Summer is nearly here, and that means it’s time to get away! While we adore our beloved New York City, there are so many great day trip spots right near the Big Apple that are lovely to visit. Located within just a few hours of the city, these spots make the perfect day-cation! From massive waterparks to beachfronts, there are tons of amazing things you can experience, making it the perfect little escape!
Here are our top New York day trips that are only a few hours away!
1. Fire Island, NY
Located off the Southern Shore of Long Island, Fire Island provides the perfect quick summer getaway. You’ll feel completely separated from the hustle and bustle of the city (you can only get there by ferry), and there’s so much to enjoy from picnics to bike rides to boat rentals to, of course, plenty of beach time!
Distance from NYC: 1 hr 30 minutes
2. Beacon, New York
Beacon is a quaint little town up in the Hudson Valley area of New York. There’s so much to do all year round, including whiskey distilleries, glass blowing art, visiting the gorgeous Olana State Historic Site, waltzing down Warren Street, and so much more! Their main street has lovely little shops, perfect for a little shopping spree and there’s tons of cultural happenings like live performances, art galleries, and even a museum of firefighting.
Distance from NYC: 1 hr 3o minutes
3. East Hampton, NY
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Shutterstock / James Kirkikis
Many New Yorkers flock to The Hamptons in the summer, and rightfully so…it’s beautiful! East Hampton in particular is one of the most gorgeous beaches and villages on the top of Long Island. Their Main Beach and Georgica Beach are absolutely stunning and their town and shops are equally as nice.
Distance from NYC: 2 hrs 30 minutes
4. Woodstock, NY
Although a name that draws imaginations of music festivals and tie-dye, Woodstock is full of things for just about everyone! We suggest hiking up Overlook Mountain, one of the most notable in the region, and then finishing the day walking through the town full of local shops and cute food vendors. You might even be lucky enough to catch a weekend flea market! The town is perfect for the hippies at heart and still oozes some of those 1960s flavors to this day.
Distance from NYC: 2 hrs 15 minutes
5. Montauk Point, Long Island East End
Way out on the very tip of Long Island lies Montauk Point. In the summer, check out the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which is over 200 years old and is the single oldest lighthouse in New York State. You can climb up it and also enjoy a corresponding museum. Plus, there’s beach hikes you can take while you walk there, as well as various state parks and beaches.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
6. Hunter, NY
Hunter, NY is typically a very popular spot to go in the winter, thanks to their iconic ski resort. However, there’s also many great things to do during the warmer months too! For our adrenaline junkies, fly amongst the trees as you zip line with New York Zipline Adventures, or become one with nature and try your hand at fly fishing school! If you like camping and being outdoors, this town is perfect for you.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
7. Saratoga Springs, NY
A bit further north, Saratoga Springs has lovely bed and breakfasts and other old historical lodging to enjoy during the summer. The Roosevelt Baths & Spa are a great spot to warm up in hot baths and get a great massage. Plus, there’s also a horse racing track that makes for a fun day out, as well as an award-winning amphitheater (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) that brings in some of the biggest musicians around. You might not want to come back to the city.
Distance from NYC: 3 hrs 15 minutes
8. Governors Island, NYC
Governors Island, the 172-acre lush green island in between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, provides the perfect summer getaway in the middle of the city. All you have to do is take a ferry from either the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan or the Red Hook/Atlantic Basin Ferry Terminal in Brooklyn and you’ll be whisked away in no time (just make a reservation in advance). Our favorite places? Island Oyster and Slide Hill!
Distance from NYC: 10 minutes
9. Cold Spring, NY
This cute little town 50 miles north of NYC is filled with history, restaurants, and antique shops. It’s a small town with gorgeous hikes to explore, a cozy Main Street, and lots of attractions to explore. Take the ferry to Bannerman Castle, visit the West Point Foundry Preserve, and explore the Stonecrop Gardens…which are only a few things to do besides their lovely downtown area.
Distance to NYC: 1 hr 30 minutes
10. New Paltz, NY
We highly suggest visiting this legendary resort just an hour and a half north of NYC! The gorgeous Mohonk Mountain House offers various summer activities, including public hikes, yoga sessions, stargazing outings, and a whole lot more. There’s also lots of history and culture in this town too, which is evident in attractions like the Historic Huguenot Street and DM Weil Gallery. The best part? No overnight stay is required (at Mohonk Mountain House) so it’s perfect for a day’s getaway.
Distance from NYC: 1 hr 45 minutes
11. Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Park in New Jersey is one of our favorite summer destinations, thanks to their boardwalk, beaches, and bars. When you go, be sure to walk along their boardwalk, challenge your friends to some competition at the Silverball Retro Arcade, and even catch a show at world-famous venue The Stone Pony.
Distance from NYC: 1 hr 30 minutes
12. Bushkill Falls, PA
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Want to chase more waterfalls? This spot is in Pennsylvania is less than two hours from NYC and provides some of the most stunning views and hikes. Escape to nature, and stop in the charming small town Hope, New Jersey on your way back!
Distance from NYC: 2 hrs
13. Warwick, NY
Warwick is right in the heart of NY’s stunning Hudson Valley. With beautiful parks, farm-to-table brunch, unique boutique and antique shops (say that five times fast!), it’s the perfect little weekend day trip from NYC. It’s an hour and a half car ride, or tack on an extra hour to take the bus there from Port Authority.
Distance from NYC: 1 hr 30 minutes
14. Untermeyer Gardens, Yonkers
Of course we love NYC’s botanical gardens, but one very under-rated outdoor treasure is the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. Though it’s technically not within the five boroughs, it’s right outside them in Yonkers, NY. This stunning green space is overflowing with a wide variety of plants and flowers across 43 acres, and did we mention it’s completely free? Grab some lunch while you’re out there and you’ve made a day of it!
Distance from NYC: 40 minutes
15. Westport, Connecticut
Go quintessential New England in Westport, Connecticut with a gorgeous downtown on the waterfront & plenty of restaurants and shops. It’s the same by car or train — about an hour and 15 minutes — but you can get their directly from Grand Central on the New Haven line!
Distance from NYC: 1 hr 30 minutes
16. Sandy Hook, NJ
Hop the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building downtown to Sandy Hook, New Jersey for some of the loveliest local beaches. You can rent bikes easily, perfect for exploring the shorefront. Plus there are plenty of dockside restaurants for when you get hungry.
Distance from NYC: 1 hr, 30 minutes
17. Greenport, Long Island
You can easily get to this charming seaport down all the way at the end of Long Island by Hampton Jitney bus or the Long Island Railroad. Enjoy magnificent views of the water, quaint shops, a wide range of restaurants, fresh seafood on the docks, and the loveliest views of the sailboats.
Don’t forget to check out Lavender by the Bay the next town over!
Distance from NYC: 2 hrs 40 minutes
18. Freeport, Long Island
You can never have too much waterfront dining this time of year, can you? Enjoy that plus breweries, farmers markets, boat tours, and a bike or walk down the “Nautical Mile” along the water. Right out on Long Island, it’s a quick, 45-minute direct train ride from Penn Station! One of the most perfect amazing day trips from NYC.
Distance from NYC: 1 hr, 20 minutes