Best Day Trips from New York City, USA

1. Staten Island 🏰

Start your day trip with a free ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn to Staten Island. Visit the historic St. George’s Historic District and the National Lighthouse Museum for a dose of history and architecture. Don’t forget to stop by the beautiful Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

2. Sleepy Hollow 🎃

Step into Washington Irving’s legend with a visit to Sleepy Hollow, a picturesque town north of the city. Explore the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where many notable figures are buried, and the Philipsburg Manor. Don’t miss the iconic Headless Horseman Hayride & Haunted Houses in October!

3. The Hudson Valley 🍂

Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Hudson Valley, home to many charming towns and historic sites. Visit West Point Military Academy, hike at Minnewaska State Park Preserve or Bear Mountain State Park, and savor farm-fresh cuisine at the many local restaurants.

4. Cold Spring 🏞️

A charming village on the Hudson River, Cold Spring offers a relaxed, small-town feel with big city amenities. Visit the Locust Grove Estate to explore the home of Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph. Don’t forget to walk along the scenic Hudson River Walkway!

5. Long Beach 🏖️

If you’re seeking a beach day, head to Long Beach on Long Island. With over two miles of pristine sandy beaches and the stunning Boardwalk, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or people-watching.

6. New Paltz 🌿

Nestled in the Hudson Valley, New Paltz offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Hike at Mohonk Preserve, explore the Stone-Roosevelt Estate and the vibrant downtown area with its many art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

7. Westchester County 🌳

Just north of New York City, Westchester County offers a plethora of day trip options. Visit Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, or explore the beautiful botanical gardens at Wave Hill in Riverdale. Don’t forget to stop by the charming towns of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown!