Planning a one day trip from New York? From picking a destination to planning your activities through and through, there is no denying that day trips can be tricky. However, sometimes, you really want to escape the hustle of The Big Apple and explore some of NY’s best vineyards, country houses, beaches, and quaint villages. Thankfully, we have a list of 10 day trips from New York planned to the T and within easy reach of the city so that you can make that trip and be back in just one day.
NYC to North Fork Day Trip
North Fork, the wine country or, as locals like to call it, NOFO, is an easy 1 hour 30 minutes day trip from NYC. Home to several vineyards, craft distilleries, and breweries, this is one of the most photogenic places to explore if you are from New York.
Where To Eat:
You can enjoy a hearty seafood meal from Southold Fish Market or settle down at Claudio’s Restaurants to enjoy a scenic waterfront destination in the company of good food.
Where To Drink:
The incredible vineyards scattered among the farms prepare local wines. Try out Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard or Chronicle Wines at Peconic Cellar Door for handcrafted wines in an intimate setting.
What To Do:
Watch the beautiful English and French lavenders bloom in the Lavender Fields, and then make a visit to the Long Island Aquarium, and Southold Historical Museum.
NYC to Woodstock Day Trip
Woodstock is often seen as a getaway for New Yorkers to farm fresh food, participate in creative activities, and do lots of shopping. This quaint village is 2 hours drive away from New York and the best day trip from New York if you are into artistic entertainment and local festivals.
Where To Eat:
Oriole 9 for breakfast or Phoenicia Diner for lunch are aesthetic places in the town where the menu is seasonal, locally sourced, and extremely fresh – such as goat cheese omelets and bagels.
Where To Drink:
Cucina is a famous Italian restaurant settled inside a farmhouse in Woodstock, serving terrific cocktails along with Mediterranean delicacies.
Where To Shop:
Woodstock’s Tinker Street is a heaven for novelty items, home goods, local pottery, and other unique offerings. It is hard to resist a shopping spree when in Woodstock.
What To Do:
Emerson Resort & Spa has the world’s largest kaleidoscope. Lie on the floor or watch from a corner; this show is the most breathtaking and unique activity in Woodstock. Furthermore, you can also build your own kaleidoscope (it’s $25 per person and designed for all ages and groups.)
NYC to Beacon Day Trip
A NYC day trip to Beacon means ditching the city’s glamor and instead embracing the historic, artsy charm of this Hudson Valley gem. An hour and a half’s drive from NYC or an hour’s train ride from The Big Apple will bring you to this paradise for hiking, riverfront, or shopping activities enthusiasts looking for the best day trip of their life.
Where To Eat:
Beacon Bread Company is your first stop to grab some coffee and lunch, or you can enjoy some mimosas with brunch if you arrive here early, at Wonderbar Beacon.
Where To Drink:
Denning’s Point Distillery and Two Way Brewing Company are the best spots to sip artisan cocktails, beers, and enjoy some classic BBQ bites.
Where To Shop:
Vintage Beacon is filled with vintage clothing, particularly for the ladies, or you can also purchase your favorite pair of Levi’s or other clothing from Blackbird Attic.
What To Do:
Conquer Mount Beacon with an aesthetic hiking experience or paddleboard in the majestic Hudson River. Or find a peaceful spot in the Beacon Falls Park & Riverfront Park.
NYC to The Hamptons Day Trip
Going to The Hamptons is one of the best day trips from New York City if you want a luxurious vacation filled with fine dining, high end shopping destinations, and villages that are so charming you will never want to leave.
Where To Eat:
Grab a frozen yogurt from Buddhaberry, some fresh cookies from Tate’s Bake Shop, or dine in the local seafood eateries or a fine dining restaurant.
Where To Drink:
Wölffer Estate Vineyard is a beautiful winery in The Hamptons where you can sip on premium wines, take a tour of their stellar tasting rooms, or stroll in the beautiful vineyards.
Where To Shop:
The best destination shop during your NYC day trip is the Montauk Village, or the Main Street, Southampton for the perfect summer hangout.
What To Do:
Take a horseback ride, bathe in the sun at Mecox Beach, or go back in time to the quaint streets and historical setting of Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum.
NYC to Breakneck Ridge Day Trip
Breakneck Ridge is for hikers who are always seeking thrilling trails and a perfect day out in nature. This hiking trail is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from New York City and the best day trip if you believe that you are fit and brave enough to conquer this hike.
What To Do:
The Breakneck hike is not for the faint of heart. In the first hour, you might find yourself scrambling over the steep trail, but the markers are extremely well and there are plenty of alternative routes for you.
The Hudson and hilltops views are breathtaking, and it feels incredibly good to be out in the wild, panting and sweaty as you climb even higher up the rocks.
Continue towards the Notch Trail to witness the beautiful Lake Surprise, and then make some time to also visit Cornish Estate Ruins and Cold Spring. Take a break at one of the cafes and diners, before you make your way back to NYC via train or car.
