30 Best Day Trips from NYC (By a Local)

There are so many things to do in The Big Apple, but sometimes you need a break from the city that never sleeps. In this list, we’ll explore my picks for the best day trips from New York City.

As a New York local, I spent my childhood traveling around the state and visiting many small towns close to the city. From scenic hiking trails to local breweries, I’ve crafted a summary of the best NYC day trips – including popular spots but also hidden gems that are often overlooked. 

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30 Best NYC Day Trips

Newburgh

A hidden gem full of history, waterfront dining, and stunning views of the Hudson River. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Newburgh is a historical town just a short trip north of New York City. Here, you’ll find many fun things to do.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is a must-visit for history lovers. The site is now a museum but it was previously the headquarters of the nation’s first President during the Revolutionary War. 

For a more relaxing day, Downing Park is a 35-acre landmark that’s part of the City’s East End Historic District. The summer hosts tons of concerts and events, while the winter offers ice skating and sledding.

Be sure to visit the stunning Newburgh Waterfront. Enjoy a selection of fantastic restaurants, such as the highly-rated Hudson Taco. Enjoy a bike ride along the river. Or get out on the water with boating, fishing, and sightseeing cruise boats for the whole family.

East Haddam, Connecticut

A Middlesex County town with views of the Connecticut River and New England architecture that feels like you stepped into a time machine. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps

East Haddam, located in Middlesex County, is a longer drive, but doable for a day trip and certainly worth a short weekend getaway. If you choose to stay a night, the Inn at Middletown is the best hotel in the area. Just avoid leaving New York City between 4 and 7 PM, especially on a Friday! 

The area boasts exceptional New England beauty. The Gillette Castle State Park is a popular destination for visitors coming to see the Gillette Mansion, built by actor William Gillette in 1914. The grounds have plenty of hiking trails alongside the Connecticut River. 

If you enjoy wine tastings, Yankee Cider Company and Staehly Farm & Winery are local favorites for a mix of country goods for purchase along with fresh wines, and ciders. 

The Goodspeed Opera House is a historic musical theatre, sure to catch your eye with its unique architecture, across from the East Haddam Swing Bridge. The theatre hosts an array of events year-round. 

Warwick

This stunning town in the Hudson Valley is renowned for apple picking, wineries, and a lively downtown featuring boutiques and restaurants. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 45 minutes| 📍 Google Maps

Warwick is located less than two hours from New York City. The town offers picturesque mountain views and a guaranteed day of family fun. 

Warwick’s Main Street features popular restaurants like Eddie’s Roadhouse American eatery and Opa! Greek Grill, as well as historic sites and local vintage shops like the Reclaimed Consignment Boutique. For a drink, check out Baird’s Tavern, a unique historical tavern with a fascinating history. 

On the outskirts of Warwick, you can visit one of the wineries or breweries offering local wine and spirits. Pennings Farm is especially exceptional. 

On your way back to New York City, stop at Bellvale Farms Creamery, a 200-year-old dairy farm that serves up some of the best-ranked ice cream in the United States, according to TripAdvisor!

The best time of year to visit Warwick is the fall when apple-picking season is in full effect.

🛎️ Looking for a movie? The Warwick Drive-In has gorgeous surrounding views while you enjoy the big screen. Open since 1950, the outdoor theater is the perfect place to enjoy a summer night.

Washingtonville

An underrated town full of charm and history, that makes for a unique NYC day trip.

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Washingtonville is an upstate town that might fly under the radar, but is worth a day trip from New York City. The national historic landmark district in Washingtonville was first settled in 1731. America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood, was established here in 1839. [Source, Source]

Brotherhood Winery is a perfect day trip from NYC for adults looking for wine tasting and a tour of the stunning grounds. The winery hosts many events and live music for guests. Oh, and the wine’s made with 100% New York-sourced grapes from family farms.

