best day trips new york state

The Best Upstate New York Day Trips From NYC

U pstate New York's Hudson and Beacon , Montauk at the tip of Long Island—you’ve heard those names before. And while they’re all perfectly lovely New York City day trips or getaways, there’s a whole host of new hotels, restaurants, and things to do and see outside the five boroughs well beyond those highly trafficked hotspots. Here, we’ve rounded up four incredible upstate New York getaways that should go on your calendar this summer.

For the foodie: The greater Hudson Valley

New York City’s pantry sits about two hours north of the city in the Hudson Valley. While it seems like every trendy chef, recipe developer, and writer decamped for the region during the pandemic, the mass exodus has unsurprisingly turned it into one of the best food-fueled parts of the state to explore.

Skip Catskill and Hudson and head just a hair west, where about two hours north of the city, a chain of small towns you’ve almost definitely never heard of have become playgrounds for top New York City chefs.

Check into Hotel Lilien in Tannersville (population: 579), where an 1890s estate formerly known as the Washington Irving Inn has been transformed into an 18-room getaway with a few modern updates. Hotel Lilien has held fast to its stained-glass and wood paneling while adding lighter, more modern updates—think Carrara marble, Brooklinen bed furnishings, and Mies van der Rohe lounge chairs.

Breakfast is included with your stay, and you’ll want to make sure you stay on-site for at least one dinner: Hotel Lilien is home to Nat’s Mountain House , the rollicking upstate iteration of Natalie Freihon’s Nat’s on Bank and Nat’s on Bleecker. Freihon, who was behind Orchard Street’s legendary Fat Radisha bastion of Lower Manhattan cool for yearsbrings her quirky talent to Hotel Lilien in the form of fondue laced with apples and pork belly croutons, pakora-fried radishes, and cocktails like Nat’s G&T, which is what you’d expect with the piquant addition of celery and olive bitters.

Spend time on the property perusing the library, hanging out by the fire pit or pool, or wandering the eight-acre grounds, but don’t miss some of the other culinary heavyweights who have made their presence in the community known: Day June Luncheonette in nearby Windham opened last summer, at the hands of Fabián von Hauske Valtierra and Jeremiah Stone, the Lower East Side chefs behind natural wine bar Wildair and the late Contra, and serves low-key fare like country fried steak and gravy with beef from nearby Highland Hollow, a nearby farm.

Von Hauske Valtierra and Stone are further expanding their upstate presence this month with the opening of Matilda , a more “formal” restaurant in new hotel The Henson. It’s also next door to the duo’s Paracasa , a small grocery and market, in case your home larder could use some Hudson Valley culinary flair.

If you don’t have or don’t want to rent a car, a two-hour Amtrak trip to Hudson, followed by a quick taxi (ideally pre-booked this isn’t exactly an area rife with Uber or Lyft), will get you where you need to go.

For the art lover: Armenia

If you’re looking for art outside of the city, you’ve probably been to Storm King or Wave Hill or, maybe if you’re extra adventurous, Mass MoCAbut you probably haven’t been to Wassaic.

On the other side of the Hudson River lies the Wassaic Project , an artist-run non-profit gallery and residence center in the tiny eponymous hamlet. This year’s summer exhibition, Tall Shadows in Short Order, shows off work from 30 artists, focusing on massive, site-specific installations spread through Maxon Mills, a seven-story former grain mill where Wassaic Project hosts its contemporary exhibitions. The exhibition is open on weekends through September, but it's one of just many events that the group hosts throughout the summer there’s an annual benefit, themed late-night dance parties, and open artists’ studios will also fill your calendar.

Stay at nearby Troutbeck , a 250-acre estate hotel reminiscent of your favorite rich auntie’s country house if she had Malin + Goetz toiletries and Frette linens. Regular Manor House rooms are perfect for a night or two, but even if you’re not taking up residence at the hotel, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch of steelhead trout with brassicas and black garlic or garganelli pasta with Veritas Farms’ lamb ragu and ramps before strolling the grounds. Guests also have access to The Barns, a massive wellness complex with a 1,250-square-foot fitness studio, a gym, treatment rooms, changing rooms, and saunas; a newly-renovated pool; and two U.S.-Open surfaced hard tennis courts, among other things.)

Troutbeck’s natural setting makes it tough to leave, but it’s also just a few miles from the Sharon Audubon Center . Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s major paths for migratory birds, it’s home to more than 1,100 acres of woodland with 11 miles of trail, a pollinator garden, and a raptor aviary with live birds of prey.

End your day with a drive-in movie at Armenia’s Four Bros. Drive-In , which touts itself as the newest drive-in theater in America. Movies change weekly here, but Thursdays are a favorite, where Four Bros. often does a triple showing with a classic in the mix.

For the outdoorsman: Sullivan Catskills

The Catskills range is a broad-reaching section of New York State, with part of the district stretching almost all the way down to Pennsylvania’s northeast corner. This more remote region, the Sullivan Catskills, is a paradise for outdoors lovers: the hiking here is some of the best in the Northeast, and the fly-fishing, in particular, is among the best in the world thanks to the assortment of waterways like the Beaver Kill, Willowemoc Creek, and the East Branch of the Delaware River. (Humble Roscoe, New York, proudly wears its badge as Trout Town USA.)

Even if you’re not an angler, the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum in Livingston Manor will enamor you with the poeticism of the sportearly mornings on misty rivers, the shimmering scales of a rainbow trout, hand-crafted bamboo rods, and dry flies meticulously tied with feathers and fur.

Stay at Kenoza Hall , a pandemic product of Foster Supply Hospitality, that transformed a sprawling 20th-century boarding house into a 22-room hotel with excellent views of the expansive grounds and nearby Kenoza Lake. At the end of the day, you can soak your weary bones in a massive tub (all rooms have them) before dining at the on-site restaurant, which has a menu of retro Old World classics: gnocchi Parisienne, filet Rossini, and duck confit.

After hiking the grounds or the Willowemoc Wild Forest, a massage may be in orderand counter to the rough-and-ready nature of a few of its peers, Kenoza Hall has you covered. The onsite spa Hemlock Spa offers body treatments and massages inspired by Sebastian Kneipp, an early promoter of holistic living. The Kneipp Neuromuscular Massage combines deep-tissue therapy with arnica gel for a soothing, tension-relieving treatment that will melt away the soreness from that last cast or rock scramble. (Also, don’t skip the Kneipp walking path—it may sound a bit “woo-woo,” but walking barefoot over things like rocks, moss, grass, and pinecones is surprisingly therapeutic.)

For the socialite: Saratoga

You’ve heard the Carly Simon lyric: “Well, I hear you went up to Saratoga, and your horse naturally won.” Well, 52 years after its release, Saratoga is cooler than ever, with a bevy of hotels, restaurants, and things to do.

Summer in Saratoga is all about the horses, and you’re going to stay as close to them as you can without sleeping on the track. At the Brentwood Hotel , a shedrow-style barn immediately adjacent to the famed track was reinvented as a cozy 12-room hotel. In fact, on early summer mornings, you’ll be awakened by the clip-clop of prized thoroughbred hooves making their way out to their morning workouts. Rooms here are on the small side but incredibly comfortable, and the on-site bar, Farrier, serves biodynamic wines, excellent cocktails, and local beer and cider that can be enjoyed at the outdoor firepit.

Snag one of the hotel’s loaner bikes and make the seven-minute cruise downtown, where Broadway is lined with endless boutiques (some horse-themed, natch), cafes, and restaurants, including Seneca , whose outdoor patio is the perfect spot to wile away a summer evening after a day at the trackhigh-rollers can go for a prime New York strip served with foie gras-studded mac and cheese and roasted garlic butter. Then, grab a nightcap at Hamlet & Ghost , a buzzy bar where a reservation is a must, especially during the race meet. It’s worth the effort to get your hands on a Health & Wealth: a surprisingly earthy blend of olive oil-washed vodka and lemon aperitif with blackberry and pineapple.

While on-track action can quickly fill your days here, it’s worth knowing what goes into the thousands of pounds (and dollars) of horseflesh. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame gives an in-depth look into the sport of kings, from a racehorse’s first humble steps on Kentucky bluegrass to—hopefully—the pinnacle of the sport. Interactive exhibitions, like the chance to “call” a race and walk through a true-to-size starting gate, all sweeten the experience at this unique museum.

Saratoga is easy to get to from the city, with Amtrak taking just under four hours. You’ll want your own car if you decide to venture out of town-proper to Saratoga Lake or up to Queensbury, but otherwise, biking or rideshare are both easy options here.

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The 27 Absolute Best Day Trips from NYC in 2024

If you are looking for day trips from NYC, then we’ve got you covered! You can find anything from city breaks to shopping trips. Thanks to the fact that New York City is located in a convenient region, you have many choices when it comes to getaways from NYC!

You'll also love this:

• FREE TOOL: Which Day Trip from New York is the Best?
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• The 9 Road Trips from New York

So if your schedule allows, you should definitely take a day trip from New York City. You have a wide choice of destinations and a variety of ways to get there. I’ve tried many guided tours (you’ll only find the best guided day trips on my list), I’ve traveled by train, by rental car, and even in an RV.

Table of Contents

27 Amazing Day Trips from New York

Here are my personal recommendations if you’re looking for the best weekend getaways and day trips from New York City!

Day Trip from NYC to Boston

This day trip to Boston takes you through one of Americas most interesting historical cities. Everything from architecture to monuments and historically significant spots make this tour a great choice for all history lovers. Boston is a beautiful city and a nice contrast to NYC, making it the perfect getaway for a day!

Distance: 220 Miles (4 hours by car)

If you decide to take a day trip to Boston, don’t forget to check out these sights:

Things to do in Boston on your day trip from New York

• stroll along Charles River Esplanade
• explore the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• visit the famous Fenway Park ( this is the best tour )
• enjoy a coffee in Boston Common (I love this park!)
• enjoy a historical adventure and travel back in time to 1773 to be part of the famous Boston Tea Party

Places To See in Boston

• Museum of African American History
• New England Aquarium (perfect for families!)
• Museum of Fine Art
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Helpful links

If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site .

Day Trip from New York to Washington D.C.

The American capital Washington D.C. is a good four hours’ drive from New York City. This guided bus tour starts at the Gray Line Visitors Center in Manhattan and the bus will take you south through the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland until you reach Capitol Hill. With so many things to learn and see this is one of the most interesting day trips you can take from NYC.

Distance: 230 Miles (4 hours by car)

If you decide to take a day trip to Washington D.C., don’t forget to check out these sights:

Things to do in Washington D.C. on your day trip from New York

• check out the Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour (500+ reviews!)
• Stroll through the neighborhood of Georgetown
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• visit the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial

Places To See in Washington D.C.

• Lincoln Memorial
• The White House
• National Mall
• United States Capitol
• Washington National Cathedral
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Day Trip from NYC to Philadelphia

Another worthwhile place to visit that’s close to NYC is Philadelphia. At just an hour and a half by train, it’s close enough that many Philadelphians commute to New York City for work daily. Though they are close, these two cities couldn’t have different ambiances; where New York is mainly made from concrete and is a large city, Philly has more green spaces and gives more of a small-town vibe.  

The main draw to this city is its importance in American history, which is evident in many areas of the city – especially the Old City district, which is a small section of the downtown area. Yet, Philadelphia is also home to more than historical landmarks, as you’ll also find exceptional art museums, Chinatown, a primarily Italian neighborhood in South Philly, and lots of gray skyscrapers mixed with industrial warehouses in the downtown section.  

Distance: 100 Miles (2 hours by car)

If you decide to take a day trip to Philadelphia, don’t forget to check out these sights:

Things to do in Philadelphia on your day trip from New York

• Hop over to Lancaster and take a horse-drawn buggy ride through Amish farm country.
• Visit Independence Hall, where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
• Tour the Museum of the American Revolution or the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
• Walk down Elfreth’s Alley. This road is America’s first residential street, dating back to 1702, and is home to many art galleries, shops, and restaurants today.  
• View the art collections at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts or the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  

Places To See in Philadelphia

• The Liberty Bell
• Betsy Ross House
• Franklin Square
• The Rocky Statue and the Rocky steps
• Eastern State Penitentiary

Want to see both?

You could also combine visiting these two amazing cities with this Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day .

Check Availability

Weekend getaway to Philadelphia & Amish Country

This tour combines several destinations at once: you will visit the most important sights of D.C. and Philadelphia and afterwards the interesting Amish Country. Departure is at the Gray Line Visitors Center.

This is what you can expect on this guided day trip from New York

• Philadelphia: Visit Constitution Hall and Independence Square
• Philadelphia: See the world-famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
• Philadelphia: Run up the “Rocky Steps”
• Washington D.C.: visit National Mall and Lincoln Memorial
• Take an authentic Amish buggy ride and visit a traditional market

Day Trips from NYC to Niagara Falls

If you are in New York and are thinking about planning a day trip, then I can recommend a trip to Niagara Falls. I myself have been to Niagara Falls several times from New York and was always impressed by this natural spectacle.

My tip: These are the 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York .

Day Trip from NYC to Albany

Albany is New York’s capital city and is not just the oldest city in the state, but it’s one of the oldest in the nation. English immigrants took control of Albany, NY, in 1664 and named it after the Duke of Albany. By the early 1800s, the city was the 10th largest in the country, which is a title that San Jose, CA, took. The area’s growth was fueled by the creation of the Erie Canal and the railroad, and it continued to serve as a vital transportation hub until the early 1900s.

Hence, as you can see, this area has an extensive history, and there are many local attractions that help provide excellent learning experiences for newbies. Today, this capital city and college town is home to about 100,000 people and has something for everyone.

Distance: 150 Miles (2,5 hours by car) 

Things to do in Albany on your day trip from New York

• Enjoy local flavors such as Chicken Joe’s, Pint-Sized, and Madison Pour House.  
• Stroll through the Albany Institute of Art & History.
• Ride a bike at the historic Washington Park.
• See a show at the Capital Repertory Theater.
• Hike Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Places to see in Albany on your day trip from New York.

• John Boyd Thacher State Park
• The Capitol Building
• Empire State Plaza
• Schuyler Mansion
• Corning Tower Observation Deck

If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site .

Day Trip from NYC to Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a 5,067-acre park that’s located just one hour away from New York City. It’s home to many sights such as Bear Mountain, Dunderberg Mountain, West Mountain, and the Iona Island Bird Sanctuary. This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from city life for a day and enjoy nature and the outdoors instead.

Here you’ll enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, boating, biking, fishing, and bird watching. You’ll find many state-of-the-art recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, playfield, biking and hiking trails, fishing access, the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and much more. This is a great place to go sledding, ice skating, or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Distance: 50 Miles (1 hour by car)

Day Trip from NYC to the Hamptons

A really great day trip is this trip to the famous Hamptons on Long Island. We have already done this tour and were thrilled. What is so great about this day trip to the Hamptons? You experience a completely different side of New York and can go shopping in the Tangier Outlets!

Which Road Trip or Day Trip from New York is the Best?

Check out my free road trip advisor that will help you choose from over 30 road trips and day trips to suit your needs!

Day Trip from NYC to Rockaway Beach

Located just over 20 miles from Manhattan, you’ll find Rockaway Beach tucked away in Queens. Though it’s known as Rockaway Beach, this destination encompasses several beaches between 3rd Street and 153rd Street. It is renowned for being the best beach destination close to New York City, so it merits the hour-long subway ride from downtown Manhattan.

If you visit this area in the high season from the end of May through Labor Day, then you can expect to find many surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers enjoying the water and sun. While it’s most popular in the summer, Rockaway Beach makes for a refreshing place to visit any time of the year.

Distance: 25 Miles (1 hour by car | 1,5 hour by subway lines A S to “Beach 105 St”)

Things To Do at Rockaway Beach

• Take in the invigorating ocean smells as you walk along the sandy beaches.  
• Stop for a drink or snacks at one of the numerous food stands or casual eateries on the Beach Boardwalk.  
• Go on an expedition and explore some abandoned buildings.
• Tan and swim at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

Places To See at Rockaway Beach

• Jacob Riis Park
• Rockaway Community Park
• Bayswater Park

Weekend Getaway from NYC to the Finger Lakes

New York’s Finger Lakes region spans an area that encompasses 11 lakes in an area that was once covered by glaciers. In addition to the lakes, this region is also home to many natural pools, gorges, waterfalls, wineries, and state parks. The two most popular lakes are the deepest and largest: Cayuga Lake is 435 feet deep and is in Ithaca, while Seneca Lake is 618 feet deep and is found in the Watkins Glen State Park.

Many consider this the most underrated part of New York and makes for a great day trip away from New York City. It’s perfect for nearly everyone as the region has plenty of things to see and do.

Distance: 260 Miles (5 hours by car)

Things to do in the Finger Lakes Region on your day trip from New York

• Go on a wine tasting tour.  
• Take in a game at NBT Bank Stadium.
• Enjoy dinner and sunset on a boat cruise.

Places To See on your Day Trip from New York

• Watkins Glen State Park (the trail is amazing!)
• Robert Treman State Park
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo
• Corning Museum of Glass

Day Trip from NYC to Baltimore

Baltimore is the capital of the US state of Maryland with a long and important history. It is somewhat comparable to Boston and yet it has its own charm.

During my roadtrip along the east coast of the USA, Baltimore landed on my itinerary for the first time. Due to its location by the ocean, it has its very own charm and is especially interesting for those who already know Boston and Washington. From New York you can reach Baltimore in about 3 to 4 hours. In terms of time, it makes no difference whether you travel by rental car or train.

Distance: 200 Miles (3 – 4 hours by car) 

If you decide to visit Baltimore, here are some things to see and do:

Things to do in Baltimore on your day trip from New York

• Do a craft-beer brewery tour or whiskey tasting tour (Baltimore is famous for both!)
• Enjoy beautiful river views at the Inner Harbor …
• … or from high above when visiting Top of the World Observation Level
• Take photos of Historic Ships in Baltimore

Places To See

• National Aquarium
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum
• Port Discovery Children’s Museum
• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Day Trip from NYC to Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley

Cold Spring is renowned for being one of the best-preserved towns from the 19th Century and is just a 90-minute train ride from New York City. Once here, you’re greeted by a charming country village that was once a picturesque historic center created along the banks of the Hudson River.

Visitors enjoy spending the day in Cold Spring because the small downtown area is lined with antique stores, boutiques, and restaurants. During the summer, it’s common to find residents lining the streets enjoying coffee at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes or enjoying drinks and live music at one of many riverfront restaurants with an outdoor patio. Yet, this area is also home to many parks and hiking and biking trails.

Distance: 65 Miles (1,5 hour by car)

Things to do in Cold Spring on your Day Trip from New York

• In the fall, sign up for a foliage cruise.
• In the summer, go paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and more.
• Tour the Boscobel House and Gardens.
• Hudson Highlands State Park
• Bannerman Castle
• Little Stony Point

Shopping Day Trip to the American Dream Mall

Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall. After many years of waiting and constant delays, the massive shopping and entertainment complex are already open.

The American Dream complex is much more than just a mall. Besides hundreds of shops, you will also find an unbelievable number of entertainment facilities here. As a matter of fact, the complex is almost split evenly amongst shopping and entertainment.

Day Trip from NYC to Mohonk Preserve

Located in the town of New Paltz, New York, you’ll find a private 8,000-acre nature preserve that’s highly popular among tourists and residents alike. The Mohonk Preserve is located on the slopes of the Shawangunk Mountains, which are part of the Appalachians. At just over 90-miles from New York City, Mohonk Preserve is close and well worth the visit.

Here you’ll find a diverse environment of cliffs, ponds, streams, and old forests. The Mohonk Preserve is home to over 70 miles of carriage road and nearly 40 miles of trailers for skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking.

Distance: 90 Miles (2 hours by car)

Things to do in Mohonk Preserve on your day trip from New York

• Hike one of the many trails and watch for various species of the over 1,400 animal and plant varieties that call the preserve home.  
• Follow the Lost City Loop Trail.
• Explore Split Rock swimming hole
• Mohonk Mountain House
• Labyrinth Trail
• Skytop Tower

Day Trip from NYC to New Haven

New Haven is a quaint community located in Connecticut in the Long Island Sound and is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from NYC for a day. In fact, New Haven is only about two hours from Manhattan, so the trip is relatively easy and painless. And the best part is that this area has a lot to offer! From imaginative art and delicious cuisine to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll appreciate that New Haven offers a much calmer feeling than that of the hustle and bustle found in New York City.

Distance: 80 Miles (2 hours by car)

If you decide to visit New Haven, here are some things to see and do:

Things to do in New Haven on your day trip from New York

• Tour the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
• Ride the carousel at Lighthouse Point Park.
• Enjoy a show at Shubert Theater.
• Yale University
• East Rock Park
• Five Mile Point Light

Day Trip from NYC to Hamilton Township

Hamilton Township is the 9th largest town in New Jersey, but the area is comfortably spread out over 40 square miles. This region is home to more than 64 state parks, playgrounds, and acres of preserved land. Within just one hour of NYC, Hamilton is a great place to take a day trip.

Hamilton, New Jersey, is fun for anyone looking to visit historical parks or attend local community events such as the yearly Oktoberfest. This town enjoys a bustling and local economy with large retail centers and small retail shops alike; Hamilton is one town that caters to just about everyone’s wallet.

Distance: 60 Miles (1,5 hours by car)

Things to do in Hamilton Township on your day trip from New York

• Explore the Sayan House and Gardens.  
• Take a ride on the New Hope Railroad.
• Spend an hour or two meandering around the Art Museum at Princeton University.

Places To See in Hamilton Township

• Grounds for Sculpture
• Shaky Bridge
• Tulpehaking Nature Center

Day Trip from NYC to The Palisades

The Palisades is located in Bergen County and overlooks the Hudson River. The park is roughly 12 miles long, covers 2,500 acres, and is a half-mile wide. Inside this park, you’ll find over 30 miles of ski and hiking trails, boat launching ramps, a scenic overlook, and riverside drive, waterfront picnic areas, historic sites, and much more.

The Palisades Interstate Park is a National Historical and National Natural Landmark, so this is one place that should be on your bucket list!

Distance: 16 Miles (1/2 to 1 hour by car | 40 minutes by train)

Things to do in the Palisades on your day trip from New York

• Enjoy the views at the State Line Lookout.
• Take a tour of the Kearney House.
• Hike through the Closter Nature Center.
• Alpine Lookout
• Women’s Federation Monument
• Untermyer Gardens

Day Trip from NYC to Phoenicia

Phoenicia, New York, is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. This Catskills town is an off-the-beaten-path and home to a collection of natural attractions and acclaimed dining establishments. Located just two and a half hours from New York City, this area has more than enough corners to explore during a day trip.

Between the close proximity to Manhattan and gorgeous scenery, this is a popular area in the summer months. Yet, Phoenicia is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, as there are always activities such as shopping, dining, and exploring the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains.

Distance: 130 Miles (2 – 2,5 hours by car)

Things to do in Phoenicia on your day trip from New York

• Enjoy a meal at the Phoenicia Diner.  
• Tube down the Esopus.
• Take a hike through the Mount Tobias forest.

Places To See in Phoenicia

• World’s largest kaleidoscope
• Catskills scenic drive
• Downtown Phoenicia

Shopping Day Trip to the Woodbury Common Outlet

Less than 1 hour from Manhattan you will find the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. With over 220 designer stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland and more, this is definitely the place to go on a shooping spree. You will leave from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street at 8th Avenue) and take the bus for a swift ride there and back.

Distance: 55 Miles (1 hour by car / by bus)

Day Trip from NYC to Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie is known by many as the “Queen City of the Hudson,” as it is located on the banks of the Hudson River in the scenic Hudson Valley. This area was established during the 17th century by Dutch settlers, but today it’s a bustling college town that’s also popular with tourists.

Located just an hour and forty-five minutes from NYC, Poughkeepsie is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and fine dining spots. Additionally, the area is home to 22 parks, so there are lots of green spaces to spend the day.

Distance: 85 Miles (2 hours by car)

Things to do in Poughkeepsie on your day trip from New York

• Experience the walkway over the Hudson River.
• Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants before heading to the Bardavon Opera House to enjoy a show.  
• Take a tour of Samuel Morse Locust Grove Estate.

Places to see in Poughkeepsie on your day trip from New York

• Historic Huguenot Street
• Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
• Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

Day Trip from NYC to Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is situated just 30 miles north of New York City and makes for a great day trip away from the stress of the city. This famed town inspired one of America’s most famous books, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” by Washington Irving. Located in the gorgeous Hudson Valley in Westchester County, this is one of the nation’s cutest towns and makes for an unforgettable experience.

This is a great destination for anyone looking to take in some nature, view historical sites, or even go on a ghost tour. After all, Sleepy Hollow is known as one of the most haunted towns in America, with legends dating back to the original Dutch settlement in the 1600s!

