trip outside new york

Protect Your Trip »

The 18 best weekend getaways from new york city.

From picturesque beaches to dreamy mountain retreats, these weekend getaways are the perfect change of scenery.

18 Best Weekend Getaways From NYC

Getty Images

Fire Island, a weekend getaway about a three-hour drive east of Manhattan, offers sailing, clamming, bird-watching and more.

New York City has been described in many ways, but "relaxing" isn't typically one of them. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, relieve some stress by packing a bag and getting out of the city for a few days.

To help you pick the right destination for your much-needed escape, U.S. News evaluated expert and traveler opinion to find the best weekend getaways from New York City. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend trip , a fun-filled family escape or some time with friends , these getaways have everything you need for a memorable trip.

Best Weekend Getaways From New York City

About two hours or less:

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Beacon, new york, philadelphia, north fork, new york.

About three hours or less:

Fire Island, New York

The hamptons, new york, the catskills, new york, cape may, new jersey, mystic, connecticut.

About four hours or less:

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Shelter island, new york, newport, rhode island, lake george, new york.

About five hours or less:

Saranac Lake, New York

Washington, d.c., the finger lakes, new york.

A quick flight:

Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario

Two hours or less.

This stunning mountain range in northeastern Pennsylvania (about 100 miles northwest of New York City) has appealed to travelers for generations. Perfect for both families and couples, the Poconos offer everything from whitewater rafting tours to fascinating museums and manicured golf courses. If the kids are in tow, let them burn off their excess energy at a water park . Meanwhile, thrill-seekers will be right at home at one of the region's adventure parks, which feature aerial obstacle courses and an all-season tubing hill, and nature lovers will enjoy ample hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Plus, with several romantic restaurants and resorts , the Poconos area has distinguished itself as a premier honeymoon destination for lovebirds. Book your stay at The Lodge at Woodloch for a wellness-centered vacation complete with yoga and art classes, mindfulness experiences, and an adults-only spa.

[See more of the Poconos: Best Things to Do | Hotels ]

Located in New York's Hudson Valley, around 60 miles north of Manhattan, Beacon has transformed in the past two decades from a sleepy industrial town to a thriving arts community, making it the getaway of choice for relaxation-seeking city dwellers. Here, visitors can spend weekends (or a daytrip) perusing vintage shops and flea markets, kayaking along the Hudson River, and exploring Beacon's scenic hiking trails.

The first stop on your itinerary should be Dia Beacon, a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory. One of the largest contemporary art galleries in the country, Dia's robust collection of work spans from the 1960s to the present. From here, take a stroll down Main Street. Lined with doughnut shops, cafes and art galleries, Beacon's main drag features hidden gems such as Hudson Beach Glass and the Towne Crier Cafe, a popular restaurant and live music venue. While there is plenty to do and see in Beacon, you can't leave without touring the ruins of Bannerman Castle. Situated on Pollepel Island and reachable by boat from late April to October, this Scottish-style castle was once a storage site for surplus military equipment and ammunition.

Not only is this quiet refuge less than two hours by car from Manhattan, but travelers can easily hop on the train to reach this destination as well: Take the Metro-North Railroad from New York City to Beacon for less than $50 round trip. There are also plenty of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to unique digs like The Roundhouse, an abandoned factory complex-turned-stylish boutique hotel.

Ditch the Big Apple and head about 95 miles southwest to the City of Brotherly Love. Known best for being the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia is an ideal weekend getaway for families and history buffs. Brush up on your founding fathers trivia on a walking tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center before strolling through Rittenhouse Square Park. From there, set your sights on the city's must-see museums: The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and The Franklin Institute are all good places to explore.

Philadelphia is also notorious for its substantial culinary prowess . Sure, the cheesesteaks are a must-try – stop in a shop like Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies to see for yourself what all the hype is about – but this city has a diverse food scene. If you have time to spare, check out the lengthy list of vendors in Reading Terminal Market, where you can sample everything from Dutch to Thai to Cajun fare.

With limited parking available in the city, it's best to stick with public transportation. New York City travelers can ride the Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in less than two hours. Once here, opt for lodging in Center City, where you'll find an array of coffee shops, posh restaurants and historic sites within walking distance of your hotel . Travelers particularly favor The Rittenhouse for its elegant accommodations and first-rate service.

[See more of Philadelphia: Best Things to Do ]

Long Island's northeastern peninsula, known as the North Fork, fits the bill for your next weekend trip if you like tranquil seaside villages and laid-back itineraries. Located about 80 miles east of Manhattan and directly north of the illustrious Hamptons, this quiet refuge is characterized by its wineries, beaches and friendly atmosphere. Not only is this short jaunt from the city an excellent place for a couples trips in New York state , but families will also find a plethora of exciting activities here as well.

To get here, catch the Long Island Rail Road commuter train from Penn Station to Greenport. When you arrive, make a beeline for the beach – Orient Beach State Park occupies a prime section of real estate along Gardiner's Bay and is a perfect place for kayaking, swimming and sunbathing. Meanwhile, wine aficionados can spend the afternoon at Macari Vineyards or Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery while families hit up the Splish Splash water park. At the end of the day, unwind at the lovely Harborfront Inn at Greenport.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Long Island .]

Three hours or less

This secluded barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island is about 65 miles east of Manhattan and a popular getaway for New Yorkers – for good reason. Travelers will find an unspoiled island free of high-rise buildings and the vexing sounds of traffic, all within a few hours of the city. In fact, Fire Island is a car-free environment, making it the ideal choice for city dwellers in need of a short weekend escape. Here, visitors can enjoy activities like sailing, biking, clamming and bird-watching. Just keep in mind that Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the busy season, so schedule your vacation outside of these dates if you want to avoid crowds.

Because you can't drive onto the island, the best way to get here is by taking the Long Island Rail Road to Sayville, Patchogue or Bayshore. These destinations have marinas that offer ferry service to and from Fire Island for a fee. When it comes to lodging, Fire Island's options are mostly small inns and hotels, but they fill up quickly, so book in advance to ensure you'll have accommodations. If you'd rather rough it, campgrounds are available within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, at Smith Point County Park and at Watch Hill. Keep in mind, backcountry camping permits and daily campsite fees (typically starting at $25 per day) may be required for select areas.

Arriving in the Hamptons, it's easy to see why this seaside destination on eastern Long Island's South Fork has established such a name for itself. White sand beaches, untouched nature preserves and plenty of bars serving up frozen cocktails are just a few of the alluring images that may come to mind when you imagine an escape to the Hamptons. Luckily for New Yorkers, this little slice of heaven sits less than 100 miles east of Manhattan, making it easily accessible for weekend getaways and daytrips .