West Point

Come and enjoy this former Revolutionary War fortress to experience tradition, good food, and even better views. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 35 minutes| 📍 Google Maps | Visit West Point Website

West Point, home to the United States Military Academy, makes for the ideal NYC day trip for anyone interested in military history.

West Point’s famous grounds host an 18-hole golf course, the country’s oldest federal museum, guided tours, and seasonal Army football games.

For true history buffs, the West Point Foundry Preserve is a 97-acre site transformed into an outdoor museum open year-round. Explore the many ruins and waterfalls mixed in with abandoned buildings. 

West Point is also just a 15 minute drive from Bear Mountain State Park, the next entry on this list. 

Bear Mountain State Park

Located in the lower Hudson Valley, this 5,205-acre destination is full of activities for every season. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Bear Mountain State Park Website

Bear Mountain State Park is located an hour from New York City, and is perfect for families and nature lovers. The rugged mountains feature fishing access, hiking, cross country skiing, and trails for biking.

If you’re up for a moderate hike, the 5.2-mile Popolopen Torne Loop is popular and well worth it for the stunning views. I also recommend Iona Island Bird Sanctuary for wildlife spotting. 

Bear Mountain State Park offers a swimming pool, picnic tables, and a large play field for year-round fun. The Perkins Memorial Tower sports breathtaking views of the Hudson Highlands to Harriman State Park, and is open seasonally from April to November. 

Finally, the Trailside Museums & Zoo is a great option if you’re doing your day trip with kids.

👉 Want to explore more of the Hudson Valley? Check out our perfectly planned 5-day itinerary!

Nyack

A charming town with a rich arts culture that offers a peaceful getaway from the Big Apple. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Nyack Website

Nyack is a Rockland County village full of rich history, located less than an hour from Manhattan. Nyack makes for one of the best family-friendly day trips, and it’s my favorite village for eclectic shops.

Nyack Beach State Park has some of the best hawk and raptor watching in the United States. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, picnicking spots, and cross-country skiing.

Downtown Nyack has a great small-town vibe. Enjoy plenty of cafes and restaurants, unique art galleries, and antique stores. I love shops like Maria Luisa Boutique and Main Street Beat. Tree of Chocolate has delicious homemade chocolate and other enticing sweets. My Father’s House Southern Cuisine has top-rated fried chicken in Upstate New York.

Memorial Park is another spot to check out. It features 11 acres packed with a playground, climbing wall and net, and a skateboard park for the kids. To top it off, you’ll get a stunning view of the Hudson River!

👉 Read Next: Best Hiking Trails in New York

Rockaway Beach

Enjoy a peaceful day or family-friendly fun at this 170-acre beach heaven, featuring a 5.5 mile boardwalk!

🗺️ Distance from New York City : 50 minutes  | 📍 Google Maps | Rockaway Beach Website

Rockaway Beach is a popular summer hotspot and one of the best day trips for ocean views. Easily accessible by subway, this urban beach haven has plenty to offer. Enjoy surf lessons, jet skiing, biking, shopping, and a 5.5-mile-long boardwalk with plenty of bars and restaurants.

Jacob Riis Park is on the southwestern end of the peninsula and has a 90-year-old Art Deco bathhouse, golf course, and ball courts. For the explorers, check out the abandoned hospital and buildings! 

Bayswater Park has many events like the Rockaway Fall Festival. Here, you’ll experience fun and relaxation at the same time.

For adults interested in a unique way to get from NYC to Rockaway Beach, check out this Rockaway Beach party bus tour. 

Minnewaska State Park

This state park on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge will take your breath away with picturesque lakes, waterfalls, and forestry. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 10 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Minnewaska State Park Website 

Here’s a personal take – Minnewaska State Park is one of the best state parks in New York State! 

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is 22,275 acres of outdoor adventure in Ulster County, two hours from the city. Some of the most popular things to do are hiking, biking, swimming, rock climbing, horseback riding, picnicking, and boating. 