Distance: 35 Miles (1 hour by car) 

Things to do in Sleepy Hollow on your day trip from New York

• Take photos at the Headless Horseman’s Bridge.
• Visit the Dutch Reform Church.
• Experience history at Philipsburg Manor.

Places To See in Sleepy Hollow

• Headless Horseman statue
• Sunnyside Estate
• Kykuit – Former Rockefeller home

Day Trip from NYC to Ithaca

Ithaca is the largest city found in New York’s Finger Lakes region. This is a lovely town and is an excellent place to visit with many things to do. Set along the southern end of Cayuga Lake, this location is famed as the home of Cornell University, countless gorges, and more than 150 waterfalls.

Though Ithaca is home to a sizable portion of college students and the city conveys more of a youthful feel, it’s also steeped in history and full of fascinating historic sites and buildings. This is an excellent destination for outdoor activities as it’s home to a plethora of state parks, but it’s also a great place to relax, shop, and dine.

Distance: 230 Miles (4 hours by car) 

Things to do in Ithaca on your day trip from New York

• Explore the city, and don’t be afraid to try local flavors such as Gimme Coffee, One Ring Donuts, and the Ithaca Farmers Market.  
• “Ithaca is gorges,” so be sure to take a hike at one of the many state parks.  
• Enjoy your evening hours at Firelight Campfire Lounge.

Places To See in Ithaca

• Cornell University Campus
• Taughannock Falls
• West End District

Weekend Getaway from NYC to Martha's Vineyard

If you’re looking to venture a bit further from NYC, then you should consider going to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. Martha’s Vineyard is an island that rests seven miles off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts’ southern coast. At a little over five hours, getting there is half the adventure.

The island is just 100 square miles and is a famous summer colony, but it also has a year-round population of around 17,000 residents. The island consists of six towns: Edgartown, Aquinnah, Tisbury, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Chilmark.

Distance: 270 Miles (6 hours by car and ferry) 

Things to do at Martha’s Vineyard on your day trip from New York

• Keep an eye out for celebrities – everyone from Meg Ryan and Seth Meyers to the Obamas are known to frequent the area.  
• Spend a few hours exploring Oak Bluffs.  
• Take a walking tour of Edgartown.  
• Gingerbread Houses
• The Island’s five lighthouses
• Alley’s General Store

Shopping Day Trip to the Garden State Plaza Mall

This mall is the largest in the state of New Jersey. In the small town of Paramus, New Jersey you will find the answer to your shopping cravings. Due to the mall being in New Jersey you don’t need to pay any taxes on clothing and shoes making this mall a bargain hunters dream.

Weekend Getaway from NYC to the White Mountain National Forrest

If you’re looking for a day trip that puts you in the middle of nature, then you’ve found it in this region! The White Mountain National Forest spans from western Maine into eastern New Hampshire and is just a short five-hour drive from Manhattan. Here you’ll marvel at the majestic alpine peaks and mountainous hardwood forests.

Visitors can expect to experience breathtaking scenery, wildlife, clear mountain streams, and lakes, as well as take part in outdoor recreational activities all year.

Distance: 300 Miles (5 – 6 hours by car) 

Things to do in the White Mountains on your day trip from New York

• Hike to Arethusa Falls, which is New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall.  
• Go skiing during the winter down Cannon Mountain.
• Rent a rustic cabin at one of the many sites throughout the forest.  
• Conway scenic railway
• Polar Caves Park
• Cranmore Mountain Resort

Day Trip from NYC to Atlantic City

Since gambling was legalized in the 1970s, Atlantic City has claimed its place in the industry. The city attracts many visitors yearly who want to try their luck at the slots and tables, but it’s also popular among tourists looking to sunbathe on the beach. If you can imagine combining a Jersey Shore beach vacation with a bit of Las Vegas, then you can imagine what Atlantic City is like.

Today, you’ll find many upscale boutiques, luxury hotels, and trendy nightclubs. And while Atlantic City isn’t as crazy as Vegas and you won’t find Florida’s white-sand beaches, it’s still a worthwhile day trip.

Distance: 125 Miles (2 hours by car) 

Things to do in Atlantic City on your day trip from New York

• Take a stroll along the famed boardwalk.
• Hop on some rides at the Steel Pier.
• Spend a few hours at the Atlantic City Aquarium, or try your luck at one of the numerous casinos.  

Places To See in Atlantic City

• Lucy the Margate Elephant
• War memorials
• Absecon Lighthouse

Day Trip from NYC to Ocean City

Ocean City is not only affordable, but it’s also more kid-friendly than other comparable destinations and is known for specializing in American family beach vacations. There are so many things to do in this city that you’ll have difficulty narrowing down an itinerary.

From the boardwalk and its amusement rides to the powdery beaches and delicious seafood eateries, there is no shortage of establishments in Ocean City.

Here are some things you’ll want to check out during your stay:  

Things to do in Ocean City on your day trip from New York

• Grab a snack and ride some amusement park rides at the boardwalk.
• Eat breakfast at Fractured Prune Donuts.
• Spend a day having fun on the water with Paradise Watersports.

Places To See in Ocean City

• Jolly Roger Amusement Park
• Art League of Ocean City
• Northside Park

Our Favorite City Breaks

Of course, New York made it to the top of your list, but considering the size of the country, other big cities are not too far away. Whether you’d like to take a day trip from NYC to the nation’s capital Washington D.C. , explore the history of the beginning of the nation in Philadelphia or want to head up North to go to Boston – all those can be conquered in a single day! Other popular day trips from NYC that are easily accessible include Atlantic City.

Day Trip to Washington D.C.

The American capital Washington D.C. is a good four hours’ drive from New York City. The bus tour starts at the Gray Line Visitors Center in Manhattan and the bus will take you south through the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland until you reach Capitol Hill. With so many things to learn and see this is one of the most interesting day trips you can take from NYC.

Day Trip to Boston

This day trip to Boston takes you through one of Americas most interesting historical cities. Everything from architecture to monuments and historically significant spots make this tour a great choice for all history lovers. Boston is a beautiful city and a nice contrast to NYC, making it the perfect getaway for a day! The bus will leave from the Gray Line Visitors Center and take approximately 4 hours.

Philadelphia Day Trip from New York

This day trip will take you from New York to Philadelphia. In the heart of the historic city, the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution Square and Constitution Hall are waiting to be discovered. Of course, the famous steps from the movie “Rocky” and the Parque del Amor and City Hall are not missing. In short, you will definitely see all the highlights that Philadelphia has to offer.

Looking for an even more luxurious tour? Check out this Private Day Trip to the Hamptons here .

Atlantic City

Since gambling was legalized in the 1970s, Atlantic City has claimed its place in the industry. The city attracts many visitors yearly who want to try their luck at the slots and tables, but it’s also popular among tourists looking to sunbathe on the beach. If you can imagine combining a Jersey Shore beach vacation with a bit of Las Vegas, then you can imagine what Atlantic City is like. 

Today, you’ll find many upscale boutiques, luxury hotels, and trendy nightclubs. And while Atlantic City isn’t as crazy as Vegas and you won’t find Florida’s white-sand beaches, it’s still a worthwhile day trip. 

Ocean City is not only affordable, but it’s also more kid-friendly than other comparable destinations and is known for specializing in American family beach vacations. There are so many things to do in this city that you’ll have difficulty narrowing down an itinerary. 

From the boardwalk and its amusement rides to the powdery beaches and delicious seafood eateries, there is no shortage of establishments in Ocean City. 

During my roadtrip along the east coast of the USA, Baltimore landed on my itinerary for the first time. Due to its location by the ocean, it has its very own charm and is especially interesting for those who already know Boston and Washington. From New York you can reach Baltimore in about 3 hours. In terms of time, it makes no difference whether you travel by rental car or train.

Albany is New York’s capital city and is not just the oldest city in the state, but it’s one of the oldest in the nation. English immigrants took control of Albany, NY, in 1664 and named it after the Duke of Albany. By the early 1800s, the city was the 10th largest in the country, which is a title that San Jose, CA, took. The area’s growth was fueled by the creation of the Erie Canal and the railroad, and it continued to serve as a vital transportation hub until the early 1900s. 

Hence, as you can see, this area has an extensive history, and there are many local attractions that help provide excellent learning experiences for newbies. Today, this capital city and college town is home to about 100,000 people and has something for everyone. 

Distance: 150 Miles (2,5 hours by car)

New Haven is a quaint community located in Connecticut in the Long Island Sound and is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from NYC for a day. In fact, New Haven is only about two hours from Manhattan, so the trip is relatively easy and painless. And the best part is that this area has a lot to offer! From imaginative art and delicious cuisine to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone. 

You’ll appreciate that New Haven offers a much calmer feeling than that of the hustle and bustle found in New York City. 

Phoenicia, New York, is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. This Catskills town is an off-the-beaten-path and home to a collection of natural attractions and acclaimed dining establishments. Located just two and a half hours from New York City, this area has more than enough corners to explore during a day trip. 

Between the close proximity to Manhattan and gorgeous scenery, this is a popular area in the summer months. Yet, Phoenicia is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, as there are always activities such as shopping, dining, and exploring the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains. 

Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie is known by many as the “Queen City of the Hudson,” as it is located on the banks of the Hudson River in the scenic Hudson Valley. This area was established during the 17th century by Dutch settlers, but today it’s a bustling college town that’s also popular with tourists. 

For Nature Lovers

As you know, we like to refer to New York as the concrete jungle but even though you can find lots of green spaces in the city, you may have the desire to experience more nature during your trip. So why not take a day trip from NYC and head to the Niagara Falls or Bear Mountain ? Depending on how much time you have, you can choose from 1-day or 2-day getaways from NYC.

01 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: White Mountains

If you’re looking for a day trip that puts you in the middle of nature, then you’ve found it in this region! The White Mountain…

02 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a 5,067-acre park that’s located just one hour away from New York City. It’s home to many sights such as…

03 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Martha's Vineyard

If you’re looking to venture a bit further from NYC, then you should consider going to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. Martha’s Vineyard is an…

04 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Niagara Falls

The tour to Niagara Falls is super beautiful: you will not only see the famous falls themselves, but also Watkins Glen National Park!

05 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Finger Lakes Region

New York’s Finger Lakes region spans an area that encompasses 11 lakes in an area that was once covered by glaciers. In addition to the…

06 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: The Palisades, NJ

The Palisades is located in Bergen County and overlooks the Hudson River. The park is roughly 12 miles long, covers 2,500 acres, and is a…

07 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Cold Spring

Cold Spring is renowned for being one of the best-preserved towns from the 19th Century and is just a 90-minute train ride from New York…

08 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Mohonk Preserve

Located in the town of New Paltz, New York, you’ll find a private 8,000-acre nature preserve that’s highly popular among tourists and residents alike. The…

Shopping Trips

New York is home to the world’s most famous stores and you’ll probably find everything you need. However, there is an incentive to take a day trip from New York to go shopping: saving money if you’re thinking about serious shopping! The most popular outlets in the area are the Woodbury Common Outlet in Central Valley, New York, and the Jersey Gardens Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey. You’ll also find the Garden State Plaza Mall  nearby as well as the soon (fingers crossed!) to be finished American Dream Mega Mall .

01 Woodbury Outlet Shopping Trip

Less than 1 hour from Manhattan you will find the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. With over 220 designer stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Gap Outlet,…

02 American Dream

Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall.…

03 The Hamptons, Sag Harbor & Outlet Shopping Day Trip from NYC

A really great day trip is this trip to the famous Hamptons on Long Island. We have already done this tour and were thrilled. What…

04 Jersey Gardens Outlet Center

Not far from New York City is the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall with over 200 shops, a large food court, restaurants and a cinema. The…

The 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York by Bus

The 9 Best All-Season Road Trips From New York

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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The best day trips from New York City

The best day trips from New York City will take you to beautiful locations, fun wineries, outstanding museums and more.

The best day trips from New York City are how seasoned city dwellers escape and blow off steam. A change of scenery—whether a road trip , a weekend getaway or a shorter day trip you can do in just two hours from NYC—is a great way to clear your head and feel revitalized. But our list does something more: all of the highlighted destinations are not only excellent places to relax but offer an abundance of activities for both the adventurous and cultural set. Ready to get traveling?

RECOMMENDED: Find more things to do in spring ,  the best waterfront Airbnbs near NYC ,   the best boat rentals in NYC,   the best Airbnbs near breweries outside of NYC ,  the best beach hotels near NYC  and  the most unique Airbnbs in NYC

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Top day trips from NYC

1.  Woodstock, NY

Good for hippies at heart 2 hrs, 11mins by car

Though the name conjures a crowd splashed in tie-dye and the faint scent of marijuana, Woodstock isn’t actually where the 1969 festival was held. (That was in Bethel, about two hours away.) Even so, the town is a mix of retired hippies—a street there is named after the late great Band member Levon Helm—artists and city dwellers who feel the need to flee the metropolis on weekends. Woodstock the chance to connect with nature thanks to Overlook Mountain and its various trails as well as a healthy shopping scene with quaint local shops like Candlestock and the Golden Notebook and its weekend flea market, delicious food that can be found at places like Silvia and The Mud Cub and drinks at Station Bar & Curio .

2.  Beacon, NY

Good for small town fans 1hr 20mins by Metro-North

This quaint city in Dutchess County boasts an exceptionally good eating, drinking and art scene for its size. Walk five minutes from the train station to Dia:Beacon , a modern art museum housed in a former Nabisco box factory. It houses the Dia Foundation’s permanent collection of works from the ‘60s on, including minimalist sculpture by Anne Truitt and Dan Flavin’s work with fluorescent lights. If you’d rather spend the day sampling some booze,  Dennings Point Distillery on Main Street also offers tours and tastings of their bourbon, whiskey, gin and vodka every Friday and Saturday. Before you board the train back to the city, spend a few quiet minutes watching the sun set over the Hudson at Long Dock Park. 

3.  Kingston, NY

Good for townies, thrifters and history buffs. 1 hr 50 mins by car

Once a sleepy town, the city of Kingston is experiencing a reawakening with more residents moving in these days. Dating back to the arrival of the Dutch in 1652, Kingston has a rich history as the state's first capital. During the Revolutionary War, it was burned by the British and in the 19th century, it became a transportation hub, situated right on the Hudson. Despite the fire, you can still see the gorgeous First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston, which was organized in 1659, and many 17th century stone buildings, including the Senate House, which was built in the 1670s. The city is divided into different sections: Uptown, which includes the historic Stockade area; midtown, which is bisected by Broadway, the city’s main drag; and Rondout, near the creek and river, to the south, according to the New York Times . A handful of trendy stores and unique hangouts like Rough Draft , a bookstore and taproom, have opened recently as well as a number of restaurants slinging delicious food like Ship to Shore and Lola . The Ulster Performing Arts Center , inside a restored 1926 theater, regularly has events and the city is also home to a number of festivals, including the Kingston Jazz Festival and the Artists Soapbox Derby. The Trolley Museum of New York even offers 1.5-mile ride on weekends and holidays along the Rondout Creek waterfront to Kingston Point Park.

4.  Mohonk Preserve, NY

Good for hikers and nature enthusiasts 2 hrs by car

Picture this: over 8,000 acres of forests, cliffs, ponds and streams that are ideal for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, trail running, rock climbing and more. Just 90 miles north of New York City, in Ulster County, Mohonk Preserve is truly a nature lover's slice of paradise that, unlike most other hiking grounds, is also home to horseback riding opportunities within designated carriage roads that promise less foot traffic than other destinations. Make sure to start your day early to make a full day of it.

5.  New Paltz, NY

Good for those who want a mix of town and country 3hrs by LIRR or car

Beyond all the worth-the-trip views of riverside bluffs and verdant trees, New Paltz is the most historic on this list, with preserved houses that were around 100 years before we even became the U.S. of A. So, yeah. Pretty old. Learn about the lives of the 17th-century   Huguenot settlers , as performers (dolled up in duds from the period) take you through 30 buildings over 10 acres, including seven historic homes and a reconstructed 1717 church. (Want to retain the back-to-basics spirit as you take in the National Historic Landmark District? Leave the selfie stick at home.) 

6.  Phoenicia, NY

Good for everyone 2 hrs 50mins by car

Tucked into the Catskills, this Ulster County hamlet is a real melting pot, the kind of place where you can expect to see a conservative old-timer and a Brooklyn lumbersexual sipping Buds along the bar in perfect harmony. For every no-nonsense staple ( Phoenicia Diner ), there’s a hipster newbie ( the Graham & Co. ). Try Peekamoose if you want to be trendy—the restaurant is known as the “Gramercy of the Catskills.” If you’re looking to do something unique, float down the creek’s rapids—one of the most popular things to do in Phoenicia—or  hike at  Giant Ledge . The mellow, no-frills, hippie-dippie local culture makes it easy for anyone to relax here. 

7.  Cornwall, NY

Good for photo enthusiasts 1hr by car

With its rolling green hills and massive sculpture installations, Storm King Art Center is tailor-made for stunning photographs. Art aficionados and nature lovers alike will enjoy wandering the 500-acre art park featuring works from more than 100 artists including Alexander Calder and Maya Lin. Take the guided tram tour around the park once to get the lay of the land, then set off on foot or rent a bike for a day of exploring and Instagramming. Visitors can even climb inside a select number of the works. The artistic flair extends to the riverfront village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, where you can dine at the eclectic restaurant–art gallery combo Painter’s .

8.  Kerhonkson, NY

Good for hikers 2hrs by car

Between its rugged landscape and forested pine-barrens area, upstate has some stellar natural spots, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the best. The more than 22,000-acre spread has been converted into an egalitarian playground with 50 miles of trails, a new rock-climbing spot at the Dickie Barre cliffs, as well as old carriage roads well suited for mountain biking. Cool off with a swim in Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting, nestled between towering white bluffs and known for their translucent aquamarine color. Afterward, head to New Paltz for a break at the Water Street Market , where you can eat, shop, and take in art, outdoor movies on Monday nights (June–Aug) and free music on Tuesdays. Historic Huguenot Street is also worth a gander; the road features seven 300-year-old stone houses from the original settlement and provides a tangible glimpse at the history of the town.

9.  Cold Spring, NY

Good for outdoorsy folk 70mins by Metro-North

The Hudson Highlands have lush landscapes, peaks and breathtaking hikes for all levels. Little Stony Point Loop offers a relaxed jaunt along a flat peninsula where you can wade into the Hudson River at the beach. Explore old ruins, including a crumbled mansion and defunct dairy farm, on the gradually sloping, partially unpaved Cornish Estate Trail, which starts opposite Little Stony Point Loop, marked by blue blazes. While there’s plenty of shopping and dining to be done in town, the adventurous should tackle the steep climbs and rock scrambles that lead to the summit of Breakneck Ridge for an impressive 360-degree vista of Storm King Mountain, Bannerman Castle and, on clear days, the Catskills. For detailed guidebooks and maps, check out New York–New Jersey Trail Conference , Open Space Institute and Appalachian Mountain Club , and bring water and appropriate footwear, even for the simpler treks.

10.  Sleepy Hollow, NY

Good for history lovers 30–45mins by Metro-North to Tarrytown

Take a five-minute cab ride from the station to Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills living-history museum —a farm and mill dating back to 1750—to try hands-on activities. Staffers in period costume demonstrate grinding grain in the gristmill, threshing wheat and preparing goods for shipping with traditional instruments. The visit also provides a sobering reminder that slavery was not confined to the South, which guided tours highlight. Explore the dairy, kitchens and bed chambers in the main house, then bask in the rustic scenery from the bridge overlooking the pond. Take the 15-minute walk to the Bridge View Tavern for craft brews, pub grub, and views of the bridge and stretch of the Hudson River known as the Tappan Zee.

11.  Warwick, NY

Good for pickers 1 hr 30 mins by car

A day at the orchard sounds nice, right? Warwick’s main attraction is Masker Fruit Farms—a 200-acre orchard open for apple picking seven days a week. Swing by the country store on your way out to pick up apple butter and a jug of cider and do a wine tasting at Demarest Hill Winery before a relaxing jaunt around the historic town. 

12.  Ithaca, NY

Good for adventurers 4 hrs, 30 mins by car

Ithaca, on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is a college town through and through, but it's also got that rustic, upstate vibe and gorgeous fall foliage you're looking for with quaint Victorian homes to gaze at. It's a great getaway for those who want to go leaf-peeping and pumpkin picking but also want to check out the local town nightlife and its plethora of restaurants. The best part? It's near to some of New York's most incredible gorges and waterfalls. They don't say "Ithaca is gorges" for nothin'!

13.  Fire Island, L.I.

Good for sunseekers 1hr 30mins by LIRR and ferry

Once a haven for nude sunbathers, Fire Island’s federally managed beaches have made clothing very much mandatory since 2013. There’s still plenty of fun to be had on the 31-mile barrier island, including lifeguard-supervised, all-ages swimming on Sailors Haven, Watch Hill, Davis Park and Atlantique. Nature lovers might want to walk along the elevated boardwalk at Sunken Forest Preserve , a rare maritime ecosystem growing in the low spot between two sand dunes. Holly trees, sassafras, black cherry and prickly cat-briar all grow together in a tangle of vegetation. Staying through the evening? The bar scenes in Ocean Beach and Kismet draw crowds of attractive young professionals, while Cherry Grove and the Pines thrive with vibrant LGBTQ communities.

14.  Greenport, L.I.

Good for the townies at heart 3hrs by LIRR or car

This quaint fishing village on the North Fork of Long Island is a gorgeous little getaway not far from the city. Once you've passed the dozens of vineyards, you'll happen upon small storefronts and diners, ice cream shops, beautiful churches, and finally, a gorgeous merry-go-round right on the water. While you're there, you'll want to stop at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market  for some beer and oysters, peruse vintage finds at The Times Vintage , and stop for ice cream at Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream Shop . While you're out that way, be sure to stop at Lavender by the Bay in East Marion to frolic among the purple blooms.

15.  Montauk, L.I.

Good for adventurers and sunseekers 2hrs 30mins by car, 3hrs 15mins by LIRR, 3hrs 30mins by Hampton Jitney

Known to tourists as “the End,” the chilled-out Hamptons village at the easternmost reach of the South Fork offers some of the best surfing in the region. Rent a board—fiberglass, foam or epoxy—and a wet suit from the family-owned Air and Speed Surf Shop . Drive your gear to Ditch Plains Beach for a lesson with local fixture and professional instructor Corey Senese . Towel off and refuel at Ditch Witch, a beloved food truck slinging breakfast burritos, addictive Asian sesame noodles and Zen Blend iced green tea. Before you head home, join everyone else in town at the Montauket, a neighborhood joint where you can sip a pint of Blue Point toasted lager while watching the sun melt into the rippling horizon of Fort Pond Bay.

16.  Bethlehem, PA

Good for gamblers 1 hr 44mins by car Take a walk on the wild side when you visit Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s prime casino and resort: Wind Creek . Rattle the dice, try your luck on the slots, play table games or simply go for the cocktails. While there are ten fine dining options (including three Emeril’s eateries—bam!), we recommend hitting Main Street in historic Bethlehem for a bite. Enjoy a flight of sangria and eat small plates such as bacon-wrapped dates and, hummus ad burrata at Tapas On Main. Afterward, oblige your sweet tooth across the street at Penn State’s Creamy Ice Cream shop inside Hotel Bethlehem.

17.  Philadelphia, PA

Good for culture hounds 1hr 30mins by Amtrak, 2hrs by bus

Skip southward to shop Philly’s flourishing secondhand scene of vintage clothing shops and thrifty treasure spots. A few steps off South Street (but still not far from a cheesesteak) is Heres2CoolStuff , acclaimed for its colorful and inexpensive collection of men's and women’s apparel. For dapper gentlemen, Briar boasts a meticulously edited collection of classic Americana style, including tailored sport coats, varsity jackets and military boots alongside sartorial accessories (bowties, cufflinks, hats) and oddities for the curious collector. Don’t leave without hitting up what just might be every Macklemore fan’s fantasy come true: Bulk Vintage , a warehouse for hunters who don’t mind digging—literally—for retro duds sold at wholesale prices that rival any thrift shop north of Jersey. If you can’t make the public opening hours, make an appointment to rummage.

18.  Short Hills, NJ

Good for escape artists 45mins by car

Nudged up against the South Mountain Reservation, Greenwood Gardens  (which opens May 1, 2021) presents a tranquil, isolated escape. The grounds have been around since the early 1900s, but not until April 2013, following several years of renovation, did they open to the public. Begin at the orientation center, a redbrick revival Georgian manor, and proceed to a formal Italianate garden marked by stone terraces and wooden pergolas. Follow stone paths to the rustic Arts and Crafts–style cottages, then wind your way to the three-foot-tall limestone chess pieces lining the steps to the teahouse. Seek out the summerhouse on your own and admire the resident swans, chickens and goats, or join a guide on a 45-minute walking tour.