Lay down your towel on East Hampton's Main Beach or Southampton's Coopers Beach, then cast a fishing line from the shore of Montauk Point State Park. For a dose of culture, check out the Hamptons' illustrious art scene: The Parrish Art Museum and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center (open seasonally) are two of the area's most prominent museums. When it's time to turn in for the night, save some coin by choosing a hotel in nearby Riverhead or by camping on the beach.

For nature lovers, this mountain range in southeastern New York is the perfect place to reconnect with the great outdoors. Home of the famous 1969 Woodstock music festival, the Catskills have been inspiring travelers for decades. Spend the weekend hiking the region's popular trails (the Kaaterskill Falls trail features the tallest waterfall in New York state), or get out on Alder Lake in a kayak. In winter, head here to see Hunter Mountain blanketed in snow and to take advantage of top-notch skiing and tubing opportunities.

In addition to outdoor activities such as hiking, fly-fishing, biking and zip lining, the Catskills are a haven for artists. Follow the Hudson River School Art Trail to witness firsthand the vistas that inspired artists like Thomas Cole. Meanwhile, music lovers and history buffs won't want to miss a visit to The Museum at Bethel Woods, a museum showcasing artifacts and stories from Woodstock. Before calling it a night at one of the region's fabulous hotels or resorts , stop by a microbrewery for a flight.

[Read:  The Top New York Ski Resorts .]

Those looking for a relaxing weekend should consider Cape May, a top romantic getaway destination in New Jersey . Located roughly 160 miles south of New York City, this enchanting East Coast town is beloved for its beautiful beaches, striking Victorian homes and laid-back atmosphere. After soaking up some rays at the beach (the Cove Beach is a traveler favorite), hit up the retailers at Washington Street Mall. Filled with small boutiques, ice cream shops and bookstores, this outdoor mall spans three blocks and is perfect for easygoing strolls.

Other can't-miss activities in Cape May include climbing the Cape May Lighthouse, watching the sun go down at Sunset Beach, embarking on a sightseeing cruise and taking a guided tour of the Emlen Physick Estate – Cape May's only Victorian-era house museum. Cape May offers a plethora of lodging options for weekend trips ranging from quaint B&Bs to hotels set in ornate Victorian mansions. Book a room in historic Congress Hall or The Southern Mansion for charming guest rooms and convenient amenities.

The quintessential New England town of Mystic is situated around 130 miles northeast of New York City and considered one of the top things to do in Connecticut . This seaside village has everything you'd want from a weekend getaway: museums, galleries, delicious eateries and historic landmarks. Head to Williams Beach Park for a quiet day by the water, then stroll through Mystic's historic downtown. Colonial-era sea captain's homes line the streets here, and there are countless places to dine and shop.

Families will also love the Mystic Aquarium for its educational exhibits and interactive habitats. Meanwhile, the Mystic Seaport Museum is a maritime museum that offers several activities for kids, including hands-on exhibits and a zoo garden. Just don't leave without snapping a photo of the iconic Mystic River Bascule Bridge, a 1922 drawbridge that connects the Groton and Stonington sides of Mystic. When you're ready to retire for the evening, Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa receives rave reviews for its comfortable rooms and ample business amenities.

Four hours or less

This rural region in western Massachusetts (about 150 miles north of Manhattan) has all the makings of a fairytale getaway with plenty of things to do . Picturesque mountain ranges, winding roads and idyllic towns are synonymous with the Berkshires, making this destination the perfect place to escape the hubbub of New York City. Bring your partner along to enjoy a romantic weekend filled with antique shopping, museum tours and scenic car rides through the region's lush countryside.

For breathtaking mountain panoramas, strap on your hiking boots and head to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, culture hounds won't want to miss a chance to tour the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and The Clark Art Institute. In summer, catch a dance performance at the prestigious Jacob's Pillow or listen to live music on the lawn of Tanglewood, an extravagant music venue and summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Accommodations in the Berkshires run the gamut from B&Bs to luxurious hotels and resorts. Many past travelers say Canyon Ranch Lenox , while pricey, is worth the splurge for its wellness-focused amenities and indulgent spa treatments.

Only accessible by ferry, this hidden oasis between New York's North Fork and South Fork is perfect for a quick weekend escape from the city. You won't find rowdy nightlife or luxurious accommodations here, but that only adds to its appeal. In fact, nearly a third of the island is made up of the Mashomack Preserve, a protected habitat with 11 miles of coastline and more than 2,350 acres of tidal creeks, freshwater marshes, fields and woodlands. The preserve is also a major hub for bird-watching: More than 200 species of birds call this area home, although it is specifically known for its large population of nesting osprey.

Elsewhere on the island, visitors can lounge on Wades Beach, a family-friendly stretch of sand featuring lifeguards and a comfort station, or enjoy water sports at Shell Beach. Shelter Island is a premier spot for kayaking: The seasonally open Kayak Shelter Island offers single and double kayaks, along with paddleboard rentals. While the island has golf courses, boutique shopping and courts for petanque (a French game similar to bocce ball), undoubtedly the best thing to do here is nothing at all.

To get here, start by taking the Long Island Rail Road commuter train to Greenport, then board the North Ferry to Shelter Island. Alternatively, you can get here by driving to Sag Harbor and then loading your car onto the South Ferry. For lodging, Shelter Island offers a handful of small hotels, vacation rentals and B&Bs.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

If sandy toes and lobster rolls are calling your name, look no further than Newport, Rhode Island – one of the best spots for a weekend getaway in New England . This port town, located on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island and about 180 miles northeast of New York, is famous for its miles of pristine shoreline, upscale boutiques and ornate Gilded Age mansions, which you can ogle on a trolley tour . It is also lauded as one of the world's premier sailing destinations.

While here, gain your sea legs aboard a boat tour of Newport Harbor, or get your steps in on part of the Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5-mile pathway that runs along Newport's eastern shore. Then, engage in some well-deserved retail therapy along Thames Street, which is lined with a plethora of shops and restaurants. Of course, you can't leave without touring The Breakers, Newport's iconic Renaissance-style "summer cottage," which is one of the top things to do in Rhode Island . When it's time to bed down, check out one of Newport's many lavish accommodations, such as The Vanderbilt and The Chanler at Cliff Walk .