The nature trails are full of stunning scenery, from waterfalls to hardwood forests that amplify the rugged, rocky terrain. Sam’s Point Preserve is at the southernmost end, with white cliffs, and ice caves. Avid hikers should check out Verkeerderkill Falls Trailhead. 

Only a twelve minute drive away, New Paltz is full of great local restaurants to end the perfect family day trip from New York City. 

New Fairfield, Connecticut

The perfect getaway for outdoor recreation that the whole family can enjoy in Fairfield County, Connecticut. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hours, 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps 

Connecticut is New York City’s neighbor to the west, and many New Yorkers choose The Constitution State for a weekend getaway. New Fairfield is a personal favorite town for the New England charm and character, making it worthy of a mention. Note: Avoid rush hour for driving; traffic is terrible getting into Connecticut.   

Squanz Pond State Park’s bridges, trails, mountains in the backdrop, and surrounding nature are exceptional to see during the spring and fall. The pond flows into Candlewood Lake, a perfect spot for swimming and fishing during the summer. The Great Hollow Nature Preserve’s mini waterfall is worth a stop on the drive. 

The town has more casual style dining, Olde 37 Patio & Grill being a local favorite. My advice is to take a short drive to nearby Danbury for more fine-dining options.

Storm King Art Center

Spend the day combining art and nature at this unique outdoor museum. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Storm King Art Center Website

Storm King Art Center in New Windsor makes for the perfect NYC day trip for families and art lovers. The 500-acre open-air art museum features large-scale art installations surrounded by mountains on an open field. 

With over 100 sculptures, expect to do a ton of walking! The incredible pieces are made of material ranging from iron to steel. There’s also a cute outdoor café on the property when you feel like you need a break. 

Just a ten minute drive away, I recommend checking out nearby Storm King Mountain for a hike. The views of the surrounding Hudson Valley will make it worth the trek! 

Greenport

This mini Napa Valley is the perfect getaway with oceanfront views and delicious waterfront dining on Long Island.  

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Greenport is a quaint fishing village on the North Fork of Long Island, just a few hours drive from the city. You can spend the day exploring or visiting one of the 40+ wineries in the Greenport area. 

Greenport is situated on Long Island’s North Fork, which is renowned for its wineries, beaches, and farms. I recommend Kontokosta Winery, which has exceptional views of the Long Island Sound on its 62-acre farm. Note there is a $5 entrance fee. If you prefer to winery hop, you can take this popular Long Island winery tour.

Downtown Greenport Village is great for families. Downtown has a carousel, ice skating rink, local shops, and the East End Seaport Museum. There’s no shortage of fantastic waterfront restaurants in this Long Island wine country. I recommend Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market for seafood fanatics!

For more inspiration, check out Travel Lemming’s guide to what to do in Long Island.

Woodstock

This famous town in Ulster County, New York, is an artist’s dream surrounded by mountainous beauty. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Woodstock NY Rock and Roll Tour

This two-hour drive from NYC to Woodstock will be worth it for this famous New York town in the Catskills. Woodstock is the perfect New York town for art and music lovers, offering plenty of shopping and food on Main Street.

The Opus 40 Sculpture Park features an abandoned quarry-turned-6.5-acre stone sculpture. Take a stroll through Tinker Street to enjoy food, art, and music during live events. 

The Catskill Mountains offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and lookout points. Overlook Mountain Trail is the most popular hike and has stellar views of the area from the summit. 

Rhinebeck

A hidden gem in the Catskill Mountains offering family-friendly activities. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 10 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Enjoy Rhinebeck Website

Rhinebeck is a hidden gem in Dutchess County and an underrated NYC day trip. Located two hours away from city life, this small town has activities for the whole family.

Ferncliff Forest is a 12-mile nature preserve open year-round and is great for easy hiking. The 80-foot observation tower has incredible views. Look out at the Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, and the nearby Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.

Downtown Rhinebeck has museums, performing arts, galleries, and restaurants. This town packs a punch, and deserves more recognition as one of the best day trip destinations from NYC!

