Day trips from New York City

Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, Beacon is a charming town about two hours north of Manhattan that has something for everyone. Art lovers will want to check out Dia: Beacon, a stunning contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, while history buffs should visit Bannerman Castle, a mysterious and crumbling castle on an island in the river that was once used to store military surplus. And nature enthusiasts will enjoy hiking to the top of Mount Beacon, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. After exploring, grab a bite at local favorite Homespun Foods, a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, or The Roundhouse, an upscale restaurant with a view of a waterfall.

How to get there: To get to Beacon from the city, you can take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal in New York City to the Beacon Station. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and the Beacon Station is within walking distance of Main Street and many of the town’s attractions. You can also reach Beacon by driving the New York State Thruway (I-87) or the Taconic State Parkway.

Just a two-hour train ride from New York, Philadelphia is a city steeped in history. Visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence. For something a little different, explore Reading Terminal Market, a bustling indoor market with more than 80 vendors selling everything from Amish baked goods to artisanal cheeses, or stroll through the many charming neighborhoods, such as Old City and Rittenhouse Square. Don’t leave without trying a classic Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks. If you’re looking for a more upscale meal, try Zahav, a modern Israeli restaurant named one of the best in the country.

How to get there: Amtrak offers train service from New York City to Philadelphia. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela Express trains depart from New York Penn Station and arrive at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. The city can also be reached by car via the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway. Depending on traffic, the drive can take about 2 to 3 hours.

Escape the city heat and head to Fire Island, a narrow barrier island just off the coast of Long Island, about 90 minutes from the city. With no cars on the island, visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore miles of pristine beaches, bike paths, and nature trails, as well as the many small communities on the island, each with their own unique charm and character. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to visit the Sunken Forest, a rare maritime forest home to various bird species. The island is also home to the Fire Island Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. After exploring, head to Maguire’s Bayfront Restaurant and Bar, a popular spot for seafood and drinks with a view.

How to get there: To get to Fire Island, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station in New York City to the Bay Shore station. From there, take a ferry to Fire Island. The ferry departs from the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal and takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on which Fire Island community you’re visiting.

Located just an hour north of the city, Cold Spring is a picturesque village perfect for a day trip. The town’s Main Street is lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants, and there’s easy access to nearby scenic parks and trails, including the Hudson Highlands State Park and the Breakneck Ridge Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains. Cold Spring is also home to the Cold Spring Depot Restaurant, a historic train station-turned-restaurant that offers delicious American fare and a cozy atmosphere, while Marbled Meat Shop offers gourmet sandwiches and picnic supplies for a hike.

How to get there: To get to Cold Spring from the city, take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal in New York City to the Cold Spring station. The trip is around 90 minutes, and you can walk into town from the station. If you drive, you can reach Cold Spring via the Taconic State Parkway or the New York State Thruway (I-87). Depending on traffic, the drive can take about 2 hours.

Bear Mountain State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts just an hour north of the city. The park offers miles of hiking trails, including a challenging climb to the summit of Bear Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding area. Visitors can rent paddleboats or rowboats on Hessian Lake or visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo to learn about local wildlife. Restaurant 1915 offers upscale dining with a view of the Hudson River, while the Bear Mountain Trading Post is a popular spot for ice cream and snacks.

How to get there: It’s ideal to have a car to reach Bear Mountain, but you can also take the Short Line Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal, or take the Metro-North Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal in New York City to Peekskill, then transfer to the Route 9 Bus to Bear Mountain State Park. If you drive, you can get to the park by car via the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The drive takes about 1h 15min, depending on traffic.

New Paltz is a charming town in the Hudson Valley, about a two-hour drive from New York City. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including Shawangunk Ridge, the town is a perfect base for hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering adventures. After a day of exploring, head to the town center to sample some local flavors, including farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and craft beer. The Clemson Bros. Brewery is a popular brewpub with a great beer and pub fare selection. For something sweet, head to The Bakery for homemade desserts, pastries, bagels, and more.

How to get there: There are a few ways to reach New Paltz from New York City. You can take the Trailways bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to New Paltz. The bus ride takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic. Or take the Metro-North Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal in New York City to Poughkeepsie, then transfer to the Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) bus to New Paltz. If you drive, you can reach the town by car via the New York State Thruway (I-87).

Storm King Art Center is a must-visit destination for art lovers. Located about an hour north of the city, this 500-acre outdoor sculpture museum features more than 100 sculptures and installations by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, and Maya Lin. The park also offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains, as well as special exhibitions and programs throughout the year, including guided tours and artist talks. Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the grounds or dine at the outdoor cafe, which offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

How to get there: To get to Storm King Art from the city, you can take the Coach USA Shortline bus from Port Authority, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or you can take the Metro-North Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon and then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the art center, which takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. If you prefer to drive, you can take the New York State Thruway or the Taconic State Parkway, which takes about 1h 30min to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

If you’re looking for a seaside escape, Mystic is a great option. This charming town is located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City. It is known for its maritime history, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, which features historic ships, exhibits, and demonstrations. Mystic is also home to the Mystic Aquarium, which features a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits, making it a perfect destination for families with children. After exploring the museum and aquarium, head to the town center to check out the shops and restaurants or stroll along the scenic waterfront. S&P Oyster Company is a popular spot for seafood, while the rustic-chic Engine Room offers craft beer and pub fare.