19.  Hamilton, NJ

Good for art aficianados 1hr 20mins by NJ Transit

Wandering amid the 270 pieces of contemporary art at Grounds for Sculpture , five minutes by cab from the Hamilton station, makes for a serene escape, with playful surprises around every corner. Visitors are encouraged to snoop for secret spots among the 42 picturesque acres, such as the hidden hammock room near the Nine Muses sculpture (take a snooze without fear—the door locks from the inside), and keep an eye out for the many peacocks. The park’s indoor gallery at Seward Johnson has four exhibits, including two site-specific glass installations by sculptor Daniel Clayman. End your day with upscale local cuisine at on-site restaurant Rat’s . Nibble on the mussels mouclade and the charcuterie platter, or sip a cocktail during happy hour. Imbibe on the patio overlooking a re-creation of Monet’s iconically depicted bridge in Giverny, or even bring your drink out into the park. 

20.  Washington, D.C.

Good for history buffs 3 hrs by Amtrak

Washington, D.C. really isn't as far away as you might think and it's chock-full of fun things to do, from touristy visits of historical monuments to hikes in the great outdoors and more. Don't miss the National Gallery of Art or Meridian Hill Park for some incredible art and sculptures, respectively, and head to the lush Rock Creek Park around your scheduled visits to see the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. When thirsty, stop by Archipelago for some tiki drinks and feast at Union Market or Rose's Luxury . Check out our guide to all things D.C. here .

21.  New Canaan, CT

Good for architecture fans 1hr 15mins by Metro-North

Architect Philip Johnson built a completely transparent modern home on his 47-acre estate in Connecticut in 1949, a feat that quickly brought him worldwide notoriety. You might also recognize his work from the sculpture garden at MoMA. After his death, the Glass House was opened to the public in 2007. Curious visitors can explore the property by buying a timed ticket to for the one-hour, two-hour or three-hour tour. Take in the sleek, spartan design, then head into town to spy some examples of classic New England architecture. There’s the one-room Little Red Schoolhouse, the Greek Revival Hanford-Silliman House and a replica of the original Cody Drug Store from 1918. Stop for a freshly made dulce de leche gelato at Gelatissimo before leaving town.

22.  Silvermine, CT

Good for wanderers 2 hrs by car

Located in southwest Connecticut, Silvermine isn’t a far trek from NYC, but it offers enough of an escape to be a perfect getaway. The historic town, dating back to the late 1600s, has largely centered around Silvermine Tavern , a historic mill that still hosts jazz weekends and wine dinners. The Silvermine River runs through the heart of the village. Stop at  The Silvermine Arts Center and wander Grace Farms, an 80-acre public nature preserve with a giant, prize-winning, river-inspired building designed by a Japanese firm. If you want more architecture, visit the modern and aptly named Philip Johnson Glass House.

23.  The Palisades, NJ

Good for bicyclists 30min by bike

Throw on your best Lululemon gear and head to the next state over for a cycling jaunt. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, stop by Tread Bike Shop ; rentals include helmets, and the friendly staff supplies sage advice for newbies. Set off and make your way through the hilly, neighborhood streets of Inwood and follow signs for the George Washington Bridge. Take in panoramic views of Manhattan while gliding over the Hudson via the bridge’s cyclist-and-pedestrian-only path. Veer left to stay on Henry Hudson Drive, the Palisades’ main bike path, which will take you along mountain roads past rustling trees and views of the water. At the bottom of the trail, riders will find grassy picnic areas on the river. The return ride back to the city is, mercifully, a simpler, mostly downhill ride. 

24.  Cape May, NJ

Good for nature lovers and village people 2hrs 30mins by NJ Transit bus

Aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher , you’ll skip into the Delaware Bay on a quest for dolphins, humpbacks and finbacks. The knowledgeable captain explains cetacean behaviors, such as spy hopping (popping the head up and holding the position to have a look around) and breaching (the classic Shamu jump-splash routine), and the company promises a free future trip if you don’t spot any marine mammals between spring and fall. Once you get your back on dry land, feast on seafood at Lucky Bones Backwater Grille , a local restaurant named for the hooklike claw found on male horseshoe crabs that superstitious sailors used to wear for a safe return. Continue your day with a friendly game of putt-putt at Cape May Miniature Golf . If you want to up the stakes, bet on who can get the lowest score; winner buys a round of Italian ices or sundaes from the ground’s old-school ice cream parlor, Cocomoe’s.

25.  Atlantic City, NJ

Good for sunseekers and history buffs 2hrs by car or 2hrs 30mins by bus The casino town remains lively as ever since Hurricane Sandy, and several new events and recent additions to the boardwalk prove it’s possible to spend a pleasant day here without ending up at the blackjack table. The annual Atlantic City Airshow provides an opportunity to sprawl on the beach while watching vintage planes take stomach-dropping nosedives over the ocean. After an afternoon of sunning yourself on the sand, sample the old-fashioned saltwater taffy at Fralinger’s on the boardwalk. The historic family-run business has been making the candy since 1884. Atlantic City is also home to Absecon Lighthouse , the tallest in New Jersey. For a nominal fee, you can climb the 228-step spiral staircase to the top of the tower and take in the sweeping views of the waves.

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Day trip ideas in Upstate NY: 40 fun places to visit

• Published: May. 04, 2017, 12:00 p.m.
• Alaina Potrikus | [email protected]

Photo: Sylvan Beach Amusement Park at dusk. Scott Schild | [email protected]

By Alaina Potrikus | Contributing writer

» Check out our updated list, now with 59 day trips

A day trip in Upstate New York  can lead to all kinds of adventures. Take a selfie with statues of women's rights legends Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Chase waterfalls from Niagara to the gorges of Ithaca to Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks. Get wet at water parks in Canandaigua or Old Forge, and catch sunsets on Million Dollar Beach in Lake George or atop Mount Defiance at Fort Ticonderoga. Check out these ideas when planning your next day trip in Upstate New York.

Photo: Michael Greenlar | [email protected]

Animal Adventure Park

Spend the day with  Upstate New York's most famous giraffe, April, and her new offspring. The  private zoo in Harpursville opens for the season on May 13, with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is cash-only (with an ATM on site), and visitors can purchase food for various animal encounters (carrots for the camels and giraffes are $3, grapes for the monkeys and lemurs are $2). The park's other inhabitants include zebras, black bears, buffalo, pot-bellied pigs and hedgehogs, a mountain lion and Tibetan yak. The park is about a 15-minute drive from Binghamton; grab lunch at the  Main Street Grill and Bakery in nearby Afton, designed to mimic the pace and menus of eateries in New York City.

View this post on Instagram Recognize this kitchen?! Maybe if I posted it in B&W... It's the kitchen from I ❤️ Lucy! #tourlife #ilovelucy #jamestown A post shared by Rachel Brown (@rachelbrownmusic) on Sep 18, 2016 at 2:10pm PDT

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Hit the road for Jamestown, hometown of famed comedienne Lucille Ball. The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is home to reproductions of the sets from the television show, "I Love Lucy," Ball's Emmy awards, props, costumes and rare memorabilia from the legendary 1950s comedy television show.  Look for the multi-story mural of the iconic Vitameatavegamin advertisement, as well as a depiction of the conveyor belt scene in the chocolate factory. In the nearby village of Celeron, visitors can take a selfie with a bronze statue of Ball made headlines in recent years. The original  "Scary Lucy" statue was replaced last summer with a more flattering sculpture, which shows Ball in a polka-dot dress. Also nearby: Southern Tier Brewing Company , which offers tours and tastings throughout the week (check their website for hours, which change seasonally).

Photo: Main Street in Beacon. Dominick Fiorille for NYup.com

For art, antiques and culinary delights, spend a day in Beacon, located on the Hudson River in Dutchess County. The  DIA art museum is located in the former Nabisco box factory and houses an impressive collection of large-scale contemporary exhibits. More galleries are scattered throughout downtown Beacon, along with antique and jewelry stores and farm-to-table restaurants and brewpubs. Grab lunch at the Dr. Who-themed restaurant,  The Pandorica , or bring home baked good from the Beacon Bread Company . For unique souveniers, visit Dream in Plastic, a quirky toy shop, or  Hudson Beach Glass, which features glass-blowing demonstrations and a sculpture gallery.

Photo: Scott Schild | [email protected]

Strong National Museum of Play

For a family-friendly day trip, head to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. Little kids will love the reproduction of  Sesame Street, where Big Bird overlooks the famous stoop at 123 Sesame Street. Kids of all ages — and adults too — will enjoy the Wegmans Super Kids Mart , with child-sized grocery carts, shelves filled with lifelike products and a working checkout station where pint-sized cashiers can scan their own bar-coded items. Parents will enjoy a stop at the Toy Halls of Fame , which includes classic toys from the past, from Etch-a-Sketch and G.I. Joe to Atari and Easy Bake Oven. Don't forget to stop by the  Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, the only year-round indoor butterfly garden in Upstate New York, and take a ride on the restored 1918 carousel  and the Strong Express, an indoor locomotive. Have lunch at the Strong's cafeteria , with a la carte options including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Subway, or have a sit-down meal at Bill Gray's Restaurant or at the vintage Skyliner Diner located in the museum's atrium.

Letchworth State Park

Heralded as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park boasts nearly 600-foot cliff walls and three major waterfalls along the Genesee River. More than 66 miles of hiking trails wind through the park, as well as amenities for whitewater rafting and kayaking ,  seasonal hot balloon rides, horseback riding and biking. Be sure to check out Inspiration Falls, the state's tallest plunging waterfall with a total drop of over 350 feet. In the evening, visit the Charcoal Corral and Silver Lake Twin Drive-In Theater in nearby Perry, with an 18-hole mini-golf course, giant inflatables, weekly car cruise-ins, live music and outdoor double features on the weekend.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

The 9,800-acre site outside of Seneca Falls  is home to six active bald eagles nests, with observations of nearly 60 eagles in recent years. Take a one-mile hike along the Seneca Trail from the Visitor Center, or stay in your car for the 3.5-mile Wildlife Drive through the preserve. Binoculars are available for loan to help visitors see waterfowl, herons and other marsh birds, Canada geese, bald eagle, osprey, harriers and other birds of prey, and shorebirds. Other wildlife sightings include muskrat, white-tailed deer, mink, fox and coyote. Cap your visit with a trip to Montezuma Winery  in Seneca Falls, known for dry to sweet wines including riesling, blueberry, rhubarb and the most popular, Cranberry Bog. The winery is also home to Hidden Marsh Distillery , which produces brandy, whiskey and liqueurs from locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to check out the flagship Bee Vodka, handmade in small batches from New York honey.

Photo: Gary Walts | [email protected]

Sackets Harbor

Take a step back in history at the  Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site , where two crucial battles of the War of 1812 took place overlooking Lake Ontario. The site hosts numerous activities throughout the year, with living history reenactments, cannon and artillery demonstrations and other educational opportunities. Families will enjoy a side excursion to Old McDonald's Farm , where visitors can hand-feed beef cows and dairy goats, ride a pony and take a tour of the farm via tractor. For meals, head into the village for brick oven pizza at  Goodfellos or dinner or brunch in the courtyard of Tin Pan Galley . Try the 1812 Amber Ale or Thousand Islands Pale Ale at Sackets Harbor Brewing Company , and end your visit with a scoop from Saturdays, Sundaes & More , the village ice cream shop.

Lake Placid

The two-time home of the Olympic Games isn't just a winter destination. The  Lake Placid Olympic Center is open year-round; the complex houses the rink where the U.S. Hockey Team's Miracle on Ice took place in 1980. For an active visit, check out High Peaks Cyclery , which offers mountain bike, kayak, canoe and hiking gear rentals to explore the Adirondack Mountains year-round.  SUP Lake Placid rents stand-up paddle boards and kayaks on Mirror Lake, and hosts outdoor yoga classes. For an easy day hike, head to nearby Cascade Mountain , one of the easiest High Peaks to climb with a spectacular panoramic vista at the summit (4,098 feet). Take a break with a drink at Big Slide Brewery ,  Lake Placid Pub and Brewery or the Great Adirondack Brewing Company .

Photo: Stephen D. Cannerelli | [email protected]

Sterling Renaissance Festival

Spend a day in an authentic English Renaissance village, where a cast of royals, townspeople, thieves, beggars, artisans and craftspeople transport visitors to the realm of Warwick, England, in 1585. Daily activities at the 35-acre park include parades, jousts and duels, archery demonstrations, period music and dancing, and performances on 12 stages, including a "Wench auction." The  menu is fit for a royal feast, with turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake, mile high cakes and adult beverages including ale, wine and mead. Rent a period costume near the main entrance or purchase apparel, jewelry, headpieces, armor and weaponry at the Royal Marketplace.  Themed weekend celebrations include an Ale Fest, Highland Fling, Pirate Invasion and Fantasy, Fairies and the Future. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $12.95 for children; tickets can be purchased in advance online .

Michael Greenlar | [email protected]

The Finger Lakes  community of Corning offers a ton of activities for visitors of all ages. No trip to Corning is complete without a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass ; sign up ahead of time to make your own glass project with the help of experts, or stop into one of the group glassmaking demonstrations held throughout the day. Spend the rest of your day exploring the "Crystal City," starting at the Rockwell Museum , a Smithsonian-affiliated museum featuring American artists. For lunch or dinner, head over to the Gaffer District , which has been  recognized by Bon Appetit as a notable destination for food along the Appalachian Trail. The area has grown to include over 45 restaurants and over 50 places to shop for unique items; end your day with a treat at the  Old World Cafe and Ice Cream shop, featuring a Victorian ice cream counter and old-fashioned homemade candies.

Photo: Joed Viera for NYup.com

Salamanca and the Enchanted Mountains

Known as the Enchanted Mountain  region for its picturesque scenery,  Allegany State Park offers sandy beaches, 18 different hiking trails and 5.6 miles of bike trails for outdoor adventures. Head to the Red House area of the park, where a Tudor-style administration building overlooks the lake and offers a restaurant with a full menu and patio seating . Step into the past at the Salamanca Rail Museum , a fully restored passenger depot that dates to the early 1900s. Try horseback riding at Crosspatch stables , which offers guided trail rides and Chuckwagon dinners. Before heading home, try your luck at  Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, with slot machines, table games, restaurants and other activities.

Photo: Robert Mescavage | Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain welcomes visitors year-round for outdoor activities and draws big crowds for music festivals, like the Taste of Country Music Festival  and Mountain Jam Fest . Take a scenic skyride to the 3,200-foot summit of Hunter Mountain, where you can see the high peaks of the northern Catskills, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and the Green Mountains of Vermont. For a more adventurous ride, check out New York Zipline Adventure Tours , the longest and highest zipline canopy tour in North America featuring over five miles of ziplines, some reaching heights of nearly 600 feet above the ground. The Hunter Mountain resort also offers fly fishing , 4-by-4 off road adventures , hiking ,  golf and disc golf . Try a local brew at  Hunter Mountain Brewery, which offers a full lunch and dinner menu, outdoor dining and live music.

Photo: NYup.com archive

The home of the world-famous Boilermaker Road Race , the city of Utica has been growing its offerings for visitors in recent years. The Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute  is home to a permanent collection of 300 years of American painting, 19th-century decorative arts, European Modernism and Japanese prints. Tour the  Saranac brewing facility on Varick Street and try pints or flights in the 1888 Tavern tasting room. Kids will love the  Utica Zoo or the Utica Children's Museum , both small facilities that serve up big fun for all ages. For a culinary tour, be sure to try Utica's signature  chicken riggies (at the Chesterfield Restaurant ), Utica greens (a la Georgio's Village Cafe ) and  tomato pie (try Roma Sausage & Deli ) and halfmoon cookies for dessert (check out Holland Farms Bakery ).

View this post on Instagram It may not feel like spring yet, but the flowers are always blooming at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. #ILoveNY 📷: @markdanielharley A post shared by I LOVE NEW YORK (@iloveny) on Apr 2, 2017 at 9:47pm PDT

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Built in 1900, the nearly  12-acre conservatory and surrounding formal gardens offers visitors a chance to experience the flora of the Florida Everglades, the Panama cloud forest, the American desert and the Asian rainforest. The centerpiece is the glass conservatory, modeled after the famous Crystal Palace in England. Be sure to visit the Palm Dome, a 67-foot-tall room filled with palms and tropical fruit trees. A new exhibit highlights aquatic gardens and the Asian rainforest, with a peaceful pond (and a family of koi fish), waterfall, moon gate and collection of orchids and bonsai. Kids will love the Wegmans Family Garden, where they can plant seeds, build sand castles, water the garden and take part in other activities. The outdoor gardens include a Peace Garden and Healing Garden.

Michael Greenlar | [email protected]

Start your day in the historic downtown business district, where flag-lined sidewalks connect visitors to the shops, restaurants and events that keep the community bustling with activity. Pack a picnic and head to Lakeland Park, located across from the Brae Loch Inn  at the intersection of Forman and Albany streets. The picturesque park includes a dock and diving board and sandy beach. Lifeguards are on duty from June to August; a public bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Take a drive to nearby Chittenango Falls State Park , home to a 167-foot waterfall that dates back more than 10,000 years. A trail winds through the 194-acre park, which offers picnic areas and fishing. Or head to Stone Quarry Hill Art Park , a 104-acre property filled with outdoor sculptures nestled along four miles of trails. Kids will love Critz Farms , a year-round agritourism destination that offers U-pick fruit crops, a giant playground and barnyard petting area (Be sure to check out the gift shop for local treasures and  Harvest Moon Cidery and Winery for adult beverages). For dinner and drinks, wine lovers can head north of the village to  Owera Vineyards, with a tasting room overlooking Cazenovia Lake and brick oven serving up tasty flatbreads. For a local brew, head south of the village to Empire Farmstead Brewery , a new stop on the local brewery trail that features an outdoor dining space to enjoy flights and pints.

Windmill tours

Since the early 2000s, wind turbines have been popping up across Upstate New York. The  giant towers have drawn onlookers since the beginning, and several of the wind farms have installed visitors centers to allow interested tourists to get a closer look at the clean energy giants. At the FREE Center in Fenner , informational kiosks that outline the renewable energy efforts in Madison County are set up off of Bellinger Road. Visitors can picnic beside one of the towers, which weighs more than 187 tons and stands 212 feet from the ground to the center hub, and 329 feet from the ground to the tip of a blade at its full height.  Check out the full-size turbine blade on the ground to get a sense of the size and weight of the structures.  Maple Ridge Wind Farm , New York State's largest wind farm, is located in Lowville in Lewis County, with 195 turbines that produce enough electricity to power approximately 136,000 homes, about 2 percent of New York State's residential electricity need. Pull over at the  visitor's center kiosk on Eagle Factory Road off Route 177 for a panoramic view of the 21,000 acre site on the Tug Hill Plateau, about 75 miles northeast of Syracuse.

View this post on Instagram I love salad yes I do, I love salad how about you?🤗😂🥗🥒 #eatyourveggies #eatyourgreens A post shared by Victoria Tschopp (@victoriatschoppp) on Apr 27, 2017 at 9:50am PDT

Culinary Institute of America

For a taste of the Hudson Valley , head to Hyde Park, where a group of restaurants  run in conjunction with the Culinary Institute of America are serving up unique cuisine. There's  Ristorante Caterina deMedici for Italian lovers, the  Bocuse Restaurant for a French fine dining experience, and American Bounty Restaurant and Tavern , focusing on regional and seasonal products. Bring home a sweet treat from the Apple Pie Bakery Cafe, with baked goods and desserts like red velvet, carrot cake and pineapple upside down cake macarons, Nutella doughnut holes, lemon elderflower eclairs and classic apple pie. The restaurants are part of the educational experience for students at CIA, who spend time in both the front and back of the house to learn and master the full scope of restaurant operations under the guidance of expert chef-instructors.

Photo: Teri Weaver | syracuse.com

Skaneateles

The  Finger Lakes community draws visitors each year for the crystal clear waters of Skaneateles Lake and the quaint culture of the picturesque downtown. Take a cruise of the 16-mile-long lake with Mid-Lakes Navigation , which offers lunch cruises featuring Dinosaur BBQ, romantic dinner cruises and more family-friendly sightseeing cruises aboard a the Judge Ben Wiles, a replica steamship. Explore the downtown shops, restaurants and galleries at your leisure, and be sure to walk out on the pier for a beautiful view of the water and the surrounding landscape. Landmark restaurants include the Sherwood Inn , Doug's Fish Fry ,  The Krebs and Blue Water Grill . Enjoy an afternoon tasting at Anyela's Vineyard , which overlooks the village, or head to  Mirbeau Inn and Spa for a day of relaxation at the estate built to mimic the French landscapes of Claude Monet.

Photo: Kate Collins | [email protected]

Women's Rights National Historic Park

Step back in time in Seneca Falls  to learn about the efforts of women's rights leaders and other reformers in the 19th century. Start your day at visitor center to pick up maps and daily schedules — be sure to check out the life-size bronze statues of the women and men who organized the first Women's Rights Convention, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass. Head to the adjacent Wesleyan Chapel , where the convention was held in 1848, and follow the tour to the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton , which the famous suffragette called the "Center of the Rebellion." Be sure to stop by the National Women's Hall of Fame , which honors more than 250 women from Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Note: a new home for the hall and the Center for Great Women is under construction at the 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill ; for now, it remains at a historic bank building on Falls Street in the heart of downtown.)

Photo: Jeff Goulding for NYup.com

Mohonk Mountain House

Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley , the Victorian castle resort built in 1869  has served as a getaway for the Rockefellers, Andrew Carnegie and five U.S. presidents: Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt and Bill Clinton.  Day guest packages  allow visitors to enjoy the amenities of the resort without spending the night.  Spa packages  include access to the eucalyptus steam room, sauna and outdoor heated mineral pool; reservations at any of the  award-winning restaurants comes with access to the resort and grounds for the day.  Day passes for hiking include access to 85 miles of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty. Take the three-mile hike to the Sky Top Tower, a 100-foot-tall stone building at the peak of the preserve with panoramic views of the Catskills, or enjoy the woodlands on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage . Tennis packages are available, along with tours of the historic house , greenhouse and Victorian gardens and afternoon tea and cookies. The other recreational activities at the resort include disc golf, rock climbing, boating, golf, mounting biking, archery and tomahawk throwing.

Photo: The Associated Press

Watkins Glen

For a fast-paced adventure, head to Watkins Glen International , where racing weekends feature sports car, endurance and stock car events. Visitors can experience the iconic racetrack themselves  by driving their own vehicle around the 3.4-mile Grand Prix circuit behind a pace car . After two laps, cars will have their photos taken the start/finish line. The Finger Lakes Wine Festival  also draws crowds to the site. Other Watkins Glen excursions: Farm Sanctuary , a 175-acre refuge for more than 500 rescue animals; Watkins Glen State Park , known for its gorge trail and 19 waterfalls; and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail , with more than three dozen wineries and vineyards, plus a growing number of  breweries and distilleries .

Tupper Lake

Advertised as the "High Line of the Forest," the  Wild Walk  gives visitors a chance to walk among the trees on a trail of bridges at the  81-acre Adirondack campus . The park includes a four-story twig tree house, a spider's web-like net for climbing, and a nest that visitors can climb into to see the view from 42 feet in the air. While in Tupper Lake, stop by  Little Wolf Beach , one of the largest public beaches in the Adirondacks, with lifeguards watching over a floating dock with trampoline and rope swing. Or take in a movie at  Adirondack State Theater , which opened its doors in 1914.

Photo: Mike Lynch for NYup.com

Santa's Workshop

Guaranteed to delight young audiences year-round,  Santa's Workshop  near  Whiteface Mountain  has been an Adirondack tradition since 1949. The storybook village includes Santa's House, the reindeer barn, a bakery, candy shop, blacksmith and toy shop. Rides include a sleigh coaster, bobsled ride, Candy Cane Express train, ferris wheel and Christmas carousel. Summer hours at the park are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, from June 27 to Sept. 3. Autumn and winter hours vary.

Ausable Chasm

Billed as the  Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks , the sandstone gorge south of Plattsburgh offers spectacular views of primeval rock formations including Elephant's Head, Column Rock Hyde's Cave and Jacob's Well. The adventure center offers a variety of activities, from low-intensity hiking to more adventurous rock climbing, rappelling and cliff walks. Visitors can tube or raft down the Ausable River (bring water shoes), experiencing the towering cliffs, rapids and whirlpool basin. Fifteen miles of mountain biking trails for beginner and advanced riders wind through the Adirondack terrain.

Michael Franklin | UpstateAerialPhotography.com

Thousand Islands

Explore the  Thousand Islands  with a  boat tour , where seasoned guides share the stories of the more than 1,800 islands that cover 50 miles of the St. Lawrence River between New York and Canada. Set aside time to explore Heart Island, home of the six-story, 120-room  Boldt Castle  with an indoor pool, stunning grounds and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence. Weekend festivities take over downtown  Alexandria Bay  throughout the summer, with live entertainment for the whole family.

Photo courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga

Located at the southern end of Lake Champlain, the  Fort Ticonderoga  facility recreates life in the mid-1700s with musket firing demonstrations each day at 11 a.m. and cannon firing demonstrations at 2 p.m. In addition to military history, have a picnic atop  Mount Defiance , where panoramic vistas include Lake Champlain and the High Peaks; reach the picnic pavilion by car or hike up the mountain trails once traversed by troops.  Rent a canoe  to explore the fort by water, or take a  boat tour  of the Ticonderoga Peninsula aboard the 49-passenger tour boat Carillon.

Photo courtesy of Enchanted Forest Water Safari

The fun never stops at  Enchanted Forest , the state's largest water theme park with more than 50 rides and attractions. The water park includes relaxing tube rides to high speed slides, including the newest double-tube ride "The Silverback," a 100 foot drop into a large 40-foot-diameter bowl. Need a  break from the water park?   Take a six-mile paddling tour of the Moose River and return via the  Adirondack Scenic Railroad . For an aerial view of the High Peaks,  ride the scenic chairlift to the top of McCauley Mountain.

Photo: raddiec via flickr

Lake George

Nicknamed "Queen of the American Lakes,"  the resort town north of Albany  has been a favorite since the late 19th century, when John D. Rockefeller was a regular visitor. Spend the afternoon at  Million Dollar Beach at Lake George Beach State Park , named one of the best beaches for families for its cleanliness, public facilities and panoramic views of the lake and Adirondacks. Hop aboard the  Minnie-ha-ha , one of the last steam paddlewheel boats in America, for an hour-long cruise of the lake at sunset (or catch fireworks on Thursdays during the summer).

Saratoga Springs

Place a bet on the thoroughbreds at  Saratoga Race Course , the third oldest race course in America.  Races run six days a week,  and visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink for a picnic.  Walk through the downtown business district to  Congress Park , where you can take a ride on the  historic wooden carousel . Drive down the Avenue of the Pines to enter  Saratoga Spa State Park , where you can walk past the marble colonnades and reflecting pool of the spa complex. Grab tickets for a nighttime concert at the  Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

The shelter  cares for farm animals that were victims of cruelty and neglect, rescued from stockyards, auctions and slaughterhouses. Each of the sanctuary's animals has a name and a story, including Clyde, a chicken found on the streets of New York City; Harper and Atticus, a pair of goats whose mother was rescued from a downstate farm; and Elvis, rescued while awaiting sale to at a veal auction.  Expect to interact with the animals - some of the pigs enjoy belly rubs, and sheep are likely to nuzzle you as you walk through the pasture. Tours are given on weekends, and a cafe offers vegan food options.

Howe Caverns

The  underground limestone cavern  is the largest cave open to the public in the Northeast and the second most visited natural attraction in New York State (after  Niagara Falls ). A 90-minute walking tour and boat ride takes visitors 156 feet below the ground to stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake millions of years in the making. Above ground, the  High Adventure Park  includes a zip line, ropes course, rock wall and the H20-GO Ball, a 12-foot inflatable ball that takes riders down a 1,000-foot hill.

Photo: Kathe Harrington for NYup.com

Chittenango

Get up close and personal with a variety of exotic and domestic animals that were hand-raised at  The Wild Animal Park . The stars of the park are a pair of giraffes — Jase and Jasmine — which visitors can hand feed from a new deck.  While you're in Chittenango , take a walk down the Yellow Brick sidewalk to the  All Things Oz museum , a tribute to the village's native son L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Adults can stop at the  Yellow Brick Road Casino , which opened in May 2015. Or head up to  Chittenango Falls State Park , home to a 167-foot waterfall.

Sylvan Beach

The vacation community on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake is perfectly sized for a day trip. Spend the afternoon at  Sylvan Beach Amusement Park , a throwback to the town's early resort days with a vintage Kiddieland with 10 rides for smaller guests, classic arcade games like Skeeball, the Galaxi steel roller coaster and bumper boats.There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing. Be sure to grab an ice cream cone and stroll through the downtown district after catching the sunset on the beach.

Photo: Dennis Nett | [email protected]

Cooperstown

You can start at the  National Baseball Hall of Fame , but there is a lot more to do in this lakeside community.  Plan a side trip to the  Farmer's Museum  and ride the Empire State Carousel. Or walk the grounds of  Hyde Hall,  a 50-room mansion overlooking  Otsego Lake , and take a walk on the beach at  Glimmerglass State Park.  Enjoy a tasting at one of the six stops on the  Cooperstown Beverage Trail ;  Brewery Ommegang  offers a cafe menu of Belgian favorites (try the frites — handcut fries that are twice fried and served with dipping sauces).

Niagara Falls

Cross this one off your  bucket list : A trip to see one of the natural wonders of the world. Board the  Maid of the Mist boat tour  to get within soaking distance of Horseshoe Falls; for an even wetter experience, take the  Cave of the Winds  tour, where a poncho is required for the Hurricane Deck that brings visitors beneath Bridal Veil Falls.  End your day with fireworks,  which go off at 10 p.m. every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday from May 1 to Oct. 31.

Ellicottville

Start your visit at Holiday Valley's  Aerial Park , a series of platforms, bridges and zip lines that create 13 different courses (the largest in New York State). Check out the climbing forest — a three-dimensional version of a climbing wall that is one of only three in the United States. Take a ride on the Mountain Coaster, a roller coaster ride down the terrain that includes curves, jumps and spirals. After an adventurous day, enjoy the  small-town charm of Ellicottville  and take home a sweet treat from  Watson's Chocolates , known for its sponge candy.

The 15.5-acre  Seneca Park Zoo  is the perfect size for children and adults alike. African lions prowl a savannah-like enclosure in the "A Step Into Africa" exhibit, which also is home to elephants and olive baboons. While in Rochester, try the city's signature dish at Nick Tahou Hots, home of the  "Garbage Plate,"  — where customers choose two selections of eggs, grilled cheese, fried ham, fried haddock, a cheeseburger, hamburger, red hot, white hot, Italian Sausage or chicken tender and two sides. And if you're on a budget, there are several  free things to do in Rochester .

Provided photo

Roseland Park

The 56-acre  Roseland Water Park  offers attractions for the entire family, from a splash pad for little kids, a lazy river for adults, a family raft ride that mimics whitewater rafting, a wave pool and high-intensity slides like the Cliff, which drops riders 65 feet at speeds of 30 mph. For a bigger rush, head over to the new  Roseland Wake Park,  the first full-sized cable wakeboarding park in the Northeast that pulls riders through a 2,100-foot continuous loop course on the lake that includes ramps and rails for tricks and stunts.

Photo: Lauren Long | [email protected]

Finger Lakes

Visit the  Women's Rights National Historical Park  and the  National Women's Hall of Fame  and take a selfie with statues of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass and Lucretia Mott. Take a stroll through  Seneca Falls , the quaint community that is widely believed to be the inspiration for Frank Capra's holiday classic, " It's A Wonderful Life ." Plan to visit several of the wineries on the  Seneca Lake Wine Trail,  including Belhurst Castle in Geneva, where you can dine at outdoor tables overlooking the lake. Not up for a wine tour? Make time to shop at  Waterloo Premium Outlets  or spend several serene hours birdwatching at  Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

With more than  150 waterfalls within 10 miles  of Ithaca, you don't have to go far for a spectacular view. Check out  Taughannock Falls State Park,  home to a 215-foot waterfall (three stories higher than Niagara Falls) and walk the gorge and rim trails.  Robert H. Treman State Park  offers public swimming at the stream-fed pool beneath Enfield Falls; nine miles of trails follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. After a day of hiking, enjoy the atmosphere at the newly renovated  Ithaca Commons,  a four-block pedestrian area with more than 100 shops, restaurants, street vendors and street entertainers.

Read more: Summer bucket list for Upstate NY

Have the best summer ever:  45 fun things you must do before fall .

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16 of the Best Day Trips from New York City

Experience natural wonders, historic treasures, culinary delights, world-class beaches, and more on a short day trip to Long Island and Upstate New York! 

Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines . Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available. 

Updated 2/23/2023

Best for the Great Outdoors: Mohonk Preserve

For amazing views of the Hudson Valley’s Shawangunk Ridge, head to Mohonk Preserve , just a couple of hours from the city. Hike on 70 miles of carriage roads and trails, bike on historic carriage roads, climb the world-famous Gunks cliffs, horseback ride, and run through forests, fields, and mountains. For rock climbers, there are more than 1,000 climbing routes, and plant and animal lovers will adore the discoveries awaiting them in the preserve's 8,000 acres. 

Getting there: 

By car: 1.5-2 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan.

By bus: Take a 1.5-hour bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to Trailways Bus Terminal in New Paltz; then a 15-minute taxi to Mohonk Preserve.

​By train: Take a 2-hour Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal or 1.5-hour Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Poughkeepsie, NY; then a 30-minute taxi or Zipcar to Mohonk Preserve.

Best for Beach Lovers: Long Beach  

Credit: @the_breezy_blonde on Instagram

Hey, beach lovers - looking for the perfect getaway trip? Pack your sunscreen and head out to Long Beach on Long Island!  Known for its white sandy beaches and iconic boardwalk, Long Beach has it all, from surfing and volleyball to free concerts and food trucks, and many more ways to enjoy a beautiful summer day. Be sure to rent a beach chair from Beach Comfort for lasting fun in the sun!

By car: 1-2 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan. 

By bus: Take a 1-hour MTA bus from Midtown Manhattan to Seagirt Blvd in Long Island; then a 25-minute bus from Seagirt Blvd to Long Beach via Nassau Inter-County Express .

​By train: Take a 1-hour train from Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal via the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) ; then a 10-minute walk from Long Beach Station to the beach 

Best LGBTQ Scene: Fire Island

Fire Island National Seashore has played an important role in LGBTQ history, from Oscar Wilde’s visit in 1882, to the steady development of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines as “America's First Gay and Lesbian Town.” Long before the Stonewall Riots set the movement for Gay Liberation into motion, Fire Island provided an important enclave to residents and visitors at a time when almost everything about living openly as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) person was illegal in the United States. Visitors enjoy 26 miles of a dynamic barrier island with high dunes, centuries-old maritime forests, glimpses of wildlife, and desolate beaches -- far from the sounds and pressures of the city. Leave the car behind and enjoy miles of boardwalk and trails, public marinas, a rustic campground, lifeguarded beaches, and a visitors center. Explore New York State’s only federally designated wilderness area, and climb to the top of one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States!

By car: Cars are not allowed onto the residential part of the island, but visitors can park at one of three ferry terminals and take a half-hour scenic ferry ride across the Great South Bay. Ferries leave from Bay Shore, Sayville, and Patchogue (a 1-1.5 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan).

​By train: Take the 1.5-hour Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train from Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Bay Shore; then take a half-hour scenic ferry ride across the Great South Bay.

Best for Foodies: Culinary Institute of America

Credit: @gimletstyle on Instagram

Immerse yourself in the amazing world of food! The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education for more than 70 years, with notable alumni such as Anthony Bourdain and Michael Mina. Tour the CIA’s flagship campus in Hyde Park, take a cooking class with expert chefs, and dine in one of the on-campus restaurants with exquisite dishes cooked by rising stars of the culinary world! Walk off your meal on the nearby Walkway Over the Hudson !

By car: 1.5-2 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan. 

By bus: Take a 3-4 hours bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Poughkeepsie Train Station; then a taxi or rideshare service to the CIA.

​By train: Take a 2-hour Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal or 1.5-hour Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Poughkeepsie, NY; then a 5-minute taxi or Zipcar to CIA.

Best World Wonder: Niagara Falls

Credit: @chriskozen on Instagram

Go big on your New York State adventure and head to some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country at Niagara Falls State Park , the oldest state park in the United States. The park’s spectacular falls are considered to be one of the world’s seven natural wonders by naturalists and conservationists worldwide. On the grounds of the more than 400-acre park, you'll find lush terrain with protected wildlife and an array of exciting activities and fantastic attractions, including beautiful gardens, hiking and biking trails, and stunning views at every turn. Include tradition and adventure on your visit with a ride on the world-famous Maid of the Mist boat, a fantastic journey through crashing waters surrounded by massive rock formations, which cruises right to the base of the American Falls then to the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls! For an equally impressive up-close look at the falls, descend 175 feet into the awe-inspiring Niagara Gorge on a Cave of the Winds tour. A series of wooden walkways brings you to the unbelievable "Hurricane Deck" where you are within feet of the crashing Bridal Veil Falls and surrounded by tropical storm-like conditions. 

By plane: Frequent non-stop flights between NYC’s JFK Airport or LaGuardia Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport take just 1.5 hours each way. Rent a car or catch a cab for the 25-minute drive to Niagara Falls State Park.

Best for Art Lovers: Storm King Art Center

Credit: @itsmelettie on Instagram

Get your fill of fresh air and amazing art at this stunning 500-acre outdoor sculpture park and museum in New Windsor, NY. Renowned for its mostly outdoor large-scale art pieces and the harmonious, yet dramatic interaction between the monumental sculpture, the sky, and the surrounding landscape, Storm King (pictured) features works from artists including Alexander Calder, Zhang Huan, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Nevelson, Isamu Noguchi, and many more. You may also wish to check out another iconic art site, Dia: Beacon , or stroll around the antique shops and cafes in nearby downtown Beacon.

By car: 1-1.5 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan.

By bus: Take a 1.5-hour Coach USA bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Storm King Art Center. Ticket package includes Storm King admission and round-trip bus transportation from Manhattan.

​By train: Take a 1.5-hour Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon; then rent a Zipcar or take a taxi or rideshare service to Storm King Art Center.

Best for Shopping: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Spend a day at the ultimate destination for shopping and dining! Woodbury Common Premium Outlets features more than 250 of the most sought after, high-end fashion and designer retail brands in the world including Tory Burch, Nike, Celine, Bottega Veneta, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and more, all at savings of 25% to 65% every day. Just a little over an hour’s drive from Manhattan, these outlets attract shoppers from all over the world for their proximity to the city and incredible bargains.

​By bus: Take a 1-hour ShortLine Hudson bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Woodbury Bus also provides bus service from Midtown Manhattan to the outlets.

Best for Kids: LEGOLAND

Credit: @kathybuccio on Instagram

Here it is -- the ultimate LEGO® theme park destination for kids ages 2–12 and their families! Opened in 2021, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, LEGOLAND New York Resort is the largest LEGOLAND theme park in the world, with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions on 150 acres. Get a one-day pass and enjoy incredible adventures throughout the Park’s seven LEGO® themed lands, including Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO® NINJAGO® World, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, MINILAND, and LEGO Pirates. Families can splash into summer with the opening of an all-new water playground in LEGO® City. Theme park opens for the season March 31, 2023. Water playground opens Memorial Day Weekend. Getting there: 

By car: 1-1.5 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan. 

​By bus: Take a 1.5-hour Coach USA bus from Midtown Manhattan to Goshen.

Best for History Buffs: Sleepy Hollow, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

The Headless Horseman awaits you in the “Capital of Halloween,” Sleepy Hollow!  Collect your wits and take a short trip to the villages of Sleepy Hollow and nearby Tarrytown in Westchester County to see the iconic places author Washington Irving wrote about in his classic spooky story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Visit the 17th-century Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground , listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a large setting in the story. The church cemetery, the haunt of the Headless Horseman, is also the resting place of local citizens who likely inspired characters in the story. Across from the church, see the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (pictured), where Tarrytown resident Irving is buried, along with other notable people like Elizabeth Arden, Andrew Carnegie, members of the Astor and Rockefeller families, and Alexander Hamilton’s children.

In neighboring Tarrytown, visit Sunnyside , Irving’s picturesque former home, which he renovated after purchasing in 1835. The grounds, with incredible views of the Hudson River, reopen in the Spring of 2023, and tours are available.

By car: 40 mins-1 hour drive from Midtown Manhattan. 

​By train: Take a 1-hour Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Tarrytown, NY.

Best Walkable Downtowns: Various

Credit: @danbursztyn on Instagram

A small riverfront city with a hot dining and shopping scene, with dozens of antique shops, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, stylish independent retailers along Warren Street, and small parks. 

By car: 2-2.5 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan.

By bus: Take a 2-hour Empire Service bus from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan to Hudson, NY.

​By train: Take a 2-hour Amtrak train from Moynihan Train Hall in Midtown Manhattan to Hudson, NY.

Cold Spring

Credit: @kayakerlynda on Instagram

Tucked along the Hudson River, where nature meets art, you’ll find Cold Spring. Once a vital artillery center during the American Civil War, this river town has blossomed into an idyllic village where local restaurants and Main Street boutiques greet Hudson Highlands hikers as well as culture lovers from nearby New York City. Shop, dine, or simply take in the Hudson River views at your leisure. Breakneck Ridge, in nearby Philipstown, features incredible views of surrounding Hudson Highlands State Park and Storm King Mountain across the river and should be on everyone’s hiking bucket list. Paddlers enjoy great views of the surrounding Hudson Highlands from the water. 

By bus: Take a 1-hour Hudson Line bus from Harlem-125th Street to Cold Spring, NY. 

By train: Take a 70-minute Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Cold Spring, NY.  

Just 25 miles from New York City, the Village of Nyack's downtown on the west shore of the Hudson River is a treasure trove of unique art and antique shops, delicious restaurants, and historical landmarks. Foodies flock to Nyack for its growing international restaurant scene, like the flavor-rich Filipino cuisine and warm service at Karenderya –named one the 20 best new restaurants of 2018 in the country by Esquire. Art and history lovers enjoy exploring the Edward Hopper House (pictured), the birthplace and childhood home of iconic American artist Edward Hopper, which features exhibitions of 20th century and contemporary art, with early Hopper work, memorabilia, and rotating exhibits relating to the artist. The village is also home to annual festivals, a farmer's market, theaters, and nightclubs.

​By train: Take a 45-minute express Metro North train from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown, NY; then take a 20-minute connecting Tarrytown Express Bus to Nyack, NY. 

This vibrant Ulster County village has it all, from hiking and biking to wining and dining. It’s home to a lively music scene, farm-to-table eateries, charming boutiques and cafes, the SUNY New Paltz campus, and the historic Mohonk Preserve . On Historic Huguenot Street , discover 10 acres of beautifully preserved 17th-century homes, buildings, and artifacts.

By car: 1.5-2 hours drive from Midtown Manhattan

By bus: Take a 1.5-hour bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to New Paltz. 

​By train: Take a 1.5-hour Amtrak train from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station , or a 2-hour Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Poughkeepsie, NY; then take a local bus service, taxi, or Zipcar to New Paltz, NY.

Port Jefferson 

Credit: @explore_longisland on Instagram

Take a day trip to Long Island’s North Shore and enjoy dining, shopping, and outdoor exploration in the beautiful waterfront village of Port Jefferson. The village’s rich history dates to the 1600s and many of the historic buildings and homes still standing here belonged to prominent area sailors and shipbuilders. Explore this history at buildings like the Village Center , formerly a shipyard where builders created and launched ships into the Long Island Sound, then admire the seagrass landscape while taking a stroll on the 350-foot pier at Harborfront Park. Kids will love that the village is home to Long Island’s premier hands-on science museum for children, the Long Island Explorium . 

​By train: Take a 2-hour Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Port Jefferson.

Although the famous festival that borrowed the town's name actually took place about an hour west, the spirit of the 1960s and early 1970s is still alive in Woodstock, New York. Peace, love, understanding, art, and music still reign in this quaint village nestled in the Catskill Mountains, along with farm-fresh food, excellent dining, community shopping, and great entertainment. Quaint stores along Tinker Street invite you to shop for clothing, home goods, jewelry, and great one-of-a-kind items, many of them artisan originals. Be sure to stop in some of the many art spaces, featuring photography, sculptures, ceramics, contemporary art, and more. If the weather’s good, take a hike on Overlook Mountain , climb the fire tower, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and the Ashokan Reservoir .

​By train: Take a 2-hour Metro North train from Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan to Poughkeepsie, NY; then rent a Zipcar for a 45-minute drive to Woodstock.

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• Destinations

25 Best Day Trips in New York State (Including Upstate)

Last Updated By VI on June 5, 2024

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Ellicottville.

• Complete List & Map

2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo , NY 14218, Phone: 716-827-1584 , Map

Delicious dining options in Cazenovia include the acclaimed Lincklaen House, which serves up casual fine dining in a stunning historic building stocked with period furniture. More day trips from Rochester, NY

Visitors can also view the historic Bloody Run site, which commemorates the site of a significant battle between indigenous American villagers and European generals. Finger Lakes Weekend Getaways

Other special events include a Mardi Gras celebration, a Jazz and Blues Festival, and a Rock'n'Oldies Weekend.

The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County

Outdoor recreational opportunities abound at sites such as Zoar Valley, Case Lake, and Harwood Lake. Unique geological attractions are also on display at Rock City Park and Little Rock City, including prehistoric formations. More day trips from Pittsburgh

Ausable Chasm

More ideas: New York Beaches

Coney Island History Project - Preserving Coney Island's Past

More Day Trips from Long Island and Trips from NYC Without a Car

Hunter Mountain

More ideas: Best Hudson Valley Day Trips

The city is also renowned for its extensive live music scene, which is home to more than 80 venues throughout the greater region and has produced major independent rock artists like the X Ambassadors and Kurt Riley. Map

Lake Placid

One of the best weekend getaways from NYC , the village is a must-visit for winter sports and hockey enthusiasts, known as the site of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game between the 1980 United States and Soviet Olympic hockey teams. Olympics memorabilia is on display at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, including team medals and uniforms. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of hotels and activities throughout the city's beautiful Adirondack Mountains landscape, including opportunities for skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain, which is home to Eastern North America's highest vertical elevation. If you are asking yourself: "Where should I go in Upstate NY?", Lake Placid is a great destination for couples and families. More New York Lakes

Letchworth State Park

More ideas: things to do in Watertown

Guest lecturers are also showcased throughout the summer, including international luminaries such as Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, James Van Praagh. Lisa Williams, and members of the television series Ghost Hunters. More day trips from Albany, NY

New York Adventure Club - Great Tours of New York City's Hidden Gems

Whether you’re a total newbie to New York City or a lifelong resident, you can get a lot out of these tours and experiences. Even if you think you know New York better than anyone, you’ll be surprised to learn and see what the New York Adventure Club has to offer. As the name suggests, the New York Adventure Club really is a club, with a focused community vibe and atmosphere. More info

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

3395 Hwy 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, Phone: 315-568-5987 , Map

Niagara Falls

Visitors can also ride the Maid of the Mist tour boat for an up-close view of the falls directly on the water. Where to Stay Near Niagara Falls

More ideas: Day Trips from Connecticut

Skaneateles

Annual special events hosted by the town throughout the year include the summer Skaneateles Festival music event, the Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show, and the Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles period holiday event.

The National Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, Phone: 585-263-2700 , Map

The Thousand Islands

Other gorgeous structures on the islands include the romantic 120-room Boldt Castle and the living history museum Singer Castle. Activities in Alexandria Bay, NY

Tupper Lake

Visitors can also explore attractions such as the Six Nations Indian Museum or sample brews at Raquette River Brewing. More Hudson Valley day trips

More ideas: things to do in Glens Falls

Watkins Glen

More ideas: Best Castles in New York

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Women's Rights National Historical Park , 136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, Phone: 315-568-0024

1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, Phone: 845-765-3286

2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-484-0800 , Map

• 1. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
• 2. Cazenovia
• 4. Ellicottville
• 5. The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County
• 6. Ausable Chasm
• 7. Coney Island History Project - Preserving Coney Island's Past
• 8. Hunter Mountain
• 10. Lake Placid
• 11. Letchworth State Park
• 12. Lily Dale
• 13. New York Adventure Club - Great Tours of New York City's Hidden Gems
• 14. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
• 15. Niagara Falls
• 16. Rochester
• 17. Skaneateles
• 18. The National Museum of Play
• 19. The Thousand Islands
• 20. Tupper Lake
• 22. Watkins Glen
• 23. Women's Rights National Historical Park

More New York Getaways:

Resources: NY Tourism , NYC Tourism

More Features

12 Best Overwater Hotel Pools

25 Best Things to Do in the Catskills, NY

25 Best Day Trips from Long Island, NY

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15 Top-Rated Day Trips from New York City, NY

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated May 13, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

New York City has so much to offer that many tourists, and even the locals, never venture outside of Manhattan. However, it is well worth escaping the urban jungle to spend time in the peaceful, picturesque surroundings.

Charming historic towns are scattered around the idyllic countryside of New York State and make great day trips from New York City. Especially beautiful in late spring, summer, and autumn, the landscape features forested rolling hills and lush valleys.

Many delightful places to visit are just a 90-minute train ride (or less) from New York City: the colonial-era village of Sleepy Hollow, the quaint rural community of Cold Spring, and the lovely Victorian-era city of Beacon in the Hudson Valley. Even the unspoiled wilderness of Bear Mountain is only a one-hour drive or slightly over an hour train ride away from Manhattan.

Several of the attractions on this list are within greater New York City but are popular day-trip excursions, like Coney Island, Governors Island, and Rockaway Beach; they're ideal for a fun day of recreation and relaxation.

A few destinations on this list are considerably farther away and require a bit more effort to get there. Washington D.C. is over three hours away by train, but it has many impressive cultural attractions that merit the journey. Niagara Falls in Upstate New York is a seven-hour drive from New York City; however, it's possible to visit for the day by taking a flight and organized tour.

Learn about the best places to visit and things to do around the Big Apple with our list of the top day trips from New York City.

1. Washington, D.C.

2. philadelphia, 3. cold spring: a country village in the hudson valley, 4. quaint historic town of beacon, 5. storm king art center, 6. hiking and cycling at bear mountain state park, 7. sleepy hollow and tarrytown: colonial-era villages, 8. summertime fun in coney island, 9. niagara falls, 10. governors island, 11. princeton university and town, 12. rockaway beach, 13. greenwood gardens, 14. shopping at woodbury common and sugar loaf village, 15. farms in long valley, map of day trips from new york city, ny.

Washington, D.C. is a city of epic proportions, in its architectural monuments, as well as cultural heritage. The first president of the United States, George Washington, commissioned French-born city planner Pierre Charles L'Enfant to develop the nation's capital in 1791. L'Enfant designed broad streets and avenues that recall the grand boulevards of Paris, the most elegant capital city of Europe at the time.

The government buildings of Washington, D.C. were designed in lavish Neoclassical style, revealing an architectural and cultural influence from ancient Greece and Rome where democracy first flourished.

Today tourists are inspired by the city's rich heritage, seen in its iconic landmarks, evocative memorials, and superb museums.

Among the many tourist sites of Washington, D.C. , two of the most emblematic are the magnificent domed Capitol building, seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and The White House , the U.S. President's official residence. Tours of the Capitol are available for individuals and groups (advanced reservations are recommended). Guided tours of The White House must be scheduled in advance.

To admire larger-than-life tributes to important U.S. Presidents, visitors should see the Jefferson Memorial and the beloved Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall , an expansive park space. In view from the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (unveiled in 2011) honoring the prominent leader of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Art lovers and history buffs could spend days just touring the museums in Washington D.C. The Smithsonian Institution alone consists of 17 different museums, including the National Portrait Gallery , which exhibits portraits of the nation's most influential figures; the popular National Museum of American History ; and the National Air and Space Museum , which chronicles the history of aviation and space travel.

The newest addition to the Smithsonian Institution is the National Museum of African American History and Culture . The extensive collection features diverse topics such as exhibits about Harriet Tubman, historical records of enslaved persons, a South Carolina plantation cabin, photographs of the Tulsa Race Riot, a collection of fliers about hip hop and jazz music events. Admission to the museum requires a timed-entry pass.

Travelers can take the train from New York City to arrive in Washington D.C. However the train ride is 3.5 hours each way, so it's recommended to leave early to ensure a full day of sightseeing. An easier option is going on an organized tour, which allows tourists to visit many of the city's top attractions on a day trip. The Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York includes transportation by air-conditioned bus and entrance fees.

It's an easy and worthwhile day trip to Philadelphia, just one hour and 35 minutes away by train from New York City. In fact, many Philadelphians commute to work daily in New York City. However, the two cities feel further away in ambience, as Philadelphia has plenty of green spaces and more of a small-town feel.

The main tourist appeal of Philadelphia is its connection to American history. The Old City district (Independence National Historical Park), a one-square-mile historic section of downtown Philadelphia, is packed with landmarks: Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was adopted; the famous Liberty Bell ; Congress Hall; the Betsy Roth House ; the Benjamin Franklin Museum; and the Museum of the American Revolution.

One particularly enchanting corner of the Old City is Elfreth's Alley , the country's first residential street (dating to 1702). The Old City also has many shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Outside of the Old City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) display superb fine arts collections.

Philadelphia is a modern multicultural city with a Chinatown and a large Italian neighborhood ( South Philadelphia ). Philadelphia also has a gritty urban aspect: the grey skyscrapers and industrial warehouses surrounding the historic monuments.

For the most rewarding and stress-free way to visit Philadelphia on a day trip, it's a good idea to take an organized tour. Departing from downtown New York City, the Philadelphia and Amish Country Day Trip is a full-day guided tour that covers Philadelphia's highlights plus a stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and a jaunt through the Amish farm country on a horse-drawn buggy ride.

Considered one of the best-preserved 19th-century towns in the Hudson Valley region , Cold Spring is a charming country village only 50 miles north of Manhattan. The picturesque historic center was built up along the Hudson River.

A babbling brook runs right through the town's Main Street , which is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores. During summertime, visitors enjoy having coffee at sidewalk cafés and dining by the riverfront or at the restaurants with outdoor patios, many of which offer live music.

Cold Spring has a pleasant riverside park and gardens that inspire relaxation. In the wooded rolling hills surrounding the town are many hiking and biking trails that lead through pastoral scenes of leafy trees and alongside freshwater streams.

Visitors can also participate in water sports, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and waterskiing on the river. In the autumn, fall foliage cruises are popular.

During the summer months, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival takes places at an outdoor theater in nearby Garrison (one mile away) on the grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens . This Georgian-style mansion has exquisite gardens on the banks of the Hudson River. Visitors may picnic on the Boscobel lawn or enjoy snacks from a café beside the theater.

In Garrison, the Philipstown Depot Theatre presents top-notch original theater performances throughout the year. Garrison also has several excellent restaurants.

Cold Spring is accessible from New York City by car, train, or ferry. The train ride (which takes a little over one hour) is the easiest way to arrive here. However, traveling by car makes it possible to attend cultural events in the area such as the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. The car ride from New York City to Cold Spring is about 90 minutes depending on traffic.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Cold Spring

Just seven miles from Cold Spring in the lush Hudson Valley countryside, Beacon is an easy day-trip destination from New York City. The car or train (on the Metro North Railroad ) takes about 90 minutes.

The historic town of Beacon brims with classic Americana charm. Handsome red-brick architecture distinguishes the Main Street , which these days is buzzing with activity. Victorian-era buildings are now filled with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, cafés, bakeries, and trendy restaurants, as well as more traditional establishments.

For splendid views of the area's natural landscape, outdoorsy types can try the Mount Beacon Incline Railway trail , a hiking path along part of a historic railway route that leads up to the top of Mount Beacon. This hike in the 234-acre Mount Beacon Park takes about one hour each way, and hikers are rewarded with panoramic views from the summit.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Beacon

Just 12 miles away from Beacon, the Storm King Art Center is an expansive sculpture garden in the Hudson Valley . This 500-acre open-air museum is nestled in a bucolic landscape of rolling hills, meadows, and forests.

Dedicated to supporting contemporary artists, as well as protecting the environment, the expansive property exhibits large-scale sculptures and commissioned pieces. The collection includes striking artworks created from the 1950s to the present.

From New York City, it's an easy day trip to the Storm King Art Center by train or bus. Travelers can take the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central station in New York City to Beacon and then hail a taxi to Storm King Art Center. Another option is the New Jersey Transit train that goes from Penn Station in New York to Salisbury Mills station (three miles from Storm King) or the Coach USA bus that offers round-trip tickets from Port Authority bus terminal.

Official site: https://stormking.org

Bear Mountain State Park is an idyllic retreat in nature, about 50 miles north of New York City on the west bank of the Hudson River. The area was established as a protected nature preserve in 1910, and today is one of the most popular state parks in the United States.

Hikers and cyclists relish the rugged scenery and endless choice of trails. Hundreds of marked paths traverse the park, a vast wilderness that encompasses over 5,000 acres of wooded mountain terrain, including a lake and river with fishing access.

A favorite hike is the 3.6-mile Bear Mountain Summit Loop up to the top of Bear Mountain. The sweeping views from the summit make the challenging uphill journey worthwhile.

Bear Mountain is blanketed with wildflowers in the springtime. During summertime, visitors enjoy the picnic areas in shaded groves, swimming pool, and playing fields. In winter, things to do include cross-country skiing and ice-skating at the outdoor rink. Lake fishing is possible throughout the year; the season for trout fishing in the streams is from April through September.

One of the best times of year to visit Bear Mountain is in autumn, when the vibrant, multicolored fall foliage is spectacular.

Bear Mountain State Park has a few attractions that appeal to families with kids, including children's playgrounds. Another favorite attraction among youngsters is the Trailside Museums and Zoo that educates visitors about natural history, the local environment, and indigenous wildlife. The zoo houses rescued mammals that are native to the state of New York.

Topping the list of children's activities is a ride around the Merry-Go-Round . The park's unique carrousel features hand-carved seats depicting animals of the region, such as the black bear, Canadian goose, deer, raccoon, rabbit, and wild turkey.

It takes about 75 minutes to arrive here by train by Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central station to the Peekskill station, and then it's six miles by taxi to Bear Mountain State Park. Alternatively, visitors can hop on the Coach USA at the New York City Port Authority terminal for an easy one-hour bus ride to Bear Mountain State Park.

Sleepy Hollow is a colonial-era village on the Hudson River (about 20 miles north of New York City), an area that was historically a center of farming and milling. It's easy to arrive here by car or the Metro North Railroad (which takes just under an hour from Grand Central Station).

Sleepy Hollow was the setting of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollo w , the story about a headless horseman, and is famous for its Halloween festivities throughout the month of October, when the town comes to life with haunted hayrides, glowing pumpkins, live music, literary events, street fairs, and parades. Of course, the Headless Horseman is sure to make an appearance.

The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is considered a must-see sight during Halloween or any time of year. Daytime and evening cemetery walking tours are offered from April through October. For the evening tours, the cemetery is illuminated by kerosene lanterns.

Other tourist highlights in Sleepy Hollow are the 17th-century Old Dutch Church and the Philipsburg Manor , both mentioned in Irving's short story.

Visitors can also try to find the Headless Horseman Bridge , although it's unknown which of the rustic bridges spanning the Pocantico River is the one that Irving described in his story.

Another top attraction is Kykuit , a landmark registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that is open to the public for guided tours. Four generations of Rockefellers lived in this stately mansion, which is perched on a hilltop surrounded by magnificent gardens overlooking the Hudson River.

Less than one mile away from Sleepy Hollow is Tarrytown , another quaint colonial village with a National Trust landmark: Lyndhurst , a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion that was owned by railroad baron Jay Gould. Visitors may take a Mansion Tour or purchase a Grounds Pass to see the lovely gardens on the 67-acre estate.

Tourists can travel a few miles further (three miles away) to Sunnyside , the home of author Washington Irving. This estate in the town of Irvington was originally a Dutch farmer's house and is now open to the public. Beginning in mid-September, the site ("the home of the legend") treats visitors to a special Halloween experience, featuring a scavenger hunt and exhibits about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow .

With its roller coaster rides and famous fairground foods, Coney Island is synonymous with summertime fun. This iconic seaside destination, although not technically an island, is in the southernmost part of Brooklyn, only 14 miles away from Manhattan, and easily accessible by subway.

Epitomizing American popular culture, the old-fashioned Amusement Park allows visitors to forget their cares and have a few hours of fun. Besides the Amusement Park roller-coaster rides, games, and Beach Boardwalk , Coney Island also has museums, film screenings, and circus performances.

Coney Island is open seasonally from Easter until Halloween. The park has more than 50 rides and attractions with opening hours only on weekends from Easter through Memorial Day, and all week long from Memorial Day until Labor Day, then only on weekends from Labor Day through October.

The Coney Island beach and boardwalk are open year-round; lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The New York Aquarium and Nathan's Famous hot dog stand are open almost daily year-round.

During the summer (end of June through August), visitors are dazzled by fireworks displays every Friday evening at 9:30pm. The fireworks shows take place on the beach.

Address: Coney Island, Brooklyn 11224

Official site: http://coneyislandfunguide.com

For breathtaking natural scenery, Niagara Falls is the ultimate destination. Although the location in Upstate New York is too far away to drive from New York City for the day, it is possible to visit on a day trip by taking a short flight.

The Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York City by Air coordinates the ground transportation and flights to and from New York City. The day trip package also includes a guided tour of the Niagara Falls area, a boat cruise past the waterfalls, and a buffet lunch.

Just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan, Governors Island is an escape from the hubbub of New York City. The ferry leaves from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) in Manhattan or Pier 6 (Brooklyn Bridge Park) in Brooklyn and arrives at Soissons Landing or Yankee Pier on Governors Island. A visitor's first impression will be the peaceful traffic-free atmosphere and sensational views of New York City.

The island's 70-foot-high Hills space offers amazing panoramas of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the New York Harbor.

For more stunning vistas, Castle Williams is not to be missed. Built between 1807 and 1811, this coastal fort was designed by the Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army as a sentinel overlooking the New York Harbor. Currently managed by the National Park Services, Castle Williams is open to the public on weekends.

Besides the beautiful scenery, the other main reason to visit Governors Island is for the recreational activities. Visitors can go cycling, walking, enjoy picnics, or play miniature golf. For a casual meal or snack, tourists can choose from several casual restaurants and a few ice cream shops.

Culture hounds will appreciate that Governor's Island hosts events such as art exhibits and film festivals; check the schedule before planning a trip.

Official site: https://govisland.com

Founded in 1756, Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League institution in a serene, park-like setting. Around 180 university buildings grace the campus' expansive 500-acre grounds. Meandering tree-shaded paths lead from dorm rooms to classrooms and libraries.

Visitors will enjoy wandering around the campus, while admiring the inspiring ivy-covered halls. The architecture of the university's buildings reflects a wide range of styles, from colonial and Romanesque to modern. Many of the Collegiate Gothic buildings were modeled after the medieval halls of Oxford and Cambridge in England.

The campus' most noteworthy monument is the colonial-era Nassau Hall , built in 1756. This historic landmark witnessed a turning point in the Revolutionary War during the Battle of Princeton in 1777. British troops surrendered to General George Washington here, and Nassau Hall then became the new nation's capital building.

The Historical Society of Princeton offers guided two-hour walking tours of the Princeton University campus and the town every Sunday at 2pm.

Cultural attractions abound in Princeton. Visitors can admire a prestigious fine arts collection at the Princeton University Art Museum and learn about American history at the Morven Museum , which is housed in a National Historic Landmark.

For cultural performances, the McCarter Theatre Center presents Tony Award-winning theater, as well as dance, jazz, classical music, and comedy performances. The Princeton Garden Theatre screens artistic independent films, classic Hollywood movies, foreign films, and screenings of live broadcasts of theatrical events. The Princeton Garden Theatre also hosts an Outdoor Cinema Series.

At Rider University in Princeton, the Westminster Choir College is renowned for its opera and choral performances.

The downtown of Princeton invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll, browse locally owned boutiques, grab a bite to eat, or dine at one of the upscale restaurants. For those who have more time, the town of Princeton is a wonderful place to spend the night.

On the handsome Palmer Square in the heart of downtown Princeton, the Colonial-era Nassau Inn is a luxury hotel that blends traditional style with contemporary elegance. Another landmark in downtown Princeton is The Peacock Inn , a boutique hotel in a renovated historic mansion. Both the Nassau Inn and the Peacock Inn have excellent restaurants.

If visiting from mid-September through October, it's worth heading over to Terhune Orchards (four miles from Princeton) for Apple Day . This festive annual event includes apple picking, live music, and pumpkin paintings.

About 21 miles from Manhattan in Queens, Rockaway Beach is actually several different beaches along the expansive stretch between 3rd Street and 153rd Street. Known as the best beach destination near the city, Rockaway Beach merits the one-hour journey from downtown Manhattan by subway.

Rockaway beach buzzes with activity during the high season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. On balmy summer days, sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers come out in droves, however this gorgeous seaside destination is popular year-round.

Enjoy the refreshing ocean scenery; go for a walk along the sandy beach; and stop for a snack at one of the casual eateries or food stands on the Beach Boardwalk at 86th Street, 97th Street, and 106th Street. Rockaway Beach also has public restrooms and shower facilities, seven playgrounds, fishing areas, skate parks, handball courts, volleyball courts, a roller hockey field, and basketball courts.

This splendid 28-acre formal garden is surrounded by 1,200 acres of parkland, including the forests of South Mountain Reservation. Previously a private estate with an elegant manor house, Greenwood Garden was transformed in 2000 into a nonprofit conservation organization and public garden. The property features a blend of contemporary, classical, and Arts & Crafts garden-design styles.

Visitors are delighted by the Italianate-style terraces, moss-covered paths, groves of shady plane and spruce trees, and wildflower meadows.

Greenwood Gardens also offers events throughout the year such as lectures about gardening and holiday festivities. Visitors may take birding walks led by an Audubon Naturalist or a guided walking tour of the garden to learn about the garden's history and landscaping.

Greenwood Gardens is in Short Hills, New Jersey, just 22 miles from New York City, which is easily accessible by train. The ride on New Jersey Transit begins at Penn Station and takes about one hour and 30 minutes.

Address: 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ

Official site: http://greenwoodgardens.org

For brand-name shopping at reduced prices, fashion mavens make a beeline to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, about 50 miles (a 90-minute drive) north of New York City. The wide selection of designer-label outlets includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cucinelli, Calvin Klein, Escada, Fendi, Gucci, Izod, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Levi's, Loro Piana, MaxMara, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, and Versace.

Just 11 miles away from Woodbury Common, the place to go for shopping at artisan boutiques is Sugar Loaf Art & Craft Village . Tucked away amid the apple orchards and ranches of Warwick Valley, Sugar Loaf is a community of craftsmen that was founded in 1749.

In the little village of Sugar Loaf, artisans live and work in renovated 18th-century buildings. Sugar Loaf artisans create handmade pottery, paintings, candles, furniture, and jewelry that is available for purchase at the village's adorable boutiques.

A top destination for autumn outdoor activities, Long Valley is a pastoral area of New Jersey just 55 miles from New York City. The fall foliage is especially splendid here because of the many tall, leafy trees that line the valley's country roads. Besides leaf peeping in September, October, and November (depending on the year), other attractions of Long Valley are horseback riding and the local farms.

Many of the farms in this area allow visitors to pick their own pumpkins, apples, and fresh vegetables during harvest season. The 400-acre Ort Farms entertains kids with its gentle farm animals and delights parents with its old-fashioned grocery store.

The Willow Grove Farm offers horseback riding lessons and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Covering 120 acres, the Valley Shepherd Creamery is a working sheep diary that produces the finest artisanal cheeses and leads farm tours that explain the cheesemaking process.

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Nearby Beach Vacation Destinations : During summertime, vacationers flock to the beach resorts within easy reach of New York City. Topping the list of weekend getaways is the Hamptons (a three-hour drive from NYC) on the southern tip of Long Island, but many great beaches on Long Island , such as Fire Island, are closer. About a 2.5-hour drive away are fabulous beaches on the Jersey Shore . It's worth the four- to five-hour drive to picturesque Cape Cod for its seaside charm and superb sandy beaches .

Weekend Getaways in Upstate New York : The resorts of Upstate New York and the attractions of the Hudson Valley draw many visitors. In a tranquil region of wooded rolling hills, several upscale Catskills resorts are just a two-hour drive from NYC. Other highlights of Upstate New York include Otsego Lake in Cooperstown (a 4.5-hour drive), renowned for its luxury resort hotel; Saratoga Springs , famous for its spa and horse racing; and The Sagamore on Lake George (a four-hour drive), one of the best resorts in the Adirondacks .

Relaxing Escapes in Rural Pennsylvania : Among the small towns of Pennsylvania , Lancaster and Lilitz (both about a 3.5-hour drive from New York City) are great places for a peaceful escape in Amish farm country. Besides Lancaster County, other weekend getaway destinations in Pennsylvania include the Pocono Mountains (a two-hour-and-45-minute drive from New York City). This pristine natural environment draws many visitors for hiking, cycling, white water rafting, bird-watching, and other recreational activities.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » New York (NY) » 15 Best Day Trips From Syracuse NY

15 Best Day Trips From Syracuse NY

The fifth most populated city in New York State is a hotbed of urban activity that is irresistible to the passing traveller, as well as being a crucial gateway to the incredible natural beauty of the upstate region.

While Syracuse itself is home to the attractive Erie Canal, a plethora of world-class restaurants, and the largest mall in the state, the real treats are scattered around nearby.

From forts and castles to the breath-taking lakes and mountainscapes of the Adirondacks, there are countless day trips to be taken where you can discover the charms of the American east.

Let’s have a look at the best day trips from Syracuse, NY.

1. Howe Caverns

Rivalling the legendary Niagara Falls in their popularity, the eerily beautiful Howe Caverns are as vast as they are impressive.

This subterranean phenomenon was formed over millions of years and is particularly accessible to the public, as they don’t require specialist equipment to be able to explore.

You’ll have the chance to venture in on foot, by boat, or both, as you head further and further underground surrounded by bizarre and fascinating geological formations.

The trip is best concluded with a visit to the enormous subterranean lake situated deep within the caverns.

2. Buttermilk Falls State Park

The ideal day out for both families and outdoor enthusiasts because of its accessibility and mild environment, Buttermilk Falls State Park is a wonderful escape from the urban landscape of Syracuse.

The falls themselves get their name from the foaming water cascading down the valley from Buttermilk Creek.

Aside from the gorgeous falls, the park is also home to Cayuga Lake, as well as a less impressive smaller lake in the upper park.

Surrounded by hiking trails, natural pools, playing fields and extensive wetland areas, Buttermilk Falls State Park has enough to keep nature lovers busy for the entire day.

3. Finger Lakes

Renowned both nationwide and worldwide for the quality of its produce, Finger Lakes is home to not only the largest number, but also some of the finest wineries in the east.

With over 100 companies, ranging from wineries to breweries, the gorgeous region centers around Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka lakes, meaning that as well as delicious wine tasting days, visitors also have an abundance of beautiful hiking routes at their fingertips.

For a breath-taking escape from the city and mouth-watering food and wine events – which are held regularly – the Finger Lakes are an unmissable and novel day trip from Syracuse.

4. Letchworth State Park

Situated along the shores of the glittering Genesee River, Letchworth State Park is an indescribably beautiful expanse covering more than 14,000 acres.

It houses three enormous waterfalls, a series of thousand-year-old cliffs, and thriving woodland on all sides.

The dramatic cliffs have gained the park the title of the “Grand Canyon of the East”, and at almost 600-feet in height, it’s easy to see why.

Of course, the hiking opportunities in the area are unrivalled by any others in the region, and visitors can stretch their legs on over 60-miles of these pristine routes.

Also on offer is adrenaline-pumping kayaking, exciting white water rafting, and surreal hot-air-balloon rides for those in search of a spectacular view.

5. Boldt Castle

Standing proudly upon Heart Island, near the Thousand Islands archipelago, is the century-old Boldt Castle.

This gorgeous construction was originally designed to be a dream summer home, and, while now vacant, does in fact offer tours to the public.

Surrounded by beautiful wooded gardens and its own Yacht House, the castle comprises of stately rooms, priceless furniture and antique art, all in the breath-taking water-locked settings of Alexandria Bay in Upstate New York.

If you simply want a passing glance at the castle, you can also enjoy it from afar on a cruise down the St Lawrence River, as well as catching sight of other stately homes built on similar islands nearby.

6. Niagara Falls

The ever-popular and always breath taking Niagara Falls are visible from the New York side and the Canadian side, and take between 2-3 hours to reach from Syracuse, depending on which view you go for.

The most popular view is from the Canadian side, due to the sweeping panoramas visible, though be sure to take your passport and assign extra travel time for the occasionally lengthy border crossings.

If you don’t decide to embark on the Maid of the Mist cruise, then you can use your time to explore the Niagara Gorge Trail or the exhilarating Whirlpool State Park.

7. Cooperstown

A town that is irrefutably and affectionately associated with baseball, Cooperstown is a destination for sports fanatics, curious travellers and nature lovers, thanks to its location on the picturesque Otsego Lake.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is the center of town, and sees hundreds of people a day pass through its doors to peruse iconic moments and faces from one of the nation’s most beloved sports.

Cooperstown itself evokes an idyllic small town image of American life, filled with quaint, charming, family-owned stores, and back dropped by the beautiful lake and forested hills.

8. Lake Placid

The long-time favourite getaway for locals from all over Upstate New York, as well as visitors in search of gorgeous views, Lake Placid is reachable in just under three hours from Syracuse.

It has everything on offer, including relaxing, water sports and hiking.

Popular in the winter because of the heavy snowfall and consequent sledding and skiing opportunities on Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid is a year-round destination.

In the summer, people flock to the lake to cool off and frolic while taking in the colorful wildflower displays visible in the fields around the water’s edge.

9. Fort Ticonderoga

The impressive Fort Ticonderoga is over two centuries old and is positively steeped in Revolutionary history – all which occurred around the picturesque region of Lake Champlain in the 1750’s.

