Square! 

7. Greenwich, Connecticut

Distance from New York City: 35 miles

A one-hour train ride from NYC will bring you to the charming town of Greenwich. From art galleries and museums to shopping and spas, there’s no shortage of things to do in the vibrant downtown. Swing by The Lobster Bin to try an infamous Connecticut lobster roll. 

If you’re looking to enjoy time in nature, visit Greenwich Point Park for spectacular views of the NYC skyline. Here, you’ll find sandy shorelines and walking trails to explore. 

8. Pocono Mountains 

Distance from New York City: 92 miles

Just under 100 miles from the city, a visit to the Poconos makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway. In the summertime, activities include white-water rafting, hiking and adventure parks. Meanwhile, in the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, dog sledding and ice skating. 

9. Sleepy Hollow, New York 

Distance from New York City: 33 miles

Well-known as the setting of the story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this village is easily accessible from the city via a 45-minute train ride. Popular landmarks include Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Headless Horseman Bridge and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate. It’s no wonder the most popular time to visit this town is October, when visitors delight in the spooky charm. 

Consider also paying a visit to Philipsburg Manor, a living history museum located in a mill where a community of enslaved individuals once labored. Guided tours educate visitors about slavery in colonial New York. 

10. New Hope, Pennsylvania

Distance from New York City: 68 miles 

Situated near the Delaware River, New Hope is a scenic destination approximately 70 miles southwest of NYC. With riverside eateries and cultural landmarks, a visit to this eclectic town makes an enjoyable day trip. History enthusiasts will want to tour the Parry Mansion Museum, a Georgian-style home built in 1784 by one of the city’s founders. 

To see the picturesque countryside, hop aboard the New Hope Railroad to enjoy a train ride while your guide shares interesting tidbits of history about the towns you pass through. 

11. Bear Mountain State Park 

Distance from New York City: 52 miles

Bear Mountain State Park is just under two hours from the city. Encompassing over 5,200 acres, visitors can enjoy endless activities in nature, like fishing, hiking and swimming. In the winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. 

12. Providence, Rhode Island 

Distance from New York City: 181 miles 

The capital city of Rhode Island, Providence has a vibrant culture and rich history. Take a boat tour on the Providence River, where a captain will point out significant landmarks and other points of interest. If you’d rather learn about the supernatural aspects of the city, consider a spooky ghost tour. 

13. Albany, New York 

Distance from New York City: 157 miles

Spend a day venturing to the capital city of New York. Albany is home to the Empire State Plaza, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful capital centers in the United States. The city is also chock-full of museums, shopping destinations and entertainment centers. To add even more excitement to your visit, consider completing a scavenger hunt as you explore the city. 

14. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Distance from New York City: 127 miles

Known for its infamous boardwalk and myriad casinos, Atlantic City is full of entertainment and excitement. Located just over two hours from NYC, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled day. Whether you want to try your luck at gambling, ride thrilling amusement park rides or stroll along the sandy shoreline, Atlantic City has something for everyone. 

15. Montauk, Long Island 

Distance from New York City: 118 miles

For a relaxing beach day, head to Montauk. Located at the easternmost end of Long Island, this beachside village is known for its stunning shoreline, oceanfront restaurants and various watersports. Visit Montauk Point State Park to see the iconic 1796 Montauk Point Lighthouse. 

16. Palisades Interstate Park

Distance from New York City: 17 miles

Palisades Interstate Park is located just 17 miles from NYC on the Hudson River. Encompassing 2,500 acres of landscape, the park offers hiking, cycling, fishing, boating and more. From the hiking trails to the shoreline, this is a great place to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from the city. 

17. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Distance from New York City: 82 miles 

Situated in the Lehigh Valley, visiting Bethlehem is like stepping back in time. The charming main street is lined with local boutiques and taverns. Make sure to stop by the Moravian Book Shop — the first bookstore in America, founded in 1745. 

During your day trip, visit the Colonial Industrial Quarter to learn about the city’s rich history. This 10-acre site is full of historic buildings to explore, including a blacksmith shop, apothecary, flour mill, tannery and more. 

18. Howes Cave, New York

Distance from New York City: 171 miles

A quaint village located in the Catskill Mountains, Howes Cave is known for its popular natural attraction, Howe Caverns. While the underground caves are over 6 million years old, Howe Caverns were first discovered in 1842 by Lester Howe. Today, visitors can descend over 150 feet below the surface to tour the caverns and see the rock formations and grottos firsthand. 