Greenwood Lake

Small-town charm and lakeside fun combine for the perfect family-friendly NYC day trip. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Greenwood Lake is a small village in New York’s bustling Hudson Valley, just over an hour from New York City. The town’s main attraction is Greenwood Lake, one of the best lakes in New York State, stretching 9 miles long across the New York-New Jersey border.

Greenwood Lake is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing. In the winter, the frozen lake offers ice skating and snowmobiling. 

The village offers a great selection of restaurants. The Helm is a personal favorite, with a clear view of the water and even a pirate ship!

Beacon

This town’s incredible Main Street is full of culture, art, and festivities suitable for all age groups.  

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Beacon Website

A visit to the town of Beacon is one of the best day trips you can do from NYC. Full of rich history, enjoy the galleries, parks, theaters, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Well known for its natural beauty, take in the surrounding nature with views of the Hudson River and wander the famed Mount Beacon Park. Tour the ruins of Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island or hang out on the riverside at Long Dock Park. 

Beacon Main Street has great food, live music, boutiques, and art galleries. Dia Beacon is a fantastic contemporary art museum close to the train station. A stone’s throw away, Newburgh has plenty of fine dining on the Hudson River. 

Goshen

The county seat of Orange County, Goshen is a hidden gem combining New York charm and old-world history. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Goshen in the Hudson Valley is a noteworthy trip from NYC for some small town charm. An hour’s drive north of the city, the 1700s town has a farm, beer, and wine tours, and a bird watching sanctuary for kids and adults to enjoy. 

I highly recommend visiting The Historic Race Track, the oldest continuously operating horse race track in North America and a National Historic Landmark. For children, Legoland New York Resort offers rides, attractions, and interactive studios. [Source]

Goshen’s downtown area has plenty of great dining options. Outside of town, Soons Orchard in New Hampton has incredible farm-to-table food. The tap room offers local cider brews from nearby distilleries. 

Carmel

A Putnam County town with three separate hamlets, incredible outdoor amenities, and plenty of waterfront views. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps

Carmel is a town in Putnam County, just 65 miles north of Manhattan. The area is rich in local history, laid-back, and has three hamlets to explore: Carmel, Mahopac, and Mahopac Falls. 

If you make the trip during the winter, Fahnestock State Park has 20 kilometers of trails for skiing and snowshoeing. With two separate lakes, fishing enthusiasts can catch bass, perch, and rainbow trout in all four seasons. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the park is equally exceptional during the spring, summer, and fall for hiking, camping, swimming, and more. 

The Buddhist temple, the Chuang Yen Monastery, is one of my most unique recommendations on this list. The largest statue of Buddha in the Western hemisphere calls this monastery home, and the grounds are tranquil and pristine. 

In the hamlet of Mahopac, I recommend a walk along the 9-mile Putnam Trailway to enjoy picturesque lake views and wooded scenery. If you have a dog, bring them along to get plenty of exercise!

Mahopac has fantastic restaurants with lakefront views and the best food in the area. Friends Waterfront Bar & Grill and IL Villagio are local favorites for taste and hospitality.

Cold Spring

This Putnam County town has scenic views, gardens, art, and adventure.

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Cold Spring is 60 miles north of NYC and is accessible by taking the Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal, making it one of the best day trips without a car. 

Hudson Highlands State Park features 70 miles of trails, river views, and fishing. The Magazzino Italian Art Center is perfect for history lovers, showcasing post-war Italian Art. The central downtown has a collection of antique shops and a wonderful selection of restaurants.

Stonecrop Gardens is open seasonally and has 15 acres of diverse plants and gardens. It makes for a relaxing kid-friendly activity in Cold Spring,

New Paltz

Founded in 1678 by French Huguenot settlers, day trippers can enjoy picturesque views of the Hudson Valley.

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps

New Paltz is a college town with a rich history, located 90 minutes north of New York City. With attractions including museums, a sculpture garden, and great food, visiting New Paltz is on our list of the best things to do in the Hudson Valley. 