How to get there: Mystic is harder to reach via public transportation than some other day trips, but not impossible. Take the Amtrak train from Penn Station in New York City to New London, Connecticut, then transfer to the Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) bus to Mystic. The train ride takes about 2h 30min, and the bus takes about 20 minutes. Mystic is located approximately 135 miles northeast of New York City and can also be reached by car via I-95.

Montauk is a popular destination for beachgoers and seafood lovers at the eastern tip of Long Island. Known for its stunning beaches and famous seafood, visitors can spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze. The town’s beaches are some of the best on Long Island, with plenty of space to spread out and relax, and after a day at the beach, visitors can indulge in some of the area’s famous lobster rolls and clams at one of the many seafood restaurants in town. The Lobster Roll in nearby Amagansett is a local institution and serves up some of the best lobster rolls in the area, while Gosman’s Dock offers waterfront dining with a view of the fishing boats.) Montauk offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, fishing charters, and surfing lessons, and you can’t beat the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery.

How to get there: To get to Montauk, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Montauk. The train ride takes about 3 hours and drops off at the Montauk station, within walking distance of many of the town’s attractions. You can also reach Montauk, which is about 120 miles east of New York City, by car via the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Route 27. Depending on traffic, the drive can take about 2h 30min to 3 hours. There’s also the Hampton Jitney bus, which offers service between several locations in New York City and Montauk.

Hudson is a charming town located about two hours north of the city, known for its thriving arts and antiques scene. Visitors can spend the day exploring the town’s many unique galleries and shops, which offer a variety of antiques and vintage finds, and dining at some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the region, which use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious meals. After a day of shopping and dining, tour one of the local farms or hike in nearby scenic parks, such as Olana State Historic Site or Hudson Riverfront Park. Thanks to its small-town charm and artistic flair, Hudson makes for a relaxing day trip from New York City.

How to get there: To reach Hudson, take the Amtrak train from Penn Station in New York City to Hudson. The train ride takes about 2 hours, and the Hudson station is located within walking distance of many of the town’s attractions.

Known for its namesake Ivy League university, Princeton is a picturesque town just an hour south of New York City. Visitors can tour the prestigious campus, which features impressive buildings and libraries, or explore the town’s many unique shops, cafes, and galleries. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Princeton University Art Museum, which houses more than 100,000 works of art from around the world. After sightseeing, visitors can dine at one of the town’s many farm-to-table restaurants, such as Agricola Eatery, which features local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. With its academic and cultural attractions, Princeton is a perfect day trip destination from New York City.

How to get there: Take the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train from Penn Station in New York City to Princeton Junction. From Princeton Junction, transfer to the “Dinky” train, a shuttle between Princeton Junction and Princeton. The train ride from New York City to Princeton Junction takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the Dinky ride takes about 10 minutes. The NJ Transit 600 bus also runs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Princeton.

Newport is a historic Rhode Island coastal town about three hours northeast of New York City, known for its opulent Gilded Age mansions and stunning ocean views. While in Newport, Visitors can tour some of the area’s most famous mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, which feature luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens. The town also boasts the famous Cliff Walk, a scenic path offering breathtaking ocean views and mansions. The town center also has plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants and a waterfront perfect for strolling. If you’re feeling peckish after exploring, head to Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar for fresh seafood along the waterfront or Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, a popular burgers and craft beer spot. The unique mix of history, beauty, and charm makes Newport an ideal day trip destination.

How to get there: Take the Amtrak train from Penn Station in New York City to Providence, then transfer to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus to Newport. The train ride takes about 3.5 hours, and the bus ride takes about 1 hour. Some buses run from NYC to Newport.

Famous for its artistic and musical heritage—including the 1969 Woodstock Festival—Woodstock is a charming town in the Catskill Mountains, about two hours north of New York City. Come here to explore the town’s many unique galleries and shops, which feature a variety of art and handcrafted goods, or take a hike in nearby scenic parks, such as Overlook Mountain or Kaaterskill Falls. The town also offers a variety of dining options, including vegetarian and vegan cuisine at The Garden Cafe or coffee and pastries at Oriole 9.

How to get there: Woodstock has no direct train, but the Trailways bus runs from Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to Woodstock. The ride takes about 2 hours and drops off directly to the center of town.

The Hudson Valley is home to some of the most scenic wineries on the East Coast, and the Shawangunk Wine Trail is the perfect way to explore them. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and picturesque towns of the Hudson Valley, stopping at more than 10 wineries along the way to sample the area’s best wines and enjoy the beautiful views. Many offer small plates and snacks to pair with their wines, so you won’t go hungry either—just don’t forget your designated driver.

How to get there: The Shawangunk Wine Trail is 60 miles north of New York, approximately 1 hour away. You can take the Palisades Interstate Pkwy or the NJ-17 N. If you are unable to have a designated driver, we advise you to purchase a transport rental or stay on property. Plan your visit, enjoy beautiful landscapes along the way, and have an unforgettable experience!