The old French fort, aside from being a pivotal location for American soldiers over the course of many battles, also served as a source of inspiration for writers and artists, who visited the beautiful peninsula during the 19th Century.

The restored ruins are now open to the public and host a variety of fascinating events and exhibitions.

10. Watkins Glen State Park

Another fantastic hiking destination, with access to some truly wonderful and unique views, Watkins Glen State Park is home to the dreamlike Cavern Cascade.

The infinity shower-like falls tumble down through the ceiling of a covered gorge that people can hike through, and are a favourite among landscape photographers looking to capture the surreal phenomenon.

You can also hike on the numerous rim trails above the gorge for a different and equally beautiful perspective.

11. Ausable Chasm

Fed by the picturesque Rainbow Falls and running into the vast Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm is a stunning gorge made of sandstone and nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks” due to its size and majesty.

As well as appreciating the aesthetic beauty of the gorge, visitors can enjoy countless activities in the area.

Embark on a range of various difficultly-level hikes, climb the rock faces of the chasm itself, or plunge into the river on a white-water rafting adventure.

12. Thousand Islands

Consisting of an incredible 1864 islands, the islets of the Thousand Islands archipelago wildly differ in size, ranging from many square miles to only large enough for a single resident – giving the area an unpredictable and intriguing feel.

Never far from the water’s edge, day trips to these islands are full of water sports, sunshine and nature.

You’ll also find various points of interest like the stately Boldt Castle, occupying its own island.

Though if you simply want to detach from city life, head to one of the unpopulated alternatives and enjoy the government regulated parks and their gorgeous flora and fauna.

13. Buffalo

Not far from Niagara Falls, on the shores of Lake Erie, lies the iconic city of Buffalo.

Famed for its atmosphere embodying the typical American Rust Belt city, Buffalo is an excellent day trip for those looking for an iconic American foodie experience.

It goes without question that visitors should try the aptly named, world-famous Buffalo wings that are enjoyed internationally, with some truly unbelievable varieties of wing and hot sauce originating here.

14. Rochester

Another iconic American city found on the shores of Lake Ontario and within easy reach of the Finger Lakes region, Rochester is a welcome breath of fresh air from Syracuse.

It has a diverse range of attractions on offer, ranging from the natural and the culinary to the cultural.

Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Memorial Art Gallery on University Avenue, where works from Monet and Rembrandt are on constant display.

Rochester’s answer to the nearby Buffalo’s culinary success can also be found here, in the form of the “garbage plate”, a mixture of meat sauce, macaroni salad and fries.

15. Seneca Falls

One of the most significant locations in the United States for those with an interest or curiosity in women’s or civil rights, Seneca Falls was the host of the first Women’s Rights Convention, as well as the home of The Women’s Rights National Historic Park.

The various museums and points of interest concerning the nation’s steps towards liberty over a century ago attract activists and curious travellers alike, keen to learn about this aspect of the nation’s history.

15 Best Day Trips From Syracuse NY:

• Howe Caverns
• Buttermilk Falls State Park
• Finger Lakes
• Letchworth State Park
• Boldt Castle
• Niagara Falls
• Cooperstown
• Lake Placid
• Fort Ticonderoga
• Watkins Glen State Park
• Ausable Chasm
• Thousand Islands
• Seneca Falls

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7 Best Day Trips from New York City

By Alex Van Buren , Andrea Whittle , and Devra Ferst

New York City has endless allure for residents and visitors, from its cultural attractions to its dining and nightlife scene , but sometimes what you need most from New York is a break. Seated where it is on the northeast corridor, there are plenty of great escapes you can tackle in a day or long weekend. These places that are just a train or car ride away from NYC combine ease of access with a fresh vibe no less full of appeal: from the nearby waterfront to the charming towns upstate. These are the best day trips from NYC.

• Beacon and Cold Spring, New York
• The North Fork, Long Island
• North Adams, Massachusetts
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• The Hamptons, Long Island
• Kingston, New York
• Hudson, New York

Read our complete New York City travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

BEACON AND COLD SPRING, NEW YORK

A short jaunt on the Metro North from New York City, these two little towns have become popular in spring, summer, and fall. They're beautiful, with DIA: Beacon the star around which a constellation of eating, drinking, and hotel options have sprung up. Since they're a quick car or train ride apart, you could see both in one day, if you like. Consider steak frites, ice cream by the water, drinks overlooking a rumbling waterfall, and a quaint B&B if you can't bear to leave so quickly.

The Patio at The Roundhouse Arrow

This former dye mill ( now hotel ) overlooks Beacon Falls, and boy are they gorgeous, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall from the seasonally open Patio Grill. (Mother Nature did good work on both the lighting and the water feature.) The menu changes all the time, and past hits have included a burger with smoked Gouda, fried shrimp with spicy mayo, and a pretty solid salad. Keep it simple and go for wine or beer on tap; cocktails are ambitious but don’t always hit the mark. This food isn’t going to blow your mind, nor will it break the bank: You’re here for that view.

Dogwood Arrow

One of a couple neighborhood bars where you can really feel the chill Beacon vibe, this one is studded with locals hunkered in their booths, or tipping back a few local on-tap drafts. You’ve got 16 taps on draft, solid cocktails but nothing fancy, and wine from California, France, and Italy, for the most part (we’d go with a pint). You're wanting a burger, some wings, jumbo stuffed tater tots, a pint, and some gossip. This place has all of it.

Hudson River Expeditions Arrow

This rustic kayak tour outfitter in Cold Spring takes you to the still-beautiful Bannerman Castle , which is in a state of photogenic dishabille . Guides tend to be on the very friendly side, and the folks hosting you at the castle itself are bookish and know their stuff. This late spring to early fall operation is pretty much right on the Hudson, which is perhaps why the folks running the show seem to understand the river itself. You’ll want to book in advance, but if you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to pop by just in case there are openings. They have a Peekskill, NY location, too.

Cold Spring Antiques Center Arrow

Tiny, cluttered, and wonderful, this is one of a clutch of great antiques and vintage shops peppering Main Street. Mix-and-match bakelite flatware (a steal) is packed in right alongside vintage Mister Rogers albums, and a lamp of a white monkey clutching a lightbulb. It’s a hoarder’s fever dream. Remember that half the pleasure of vintage and antique shopping is in The Dig. Spend some time shuffling through old photos, posters and the like, and you might just find a diamond in the rough. (But probably not an actual diamond.)

Storm King Art Center Arrow

Forget what you think you know about tiny, manicured sculpture gardens. Storm King Art Center—simply, Storm King to those fleeing the city to see it—is an extraordinary 500-acre outdoor museum just across the river from Beacon and Cold Spring, complete with works from Alexander Calder, Zhang Huan, and Sol LeWitt. In autumn, it’s hard to say what’s more striking here: the artwork or the scenery. Strap on your best walking shoes and pack a picnic. You’ll want to spend a day exploring here.

Pig Hill Inn Arrow

This 1825-era B&B is adorable, right on Cold Spring's Main Street, and comes with a fabulous breakfast. Rooms have four-poster beds, canopies, and lacy coverlets—all the details are spot-on, right down to the clawfoot tubs. There's a cute little "conservatory" for dining with other guests after a night of sleep, and you can sip wine in front of a wood-burning fire. Of all the older options downtown, this is the best by a longshot.

Moo Moo's Creamery Arrow

Small and quaint, with all the hallmarks you’ve come to expect of an ice cream shop—barely legible signs denoting ice cream flavors scrawled in every color, cute black-and-white tiled floors, teenage scoopers whose moods vary by the day—this is a great place for a to-go cone. Even New England ice cream snobs should be able to get behind the relatively creamy texture and straightforward flavors proffered here. (Think: coffee chip and chocolate Oreo.) The fanciest, Mexican chocolate, is good and punchy with the requisite cinnamon. The mouthfeel is what matters—buttery, luxe, and creamy, not icy—and Moo Moo’s usually nails it.

THE NORTH FORK, LONG ISLAND

Keep driving East and North from New York City. Let the last Burger King and Friendly's drop off in the rearview mirror. Observe as apple orchards, breweries, cows and Canadian geese pop into view. Marvel at how the vineyards seem to stretch right to the horizon. You're in the North Fork, baby. Shuck some oysters, hit the beach, have some wine, and most importantly, slow your roll.

Aldo's Arrow

Locals have been coming to this cozy café since it opened in 1987 to sip espresso drinks and chat over the day's news. It's such a neighborhood institution, even Starbucks closed after four years when it opened across the street. The coffee runs strong and we’d recommend it in latte or mocha form, to balance its intensity. Chocolate-dipped biscotti—which you can buy to go—croissants, and scones are the things to snack with your drink.

Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market Arrow

This nautical oyster hideout by the docks is tiny, popular, and fun, known for its slogan, “Shuck Your Self.” New Englanders and anyone else who grew up shucking their own oysters will delight that it’s half-price here ($20 versus $36 for a pre-shucked dozen) if you do so. If you don’t know where to start, someone will teach you. Oysters here are divine, since this restaurant is part of a local collective working with dozens of individual farmers and harvesters. If you’re here from The City, the wine prices by the bottle might make you a little weak-kneed. Pull yourself together and order a classic oyster pairing: Muscadet, Champagne, or—yes, it works—chocolatey Oyster Stout from Greenport Brewing.

1943 Pizza Bar Arrow

Intimate and simple, with burnt-orange walls and a wood-fired brick oven, crowds come to clamor over the attractive pizzas they're slinging. Even Ina Garten is a fan of these 14-inch thin-crust pies, with their prettily bubbled crusts. The options vary: You could do a margherita simply dressed with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, or you could order the innovative clams casino (fresh clams, bacon, green peppers, and garlic on a white pie). This place can be a nice change from the hustling, bustling pizzerias of Manhattan .

Croteaux Vineyards Arrow

This is off the beaten path of the vineyards lining the North Fork, and it makes for a nice change of pace, with a wonderful garden and tasting barn, and delicious rosé. Everyone’s got a glass of rosé or bubbly rosé, and most folks will order a flight—they’re cheap by Manhattan standards. We love the selection of rosé sparklers, of which you can order a trio at a time, including the deep, juicy Cabernet Franc sparkler (if they have it). Do know that the bar is a warm-weather operation and will reopen before April.

White Flower Farmhouse Arrow

Farmhouse antiques are the specialties at this downtown Southold shop—as far as the eye can see—with home decor, kitchenware, and other finds in the mix. Maybe you need a mirror framed in distressed wood? An antique table? Hand-thrown ceramics or a few yard sale items just purchased in the French countryside? These are the vintage and “vintage-inspired” housewares and linens you dream about. If you're a New Yorker trying like hell to make your Brooklyn home into a tiny little country cottage, this is your place.  We’re not gonna say we’d fight you for the matched sets of Bakelite flatware or the cool blue-and-red vintage sailboat rental signs, but…

Brix & Rye Arrow

Cocktail obsessives have one daydream: to find a bar with excellent drinks for about a third of what they’d pay in New York or San Francisco . This is that bar. Order The Last Word if you’ve never had one, a Sazerac, or maybe something made with sherry, a fortified wine that drinks master Evan Bucholz understands how to wield wisely. Use those cocktails to wash down pizza from 1943 Pizza Bar next door. Whether you go for a white pie decked out with clams or a classic margherita, the food here—including some killer wood-fired meatballs—is better than most people expect.

American Beech Hotel Arrow

The design at American Beech fits somewhere between LA , Miami Beach, and Greenport . There are whitewashed suites, an Instagrammable bar, and large plants outside. Somehow, the three styles all come together to make one of the chicest places on the North Fork. There are only 12 rooms at this boutique hotel, so book in advance during peak season. Note that some are located over the bustling restaurant, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, opt for one of the other rooms located around Stirling Square. This spot is as much about the restaurant and bar as it is the hotel. The roomy restaurant, which is closed during the winter, can accommodate large parties, so if you’re visiting the North Fork for, say, a bachelorette, this is a great choice. The menu hops around from cumin-cured duck wings to spaghetti squash latkes and a smash burger with cheddar.

Eagle's Neck Paddling Arrow

The employees of this kayak outfitter are locals, and they want you to relax—Orient Beach State Park is a national landmark, thanks to its unusual maritime forest and its plethora of great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, and crowned night herons. Guides can point out beautiful vistas, but you could also do that on your own. (Costs are similar whether you take the tour or not.) Outdoorsy types will love seeing how far they can get in two hours, and the lazy dabblers among us will enjoy just how chill kayaking can be.

North Ferry Company Arrow

This is a daily ferry leaving every 10, 20 or 30 minutes to take you to Shelter Island . You came all the way to Greenport. You want to see more of the water. For $2 each way, this is how you do it. This is the best way to get some beach time in—and truly escape the city—without paying much. Rent or bring a bike; the island is totally easy to get around on one. Then go to the beach with a bottle of something delicious.

Southold General

This café in the heart of tiny Southold village is the perfect mid-road-trip stop during a visit to the North Fork, no matter the time of day. In the mornings, they make excellent coffee (all the beans are La Colombe), satisfying breakfast sandwiches and A+ pastries. Midday, you can grab a fresh salad, an Italian sandwich or even a basket of fried chicken. And on weekend afternoons evenings, they’re churning out specialty woodfired pizzas. Plus, there’s house-made gelato all day long. If the weather is nice, the patio is a great spot to enjoy your meal.

Briermere Farms

This farmstand in Riverhead is beloved for its pies. Stop by on your way out to stock the kitchen of your weekend rental—your friends and family will thank you (and ask to stop there again on the way back into the city). Seasonal specialties include apple rhubarb, raspberry cream, cherry and chocolate cream. And why not through a couple of carrot cake cupcakes and a few jars of freshly made jam into the mix?

NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS

Mass MoCA is a behemoth hub of the arts for many miles in every direction, playing host to artists as varied and marvelous as David Byrne, Wilco, Xu Bing, and Katharina Grosse. It's definitely a can't-miss, but as you drive here, marveling at the rolling hills and sprawling natural beauty, you'll want to know where to eat and sleep, too. One of our favorite boutique hotels is here, featuring a hot tub where you can sip bourbon under the stars, after a day at the museum. A trip to this part of the world is like hitting a reset button.

MASS MoCA Arrow

This sprawling museum lures history buffs and art fans alike. The 16-acre complex of 19th-century mill buildings occupies almost a third of the North Adams downtown business region. It is a mind-bending museum. James Turrell, Xu Bing, and Katharina Grosse are among the artists who revel in just how much space is here. The curation is smart, using the gargantuan ceilings and old trappings of the place to make you feel dwarfed, but not diminished. When you need a break, there is a brewpub here, a good café, ice cream, and a fine dining restaurant.

The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA Arrow

A string of 19th century Victorian row houses, lined by porches with slightly ominous identical rocking chairs. This place is dwarfed by Mass MoCA just across the street, but you notice the hotel owner’s attention to detail as soon as you park and see the lobby. The tub in your room will be so gorgeous you’ll want to pull it from the floorboards and take it home. And if you miss out on the hot tub, at night, under the stars and foliage, with a bourbon, neat, in your hand (they’re fine with that at the front desk), you are not doing it right. So long as you're not a diva needing to count threads in the sheets, Porches' style and attention to detail may just ruin you for other boutique hotels.

Cascade Waterfall Arrow

At the end of this hike is a picturesque, cold waterfall. The air is crisp and clean here, and it feels a bit like you fell off the map, in the best way. Relatively easy for beginning hikers, sometimes with a bit of mud at the end of the trail, this is a slightly tricky-to-find spot with unfortunately few easements. But if you don't mind muddying your boots a bit, and just want to stretch your legs without going all out, this one's for you.

Pedrin's Dairy Bar Arrow

The words on the awning say it all: “Pedrin’s Dairy Bar: Home of the Fish Fry.” Brace for MASS MoCA tourists and locals wishing they lived a little closer to the beach, all happily digging into sundaes and deeply fried fish ‘n chips. This is a quick fix for a few New England greats, all to be spread out over a white or red picnic table and—as they say—housed. Fried fish, clam strips, cheap burgers, and bountiful ice cream: This isn’t a place you walk away from feeling light on your feet, but some of us like to get all our indulgences in at one go.

Williams College Museum of Art Arrow

Dedicated art lovers know that there’s more to see in this corner of the Berkshires than the large-scale installations at MASS MoCA . Just down the road sits William College Museum of Art, or WCMA, a small but mighty museum that’s home to 15,000 pieces that range from ancient Egyptian and Assyrian to works from living American artists. The collection here has a bit of everything. There are outdoor sculptures, an archive dedicated to brothers Maurice and Charles Prendergast, and pieces from contemporary artists. Students at Williams College are lucky enough to be able to loan select pieces from the collection for a semester.

Tourists Arrow

Inspired by the American roadside motor lodge of yore, Tourists is built for contemporary design lovers with lots of light wood on the banks of the Hoosic River. Many of the large windows in guest rooms look straight into nature, helping blur the line between the outdoors and indoors. Opened in 2018, Tourists still feels like the cool new kid on the block with the clientele to match. For those exploring Williamstown and North Adams, Tourists is perfectly situated. It’s approximately three miles from the Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA , and Bright Ideas Brewing . If you’re visiting this corner of the Berkshires, there’s nowhere more stylish to stay.

The Distillery at Greylock WORKS Arrow

The historic Greylock Works mill has been converted into a stylish home for this distillery from Colorado that relocated to the Berkshires and opened here in 2019. Inside the distilling room sits a 20 person bar that makes drinks exclusively from housemade liquors and is open on Friday and Saturday evenings—perfect for folks visiting from out of town. Take a bottle for your friends back home and know that for each bottle you buy, you’ll get a complimentary cocktail or flight.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

The City of Brotherly Love has been luring lovers of art and dining from NYC and Washington, D.C., in recent years, and can compete on the national level on both fronts. With arguably the best Israeli cuisine in America, a trio of knockout museums, and even a Four Seasons, it's a destination town. Here's where to sleep, drink, eat, and play in Philly right now.

Zahav Arrow

When James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov opened Zahav over a decade ago, it was one of only a handful of Israeli restaurants in the U.S. that served dishes other than hummus and shakshuka. Since then, upscale Israeli restaurants have sprouted in major cities across the country, and Americans have learned how to say "tehina." But despite the competition it's created, Zahav remains one of the best (if not the very best). Every meal here should start with Solomonov's silken hummus and laffa, a just-barely singed Iraqi flat bread, and salatim, a selection of Israeli salads and dips you can plunge that laffa into. From there, there's no wrong turn: Choose plates like chicken shishlik with plum, fennel, and sumac, or black sea bass tartare with bulgur and preserved orange. And save room for the restaurant’s iconic pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder.

If you can’t score a table at Zahav, try Laser Wolf, which serves several salatim (Middle Eastern salads) and skewers like Yemenite beef kebabs and mushroom shishlik, which are kissed with charcoal.

Reading Terminal Market Arrow

All of humanity seems to have come together in a happy hubbub at Reading Terminal Market. The sprawling space has been around since 1893, though now, its vegetable, fish, and meat vendors are compounded by dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Look for old-timey neon signs to help you make sense of the dozens of options—or just head straight for DiNic's, where the roast pork sandwich, topped with a frenzy of broccoli rabe, is practically the beating heart of the place. Follow it up with a scoop (or three) of Bassett's silky ice cream.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Arrow

Classic, grand, and impressive, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a cultural institution. It is Philadelphia's answer to the Louvre, and houses one of the country's finest collections of art and sculpture. Tourists, locals, the stroller set…the gang's all here and they're all taking in the art at their own pace. Some skip entire galleries based on interests, while others read every placard. It's a choose your own adventure kind of place. And if all of this culture makes you hungry, you're in luck. The Cafe is bright and welcoming and features a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more. Prefer to cool your heels in a more formal setting? The Stir is an elegant spot designed by Frank Gehry that's perfect for lingering and lunching.

Briar Vintage Arrow

Vintage for gentlemen! This extraordinary place, open to the public every third Saturday of the month, is one of a bevy of great vintage shops sprinkled around Philly, though it has some of the best men’s gear. Silk ascots, waistcoats, bowties, jackets, and an attentive owner who knows your size on site? It’s like stepping into a Gary Cooper vehicle. Don't leave without a smart vintage watch and, if you're feeling especially adventurous, a full tuxedo with tails.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center Arrow

This is a Four Seasons, so you can expect seamless service and a lot of greige carpeting. However, this particular outpost is somewhat unique in that so many big names were tapped for its creation: floral designer Jeff Leatham, composer Brian Eno, architect Norman Foster, and chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Greg Vernick. Their contributions along with expansive skyline views from every vantage point on the property and passionate, genuine service could make this the beginning of a transformation of Philadelphia's hotel scene . 

La Colombe Arrow

La Colombe’s Fishtown location is unlike any of its many other outposts. The sprawling space is home to a roastery, a coffee laboratory, an open kitchen, a shop, and lots of seating. To call it a coffee shop would be to miss the point. There are fresh baked goods and other cafe standards aplenty here, but you’re really here for the coffee like pour overs, nitro lattes, and of course all of the espresso standards perfectly prepared. For coffee nerds or those with coffee lovers at home, there’s also a shop where you can pick up bags of La Colombe’s coffee to take home. Curious diners should consider stopping in for coffee and heading over to nearby Suraya for a Lebanese brunch.

Jim's South Street Arrow

Most cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia focus so closely on the rolls, onions, steak, and wiz, not to mention claiming the title of the best cheesesteak in the city, that a comfortable place in which to eat the sandwich is often overlooked. The team at Jim’s, which has been making cheesesteaks in Philly for almost 80 years, thankfully doesn't fall into that camp. Located on the corner of Fourth and South Streets, you can typically spot Jim’s before you arrive from the line snaking outside, down Fourth Street towards tattoo shops and piercing parlors. Once you’re inside, split up your team. While one person waits in line to place orders for cheesesteaks "wit whiz" (Cheese Whiz, that is), provolone, or American, or an Italian hoagie, the rest of the crew can head upstairs to stake out a table. It’s a bit of a production, but well worth it for a cheesesteak that never disappoints—and a place that lets you enjoy.

Independence National Historic Park Arrow

Philadelphia is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States precisely because of the historical events that transpired right here, and it’s not just one museum or historic landmark. Rather, it’s a collection of buildings that played host to events that shaped American independence or honor that hard-won heritage. Begin at the Visitor Center to get your bearings and start your tour—visitors can enter with timed entry tickets—at Independence Hall, then stop by the Liberty Bell Center for a look at ostensibly the most famous broken item in the world. Afterwards, wander past the park’s other historic buildings including Carpenters Hall, the meeting site of the first Continental Congress, then make your way to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Just note the airport-style security (and subsequent foot traffic) you're bound to encounter, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking.

THE HAMPTONS, LONG ISLAND

This varied stretch of towns and hamlets along the south fork of Long Island’s east end is famous on so many fronts: as a tony playground for celebrities and the Manhattan elite, but also for its earthier roots—lush farms, beaches, and quaint villages. Do as the locals do, and hit the bakeries, sandwich spots, farm stands, and under-the-radar museums and galleries that really make it stand out. Then, you'll understand why the crowds beeline for spots like Southampton, East Hampton and Montauk as soon as the weekend hits.

Carissa's The Bakery Arrow

The most Williamsburg-ified place in the Hamptons, Carissa’s started as a tiny walk-in-closet-sized space but has graduated and expanded to a second, larger two-building space on Pantigo Road. At the new location, the house is still stocked with artful pastries that would impress at that dinner party your Hamptons host is throwing. But, there’s also a more fleshed out café menu and dinner offerings like fried Montauk monkfish and spaghetti al limone. You can (and should) still load up sourdough and pie though.

Pollock-Krasner House Arrow

This 19th-century shingle-style farmhouse in the Springs was home to the abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner, until the late '80s. It's been left pretty much intact: the shelves are filled with books, Krasner's necklaces still hang on hooks in the bedroom, and, most fascinatingly, the drips from Pollock's most famous paintings still cover the wooden floor in his studio. It's a seasonal site, open May through October.

Round Swamp Farm Arrow

The Hamptons are filled with "farm stands" that are really specialty food boutiques. This is one of them, and it's the absolute best. Fresh peaches, white corn, and blackberries from local farms, eggs from the neighboring Iacono chicken coop, and tasty prepared salads and pasta, but the real draw are the baked goods: lemon pound cake, mini chocolate chip cookies, and crumble-topped pies oozing with fruit. There aren't any prices on anything. You'll wince when they start ringing you up at the register, but the baked goods and fresh produce are as good as the people-watching.