[See more of Newport: Best Things to Do | Hotels ]

Situated in New York's Adirondacks region, roughly 200 miles north of Manhattan, Lake George is filled with fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Sink your toes in the sand at Lake George Beach, also known as the Million Dollar Beach: a kid-friendly stretch of sand complete with lifeguards and concession stands. Then, work up a sweat hiking Prospect Mountain and Shelving Rock Falls. For more of a thrill, check out Lake George's parasailing, whitewater rafting and zip lining courses.

If you're simply looking to kick your feet up on your weekend getaway, rent a pontoon boat and spend the day floating around Lake George. The region is also home to restaurants, the Adirondack Winery outpost in Lake George and several museums, including The Hyde Collection and the Fort William Henry Museum. After an eventful day of lake activities, head back to your plush accommodations at The Sagamore Resort to unwind.

[See more of the Adirondacks: Best Things to Do | Hotels ]

Five hours or less

This quiet village in upstate New York (around 300 miles north of New York City) is less crowded than the popular Lake Placid, making Saranac Lake an excellent choice for a weekend getaway from the city. Take advantage of this stunning lake by getting out on the water in a canoe or kayak, then get your heart pumping on the 3.7-mile Bloomingdale Bog Trail. For an extra dose of history, the Saranac Laboratory Museum showcases Saranac's interesting past as a tuberculosis treatment destination. Downtown, you'll also find a variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries to keep you occupied for hours, plus little ones will enjoy the Adirondack Carousel, which runs Friday through Sunday.

Saranac Lake is also a popular winter destination thanks to its plethora of outdoor sports (think: snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing) and traditional winter activities such as the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, which takes place every February. The event also features a fireworks display and multiple parades. When it comes to lodging, visitors will mostly find cozy cabins and B&Bs here, but a handful of luxury hotels are available as well. For the ultimate in comfort, book your stay at Hotel Saranac, a historic property with modern amenities.

Famous for its slew of historic landmarks, monuments and museums (many of which are free to enter), Washington, D.C., has long appealed to historians and politicos. However, there's more to the nation's capital than meets the eye. With more than 20 neighborhoods to explore and innumerable things to do , Washington is a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked. Find killer nightlife and impeccable dining in the Shaw and U Street area, upscale shopping in Georgetown, charming 19th-century row houses in Dupont Circle, and a bevy of historic attractions on Capitol Hill.

If you're only visiting for the weekend, expect an action-packed schedule. Start by hitting up one of the city's first-rate museums: The National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Gallery of Art are a few traveler favorites. Then, take a stroll along the Tidal Basin (you can also get out on the water by renting a paddleboat) or relax on the lawn of the National Mall. Here, you'll have easy access to attractions like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and its Reflecting Pool, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol. Note, though, that while many of D.C.'s attractions are free, some museums may require timed-entry passes to be reserved ahead of time, so plan as far in advance as possible.

Located roughly 225 miles southwest of NYC, Washington is an easy drive by car or bus. However, the best way to get here is by train. Take Amtrak's high-speed Acela or Northeast Regional train to Union Station and shed up to 90 minutes off your travel time. Plus, because Washington frequently plays host to celebrities, politicians and business tycoons, there are plenty of top-notch accommodations to choose from once you arrive. For a luxurious stay, book a room at The Jefferson , a sophisticated property with European flair plus a restaurant and a cocktail bar on-site. An added bonus? The Jefferson is located only a mile away from the National Mall, so you'll be right where the action is.

[Read: The Best Washington, D.C., Tours .]

Bordering Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay, New England's largest city sits 215 miles northeast of New York City; travelers can opt to travel here by car, bus or train. Whether you're drawn here by the cobblestone streets, the historic landmarks or the city's strong baseball roots (a visit to Fenway Park for a game or behind-the-scenes tour can't be missed), Boston has all the ingredients you need for a memorable weekend getaway – just remember to pack your walking shoes .

After you've successfully trekked the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail (or hop-on, hop-off bus tour) to some of Boston's most famed attractions – including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Faneuil Hall Marketplace – find a shady spot to rest in Boston Common or the Boston Public Garden. For a dose of culture, check out the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which features landscaped gardens and an extensive collection of European, Asian and American art. When you've tired yourself out from a day of sightseeing, hang up your coat in one of Boston's premier hotels . Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston and the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf are two of the city's top properties, both offering a lengthy list of amenities and plush accommodations.

[Read:  The Top Boston Harbor Cruises .]

New York's Finger Lakes – a collection of 11 lakes that includes the popular shorelines of Seneca Lake, Skaneateles Lake and Cayuga Lake – are revered for their spectacular water sports opportunities, scenic state parks and top-notch wine. As one of the chief wine regions in the country and the largest wine-producing area in the state of New York, the Finger Lakes region has earned its reputation as a top destination for romantic weekend getaways.

For short stays in the Finger Lakes, following the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the best way to see a lot of local wineries in a little amount of time. With nearly 30 wineries and several restaurants set along the route, the trail is perfect for leisurely car rides in the countryside (just be sure to assign a designated driver ahead of time). Opt for a refreshing riesling, the region's signature wine, or expand your palate on a tasting tour.

Meanwhile, nature lovers should head to Robert H. Treman State Park or Watkins Glen State Park for a chance to see breathtaking waterfalls. If you're looking for a small-town atmosphere with local shops and museums, you can't go wrong with Skaneateles Lake. Here, you'll also find a variety of charming B&Bs and inns like the Mirbeau Inn & Spa , a traveler favorite. Other top lodging options in the Finger Lakes region include the Inns of Aurora and The Statler Hotel at Cornell University , both of which offer easy access to Cayuga Lake.

A quick flight

If you're willing to hop on a short flight (or take a bus tour), you can enjoy a weekend marveling at one of the most beautiful and impressive natural wonders of the world: Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is less than a two-hour flight from New York City – and, while this powerful waterfall is sure to take your breath away, it isn't the only reason to plan a weekend getaway to the area. With beautiful botanical gardens, wineries and casinos, this famous tourist town has everything you need for a fun-filled weekend away. Take advantage of both the American and Canadian sides of the Niagara River by bringing your passport with you.

For a classic Niagara Falls experience, don a poncho and board the Maid of the Mist boat tour. This famed attraction is one of the best ways to see the falls up close, but it's impossible to guarantee you won't get wet. If you'd rather view the falls from a drier and less crowded vantage point, head to the observation deck of the Skylon Tower. Thrill-seekers can also experience the falls on Journey Behind the Falls, which takes participants directly behind the thunderous waterfall, or on an exhilarating jet boat tour. When it's time to turn in, visitors on the American side of the falls can book their stay at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino , while Ontario-based guests spend a cozy night in the well-appointed Harbour House Hotel .

