9 Day Trips From NYC You Need to Try

9 Day Trips From NYC You Need to Try

New York City is in a prime location for tourists and locals alike to explore New York State and the surrounding area. Just a day trip away are historical sights, waterfront views, and quaint towns that you can enjoy. Here are nine great day trip ideas from NYC that you need to try.

Cape May, NJ


Image via Flickr by mbtrama

Cape May, New Jersey, is a beachfront city with Victorian charm. By car, it takes just under three hours to get there from New York City; however, you can also take a bus or train for five hours and scenic views. Here you can shop on Washington Street, explore the Victorian era neighborhoods of Cape May's Historic District, and discover more about the city's history on a tour of the Emlen Physick Estate. Cape May is also home to a beautiful coastline, so be sure to take a walk, sunbathe, or go for a swim at Sunset Beach.

Kerhonkson, NY

Kerhonkson, New York, is just a two-hour drive from New York City by car. This is a quaint town nestled around stunning scenery. Here you can hike in Minnewaska State Park and Preserve and visit Stony Kill Falls, pick fresh fruit at Kelder's Farm, or shop for antiques at Old Brick's House Antiques and Stuff. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the mom and pop Kerhonkson Diner, or treat yourself to a cup of coffee at The Flying Goose Cafe on Main Street.

Sleepy Hollow, NY


Image via Flickr by csouza_79

Explore the setting of Washington Irving's famous story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," by taking a day trip to Sleepy Hollow, New York. This quaint New England town is just 49 minutes from New York City by car. By bus and train, the journey takes a little over an hour. Here you can take a tour of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, buy fresh produce at the weekend farmers market, and visit areas Washington Irving used to frequent. To enjoy more of the Hudson Valley, you can take a walk on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. For food and refreshment, stop by Muddy Water Coffee and Cafe. Here you can enjoy signature coffee drinks and delicious baked goods.

Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is just over a two-hour drive from New York City by car and between two to three hours on public transportation. This resort city has a bunch of fun attractions for you to enjoy. Take a walk on Atlantic City's Boardwalk, or have some fun at Steel Pier, an amusement park. This resort city also has Tanger Outlets so you can shop and enjoy refreshments. You can also relax at the beach which has easy access to the boardwalk, restaurants, and other amenities.

Fire Island, NY


Image via Flickr by vishwaant avk

Fire Island is off the coast of Long Island, New York. Just a two-hour drive from the heart of New York City, it is the perfect beach getaway. Here, you can have a picnic, go for a swim, set up camp for a night along its miles of coastline. Here you will also find three state parks, Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island National Seashore, and Smith Point County Park. You can also explore around, and take pictures of the Fire Island lighthouse, which has been there since the 1800s. 

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is located an hour and a half away from New York City, making it a perfect day trip for history lovers. Here you can explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, take a picture in front of the Liberty Bell, or tour the Eastern State Penitentiary. You can also observe wildlife at the Philadelphia Zoo. Grab lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, which has everything from fresh seafood to baked goods. If you want to do a bit of shopping, visit the Fashion District Philadelphia shopping mall, or browse local shops like Philadelphia Independents, in the historic district.

Cornwall, NY

Just an hour outside of the city, Cornwall, New York, is a small town with stunning views of the Hudson River, which makes it a great place for nature lovers. Here you can hike through Storm King State Park and explore the Hudson Highland's Nature Museum. Go kayaking on the Hudson with Mountain Valley Guides, or admire the river from afar at the Riverbank Historic House Museum. You can explore the town and shop at the Cornwall Yarn Shop, Creative Gifts and More, and Cornwall Sweets before stopping by the Shamrock Tavern on the main street for an authentic Irish meal.

Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a beautiful city located an hour and a half outside of New York City. Here, you can check out the National Museum of Industrial History, or explore the Burnside Plantation. This plantation has a preserved barn and farmhouse, along with a functional garden and a scenic walking trail. Downtown Bethlehem is home to a bustling shopping area with restaurants and historic buildings. Shop at the Moravian Book shop, Loose Threads Boutique, Tallarico's Chocolate, and Antiques & Gifts on Broad before stopping for food and refreshments at the Wise Bean Cafe and Espresso Bar.

Fishkill, NY


Image via Flickr by Jon Dawson

Fishkill, New York, is an hour and a half outside of New York City. This quaint village has lots of fun attractions for visitors to enjoy in and around the area. Hike, or enjoy waterfront activities at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Grab drinks and food at the Tomato Cafe located on main street. Perhaps the most notable attraction of Fishkill is Splashdown Beach, a family-friendly water park equipped with a lazy river, wave pool, and lap pool. In addition, the park also has several ride attractions, including the Arctic Mammoth, Splash Works, Cowabunga Falls, and more.

Once you get back to New York City, there is still so much to see! Stop by Martin Busch Jewelers located on 85 John St. in Manhattan and tell us all about your adventures. We have a wide variety of necklaces, rings, earrings and more to help you commemorate your trip!