Hampton Chutney Co. Arrow

A counter service Indian-ish café, it's known for its massive, delicious dosas served on big plastic lunch trays and filled with grilled curried chicken, jack cheese, fresh veggies and plenty of avocado. Skip the sandwiches. You're here for the crispy, light-as-air, longer-than-your-arm dosas that you'll think are too big for one person to finish alone (you'll be wrong). One bite and you'll wonder why every order isn't served on this crepe-like wonder. The breakfast dosa is a Sunday morning home run, and the curry chutney chicken is like a chicken salad sandwich that just came back from a semester abroad in New Delhi. Everything comes with your choice of chutney for dipping and spreading—they're all tasty, but you can't go wrong with the herby cilantro.

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen Arrow

On-the-nose classic 1950's luncheonette. There's a striped awning and neon lettering out front, leather-covered stools at the counter, booths lining the wall, paper menus-slash-placemats. They're known for their homemade ice cream: the flavors are listed on a board above the counter, where waitresses have been blending milkshakes in old-school machines for years, and there's a case where you can buy gallon containers of the stuff by the door. Stick to the classics and don't pass up a milkshake or malt.

La Fondita Arrow

It's a seasonally-open taco shack (albeit one brought to you by the restaurateurs behind the chic Nick and Toni's ) off the highway in Amagansett, with reggaeton on the stereo, technicolor picnic tables on the grass outside, and guacamole served in little plastic tubs. There's a full menu of tortas, burrito bowls, salads, and tostadas, but tacos are the way to go. Get some chips and guac to start, then a few Baja-style fish tacos, chicken tingas, and al pastors. Wash it down with Jarritos or a Modelo.

Hither Hills State Park Arrow

Hither Hills is a network of trails that stretches across the narrow Montauk peninsula from the Long Island Sound to the Atlantic. Parts of it are heavily forested, best for mountain bikers or trail runners looking to get their miles in; the rest are open sand dunes that stretch onto a skinny, quiet beach on the sound, perfect for an adventurous walk or a picnic. Don't miss the Walking Dunes trail for its dramatic sandy bowls. In all, it's a respite from the rest of the Hamptons and a cool, totally unspoiled landscape to explore.

Baron's Cove Arrow

Baron’s Cove leans into the Hamptons lifestyle hard. If you don’t want to drop several million on a mansion, Baron’s Cove will give you a taste for the weekend. Located right along Sag Harbor cove, there’s a salt water pool in the summer, lounge chairs aplenty by said pool, and a preppy interior that looks like Ralph Lauren gave the decorator some tips. Guests can opt for a room that looks out onto the garden or the water. No matter where you stay, there will be nods to nautical design. With a full restaurant that services both guests and other visitors to Sag Harbor, you’ll never have to travel far for a meal here. But, this is the Hamptons, so prepare to shell out $25 for a breakfast sandwich or $26 for a lobster omelet at brunch. At dinner, opt for seafood options like the local catch of the day and a lobster caesar.

Parrish Art Museum Arrow

Driving down Route 27, you'll see what looks like a hyper-elongated modernist barn in an open field with two giant Roy Lichtenstein sculptures out front. This Herzog and de Meuron designed building is home to more than 2,600 works of art, many of them made by artists who lived and worked on the East End during their lifetimes, including Lichtenstein, Fairfield Porter, Willem de Kooning, and Dan Flavin. It's usually an older, quieter crowd—people are here to see the architecture and spend some time contemplating the art in the galleries. It never gets too crowded, unless it's a rainy day on a summer weekend.

KINGSTON, NEW YORK

This little city on the Catskills side of the Hudson River is in the midst of a transformation from scruffy underdog to bustling culture hub. From the charming vintage shops, secondhand bookstores and diners in the Stockade District to the chic homewares stores and wine bars in the waterfront Rondout area, it represents the full range of Upstate New York vibes—meaning there’s something for everyone.

Rosie General

The stretch of Broadway that leads down to the Rondout Creek is home to a fabulous array of shopping opportunities. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head into Rosie General, a cozy but elevated take on the classic small-town General Store. At the front of the shop, they stock an incredible trove of local treats, from fresh farm produce to pickled veggies, artisanal salts and handmade sauces. In the back, there’s a counter serving freshly baked pastries, top-notch sandwiches (a recent spring visit featured a quickly devoured croque madame with ramps), and coffees. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger in for a while—grab a seat by the window for the best people watching.

Clove & Creek

This is one of those home goods stores that makes you want to replace everything you own with the chic, handcrafted version of it that they carry. Everything in this abundantly stocked, sunlit boutique is just so elegant and thoughtful: a ceramic onion keeper from France, a trio of cheese knives with faux-horn handles, palo santo incense from Tibet, a candle shaped like a bundle of asparagus. If you’re ever in need of a unique hostess, housewarming or wedding present, this is a must.

Lovefield Vintage

This cheerful vintage store in the Stockade District hits the rare sweet spot of well curated and well priced—while you’re not finding crazy Goodwill deals here, you won’t feel gouged either. And everything feels cared for, considered, and clean. Think sweet embroidered 1950s sun dresses, funky printed men’s shirts from the ’80s, and kooky contemporary accessories and jewelry for a bit of extra fun. Once you’ve picked out your treasures, walk down the street to Half Moon Books for more secondhand hunting.

Perched on a roundabout just by the I-87 ramp, this nouveau drive through is perfectly positioned to fuel your drive back to the city or up into the Catskills. The tightly edited menu features the three classics: burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The secret? Everything is meatless (there is dairy.) The burgers are made with Impossible patties and the shakes are spun with Oatly—but don’t worry, you won’t miss a thing. Everything is decadent, delicious and somehow even more satisfying.

Brunette Arrow

On any given night, this bright, charming wine bar in the Rondout has at least 14 wines by the glass on offer, from skin contact Mtvane from Kakheti, Georgia to more traditional sips like Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. If you’re new to natural wines, don’t be shy about asking questions—they’d be happy to help you dive into their ever-changing array of natural-leaning bottles sourced from around the world—or walk you through their selection of cider, locally made sake, sherry, and beer. Standouts from the food menu include trout roe nachos, house-made pork-duck-fig paté, and a hearty kale caesar with savory granola and garlicky breadcrumbs. Happen to be in the neighborhood before you’re ready for cocktail hour? Area Coffee Co. operates out of their space Thursdays-Sundays.

HUDSON, NEW YORK

Hudson , a small city perched above the east side of the Hudson River, has come to represent everything people love about “Upstate”: bucolic vistas, artisanal shops run by local creatives, charming 19th Century architecture and an elegantly laid-back vibe. Over the past decade, it’s been transformed from a sleepy town beloved by antique hunters to a stylish escape for city dwellers of all stripes, complete with design-centric hotels, sleek boutiques, and a thriving bar and restaurant scene that attracts foodies from all over the region. And you don’t even need a car to get there—you can take the Metro North from Manhattan and easily explore the scene of Warren Street on foot.

Talbott & Arding

This is where you’ll build the charcuterie board of your dreams—whether you’re consuming it in the Airbnb you rented for the weekend or on the train back to the city. Yes, they make fabulous (and expensive) sandwiches and prepared foods that are perfect for an elevated picnic lunch, but the real draw here is the incredible cheeses, crackers, jams, and cured meats that you’ll want to enjoy with a crisp local beer. It’s also just so airy and elegant inside, all the better to display the specialty pantry essentials you’ll be tempted to take home with you, from linen tea towels to basil vinegar. Perhaps the bougiest thing they carry: a S’mores Kit featuring Bourbon flavored dark milk chocolate, and housemade marshmallows graham crackers.

Les Indiennes

Tucked among the many vintage and antique stores along Warren Street, this home goods store features hand block printed pillows, bedding, curtains and tablewares in gorgeous natural hues. Whether you’re decorating a whole house or just looking to add a bit of pizzazz to your bathroom in the form of an all-over floral print, this is a lovely place to visit and get inspiration—their napkin sets also make for a really nice gift.

Imagine if REI and the most stylish designer boutique you’ve ever seen got married and had a baby. That baby would be Westerlind. They stock a somehow perfect mix of outdoor apparel (merino wool base layers, hiking boots, water bottles) and upscale-but-low-key clothing (colorful cashmere sweaters, Italian wool trousers, oversized cotton oxford shirts) that perfectly encapsulates the aspirational Hudson aesthetic. The little things in the mix are just as thoughtfully curated: Kinto tumblers to keep your coffee hot on a hike, fuzzy socks for lounging by the fire, and cool baseball caps to protect you from the sun.

Backbar Arrow

Is this a bar? A vintage shop? A restaurant? Backbar looks a bit like all three. But, at its core, it’s a bar with food worth getting in a car for. Zak Pelaccio, who once operated Fatty Crab in Manhattan , and later decamped to the Hudson Valley, is behind the project. It's geared towards locals but will allow those visiting for the weekend to join in. Pull up a seat at the bar or in the large outside space if the weather’s nice. With a name like Backbar, it’s fair to expect high level drinks. That expectation is certainly met with simple but well executed cocktails like the Bee’s Knees with Citadelle Gin, honey, and lemon, and slushies like the Lucy, made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and topped with Prosecco. There’s also a board for local beer offerings and cocktail specials. If you're in Hudson, you really shouldn't miss Backbar, regardless of whether you're with your partner, parents, or friends.

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The Coolest Trips to Take From NYC

There's never a shortage of things to do in New York City, but sometimes you just gotta get away. Here are the coolest places to visit within a few hours of the City that Never Sleeps.

There's never a shortage of things to do in New York City. Whether you're living in the city for school, you just got your first apartment and job, or its where you've grown up, New York City is one of the world's top tourist attractions. From the hottest new restaurants to museums, shopping, parks, musicals, shows and concerts — the city truly has everything. So it may feel like you never need to leave. But no matter how cool a place is, sometimes you just gotta get away. The hustle and bustle can get overwhelming and you might crave some quiet and fresh air, or maybe you're just looking for an adventure or some fun with your friends. When you're ready for a break from the City that Never Sleeps, here are the coolest places to visit within a few hours of NYC.

Litchfield, Connecticut

Lake Placid, New York

If you're looking to spend some time outside, breathing in fresh mountain air, hiking and enjoying lake life at its finest, grab your crew and head to Lake Placid, New York. Lake Placid was the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, and there's plenty to do there any time of year. Visit the Olympic Ski Jump Complex and test your fear of heights by taking the elevator up to see how far you can jump. You'll also want to check out The Olympic Center and museum. In the summer and fall, you can hike or head out on Mirror Lake or Lake Placid to fish, canoe, kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Or just spend some time along the lake reading the newest YA book. During the wintertime, you can ice skate, sled, or cross country ski before cozying up in front of the fire. The town is filled with restaurants and shops to explore. Stay at the Mirror Lake Inn . The location simply can't be beat — it's right on Mirror Lake with beach access and just a few minutes walk to town or Lake Placid. The rooms and interiors have that old school Adirondack feel, and the property has everything you need — an indoor and outdoor pool, an amazing spa, a private beach with complimentary boat rentals and lounge chairs and towels, as well as two on-site restaurants. If you're feeling fancy, hit up The View, which not only has the most amazing views of Mirror Lake but an incredible breakfast spread and dinner menu. For a more casual experience, hit up The Cottage for lunch or dinner. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fun, and the views are amazing, too.

The Catskills, New York

The setting for Dirty Dancing , the Catskills are a fun place to explore if you live in the New York-area. There’s no prettier background for amazing photos — waterfalls, lakes, mountains and colorful leaves everywhere. Go canoeing or hiking, or just drive around and take tons of cool pics.

Now that you’ve got the destination nailed down, you’re almost ready to go. To plan a really epic trip though, you want to make sure you have the right set-up. That includes plenty of bevs and snacks for the road, cash for stops along the way, gas money, a number for road side assistance in case something happens (and make sure you have a spare tire and kit in the car), and of course a killer playlist.

Stay at Scribner's Catskill Lodge , and you'll have all your TikTok and IG vids on lock. The setting couldn't be more beautiful and the resort has a cool rustic modern vibe. The rooms are spacious and perfectly nail the cool Catskills aesthetic. In summer, there's tons of hiking all around, lawn games and a pool on site. And in winter, you can snow shoe, cross country ski, and skate at the on-site rink. Definitely make a reservation at Prospect, the delicious on-site restaurant. Go for dinner, but you're going to come back for breakfast and maybe lunch too — it's that good.

Kennebunkport, Maine

While a bit further of a drive from the city, Kennebunkport is definitely worth the trek. The resort destination could not be more beautiful. Embrace the New England vibe and enjoy lobster rolls, hang out at the beach, bike ride to town, and check out the local shops and restaurants. Stay at the Nonantum Resort , a historic hotel located right on the water. The interiors and rooms embody coastal chic, and provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend of New England fun. The resort offers a private dock and secluded beach, and a pool. The resort prioritizes sustainability, so you can feel good about your stay too. Don't miss the breakfast spread — you'll look forward to waking up to it every morning. For waterfront dining with a view, book a table at Latitudes, and for delicious casual fare, there's Heckmans Kennebunkport.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos may sound like a random destination from NYC, but once you arrive at Woodloch Resort , you'll understand why this spot made the cut. If you're looking for a resort that has everything you need so you never have to leave, Woodloch is it. The resort literally has everything you could want from a vacation — pools, go carts, a climbing wall, tennis, mini golf, water slides, beach activities, archery, boat tours, game rooms, shows and dance clubs, numerous food options... we could go on. Even in the colder months, there's still plenty to do both indoors and out, making it a year-round escape from the city. Suffice it to say, everything you could ever want out of a vacation is here.

Springfield, Vermont

Whether you're looking to get away and hit the slopes or want to enjoy the mountains in summer and fall, southern Vermont is a perfect getaway from New York City. There's everything from hiking to skiing to exploring the nearby towns. If you're looking for a real adventure, stay at Highwood Retreat , an experience like no other. This is glamping without the long flight. You'll stay in a canvas safari tent, that's like a really nice hotel room in a tent, but you really have to experience it to get it. When you really want to get away from it all and unplug, this is the perfect spot. There are solar panels providing electricity, but the whole point is to really unplug, sign off social media and enjoy some time in the woods.

Kristin Koch is the Editor in Chief  of Seventeen, overseeing the content and editorial operations for all of Seventeen's digital and print efforts. Before coming to Seventeen, Koch held editor positions at Glamour, Vanity Fair, and The Knot. In 2016, she founded lifestyle blog, Closetful of Clothes, where she covers everything from style and interiors to travel. A Chicago native, Koch graduated from Colgate University with a degree in History. She loves pizza, rom-coms and HGTV. 

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15 of the best things to do in New York City in 2024

Mar 23, 2024 • 9 min read

A trip to Central Park is a classic stop on any NYC itinerary © Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

Three life-changing words: New York City .

Millions are drawn to it; some never shake it. Monumental, artistic, cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan – the City That Never Sleeps is everything you've imagined. You'll never be bored here – the only problem is narrowing down what to do from the endless list of possibilities.

To help you get started, here's a list of my favorite inspirational highlights – all perfect experiences for your next trip. However, the big sights lure big crowds, so brace yourself. If you're after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the "outer borough" (beyond Manhattan) will generally be less crowded. 

Ticket costs can also be substantial, so consider purchasing a New York CityPASS , which offers good discounts on top attractions.

Where Locals Go: NYC locals share their favorite nearby vacation spots

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The iconic copper-green  Statue of Liberty dominates a small island in New York Harbor, casting a protective shadow over neighboring Ellis Island , the site of a stirring Immigration Museum . Still symbolic today, these two landmarks served as an uplifting gateway through which over 12 million soon-to-be-Americans passed from 1892 to 1924.

Planning tip: Boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The monuments are often visited on a combined ticket – book well ahead, especially if you hope to spend time in Liberty's pedestal or crown.

2. Soak up the views from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings

The tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931, the 1454ft  Empire State Building remains a much-loved character on the NYC skyline, although somewhat controversially, street-level views of this New York City skyline icon are about to be obscured by a luxury condo apartment. Vistas from the outdoor, 360-degree view, 86th-floor deck and the indoor 102nd-floor observatory are breathtaking, though – particularly at sunset. Look northeast at the art deco Chrysler Building , also once the world's tallest before being dethroned by the Empire State.

Planning tip:  Buy tickets in advance and devote a few moments to the second-floor Story of an Icon museum.

3. Pay tribute to lost lives at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features sobering tributes to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, most poignantly two sunken pools with cascades of water pouring into the fallen towers' footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a profoundly moving museum with remnants and reminders of the tragic day.

Planning tip:  The memorial is free; museum tickets are best bought online in advance.

4. Have family-friendly seaside fun at Coney Island

Jutting like a Brooklyn thumb out into New York Harbor's Lower Bay, Coney Island boasts a wide beach, a popular seaside boardwalk and a lively amusement park, all reachable by subway in about an hour from Midtown Manhattan. Popular attractions include the family-friendly New York Aquarium , Nathan's Famous hot dogs , Deno's Wonder Wheel and thrill-filled Luna Park , featuring the wooden Cyclone rollercoaster – a city and national historic landmark.

Planning tip:  Walk to nearby Brighton Beach for classic Russian and Ukrainian eats.

5. Tour the vast collections at NYC's major museums

The Met  is NYC's most visited museum for very good reasons. With 5000 years of art from all over the world, two million individual objects and 17 acres of exhibition space, it's massive, astounding and seemingly inexhaustible.

An inside tip – the Met's often bypassed uptown Cloisters were cobbled together from authentic sections of European medieval monasteries. Tickets cover three-day admission to both Met branches.

Directly across Central Park from the Met is another significant museum with a broad scope: the American Museum of Natural History , where your ticket grants you access to more than 50 exhibits and 34 million artifacts!

Art lovers will find modern masterpieces from Warhol, Pollock and more in the Museum of Modern Art ; book ahead to skip the line, particularly at weekends. Somewhat smaller and less crowded, though definitely still comprehensive, is the Brooklyn Museum .

Detour: For something much more contemporary and free of hordes, try Brooklyn's Bushwick Collective Street Art .

Use this guide to plan the ultimate museum tour of New York City

6. Hang out in Central Park

Hemmed in by buildings, Central Park serves up 843 acres of green space – meadows, groves, gardens and lakes, as well as restaurants, theaters, concert venues, fountains, skating rinks, ballfields, playgrounds and much more. Park Drive, although often crowded, is a favorite route for runners, skaters and cyclists.

Seeking some green space with fewer people? Brooklyn's Prospect Park , created by the same landscapers as Central Park, has all the same charm with far less throng.

Detour: For a leafy overview of Manhattan, consider cycling along sections of the 31-mile Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , especially the Hudson River Greenway segment.

Can't get enough of Central Park? Our local tells you where to find Central Park's best corners

7. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Undoubtedly NYC's most beautiful river crossing, the 1596ft-long, stone-towered Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world's first steel suspension bridges when it opened in 1883. Today, a walk along its pedestrian passageway delivers delightful Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views.

Brooklyn Bridge Park , the 1.3-mile, 85-acre green space on Brooklyn's East River shoreline, prolongs the pleasure (and the Manhattan views). Check out the waterfront, glass-enclosed Jane's Carousel and multiple revitalized pier-based leisure and activity areas.

Save these restaurants to your Brooklyn itinerary

8. Gaze upon the Manhattan skyline  

Manhattan's tumble of buildings is a mesmerizing spectacle, changing in natural and artificial light, particularly at dusk and night. Harbor cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy it, but there are also numerous land-based vantage points along the East River.

In Brooklyn, head for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, East River State Park in Williamsburg and Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. Over in Queens, go to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Astoria Park.

Planning tip:  For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge and unbeatable views, take a helicopter tour over NYC; yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it.

9. See art and architecture on the High Line and at Hudson Yards 

The 1.5-mile-long High Line is one of New York's great surprises. This art-filled, community green space – featuring gardens, events, and amazing city outlooks – was crafted from an abandoned elevated railway. It can be packed on warm evenings when the unique modern architecture on all sides is illuminated.

The northern terminus of the High Line is at the Hudson Yards , Manhattan's newest luxury development, with gourmet restaurants, upscale shops and singular attractions like Vessel , a multilevel public landmark, and The Edge , the city's highest (101st-floor) open-air observatory.

10. Visit the landmark Rockefeller Center

Perhaps best known for its winter backdrop – a world-famous ice-skating rink and New York's giant ceremoniously-lit Christmas tree – the art deco Rockefeller Center is a busy, art-filled national historic landmark all year round.

Named for its entrepreneurial developer – John D Rockefeller Jr, America's first billionaire – it claims highlights such as the 70th-floor Top of the Rock observation deck, the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios Tours , as well as plenty of Midtown shopping and dining.

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights really do shine bright on Broadway, especially in Times Square at the heart of the world's most celebrated theater district. Day and night, it provides billboarded sensory overload. In the area are dozens of marquee-fronted playhouses hosting box-office hits, alongside Madame Tussauds and National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey . Bryant Park, Midtown's small but activity-filled green oasis, and the lion-flanked entrance of the New York Public Library , a national historic landmark, are also nearby.

12. Ride the New York City Subway and Staten Island Ferry

The wheels never stop turning in NYC, aided by its sleepless subway , one of the world's biggest mass transit systems. Another iconic part of the New York transport network is the free, orange Staten Island Ferry , the cheapest way to grab pics of Lady Liberty.

For NYC urban transport history, the kid-friendly Transit Museum has climb-aboard subway cars from all eras. There's a museum annex and shop in Grand Central Terminal , a Midtown beaux-arts wonder with an unforgettably grand main concourse.

13. Support conservation at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

Who'd have thought the US's biggest and oldest zoo is in NYC? The conservation-minded Bronx Zoo hosts 6000-plus animals in 265 acres of specially designed habitats. Adjacent to it is the New York Botanical Garden , a 250-acre, year-round nature showcase with dozens of indoor and outdoor gardens included in your ticket.

Planning tip: Smaller but impressive alternative zoos can be found at Central Park, Prospect Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens). The 50-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its seasonally blossoming cherry trees.

14. Find art and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn

In a city that places a high premium on space, Brooklyn now claims three hip, rehabilitated industrial areas commandeered by entrepreneurs, artisanal makers, retailers, artists, start-ups and nonprofits. Industry City occupies six large warehouses on the Sunset Park waterfront.

Further south, 100-plus companies fill the vast and storied Brooklyn Army Terminal . And east of Downtown Brooklyn, the expansive, historic Brooklyn Navy Yard is a modern made-in-Brooklyn manufacturing hub.

15. Go to a game at a New York stadium

New Yorkers take outsize pride in their sports teams, so how better to absorb the city's energy than at a game? The Bronx's Yankee Stadium and Mets' Citi Field in Queens are grand open-air stadiums, while Manhattan's Madison Square Garden , home of Knicks and Liberty basketball and Rangers hockey, and Brooklyn's futuristic Barclays Center , where the Nets basketball and Islanders hockey teams play, are enclosed, so good for rainy days.

Planning tip:  If you'd prefer to see the Giants and Jets compete in the National Football League, their arenas are in nearby New Jersey .

And now for the hard part: should you go to a Mets or Yankees game? Two local experts weigh in

Keep planning your trip to NYC:

• Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe
• Find the best time of year to visit
• Getting around NYC is fairly straightforward –  find out how in our full transportation guide
• Even better, read on for top tips to see New York on two wheels

This article was first published May 25, 2021 and updated Mar 23, 2024.

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Protect Your Trip »

27 top places to see fall foliage in the u.s..

Plan a weekend escape or an extended getaway to see autumn's peak foliage.

The Top Places to See Fall Foliage

Getty Images

Hit the road or the trail to view vibrant fall leaves across America.

There's no other time of year quite like fall. Brisk, cool mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons, and the dropping temperatures create a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change before winter sets in. The displays of color are different across the U.S., but they're all brilliant when leaf-peeping season is at its peak.

In the West, the reds, oranges and bright golden hues of the quaking aspens are dramatic against the backdrop of the mountains and the verdant pine, spruce and fir trees. In the Northeast – such as New England – and other parts of the country where species like maple and birch are prominent, the trees are radiant with bold displays of yellows, deep reds, coppers and oranges.

Peak leaf season varies by region and by year, depending on the weather, so it's best to check with local sources before you go. Many top destinations to view fall's splendor have leaf and foliage maps and trackers so you can follow the local predictions and current conditions – and arrive just in time for the best of the season. Some of these destinations will be familiar, while others are lesser-known locales where you can capture and embrace fall's beauty.

So, pack your jacket and jeans, then grab your camera to capture one of nature's most spectacular spectacles.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park covers nearly 50,000 acres along the rocky coast of Maine. Located about 160 miles northeast of Portland , the park boasts the diverse natural beauty of the Atlantic shoreline, including majestic mountains. Peak leaf season in Acadia traditionally falls in the middle of October. This is when you'll see the vibrant displays of oranges, reds and yellows, especially along the Acadia All-American Road, one of the best scenic drives to view the fall colors.

While visiting Acadia, plan to stay at the nearby coastal town of Bar Harbor , considered to be the gateway to the park. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa , situated along picturesque Frenchman Bay, is an outstanding choice for an overnight stay: The historic property offers impressive views of the water as well as Maine's Porcupine Islands. While in town, you can take a whale watching tour and treat yourself to a traditional lobster dinner at Beal's Lobster Pier.