[See more of Niagara Falls: Best Things to Do | Hotels ]

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.
• The Top Weekend Getaways From Washington, D.C.
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

Tags: Travel , Weekend Getaways , Vacation Ideas , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The top-rated nyc food tours.

Ann Henson April 11, 2024

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Mariya Greeley and Nicola Wood April 10, 2024

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Amanda Norcross April 4, 2024

The 10 Best Denver Tours

Lyn Mettler April 4, 2024

Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Nicola Wood April 3, 2024

• Work With Us

Best Unique & Fun Ideas for Day Trips from NYC

Written by Becca

Updated on March 8th, 2024

Looking for the best easy day trips from NYC by car, bus or by train? These fun day trip ideas are the most fun and unique places to visit outside New York City.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in New York

Day Trips from NYC

Poughkeepsie

• Cold Spring
• Storm King Art Center
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve
• Clarence Fahnestock State Park
• Bear Mountain State Park
• Harriman State Park
• Dater Mountain Nature Park
• Jersey City
• Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
• Watchung Reservation
• South Mountain Reservation
• Asbury Park
• Wawayanda State Park
• Jones Beach
• Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
• Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Philadelphia

• Mianus River Park

Everyone knows that once you live in NYC, you love it, but you’re also looking for your next escape to leave the city for some breathing room. And if you’re traveling in NYC, maybe you heard that there are SO many places to visit for a day trip, not too far away!

My definition of a day trip is “under 2 hours of travel,” so this list features places that aren’t too far from NYC or anywhere in the area.

This list features some of my favorite easy and doable day trips, including small towns, beaches, hiking areas, cultural points of interest and historic sites. These day trip ideas are in Upstate NY, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

I hope you enjoy this list, which features day trips I’ve taken through the years and some hidden gems for getaways from the city.

NYC day trips to Upstate NY

When New Yorkers or visitors think of “day trip ideas from NYC,” most think of “Upstate New York. It’s an obvious choice for any of the northbound train lines, bus routes or highways.

Upstate New York is a vast region that stretches all the way to Canada. As for my “day trip” ideas, we’ll be sticking to any locations at less than a two-hour drive from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

If you find a flight to Upstate NY for your trip and you plan on sticking around the region, consider the upstate Stewart Airport, which we detail in our guide to how to pick the best NYC airport to fly into .

It doesn’t matter which time of year you’re visiting NYC because Upstate NY offers special experiences throughout every season.

Beacon! Beacon surged in popularity in the 2000s and has become a destination of its own for day trippers, weekenders and road trippers. Best of all, Beacon is a town in the Hudson Valley that is conveniently located on Metro North, and it’s also a 1.5-hour easy drive from NYC.

What’s there to do in Beacon, NY, for a day trip? We outline this in our Beacon weekend travel guide . You can see art at dia:Beacon, a fun and vibrant food and bar scene, views of the sunset on the Hudson River and nearby hikes at the Beacon Fire Tower trail.

Poughkeepsie is a Hudson Valley town that would be a stretch for a day trip, but once you get there, there are lots of attractions that can fill up a day if you leave NYC early and come back late. You’ll also feel like you really got away! It’s about 1 hour and 40 min by driving, to NYC.

The main attraction in Poughkeepsie is the Walkway Over the Hudson, an elevated pedestrian-only bridge that is actually a New York State Park. This long bridge has panoramic views of the Hudson River, and when you finish your walk, stop by any of Poughkeepsie’s Mexican restaurants for a bite.

New Paltz is a ‘crunchy’ and sort of hippie-dippie town in the Hudson Valley on the west side of the Hudson River, known for the NY State University of New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz) and a small-town vibe.

The town is very walkable, with food offerings like breweries, a smattering of cafes and Vietnamese food. There are also some historic locations from 18th century Huguenot settlers. To drive from NYC, it’s about 90 minutes flat.

Cold Spring

Cold Spring is a charming pastel Hudson Valley town with a walkable downtown, Hudson River views at a riverside park and a slew of antique shops for some proper antiquing. If you walk down the side streets, you’ll see charming restored historic homes.

Cold Spring is indeed quite small, and so you can explore the entire town and nearby hikes, if you have a car. If you wish to come by train, simply take MetroNorth from Grand Central Station or from Harlem, to the Cold Spring station. The drive is less than 1 hour and 20 min from NYC.

Storm King Art Center

Storm King has for many years been a big bucket list item for New Yorkers, and for good reasons! Storm King is located not too far outside the city, with the closest actual town being New Windsor, NY. Check out the Storm King webste to plan your trip.

Storm King is a 500-acre open-air sculpture and art park, where visitors can roam around, take photos, enjoy the greenery or foliage (in fall) and enjoy on-site bike rentals and the cafe. It’s a great spot for a photo op with friends and family. Storm King will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes driving from NYC.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Clocking in at just under two hours via driving from Brooklyn and Manhattan, the Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a lovely natural destination in the very lower tip of the Catskill Mountains . It’s a favorite day trip destination for New Yorkers due to being easily driveable and back, in a single day.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve has 25 miles of hiking trails alone, and is best known for waterfalls, cliff views and wildlife and birding. You’ll surely get your fill of nature here, and you can go back to the urban jungle to sleep at night. Keep in mind that it’s a 1 hour 50 minute drive from NYC.

When visiting nature preserves remember to be a sustainable traveler by following our favorite eco-friendly travel tips like bringing your own reusable snack containers and leaving no trace of your waste.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park

We found ourselves in Clarence Fahnestock State Park during a trip up to Fishkill, Garrison and Cold Spring one summer, and it was a pleasant state park stop on a trip when we otherwise saw lots of river views and small towns. The drive should be about 1 hour and 15 min from NYC!

If you mention this long-winded park name to anyone, they probably will never have heard of it, and that’s the nice part about it. Clarence Fahnestock State Park is by no means a bucket list item, but you will find yourself in acres and acres of green forest, where there’s also lakes with small beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and fishing areas.

Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is one of the most famous hiking destination day trips from NYC, and it’s a spectacular place to visit for a day from spring to autumn (in fact, my parents just went to Bear Mountain as a day trip from Northern NJ).

Bear Mountain is located on the west side of the Hudson, not too far up in Rockland County, NY, which is across the river from Westchester County. Driving to Bear Mountain from Brooklyn or Manhattan would take you a dab over an hour with no traffic!

If you do visit in winter, you can do activities like cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating, all within the Bear Mountain State Park areas. For the drive, budget about 1 hour and 20 min from NYC (with no traffic).