A visit to the Historic Huguenot Street is a must, with seven historic stone-house museums and a 1717 French Church on ten sprawling acres. Mohonk Preserve is a ten-minute drive away, with 70 miles of carriage roads and trails. I also recommend a walk through the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Overall, New Paltz is the perfect NYC day trip filled with many cool local spots to check out.

Sleepy Hollow

Check out the haunting town that Washington Irving famed, and take in the beauty of the Hudson Valley. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour| 📍 Google Maps | Visit Sleepy Hollow Website

Sleepy Hollow is a great town for families and those who enjoy history, fun, and spooky mystique in the fall! Take the metro north from Grand Central Station to this Westchester County town a short 25 miles north of the city. 

Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to find famous burial sites and walk across the Headless Horseman Bridge. Check out the historic Philipsburg Manor, and have dinner at the Bridge View Tavern for views of the Hudson River to end the day trip. 

Dobbs Ferry

A historical Westchester town with picturesque views of the Hudson River and a walkable downtown.

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Dobbs Ferry is an affluent town in Westchester County with some of the best vantage points to view the Hudson River at sunrise or sunset. Downtown has shopping and restaurants in a quaint village, only a 45-minute train ride from Grand Central if you want to avoid heavy traffic. 

The best time to visit the village is during the spring or fall, while definitely avoiding the winter to experience Waterfront Park fully. It’s a stunning spot to see the Manhattan skyline in the distance, bike the pathways, or have a picnic on the lawn. Locals come out with lawn chairs to watch live performances during the summer season. 

Downtown has cute shops like Rivertown General and Fiamor for eclectic items and locally crafted gifts. There’s no shortage of great restaurants on the water; Hudson Social is a local favorite for pub fare, while Piccola Trattoria has delectable pasta dishes. 

Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are only a ten-minute drive away, so you could visit all three in one day and get the most out of your Westchester experience.

Princeton, New Jersey

Experience the nation’s former capital city and historical adventure for the whole family!

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Princeton Website

Princeton, New Jersey, is more than just an intellectual town home to a famous university. This unique New Jersey town is one of the best day trips from New York City. 

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park spans 77 miles and is perfect for nature lovers. 

History fanatics should check out the Princeton Battle Monument, Nassau Hall, and the Morven Museum & Garden. Carnegie Lake is a breathtaking reservoir on the Millstone River, a 15 minute drive away. 

Vernon, New Jersey

A day trip for skiing, hiking, and adventure with stunning New Jersey mountains to take your breath away!

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Vernon, NJ is 60 miles northwest of NYC and great for family fun with plenty of things to do in all seasons. Mountain Creek Resort has a waterpark during the summer and converts into a ski resort for the winter. 

Outside of amusement park fun, the Stairway to Heaven Trail is a 2.6-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. 

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, I can’t recommend Elements Spa at Minerals Hotel enough!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Visit Pennsylvania’s largest city for history, food, and rich culture. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Philadelphia Website | Best Places to Stay in Philly | 👉 Washington DC and Philadelphia Day in One Day from NYC 

Philadelphia is just a few hours away from NYC but offers a unique mix of history and a fast-paced city feel distinct from the Big Apple.

There are so many fun things to do in Philadelphia for all ages. From the great Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum, explore the city where the Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. 

See the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, to complete your NYC day trip. Don’t forget to grab a cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s, and see the Rocky Statue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art! 

Ramapo

A large town situated in Rockland County known for great hiking spots and fantastic historic buildings. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 22 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Ramapo Website

Ramapo in Rockland County is best known for Ramapo College and the incredible Appalachian Mountains surrounding the area. It’s lesser known for its fantastic hidden hiking spots. 

The Ramapo Mountain State Forest has multiple trails and winding roads suitable for hikers and mountain bikers. The park surrounds Ramapo Lake, a beautiful sight during every season and a popular spot for fishing. 

The Ramapo Valley County Reservation has some of the best-rugged hiking trails on the NY/NJ border. Ramapo Lake trailhead is my favorite moderate hike for scenic views, a reservoir, and old castle ruins on the trail. 