See more of Acadia National Park:  Things to Do  |  Hotels

McKenzie River Scenic Byway, Oregon

Melanie Griffin | Courtesy of Eugene, Cascades & Coast

The 34-mile McKenzie River Scenic Byway extends from the vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the forests of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon , treating travelers and road-trippers to views of some of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful landscapes. Plan your visit for peak season when the golds and reds are most vibrant, usually in mid-October.

The McKenzie River boasts some of the best fly-fishing in Oregon, so anglers will want to cast off for native redside rainbow and cutthroat trout along the way. Other highlights include stops at local farm stands, at the historic McKenzie Hatchery in Leaburg and at Goodpasture Bridge in Vida, which is the state's second-longest covered bridge. For an extended romantic getaway that includes days spent fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and hiking to waterfalls, make reservations at the Eagle Rock Lodge, a bed-and-breakfast for couples in Vida.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Situated about 130 miles west of Boston and surrounded by mountains, the Berkshires are one of the most scenic places in Massachusetts to view the foliage. The leaves begin changing at the end of September, but peak season starts around mid-October. You can expect to see colors ranging from golden yellows to vivid oranges to deep reds. If you're up for a hike, take the Stony Ledge trail from the Williamstown side of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the Berkshires at nearly 3,500 feet. This route offers one of the best viewing points of the foliage from midway up the mountain.

Back on the ground, the Berkshires feature world-class arts and entertainment offerings plus a deep-rooted food culture with many locally focused dining options. You can also explore the apple orchards and hops farms along the Berkshire Beer and Cider Trail. For accommodations , plan to splurge on a stay at The Williams Inn, an upscale hotel with a contemporary design that emulates local farmhouse architecture.

Read: Fall in New England: When & Where to Go

Charlottesville, Virginia

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, Charlottesville offers spectacular scenery accentuated by fall's vivid hues. Mid-to-late October is when you'll usually see the most dazzling red, orange and yellow leaves, but the colors can linger into early November, depending on the weather. Some of the best viewing spots with scenic overlooks are along the neighboring Blue Ridge Parkway and the connecting Skyline Drive in nearby Shenandoah National Park .

When you're not leaf peeping, plan to visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, the former home, gardens and grounds of the third U.S. president. Travel along the Monticello Wine Trail to sample some of Virginia's award-winning vintages at wineries such as Michael Shaps Wineworks, Barboursville Vineyards and Jefferson Vineyards. In the evenings, travelers can unwind over dinner and enjoy live music at The Mill Room before settling in at the historic Boar's Head Resort .

Payette River Scenic Byway, Idaho

Payette River Scenic Byway's 114-mile drive in Idaho begins west of Boise and heads north on state Highway 55. Depending on the year's weather patterns, travelers can see changing leaves as early as the end of August, but peak leaf season typically arrives in early to mid-October.

Highlights along this route include whitewater rafting in Cascade and camping overnight in Lake Cascade State Park. For an extended getaway, make plans to stay at Shore Lodge , a premier property in McCall. Situated on Payette Lake with the Idaho Rockies as the backdrop, this beautiful resort offers plenty of outdoor adventures to see the foliage. Try your hand at off-roading on an all-terrain vehicle or explore the shores around the lake by canoe or boat. You can also go hiking in Ponderosa State Park or relax in the soothing waters of nearby natural hot springs.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Visit Bucks County

Bucks County's picturesque country roads and covered bridges create an idyllic setting for viewing fall's colorful palette. Located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania and bordered by New Jersey and the Delaware River to the east, Bucks County has a rich Revolutionary War history and is known for its thriving cultural and arts community. Peak leaf season typically runs the last two weeks of October, bringing vibrant hues of yellows, oranges, reds and browns to the area.

For a scenic escape to the Pennsylvania countryside, make reservations at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, a luxury B&B in Holicong. You can spend your brisk fall days exploring the shops and restaurants in New Hope or checking out the annual Scarecrows in the Village display at Peddler's Village in Lahaska. Visitors may also want to take a self-guided driving tour of Bucks County's 12 covered bridges or sip and savor local wines along the Bucks County Wine Trail.

Read: The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Fall in Cheyenne boasts golden prairie grasslands in the high plains and vibrant seasonal colors from the quaking aspens. Visitors can also take in the stunning palette of reds, oranges and yellows from the trees lining the streets of downtown Cheyenne; the best viewing for these begins in late September and usually peaks by mid-October. You'll find even more brilliant foliage at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the High Plains Arboretum – the latter features 60-plus species of trees and shrubs.

After leaf peeping, don't miss a visit to Cheyenne's Frontier Days Old West Museum, whose artifacts celebrate the history of the American West. It's known for the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days outdoor rodeo, which takes place at the end of July. On your autumn visit, you can enjoy the museum's extensive collection and rotating exhibits. For outdoor adventures outside of town, head about 25 miles west to Curt Gowdy State Park and spend afternoons hiking, biking or boating. For accommodations in the park, you can rent a hilltop cabin or reserve a campsite and sleep under the stars.

French Lick West Baden, Indiana

Courtesy of French Lick Resort

Located in southern Indiana, French Lick West Baden is a resort community nestled in the hills of Hoosier National Forest that features some of Indiana's best leaf-peeping locales. The yellows, oranges and reds are usually the most vivid from mid-October and later, with peak colors appearing at the end of the month. For active adventures in the colorful scenery, go hiking, biking or horseback riding. You can also hop on board a train ride into the forest on the French Lick Scenic Railway. When you want to kick back and relax, spend an afternoon sipping wine with a view on a Fall Foliage Wine Cruise on Patoka Lake.

There are two hotels to choose from at the historic French Lick Resort. A must-see, no matter which one you pick, is the stunning atrium at the West Baden Springs Hotel . Spanning 200 feet wide, and constructed more than a century ago, this engineering feat was once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." While at the resort, you can enjoy all of the amenities, including three golf courses, two spas and a Vegas-style casino.

The Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota

Colorful wooded bluffs, steep hillsides and quaint river towns are all highlights of the Mississippi River Valley region in southern Minnesota, best enjoyed on a leisurely drive. The nearly 90-mile route from the town of Red Wing to La Crescent also features scenic overlooks, including two must-see locations at Great River Bluffs and Frontenac state parks. This drive along the Mississippi River – part of the 3,000-mile Great River Road, which begins in Minnesota and runs south through 10 states to conclude in Louisiana – celebrates peak fall colors around mid-October.

As you take in the brilliant hues of russet, red and gold along the ride, be sure to stop for an afternoon snack at a roadside apple stand. Bird lovers may be eager to see the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. While in this city, grab dinner and a beer before spending the night at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast and Brewery. Further down the road, don't miss the town of Winona, home to the small but impressive collection of European, American and contemporary works at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Situated at 9,600 feet above sea level in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is one of the first places in Colorado to witness fall's brilliant changing of the leaves. While the aspen trees' golds, reds and oranges usually peak by mid-September, the season can linger into early October. For optimal leaf viewing, plan to drive the 22-mile Boreas Pass: This route begins in Como and heads north to Breckenridge.

While visiting, enjoy brisk fall days hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or fly-fishing surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies. If you're in town in mid-September, you can don your best alpine gear and attend the festivities at Breckenridge Oktoberfest. For an extended stay with a view, reserve accommodations at The Lodge at Breckenridge . This property nestled atop a forested cliff is regarded as one of the world's highest-altitude hotels at 10,200 feet.

Hudson, New York

Situated in the Hudson River Valley in Columbia County, around 120 miles north of New York City, Hudson is a small town that offers a distinct food, arts and farming culture. There's also a unique history to explore, especially when it comes to architecture: Known as a "dictionary of architectural history," Hudson boasts many well-preserved buildings from almost every major period in America. The area's bounty of trees produces brilliant red, orange and yellow hues beginning at the end of September, with peak viewing time falling around mid-October.

For a unique way to see the foliage, get a designated driver and plan a road trip around the Hudson Valley Wine and Craft Beverage Map, which features more than 100 wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. After the drive, browse the town's boutiques and antique shops before checking into The Hudson Whaler Hotel, a beautifully restored property in the heart of downtown.

Read: The Best Weekend Getaways from New York City

Stowe, Vermont

Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, Stowe is one of the most picturesque villages in New England. It's also one of the best places to view the annual fall spectacle, with colors changing from mid-September through the end of October. Vermont is around 80% forested and boasts plenty of sugar maples, so autumn visitors can admire vibrant displays of red, orange and yellow leaves across the state. One of the prettiest drives to see the foliage is along the Smugglers' Notch Pass through the Green Mountains in Smugglers' Notch State Park.

If you're planning for several days of leaf-peeping activities, a room at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge can be your home base while you go horseback riding, rent a canoe or hop on the seasonal Stowe Gondola SkyRide to the summit of Mount Mansfield for unparalleled views. Back in town, check out local breweries like The Alchemist or von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Fall is one of the most picturesque times to visit "The Scenic City." Chattanooga is situated along the Tennessee River between the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, providing plenty of options for viewing the splendor of colorful forests. In peak season, usually in early November, trees showcase brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Nearby hiking trails offer some of the best close-up views, such as Rainbow Lake Trail on Signal Mountain.

For panoramic vistas overlooking the Tennessee Valley, ride the incline railway to the top of Lookout Mountain. You can even book a sightseeing riverboat cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle. For unique lodging in Chattanooga with easy access to outdoor adventure, reserve one of Treetop Hideaways' two boutique treehouses located on the side of Lookout Mountain. If you prefer to stay in the city, check out The Read House, a historic 1920s-themed hotel with modern amenities in the heart of downtown.

Read:  The Best Treehouse Hotels in the World

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Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Set in the White Mountains of New Hampshire , Bretton Woods is one of the top destinations in the state to view fall foliage. Leaf-peeping season begins in mid-September and continues through late October – this is when the most vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and even purples will paint the surrounding mountains. Due to the many tree species, it can be hard to predict peak foliage in this area but you'll likely have the most luck around the second week of October.

To enjoy the spectacle for several days, make reservations at the Omni Mount Washington Resort . This historic property sits at the base of the highest peak in the Northeast, giving guests a front-row seat to the show. During your stay, dash through the treetops on a zip line canopy tour, enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride or take a thrilling trip on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. You may also opt to take in the sights on a gondola ride and have lunch atop the mountain. Back on the ground, book a signature spa treatment and relax with expansive views of the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch and Mount Washington from the therapy rooms.

Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in New Hampshire

Lake Superior Scenic Byway, Wisconsin

This 70-mile route follows Lake Superior's southern shore along the Bayfield Peninsula on state Highway 13 in Wisconsin . The Lake Superior Scenic Byway winds through harbor towns, fishing villages, orchards and farms. Expect vistas of sandy beaches, forests and the sparkling waters of Lake Superior. This route begins in the town of Barksdale; it heads north and then around the tip of the peninsula before ending in Cloverland, near the mouth of the Brule River.

Plan your drive for the first week of October, when the area's bright reds, golds and coppers are at their peak. Highlights along the byway include the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area, which are home to an extensive collection of lighthouses. As a side trip, take a ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island at the tip of the peninsula. Afterward, arrange for an overnight stay in Bayfield at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a 20-room B&B overlooking Lake Superior.

Highlands, North Carolina

This picturesque mountain town sits at more than 4,100 feet in elevation on the Highlands Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest. Highlands sits in a temperate rainforest, so the vegetation is lush, and there are many waterfalls, rivers and lakes to explore in and around the area. Leaf-peeping season runs from the last week of September to the second week of October, when you'll see leaves becoming bright yellows and oranges, as well as deeper hues of reds and rusts.

There are many active outdoor activities to enjoy in this region, such as hiking, fly-fishing and golfing, but the community also has a vibrant cultural arts scene. During your visit, check out the exhibits at The Bascom (a visual arts center) or events at Highlands Performing Arts Center. While in town, reserve accommodations at Old Edwards Inn and Spa . This beautiful Relais & Chateâux property, located in the heart of the town, puts visitors within walking distance of the many restaurants and boutiques located on Main Street.

Read: The Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains

Letchworth State Park, New York

Letchworth State Park, fondly known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is home to some of the most striking fall foliage views in the U.S. The park's 14,300-plus acres of lush forest usually hit their peak in early-to-mid October, when leaf peepers will be treated to yellow, orange and red foliage framing the magnificent Genessee Gorge and Genessee River. Explore this unique setting on miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, including the park's new Autism Nature Trail, a mile-long hiking loop with marked sensory stations. You can also take to the skies in a hot air balloon with Balloons Over Letchworth, the only company that launches from inside the gorge.

While you're visiting Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out the surrounding Wyoming and Livingston counties for fun fall activities. You can soak in the views in Wyoming County with a Fall Foliage Train Ride on the Arcade & Attica Railroad, or head to Livingston for a free ranger-guided walking tour of the Mount Morris Dam. When you're ready to relax, explore local craft beer, wine, cider and spirits along the LivCo Libation Loop. Stay the night in the heart of Letchworth State Park at the Glen Iris Inn, which offers convenient access to both counties and overlooks Middle Falls on the Genesee River.

Read:  The Top Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the World

Tunnel of Trees, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Known as the Tunnel of Trees, this 20-mile scenic route follows the historic Michigan 119 highway between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. The area's canopies of golds, oranges and crimsons are on display typically from late September to mid-October. A few highlights for travelers include visiting the picturesque waterfront resort town of Harbor Springs and sampling authentic Polish cuisine at the iconic Legs Inn restaurant in Cross Village.

For overnight lodging, plan to stay at The Highlands, a Boyne Resort in Harbor Springs. This property offers many outdoor activities, including zip lining, horseback riding, biking and swimming. While here, reserve a seat on the Heather Express chairlift. This excursion to the top of the mountain affords incredible views of Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs and the area's beautiful fall foliage.

North Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

North Lake Tahoe, which unfurls across both California and Nevada, is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, so there's plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, from kayaking and paddleboarding to boating and relaxing on the area's many beaches. When it comes to viewing fall's splendor, hundreds of biking and hiking trails with 10-plus different species of trees show off the red, orange and yellow foliage.

The best time to see the colorful leaves is from about mid-September to late October, and one of the top viewing spots is Page Meadows in Tahoe City. Other top leaf-peeping locales are Tahoe Meadows, Ellis Peak and Mount Rose Summit. For a memorable getaway, book accommodations at the Everline Resort and Spa at the base of Olympic Valley. Amenities at this luxury resort include a golf course with a view, a luxurious spa and various outdoor experiences, such as guided fly-fishing and rafting.

Read: The Top Lake Vacations in the U.S.

The Ozarks, Arkansas

Situated in the northern part of Arkansas , the Ozark Mountains are the perfect destination to explore the outdoors and marvel at autumn's palette of bright golds, reds and oranges. The transformation typically begins around the second week of October, and peak colors appear by late October. One of the top spots to view the foliage is in the Buffalo National River area around the small town of Ponca. This beautiful wilderness destination in the mountains offers the opportunity to disconnect and get away from it all.

While here, take time to hike or float down the river – all the while keeping an eye out for wild elk. Fall is when the bulls are battling to become king of the herd, so they're especially active during this time of year. Plan to reserve one of the cabins in the mountains above Ponca. Vantage points from these properties yield incredible stargazing opportunities, as well as memorable sunrise and sunset views.

Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, Maryland

The scenic 38-mile drive from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks runs along U.S. Route 15 in Maryland . Known as "hallowed ground" and considered sacred by some, this long stretch of road highlights significant Civil War sites and pristine natural areas, including Catoctin Mountain Park, home to presidential residence Camp David. The best time to make the journey to see the foliage on the Maryland route is between late September and early November, with peak season around mid-October.

One not-to-be-missed detour is a stop to see the 78-foot waterfall and gorge in Cunningham Falls State Park. If you're after a challenging hike with great views, travelers say Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson can't be missed. Afterward, spend time exploring the shops and restaurants in the historic city of Frederick. You can book an overnight stay at one of the charming local B&Bs, such as 10 Clarke. If you're up for more fall fun, visit nearby Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, whose Fall Fun Fest has a corn maze and more than 60 attractions.

Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondacks offers leaf-peepers 10 distinct regional destinations covering more than 6 million acres in the northeast corner of New York state. Adventurers can head to the Lake Placid region in late September and early October to hike the Adirondack High Peaks, which offer the best mountain vistas during peak fall foliage. While you're in the region, be sure to visit the Olympic Jumping Complex. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the ski jumps for a bird's-eye view of the Adirondacks before heading back down on a zip line.

In the first two weeks of October, you'll find peak leaf peeping around Lake George, a popular vacation spot with 109 miles of shoreline and 300-plus islands. Hike nearby Prospect Mountain for a breathtaking view overlooking the lake's beautiful blue waters and the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds of the surrounding forest. For an authentic Adirondack stay without sacrificing resort luxuries, book a vacation rental at The Lodges at Cresthaven. Located on the shores of Lake George, this resort property offers a host of amenities along with Adirondack decor and panoramic views of the lake.

See more of the Adirondacks: Things to Do | Hotels

Anchorage to Kenai, Alaska

The epic landscapes of Alaska are awash with vibrant reds, purples, yellows and oranges – and even snow-capped mountaintops – from late August through September as fall arrives in the Last Frontier. The autumn colors across the state's vast wilderness, forests and tundra change quickly as winter approaches, beginning in mid-to-late August in the Arctic regions and lasting as late as October in southern areas like Tongass National Forest. This 158-mile drive on the Seward and Sterling highways from Anchorage to Kenai travels along two National Scenic Byways. You'll find many vantage points along the way to take in the jaw-dropping views and capture photos.

The first 50 miles of Seward Highway follow the Chugach Mountains and the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, where you may catch a glimpse of Dall sheep, beluga whales and eagles. From Tern Lake to Skilak Lake on Sterling Highway, you won't want to miss the sight of the Kenai River's teal glacial waters against the orange and yellow leaves, just as you come around the bend above Kenai Canyon. For a side trip en route, visitors can plan to stay at the beautiful Alyeska Resort, about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage. Be sure to save up enough energy to chase the aurora borealis in the wee morning hours, as the northern lights dance across the night sky from August to April in Alaska .

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

One of the best ways to view the Pocono Mountains' vibrant fall hues of reds, yellows and oranges is with a scenic drive along U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania. This road meanders through charming towns like Milford, Hawley and Honesdale, where you can take in autumn festivities that include the Hawley Harvest Hoedown and Honesdale's Harvest and Heritage Days. Another optimal viewing spot for the foliage is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with its 70,000 acres of forests and wetlands, the two tallest waterfalls in the state, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails.

The peak season for vibrant leaves in the Poconos depends on the region (north or south) and the progression of temperatures in the fall, but you can typically expect the best viewing from the last week of September through October. For up-to-the-minute information, check the fall foliage forecast on the Poconos Mountain website . After a busy day of exploring, The French Manor Inn and Spa is the perfect place to kick back, relax and admire even more of autumn's beauty. This luxury property is perched atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland and offers spectacular views of the kaleidoscope of leaf colors.

See more of the Poconos: Things to Do | Hotels

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The majesty of Mount Rainier, with its summit reaching 14,410 feet above sea level, is even more breathtaking surrounded by fall's vibrant colors. While you can see the peak from miles around, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can bring you up-close viewing of the spectacle. Top leaf-peeping areas include the White Pass Scenic Byway to the Chinook Pass via Bethel Road – if you have a high-clearance vehicle. Visitors may consider making a side trip to Cash Prairie to see Rattlesnake Drainage and Bismark Peak before venturing on to Timberwolf Mountain. Peak season to capture the brilliant crimsons, ambers and golds can vary, but it typically occurs between mid-October through early November.

While in the park, enjoy other favorite fall activities such as foraging for local mushrooms – chanterelles, hen-of-the-woods and matsutake, for example. You can also book an early-morning Elk Bugling Tour at Northwest Trek to see the Roosevelt elk sparring during their "rut," or breeding season. For rustic accommodations to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting the park, reserve a cabin or campsite at Mounthaven Resort.

See more of Mount Rainier National Park: Things to Do | Hotels

New York City

While many leaf-peepers gravitate toward New York state's forested countryside, New York City is also home to some of the best locations to enjoy autumn's hues. Peak color typically hits the city in late October to early November, often arriving a touch behind the rest of the state. Use Central Park's fall foliage map to check color progress, then meander along its winding paths to soak in the yellow, russet, maroon and purple leaves of 18,000-plus trees from eight different species. Once the sun sets, head to one the many nearby Broadway theaters to catch a show or walk down to Times Square for a different display of dazzling colors. To ensure the best fall foliage views in the morning, grab a luxury suite at the art deco-inspired JW Marriott Essex House New York .

If the crowds of Manhattan aren't your cup of tea, head to Brooklyn 's Prospect Park for a warm display of orange and red leaves. The Ravine, a densely wooded area at the park's center, will offer the best autumnal views. Or, for more historic fall foliage, visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and check out Thain Family Forest, a 250-acre woodland area home to the city's biggest patch of old-growth forest.

North Conway, New Hampshire

For prime autumn foliage in one of the best small towns for an adventure, head up to North Conway in New Hampshire. Located roughly 85 miles north of Portsmouth, this small town is encompassed by the White Mountain National Forest and is home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. With dozens of foot hike options through the surrounding 700,000 acres of protected forest, there's no shortage of leaf-peeping opportunities. Peak colors typically paint the landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow in the first two weeks of October.

A ride along the Kancamagus Highway – affectionately called "The Kanc" by locals – is a must-do. The 34-mile scenic drive will immerse you in a fall wonderland as it winds through the New Hampshire countryside, but make sure to fill your tank before you set off, as there are no gas stations or stores along the highway.

While you're in the area, don't forget to indulge in North Conway's other unique activities. Enjoy the perks of tax-free shopping at Settlers Green Outlet Village, for example, or grab a chairlift ride at Cranmore Mountain Resort. If you decide to hop aboard the historic Conway Scenic Railroad, experience 360-degree views of the fall foliage in the Premium Class Dome Car on the 1950s-era Transcontinental streamlined train. When you're ready to settle in for the night, the Cranmore Inn, a boutique inn located in the center of town, blends modern amenities with historical charm.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta grew up in the Shenandoah Valley surrounded by prime leaf-peeping destinations. Through her travels around the East Coast, she has enjoyed taking hikes, scenic drives or historic train rides to see the fall foliage. Whether by planning the perfect leaf-peeping excursion or hopping in the car for an impromptu drive, Vasta believes there's no bad way to take in autumn's hues, but she hopes this guide will help you take full advantage of this incredible season.

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Tags: Travel , Fall Vacations , Vacation Ideas , US Vacations

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17 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In New York

Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: [email protected]

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One of the best times for you to explore New York, there’s nothing quite like taking an exciting day trip during the fall season. Before we know it, everywhere we turn we’ll be able to see our beautiful foliage, leaving us full of the urge to explore more of our state. Giving you a variety of options, we’ve put together a list of some of the best day trips in New York that we think everyone needs to experience in the Empire State while fall is here.

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If you’re looking to get out and explore more of New York during the fall, try traveling along these 10 Country Roads In The Empire State That Will Lead You To Pure Bliss during our autumn season. They really are some of the best day trips in New York!

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Where are the best places to see fall foliage in New York?

Surrounded by unbelievable landscapes, the Adirondacks in New York are one of the most naturally beautiful regions of the country. There is simply so much to see in this magnificent, mountainous region, that it's best to climb aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad and allow yourself to be immersed in the stunning scenery. This 50-mile ride from Utica to Thendera is a picture-perfect day trip that allows passengers to revel in the resplendence of the Adirondacks; and during the fall, when the landscape is alight in fall color, it's a wholly wondrous experience that's sure to satisfy all fall foliage admirers.

What's the best fall weekend trips in New York?

New York might be best-known for its world-famous city, but its small towns are truly enchanting, and really come alive in the autumn during the height of fall foliage. Ellicottville is a postcard-perfect little town; it's located about an hour south of Buffalo, and its charming streets are full of quaint shops, historic storefronts, and amazing restaurants. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of western New York, each fall, Ellicottville comes alive with color, providing the perfect backdrop for its annual fall festival. Timed perfectly with the region's peak fall foliage, this festival, which also features food, live entertainment, and carnival rides, is a perennial favorite in the Empire State. Come and ride a gondola high above the hills of western New York during this annual fall fest! Another great fall weekend trip in New York is  Croton-on-Hudson . Each autumn, this town comes ablaze with 7,000 hand-carved, luminous pumpkins during the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in New York. Guests at this fest have the unique opportunity to meander through the lovely, 18th century landscape of the historic Van Cortlandt Manor, which is decked to the nines with thousands of glowing pumpkins. The festival is only an hour's train ride from New York City, making it the perfect day trip for New Yorkers looking to shake things up from their usual fall celebrations in the city. 

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