Harriman State Park

Harriman State Park, if driven with no traffic, could potentially take you even less than one hour if coming from within NYC. It’s a state park located in Rockland County, and it is known for beautiful wildlife, with 22 miles of hiking trails, along with horseback trails and biking trails.

Here’s a secret: it’s the second-largest state park in all of New York State, and that’s your factoid of the day. The only larger state park is the Adirondack Park up north, near Canada.

Our best tip for day trippers to Harriman State Park is to bring your own food and lots of water, as there aren’t many accessible stores, even as you exit, for at least a few miles. Also, bring sunscreen and hats, as the starts of some hikes are full of sun without shade.

Dater Mountain Nature Park

We bet you’ve never heard of Dater Mountain Nature Park, unless you’re from Rockland County or northern NJ. Dater Mountain Nature Park is located near Ramapo, and Sloatsburg, NY, and believe it or not, this natural area is home to 31 lakes and beaches, with hiking for all skill levels.

At just a dab over an hour’s drive from NYC, it is a great idea for a day trip if you wish to get into nature and get your hiking boots worn in.

Day trip ideas for New Jersey

Don’t roll your eyes at the mention of New Jersey, because there’s more to the Garden State than I-95 and Newark Airport. If you’d like to be pleasantly surprised by all the day trips from NYC to New Jersey, read this list and then you’ll believe we told ya so.

At a little over an hour’s drive from NYC, Princeton, NJ, is a destination in central New Jersey where you can visit the famed Princeton University, the campus of which is a striking place to walk around, take photos and admire architecture.

Princeton itself is a charming town with a walkable downtown, including bars, restaurants, shopping and historic sites. Princeton also has a train station on New Jersey Transit (NJT) train lines, and Amtrak.

Maplewood is a cool northern NJ town easily accessible both on NJ Transit trains and via car from NYC. It has a small city vibe with an array of restaurants, places to eat and small shops, and easily-accessible natural surroundings you can visit with a car, such as South Mountain Reservation (for hiking) and the South Mountain Fairy Trail.

Maplewood is known for being a town where families from NYC move to raise children. Here, you’ll find a ton of familiy-friendly restaurants, as everyone dines out with their babies, toddlers and kids. The downtown area and the pretty Memorial Park are right next to the train station.

I recommend Maplewood as an easy day trip to see an NJ suburb if you are looking for how to plan a trip to NYC with a baby , especially.

Montclair is a trendy and happenin’ northern NJ town also easily accessible most directly via its several stations on the NJ Transit train lines, which will connect you directly from NY Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan with this small New Jersey City.

Montclair has a state university (Montclair State) and has long been known for cool cafes, several bars, a nice food scene, shopping and the Montclair Art Museum.

You can see more about Jersey City, especially if you’re a runner looking for scenic views, in our NYC best running routes guide .

Fort Lee, NJ, is a more urban-style NJ small city right over the George Washington Bridge from Washington Heights in Manhattan. This being said, you could walk there from Manhattan, if you wanted to. Otherwise, it’s easy to take a bus to Fort Lee, or you can take a quick drive.

In terms of what to do in Fort Lee, NJ on a day trip, the first idea is “eat Asian food.” Fort Lee has one of the larger East Asian populations in all of NJ, making it a destination for Korean food. In fact, there’s so much Korean food in Fort Lee it’s actually overwhelming. We’ll let you choose your favorite place for Korean BBQ and gamjantang .

Hoboken is NJ’s square-mile city, and it’s famous for being the home of Frank Sinatra. This being said, Hoboken is a stone’s throw from Manhattan, and you can get there super quickly on the PATH train. No car is needed!

Once you get to Hoboken for your day trip, it’s nice to walk around the cute downtown and see the restaurants and bars.

Once you’ve eaten and had something to drink, head to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, the can’t-miss piers and waterfront park where you’ll see clear shots of Manhattan and the NYC skyline. If you’re lucky, you may catch some live music, too.

Jersey City

Jersey City is actually quite big, and that is what makes it a good day trip from NYC. In Jersey City alone, there are three PATH stations, with the one we’d suggest getting off at being Grove Street.

Jersey City has its own food scene (try all the Latino food!), bar scene and shopping, along with some very pretty streets with historic brick row houses. Among attractions are Liberty State Park, the Empty Sky Memorial and the Waterfront 9/11 Memorial.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Ellis Island is closer to Jersey City, NJ, than it is to New York?

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Maybe you have heard of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and maybe you haven’t, but did you know it was the first federal wildlife area in the US? Wild!

It is now part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, and it is located about an hour and a quarter from NYC (probably less, if coming from Manhattan near the tunnels). The Great Swamp is located near Berkeley Heights, NJ, which makes it only 26 miles from Times Square, and perfect for a day trip or half-day trip from NYC.

Did you know that you can walk on boardwalks on the 7,768 acres of this New Jersey oasis? It’ll keep your boots dry if it’s muddy.

Our day trip to the Great Swamp during peak foliage season was quiet and peaceful. For some reason, the main Observation Center was closed for parking, so we found parking at the north end of Long Hill Road and basically had the trails to ourselves on an autumn weekend afternoon. Here’s the website , where you can learn more.

Watchung Reservation

Our favorite hiking trail at Watchung Reservation is the Surprise Lake trail , which takes you around a relaxing lake. The trail itself is rather flat, after a downhill from the parking area (which has pleasantly clean bathrooms!).

We recommend going in the fall for peak foliage season, as the colors of the trees were a real treat.

Watchung Reservation is located in Mountainside, NJ, 25 miles from the center of Manhattan, so it would be a 35-40 minute drive with no traffic. We wouldn’t really recommend taking the train and then Ubering because it would be difficulty to get picked up on your return trip, but if you knew someone nearby, the nearest train would be Westfield station or Summit station.

South Mountain Reservation

South Mountain , as we lovingly refer to it, is one of our favorite “right in our backyard” hiking areas. You even don’t need a car to access the southern “Fairy Trail” and “Locust Grove” start points, as they’re a stone’s throw of walking distance from the Millburn Train station on NJ Transit.

Truly, this may be the best hiking option for NYC day trippers who don’t have a car, as the Locust Grove parking lot, which has four trailheads, is a three-minute stroll from when you get off your train.

Local expert tip: If you choose to spend some time walking around Millburn, eat at the locally-famous Millburn Deli (328 Millburn Ave, Millburn, NJ 07041).

The Fairy Trail is a kid-friendly mostly-flat local favorite that features small handmade birdhouse-sizes “fairy houses” with tiny figurines. Children love this hike, as it’s peaceful and easy, and also pretty short.

