12 Day Trips From New York City - Updated 2024

Shino
Shino 
Updated
| 4 min read

New York City is filled with vibrancy and joy. It is welcoming to every traveler, no matter if you’re traveling solo or with friends and family. The museums and galleries are for those who would like to indulge themselves in the wonder of art and science. Participate in parades and festivities if you catch them at the right time. Alternatively, dine in one of the restaurants to enjoy a luxurious culinary experience, or you can also enjoy unique street food by the roadside. For stays, you can book beachfront hotels for a tropical time or choose a comfy vacation rental for a homier experience. We understand how overwhelming a trip can be but fret not. We have prepared a list of suggested day trips you can participate in here to help you save time. Read on for more information on the top day trips from New York City.

1. Bear Mountain State Park, New York

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Bear Mountain State Park</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim Wroten used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Bear Mountain State Park is an easy day trip from NYC as it is located only about an hour’s drive away from the city, making it easily accessible. There’s a wide range of activities and attractions available at Bear Mountain State Park. Visitors can go hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, or visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo. There are also several scenic spots, such as the Perkins Memorial Tower, that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Bear Mountain State Park is also an affordable day trip option, as there is no admission fee to enter the park. A visit to the park is a great opportunity to experience nature and wildlife, which can be a refreshing change from the urban environment of NYC.

Bear Mountain State Park

Address: Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911, United States

Website: Bear Mountain State Park

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2. Cape May, New Jersey (from USD 36.68)

day trips in new york city | cape may, new jersey

Cape May is a popular day trip destination from New York City, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere. You can drive to Cape May in approximately 3 hours (depending on traffic).

Cape May is famous for its Victorian architecture and historic landmarks. You can visit the Emlen Physick Estate, a restored 18th-century mansion, or take a guided walking tour of the town’s many Victorian homes and buildings. Visitors can also visit the Cape May Lighthouse, the Cape May County Zoo, and the Washington Street Mall (a pedestrian shopping district). There are also some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast like Sunset Beach, Higbee Beach, and Poverty Beach.

Cape May is also known for fresh seafood. You can find everything from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants with ocean views. Some popular spots include The Lobster House, The Ebbitt Room, and George’s Place.

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Cape May: Weekend Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Duration: 2.0 hour

44 reviews

3. Hudson, New York


Hudson is a highly recommended place to visit for travelers who are looking to get inspired during their vacation. Drop by the historic sites in Columbia County where you can catch a glimpse of the historic mansions. Aside from that, Time & Space Limited is also a place you must visit to enjoy arthouse films that are exclusive to the location. If you are looking for a shopping day out, Caldwell Gallery Hudson has all the beautiful traditional, modern, and post-war fine art that will make an excellent memento of your trip here to Hudson.

Hudson

Website: Hudson

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4. Fire Island, New York


Looking for a breather away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Fire Island is the place to be! Fire Island is a unique ecological community that will give you a breath of fresh air right from the moment you set foot on the sandy trails. The beautiful beaches are genuine on their own, and it’s a place where you can enjoy water activities such as sailing and diving. If you are visiting the island for the first time, the lighthouse is something you must not miss, for its a landmark with a prestigious historical background and is also a place where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline.

Fire Island

Website: Fire Island

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New York City Tour Guide

Hiram Jacobs

Hiram Jacobs

I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.

Tours by Hiram

New York City Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Niagara Falls, New York (from USD 201.75)

day trips in new york city | niagara falls, new york

The Niagara Falls is a place you must not miss when you are here in New York City. On this day tour, you will be able to enjoy a full-day bus tour that will bring you to Niagara Falls where you can get a good view of the landmark. At the same time, you will also get to learn about the history of the Falls and enjoy a Maid of the Mist boat cruise.