The small village of Hillburn is nestled in the town of Ramapo and is full of New England beauty. Torne Valley Vineyard offers wine tastings in a historic mansion on stunning grounds. Complete the trip with dinner at Mt. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, with a waterfall, manicured gardens, and 360-degree views on a private mountain top. 

Hancock

A small but mighty village in Delaware County in Upstate New York nicknamed “The Gateway to The Delaware River.” 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Hancock Website 

The village of Hancock is located in Upstate New York and is known for its scenic views of the Upper Delaware River. The area is the perfect day trip for tranquility surrounded by nature. 

The Bouchoux Trail is about 3.2 miles of moderate hiking and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Upper Delaware River Valley. If you have the heart, check out the abandoned Point Mountain Mausoleum atop a mountain overlooking The Delaware River.

The Camptons Gallery is underrated, and displays unique Tribal art pieces and local artists’ works available for purchase. If you’re looking to go fishing, the area attracts anglers for fly fishing during the spring and summer. 

The downtown area has casual dining options like Little Italy II and Circle E Diner, popular among locals. The Hancock Town Square is a community park that hosts events like summer concerts and a farmers’ market. 

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

A hidden gem in eastern Pennsylvania packed with attractions and nestled in the Pocono Mountains. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 2 hours, 19 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Jim Thorpe Website

The town of Jim Thorpe is a hidden gem in eastern Pennsylvania packed with things to do. Known for incredible museums, check out the Old Jail Museum to hear fascinating stories of former inmates and their supposed hauntings. If you’re with children, take a tour of the 18-room Asa Packer Mansion to learn about the famous coal and railroad magnate. 

I highly recommend the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to bask in the beauty of The Lehigh Gorge State Park, nestled in the Pocono Mountains with stunning waterfall and river views. If you need more adventure, Jim Thorpe hosts Pocono Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River during the summer. 

The town is an architectural marvel and has fantastic restaurants. The Stone Row Pub And Eatery has unique vegetarian dishes, and The Notch Eight Craft House was my favorite place for a burger. This town is severely underrated! 

Orangetown

Located in Rockland County, Orangetown sits on the widest part of the Hudson River, offering stunning views and waterfront restaurants. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 8 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Orangetown Website 

Orangetown in Rockland County sits on the Hudson River, offering 360-degree views of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (formerly the Tappan Zee Bridge). The town includes one of my favorite little hamlets, Piermont, and the village of Nyack, all within a ten minute drive of each other.

Piermont Pier is almost a mile long and is perfect for biking, fishing, and walking while taking in Hudson River views. Tallman Mountain State Park is small but offers plenty, with tennis courts, a track, hiking spots, and a picnic area.

Sidewalk Bistro is a popular French cuisine spot in Piermont, and Trata is my top pick for fine dining on the waterfront. The Orangetown Historical Museum is a must-see for learning more about local history while checking out the different parts of the town. 

Monroe

This Orange County town has historical sites and one of the best shopping outlets in New York State. 

🗺️ Distance from New York City: 1 hour, 22 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Monroe Website 

Monroe is located in the Hudson Valley and includes the village of Monroe and Harriman. The best thing to do is visit the Museum Village of Old Smith’s Cove. The village is open from spring to fall, showcasing 19th-century exhibits and historic homes like a log cabin and candle shop. 

If you visit during the fall, Pure Terror Scream Park is a must-see for experiencing a haunted house attraction. The grounds are a Guinness World Record Holder for the longest and scariest haunted house in the United States [Source]. 

If you want to shop at luxury stores like Prada, DKNY, and Saks at a discount, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets attracts foreigners and locals alike. You can book a round-trip bus directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, offering multiple transportation times. The outlet has a food court, rest spots, and coffee bars, so feel free to spend the entire day! 

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I hope this guide inspired you to find the best day trips from NYC for your trip. Next up, check out our guide to the best places to stay in NYC.