South Mountain Reservation is also accessible from other entrances in South Orange, NJ. If you’re looking for a stroller-friendly hike, check out Crest Drive, a mile-long paved pedestrian-only road originating from the Dog Park. It leads to Washington’s Point, which has some lookouts to the surrounding area. Here is more info, like directions and a visual, on All Trails .

Asbury Park

Asbury Park, NJ, has SO much to do for a day trip from NYC, and can be fun at any time of year!

This coastal New Jersey town will take you an hour and 20 minutes or less if coming from Brooklyn, and if you time your trip right from Penn Station in Manhattan, your NJ Transit ride direct to Asbury Park’s NJT train station would be one hour and 51 minutes, thereby putting it at the under-two-hours mark for mass transit transport.

Asbury Park has a heap of things to do for day trippers and families. In the summer, there’s the beach and the beachfront boardwalk on the Atlantic Ocean, and if the weather is inclement or if you’re coming in spring or fall, check out the vintage shops, restaurants, arcades, casinos and live music venues, which often host concerts and festivals.

For history buffs or gamers, make sure to stop at the Silverball Museum Arcade, which has pinball machines from the 1950s.

Getting to Red Bank, NJ, takes only an hour and 19 minutes from Penn Station, so there are really no excuses to not try a day trip there this year from NYC. If driving from Brooklyn or other parts of Manhattan, you’re looking at a trip not to exceed an hour and 10 minutes (without traffic).

What is Red Bank like for a visit and a day trip? Well, it’s not exactly a beach town, so really, what can you do there? The draw of Red Bank is its great performing arts scene, along with it’s “visual art scene,” which is great for art lovers and fans of gallery culture. Check out fine art galleries, theaters, street art and murals, all in Red Bank’s downtown, before you hit a bistro for sushi and a beer garden for a drink.

Wawayanda State Park

Turning gears to shift to the north, try saying Wawayanda State Park three times fast. It may be quicker to just get in your car or rented vehicle to drive only between an hour and 15 min or an hour and 40 minutes, depending if you are driving from Manhattan or Brooklyn, to get to this state forest at the NJ-NY northern border.

What’s the draw of Wawayanda State Park, besides that its name is super amusing to say? Well, among its whopping 34,350 acres of land and abundance of hiking trails through forest, it hosts 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and the top of Wawayanda Mountain has some fantastic views for those who summit.

Try boating, kayaking, fishing, sailing and swimming in warm spring and summer months, along with early fall, in Lake Wawayanda and see the website here .

Day trip ideas for Long Island

Long Island may seem like an obvious choice for day trippers from Queens and Brooklyn, along with anyone coming from Manhattan who has access to the LIRR train lines at Penn Station, or a car of their own.

What’s there to love about Long Island? Probably the fact that the water is never far away, and despite the essential beaches in Long Island that are close enough to the city for day trips, there are some hidden gems, too.

Long Beach is a long-favorited beach day trip for New York City dwellers.

To get to Long Beach from Manhattan, you’re much better off taking the LIRR train from Penn Station, as it will run you about an hour and 35 minutes in total, while taking LIRR from points in Brooklyn such as the Atlantic Ave. terminal or Nostrand Ave. terminal will only take an hour and 22 minutes at best.

Driving would be shorter, between one hour and one hour and 15 minutes, sans traffic.

Long Beach has quite literally, a rather long beach, along with a beach town that’ll slow down your pace of walking and get you a drink in hand at any of the bars, restaurants and pubs in the “State Streets” neighborhood (the streets that have states as names).

This part of town looks like the set of a movie about a beach town, with close-together houses that are home to locals and able to be rented out for a weekend. Head out to Long Beach Boardwalk for stopping at RIPTIDES 11561 and Marvel Frozen Dairy for ice cream.

Jones Beach

Jones Beach is where my parents took me as a kid, for day trips when we lived in Queens.

Jones Beach is a NY State Park, located on an island in the outer barrier islands of Long Island. That’s a lot of islands.

To get to Jones Beach for a day trip, drive from central Brooklyn for only one hour and 6 minutes, or consider that it will be about an hour and 15 minutes by car, from Midtown Manhattan. There is no public transport that would get you to Jones Beach effectively, so I won’t recommend any.

Once at Jones Beach, take photos of the beach and boardwalk, get your suntan on and go for a swim, and definitely check into the music concert schedule because there are some big bands and famous names that do concerts at Jones Beach Theater.

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

This NY State Park in Lloyd Harbor, NY, is a bit of a different day trip and one you may not expect. Located only an hour and a half from Times Square and midtown Manhattan, this Long Island English-style estate has nature trails and opportunities to learn about the history of this park on a scenic peninsula.

You can learn about the park preserve here at the website , and more about the Henry Lloyd Manor House, here .

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt on Long Island, and now it is protected by the National Park Service, thereby making it a US National Park! You can verify that on the website, here . It is located near Oyster Bay, NY, and could be a trip of only 45 minutes (at minimum) with no traffic, coming from various central points in New York City.

The park is 83 acres and includes natural areas and historic buildings. The historic site encompasses the life and story of this famous US president, and his family, until his death in 1919. Plan your visit with this helpful information at NPS.gov .

Day trip ideas to Philly or PA

You might not consider that the state of Pennsylvania is day-trippable from NYC, but it’s true: if you take the Amtrak to Philly (and cut traffic out of your disturbances), you could be in Philadelphia’s downtown in 1.5 hours if you leave from NY Penn Station at 33rd Street in Manhattan.

Philadelphia: where do we start? Philly is ironically so close yet so far, making it a funny little idea of a day trip from NYC. When you go to Philly, make sure to visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Rittenhouse Square, and then do some favors for yourself by avoiding the tourists and going local, to check out neighborhoods like Fishtown, Northern Liberties and South Street.

For a visit to New Hope, you will need a car, but that should not stop you from going. New Hope is a charming Delaware River village with funky shopping, a restaurant and dining scene of its own, a theater and cultural landmarks, all in a 1.5-hour drive from NYC (even from Brooklyn), if you do not hit traffic.

Among the best things to do in New Hope, PA, for a day trip from NYC are checking out the orchards, the Delaware Canal, Parry Mansion and the New Hope Railroad.

Day trip ideas to Connecticut

Don’t forget about Connecticut as a state you can travel to on a day trip from NYC this year. Parts of Southern Connecticut are closer to NYC proper than many parts of Upstate NY and New Jersey, without question. Where can you go for a day trip from NYC, in Connecticut?