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From New York City: Niagara Falls Full-Day Bus Tour

Duration: 19.0 hour

415 reviews

6. Washington DC (from USD 179.0)

day trips in new york city | washington dc

Washing DC is a prominent landmark, being the political center of the world and is definitely worth a visit when you are in the vicinity. On this full-day trip, you will be visiting the Arlington National Cemetery first, where you will be able to catch sight of the Kennedy family gravesite. From there you will proceed to the White House and then the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

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New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour

Duration: 14.0 hour

1986 reviews

7. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, New York

Cherry trees, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Source: Photo by Flickr user Allison Meier used under CC BY-SA 2.0

A breath-of-fresh-air kind of day tour from New York City, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is where you can enjoy beautiful verdant gardens coupled with the seasonal and vibrant flowers that contribute to breathtaking photographs. You are also more than welcome to enjoy a dining session, where you will be served contemporary, vegetable-focused dishes available in an outdoor setting for a full garden dining experience.

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA

Website: Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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8. The Delaware River, New York

Down the Delaware River - Fall 2006 - The Poconos
Source: Photo by user Charlie Anzman used under CC BY 2.0

Delaware River has a deep history surrounding it and is accompanied by an abundance of wildlife. It creates a peaceful balance with nature and one must enjoy it if given an opportunity. Apart from the river, you will also get the chance to catch sight of wildlife such as minks, beavers, white-tailed deers, and many more animals. For those who are interesting in fishing, the river is also a good place to indulge in the activity. More than 60 different varieties of fish can be found in the river. Alternately, you can also choose to camp out or take a hike on the mountain trails.

The Delaware River

Website: The Delaware River

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9. Governors Island, New York

Governors Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rhododendrites used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in the heart of New York Harbor, Governors Island is an exciting place to enjoy nature with groups of like-minded individuals. Here, you can take your time to enjoy a magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor as well as indulging yourself amidst the lush green landscape. Don’t forget to try out the longest slide of New York City in Slide Hill, while you are here!

Governors Island

Website: Governors Island

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10. The Adirondack Mountains, New York

Lake George in The Adirondack Mountains
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jonathanking used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Adirondack Mountains are for the adventurous souls who would like to enjoy a refreshing outdoor place to relax and also for those who would like to flex their muscles and attempt some risky activities to test their limits. The Adirondack Mountains offers various outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. The Lake George region, located within the perimeter, is a place for families to enjoy. The area provides you with some good family-friendly attractions that are also suitable for children.

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11. Philadelphia (from USD 335.0)

day trips in new york city | philadelphia

Spend your time effectively by traveling from New York to Philadelphia on this special one-day trip. You will be visiting many points of interest that range from the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Carpenter House, and many more. For those who are interested in arts and science, you might be delighted to know that you will be dropping by some prominent museums as well, such as the National Consitution Center, and the National Museum of American Jewish History. You will also be able to enjoy good food in Hard Rock Cafe during lunch, included in the tour.

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New York to Philadelphia Day Trip by Rail

Duration: 18.0 hour

3 reviews

12. Warwick Valley Wine and Distillery, New York (from USD 159.0)

warwick valley wine and distillery, new york

This tour is recommended especially for those who would like to enjoy good wine during their trip here to New York City. Through the tour, you will be able to visit two of the state’s award-winning wineries. You will get to taste a range of wines that would be available there, alongside locally sourced cheese, bread, and olives to accompany your drinking experience. There will be an expert navigator who will introduce you to the history and specifics of the wine-making process. So just sit back and enjoy your drink.

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New York City: Day Trip To Long Island's Wine Country

Duration: 9.0 hour

15 reviews

Enjoy New York City in the best way

As you can see, New York City is more than just a populous metropolis. No matter if you are here for business or leisure, we believe there is always a way for you to indulge yourself in this beautiful place and enjoy the best out of the city. Book one of the day trips near NYC and have the best holiday ever.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from New York City

1. What are the best day trip destinations from New York City?

While most of the places on this list are rightfully ideal for day tours, you can check out some of the great options such as: i) Bear Mountain State Park, ii) Niagara Falls, iii) Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and iv) The Adirondack Mountains.

2. What are the best day trip activities from New York City?

To spice up your NYC adventure, inject some of these activities into your itinerary: i) dolphin watching in Cape May, ii) join a full-day bus tour to Niagara Falls, iii) explore the highlights of Washington DC, and iv) do a wine tasting at Warwick Valley Wine and Distillery.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shino holds profound interest in social media and storytelling. She has been an avid fiction and non-fiction writer for the past decade and possesses profound interest towards the Japanese culture,...Read more

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