19. Ithaca, New York

Distance from New York City: 223 miles

Nestled along Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is the perfect place to go chasing waterfalls. From the over 200-foot cascading waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park to the six waterfalls on the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, there’s so much to explore. Other notable waterfalls include Triphammer Falls, Ithaca Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park. 

In addition to its natural attractions, Ithaca is home to Cornell University. Download a scavenger hunt for a unique way to tour the campus. 

20. West Chester, Pennsylvania

Distance from New York City: 121 miles

A suburb of Philadelphia, West Chester is a roughly two-hour drive from NYC. The city has the perfect mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. Begin your trip by strolling through downtown and exploring the home decor, clothing and plant shops. If you visit between May and October, stop by Gay Street Open-Air Market to enjoy outdoor shopping and dining vendors. 

To learn about the area’s history, visit the Chester County History Center and enjoy a wide array of exhibits. Conclude your visit with a stroll through the West Chester University campus and admire the blend of Gothic and contemporary architecture. 

21. Mystic, Connecticut

Distance from New York City: 134 miles

Mystic is a coastal town located on the banks of the Mystic River. Kick off your day with a walk downtown, stopping into local shops and art galleries, then stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant like Red 36 or S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar. Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Charles W. Morgan Whaleship to learn more about the city’s maritime heritage. 

22. Hunter, New York 

Distance from New York City: 127 miles

Hunter is a quaint mountain town situated in the Great Northern Catskills. Close enough for a day trip, the most popular attraction in the area is Hunter Mountain Resort. The resort offers hiking, biking and off-roading in the warmer months and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. 

23. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Distance from New York City: 186 miles

Rehoboth Beach is a popular coastal town located in the Mid-Atlantic region. Start your day strolling the mile-long Rehoboth Boardwalk and checking out the arcades, shops and candy stores on your journey. Then visit Funland, an amusement park with rides and games designed for adults and children alike. 

24. Cold Spring, New York 

Distance from New York City: 60 miles

Founded in the early 1800s, Cold Spring is a delightful village located along the Hudson River. Following a walk down Main Street, hike around West Point Foundry Preserve, an outdoor museum that produced weapons during the Civil War era. 

25. Washington, D.C. 

Distance from New York City: 232 miles

Why not take a day trip to our nation’s capital? A train ride takes about three hours from NYC. Once you arrive, there are many free things to do in D.C. that make it a budget-friendly day trip destination. Visit the Smithsonian museums, admire the Washington Monument and explore the lively neighborhoods like Dupont Circle or Georgetown. Plan your day trip for the springtime to catch a glimpse of the blooming cherry blossoms located along the Tidal Basin. 

26. Warwick, New York

Distance from New York City: 57 miles

Located just over 55 miles from the city, Warwick offers endless activities for a day trip. Hike the Appalachian Trail, visit a local winery or horseback ride through the countryside. The best time to visit is in the fall since the town is known for its apple orchards. In fact, its annual Applefest celebration takes place each year in October. 

27. Niagara Falls, New York 

Distance from New York City: 390 miles

Consider taking a day tour from NYC to Niagara Falls. Admire the natural spectacle from several different viewpoints, including Goat Island and Terrapin Point. If you plan your adventure in the warmer months, you can also embark on a boat ride to see the falls from below. 

28. Beacon, New York 

Distance from New York City: 68 miles

An hour-and-a-half train ride from Grand Central Station, Beacon is a pleasant town in the heart of the Hudson Valley. From its Victorian architecture to its natural waterfalls, Beacon is a sight to behold. 

Nature lovers will enjoy a hike up Mount Beacon to enjoy the views from the summit. Explore the main street lined with antique shops and art galleries, then walk along the riverfront to admire the sparkling waters of the Hudson. 

Plan Your Day Trip From NYC With AAA

From quaint upstate towns to other bustling metropolitans, the possibilities are endless when it comes to taking day trips from NYC. And with the best public transportation in the United States, you can even embark on your journey without a car via train or bus. 

Take advantage of your AAA membership to earn discounts on rental cars, hotels and tours. Read our AAA Travel guides for more day trip ideas from cities across the country.