Do you have slightly more time on your hands than a single day? Consider a trip up to Litchfield County in northwestern Connecticut, for staying a night and experiencing the region!

Norwalk is a nice small city located off the Metro North train line, which you can hop on from Grand Central Station in Manhattan. Why go to Norwalk for a day? You can go to sights like the Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Lockwood-Matthews Mansion House, and Calf Pasture Beach, ending your day with any of the restaurants and bars like Match, Herb’s Place, Pontos Taverna and Pasquale’s Osteria.

Driving to Norwalk, CT, from a central point like Times Square will only take a few minutes over an hour without traffic, and on the train, travel just one hour and 16 minutes with a Metro North train trip.

Stamford is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after small cities in the US, so let’s see why. With a day trip to Stamford, you can see “small city” life in this NY Metro Area suburb that is actually a city of its own in Connecticut. With sights to see like the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Cove Island Park, and the Bartlett Arboretum, you can do so much with a day trip to Stamford.

When you’re ready to wind down and see the food and drink scene in Stamford, check out Half Full Brewery, Lock City Brewing Company, Taj and Olio.

Getting to Stamford will take an hour and 30 minutes on the New Haven line of Metro North, or, less than an hour by car (if coming from most points in Manhattan).

Greenwich, CT, is one of the most beautiful towns in America, in my opinion, and it is great for a day trip to a quaint upscale town with a location on the Long Island Sound and a pristine downtown area.

It’s easy to spend a day trip in the immediate area of Greenwich’s town, doing some shopping and restaurant-visiting, and its nearby attractions, such as the Greenwich Point Park, Greenwich Audubon Center, and Great Captain’s Island & Little Captain’s Island.

To get to Greenwich, take the New Haven Metro North Line for only an hour and 10 minutes or so, and you can also drive from Manhattan or Brooklyn, which would be between 55 and 70 minutes without traffic.

Mianus River Park

Mianus River Park is a natural park area in Fairfield County, CT, and to drive there, it’ll take around an hour from Manhattan and less than 1h20m from Brooklyn, depending where. It’s located only 40 miles from Midtown Manhattan, so it’s the perfect distance for a single-day getaway.

Mianus River Park is described as a deciduous forest of hardwood trees and varied flora and fauna, and is a nice stop on a day trip to one of the small southern Connecticut towns above, or a trip of its own, as you can see the 4.9-mile trail to hike on the popular hiking website AllTrails . It is open from sunrise to sunset, and did you know that the wetlands breed salamanders and frogs? Also, watch out for snakes! (not a joke)

Did you make it through this list? Now you’re armed with places to go for day trips and side trips, which are some crucial parts of what to know before traveling to NYC .

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best unique and fun day trips to take from NYC this year, whether by car, train, bus, bike or rental car. Never stop day tripping!

Pin Your Favorites on Pinterest!

You may also like

22+ Best Running Spots in New York City

Where are the best places to run in NYC? Here’s a list of running routes and parks to run in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Hoboken-Jersey City.

Where to Live in NYC: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

You need tips for how to pick the best NYC neighborhood before you move to New York City! Decide where to live in NYC with our New York neighborhood breakdown guide.

27 Laptop-Friendly Cafes in Manhattan with WiFi in 2024

Where can you work from home, but in a laptop-friendly cafe in Manhattan? See this list of the best Manhattan coffee shops with WiFi where remote working is welcome.

31 Ways How to Live in New York City on a Budget

What’s the cheapest way to live in New York City? To find out how to save money in NYC, and how to live frugally in NYC, use these best NYC lifestyle tips and hacks.

NYC Street Photography of Manhattan’s Best Neighborhoods

Photos don’t do all of Manhattan’s neighborhoods justice, but for visuals of the street scenes, apartment buildings and pictures of what it’s like to live in NYC, see our Manhattan cityscape photo gallery!

36 of the Best Free Things to Do in NYC

What are the best free things to do in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens? Check out free New York City parks, beaches, landmarks, historic sites and walking ideas for a trip this year.

Hai ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

We're currently going grocery shopping.

Join the club

You’ll get emails with our latest articles, tips, advice and so much more! You won't find this content anywhere else!

This website may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Among other programs, Half Half Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• New York State

Top 20 Weekend Getaways from NYC (within an easy drive or train ride)

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: August 16, 2022
• 10 minute read

Are you looking for the best weekend getaways from NYC? Want a break from the city? If so – this list is for you!

If you’re looking for the best weekend getaways from NYC… this list if going to give you so much inspiration!

Whether you’re a born and bred New-Yorker or are looking for some incredible places to visit on a sneaky day trip from NYC on your next trip, it can be tricky to narrow down the best weekend getaways from NYC. 

But we’ve got some good news, as there are just so many amazing places to visit just outside of New York, within an easy 2-3 hours drive! Hooray!

So finding the ideal weekend getaways from NYC is easy – just take a read of this list.

From magical Coney Island, to cute quirky towns, and even New Jersey’s very own Las Vegas… there are plenty of fantastic day trips that you can embark on, and plenty of places for weekend getaways from NYC.

The best places for weekend getaways from NYC…

So sit back, take a read, and start planning your next trip outside the big city, and your ideal weekend getaway from NYC.

Brighton Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect place for weekend getaways from NYC that will suit the entire family, then you’ll need to look no further than Brighton Beach.

This stunning beach has attracted day-trippers and sunbathers to its shores for years, and its popularity has genuinely never waned!

If you choose to head down to Brighton Beach for your weekend getaway from NYC, be sure to visit the 200-year-old Brighton Palace Pier. With rides and amusements that date back 200 years, it’s a historical marvel that must be seen to be believed.

With so many activities on offer, Brighton Beach is the perfect place to visit outside of New York for families that are looking to make lasting memories, and there’s so much to do there.

This is a beautiful choice for weekend getaways from NYC.

Read more about New York State: 10 beautiful castles in New York State!

Coney Island

One of our favorite places for weekend getaways from NYC is Coney Island.

Now, you may have already seen glimpses of this magical place in various pieces of pop culture, but if you’ve not been there for real, you should totally pay Coney Island a visit.

Whether it’s the famous amusement park, street performing, or the annual hot-dog eating competition that piques your interest, you’re sure to have a family trip to remember at bustling Coney Island. 

Sure, it’s not the most romantic weekend getaways from NYC, but it’s a lot of fun, and it’ll unleash your inner child!

Read more about exploring the great outdoors: The best tulip fields in the USA

The Hamptons

Next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC, it’s The Hamptons. The Hamptons have long been associated with affluent and well-to-do folk.