NYC to Mohonk Preserve Day Trip
For 9-to-5 office workers who want a quick and relaxing escape to loosen up, The Mohonk Preserve day trip from NYC is perfect for every season. From ice skating in winter to hiking on the mountainous terrain in summer, there is something to do in every season for a mini vacation.
Where To Eat:
The Ciao Bella Restaurant and Mohonk Mountain House are by far the most scenic and Instagram-worthy eateries, so you can enjoy your fill before you carry on with your day’s activities.
Where To Drink:
Huckleberry and Arrowood Farm-Brewery are great bars near the Mohonk Mountain House for after-lunch drinks sessions with your friends and family.
Where To Shop:
The Mohonk Mountain House houses elegant and historic gift shops, to take a memorable locally produced product back home.
What To Do:
Enjoy a CBD massage at Midweek Spa Getaway, tee off at the Mohonk Golf Course, and hit the bullseye at the Mohonk Archery and Tomahawk throwing activities.
NYC To North Adams Day Trip
A North Adams day trip from New York is a 3 hours 15 minutes drive from the city – a can’t-miss day trip that offers miles of arts and culture. The drive itself is extremely scenic, with rolling hills, artsy streets, and sprawling nature everywhere the eye goes. This NYC day trip will help you brush off all that exhaustion and stress built up all week.
Where To Eat:
Pedrin’s Dairy Bar is a top spot for everyone making that North Adams day trip from NYC. The sundae, freshly fried fish and chips, cheap burgers and clam strips are perfect to have all your cravings satisfied on the go.
Where To Drink:
The Greylock Works Distillery is a 20 person bar perfect to enjoy house liquor on evenings, a perfect winding down activity for people visiting from out of town.
What To Do:
Mass MoCA is a historical lover’s dream. This museum has mind bending elements and smart 19th century gargantuan ceilings, which makes you feel as if the place is frozen in time. The Cascade Waterfall is a picturesque hike to stretch and breathe in crispy clean air.
NYC to Phoenicia Day Trip
Take out all your outdoor to-do-bucket list items. Phoenicia is the most aesthetic spot in the Catskills Town. From 100-year-old lodges to the Catskills forest preserve spread over thousands of acres, this is one of the best day trips from New York city to surround yourself with wildlife and deep, serene nature.
Where To Eat:
Settle down for an early breakfast at Maeve’s Place or try out the local favorites and diner classics at Phoenicia Diner (the latter also has a dog-friendly area for your furry friend’s entertainment.)
Where To Drink:
Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room has the finest changing menu and wine list, which you can enjoy with their farmhouse cuisine.
Where To Shop:
The Nest Egg is an old-fashioned store for a relaxed shopping experience, or you can browse through all the beautiful things that the Catskill Mountains offer at Mélange, from antiques to locally made jewelry and spices and salt lamps.
What To Do:
The 8-mile-long Rail Explorers ride takes you from the Delaware and Ulster line all the way to Creekside Point where you can enjoy breathtaking river views. Catskills Visitor Center, Phoenicia Library, and The Empire State Railway Museum should also be on your to-do list.
NYC to Philadelphia Day Trip
Philadelphia is a 2 hours’ drive from The Big Apple, so if you are unaware of its iconic attractions, modern activities, cultural diversity and the most beautiful scenic riverfronts, make that day trip from NYC happen right now to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Where To Eat:
Vista Peru is your answer for delicious Peruvian goods, or if you want to try a plate of delicious Korean BBQ, try Kim’s Restaurant. Harp and Crown are perfect for on the go bites like pizza pies.
Where To Drink:
Philadelphia Distilling offers incredible spirits, and you can even watch them come to life with their on-display distillery process. Brauhaus Schmitz is also a popular choice for a cold brew to go with your food.
Where To Shop:
The Shops at Liberty Place is a vibrant retail complex, and if you swing by here, you can visit more than 50 shops in one go during your day trip from New York.
What To Do:
Start from the Iconic LOVE Park to capture some memorable photographs and The Rodin Museum, The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Rocky Steps at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway to cover all the famous attractions in one day.
NYC To The City Of Kingston Day Trip
Thanks to the rich architecture and history of Kingston, this city is a top destination for some of the best day trips from New York city. The first capital is under 2 hours drive away from NYC, and is bustling with lively districts, award winning restaurants, historic sites, and breathtaking spots offering the best views of the Hudson River.
Where To Eat:
Ship to Shore is dedicated to fresh and locally sourced seafood, and the rich buttery garlic on juicy steaks with a white wine or country beer is made for relaxation and unwinding.
Where To Drink:
Rough Draft Bar is the perfect spot to settle down with a sour IPA and a warm pastry or grab a dark milk stout at Keegan Ales to know that this city doesn’t mess with its craft beers.
Where To Shop:
The Zaborski Emporium is a funky spot for purchasing unique and eccentric items – bird feeders, faucet knobs, antique drawers, and much more.
What To Do:
Visit the Senate House State Historic Site and walk along the artsy streets, which give even the most famous art galleries a run for their money.