So, if you want a taste of the good life, why not add it to your list of places to visit outside of New York this year?

With long stretches of beach and some amazing towns and villages to visit, you certainly won’t run out of things to do here during your weekend getaway from NYC.

Read more about New York State: 9 amazing all-inclusive resorts in New York State

What we love about The Hamptons is that you can truly make a trip here suit you, so it’s perfect for weekend getaways from NYC.

So, whether it’s some incredible retail therapy in East Hampton or a bougie trip to a winery that you’re after, you’ll find it all in The Hamptons. 

When thinking of places to visit outside of New York… this is a classic choice.

Jones Beach Island

Jones Beach Island was named after Major Thomas Jones who came to Long Island in 1692, and it remains one of the most popular weekend getaways from NYC.

Though we’ve got a great post about things to do on Jones Beach Island already, we’ll add a couple of spoilers right here!

With its stunning white beaches and great attractions, it’s unsurprising that this area is a popular place for day trippers. If you choose to head to Jones Beach Island, we highly recommend checking out Tobay Beach.

Located just one mile from the large State Park, it’s a great option for places to visit outside of NYC, and it’s home to some of the best ocean views around!

I love this place for weekend getaways from NYC, and I think you will too!

Read more about New York State: Top 15 things to do in Lake George, NY

Next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC, it’s Woodstock. You’ll have probably heard of Woodstock because of it’s famous festivals back in the 70s…

And to be honest, if you want to experience a bit of those vibes and lifestyle, then this might be the place for you! Which is why it’s next on our list of weekend getaways from NYC.

If you’re looking for places to visit outside New York, then this ticks all the boxes. It’s only a short drive away (2 hours) and it’s a world away from the bustling city streets.

The vibe here is super laid back and really chilled. I’ve written plenty of ideas on things to do in Woodstock NY , so be sure to check that blog post out for more ideas!

Next up on my list of the best weekend getaways from NYC… it’s Montauk. Montauk is one of those amazingly beautiful destinations near NYC, that is popular with honeymoons and romantic getaways.

So… If you’re looking for places to visit outside NYC that ticks those boxes… then Montauk is going to be the place for you. Montauk is a classic choice for weekend getaways from NYC.

Read more about New York State: 11 things to do in Harriman State Park, NY

Expect to greeted by beautiful beaches, amazing sea views, wonderful wildlife, and cute little cafes and restaurants too. Sounds pretty gorgeous right?

If you want to know more about things to do in Montauk – I’ve covered that in more detail on this site too! This places is just perfect for romantic weekend getaways from NYC.

Read more about New York State: Top 15 wineries in upstate NY

Though you may not be overly familiar with New Haven, you’ve probably heard of its famous Ivy League University, Yale. So, it’s unsurprising it’s next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC.

This wonderful coastal city tends to attract the brightest and boldest around, and it’s a great day out or weekend away.

However, despite being famous for its educational facilities, New Haven is so much more than a University town.

With amazing art galleries, a fantastic museum, and even some Egyptian Revival Gateway, New Haven should certainly be on your list of places to visit outside of New York.

All aboard boffins, this is the ideal place for weekend getaways from NYC for you!

Read more about New York State: 9 Amazing waterparks in New York State

New Paltz is a gorgeous option when you’re looking for romantic weekend getaways from NYC. It’s a short drive (about 2 hours) but you can also get the train up there too – so it’s pretty easy to reach.

New Paltz is the country-life postcard. It’s beautiful fields and meadows, a little village with tons of charm, and it’s known for farm-to-table dining (great for foodies!).

There’s also the stunning Lake Mohonk to enjoy – and there’s so much fun to be had on the lake, especially during the summer. Check out our ultimate guide to New Paltz here.

You’ll love New Paltz for your weekend getaways from NYC.

Scranton is next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC. Located in northeast Pennsylvania, this TV-famous city is one of the best weekend getaways from NYC.

In case you weren’t aware, Scranton is the place in which The Office was set – cool, right!?

To be honest – this suggestion is pretty much for the Office fans out there (check out this road trip itinerary for filming locations !).

You’ve watched it on Netflix a million times, and there’s so much fun and nostalgia making it a location for your weekend getaway from NYC!

If you aren’t into The Office though, there’s plenty more to explore here than looking for some great merch. One of the most amazing things that Scranton has to offer in terms of attractions is the Steamtown National Historic Site.

Home to century-old locomotives that are set on a former rail yard, this museum is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area! This is a quirky choice for weekend getaways from NYC, but a fun one!

Read more about New York State: Top 10 places for apple picking in NY (with a useful map)

Philadelphia

Ok, how could I write a list of weekend getaways from NYC – and not include Philly? Now, Philadelphia is huge, so you may not be able to see much on a day trip from the city, but it’s a great option for a weekend away from NYC.

With some of the best historic attractions in the U.S. (notably the Liberty Bell!), it’s unsurprising that Philadelphia is one of the top weekend getaways from NYC.

Oh, and if you do pay Philly a visit, be sure to check out some of the area’s restaurants. Did someone say Philly Cheese Steak?

Next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC, it’s Baltimore.

Just further down the coast from Philly, is Baltimore. I love Baltimore, it’s a small city, but it’s scenic and have this lovely charm to it, and there are plenty of things to do there.

Fort McHenry, which is the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” can be found in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor – which means this placed is steeped in national history.

If that’s your thing! I love Baltimore for cute, romantic weekend getaways from NYC.

Sleepy Hollow

If you’re looking for weekend getaways from NYC around autumn and Halloween… then you really can’t go wrong with Sleepy Hollow.

You’ve probably heard of this place because of the movie (by the same name) but the good new is, it’s less than an hours drive from the city center and super easy to get to.

What makes Sleepy Hollow worth visiting? It’s a lovely change of pace to city life, and it’s got some unique stories tell.

There are also LOADS of things to do in Sleepy Hollow – so you could easily spend a few days there and pack your days full of activities.

Yes this is a slightly spooky weekend getaways from NYC… but I know some of your will love that it’s a bit different!

Port Jefferson Village

Next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC, it’s Port Jefferson Village.

Though Port Jefferson is a tiny village in Long Island, it’s certainly charming. With a population of only 7,750, you certainly won’t run into too many folks whilst on your travels here!

Despite being quite a sleepy town, there’s plenty to do here, which is why it’s next on our list of the best weekend getaways near NYC.

As Port Jefferson is a waterside town, we highly suggest checking out its beautiful waterfront views.

As the waterfront is packed with shops, coffee spots, and great restaurants, it’s the perfect place in which to relax and unwind if you’re finding yourself worn out from city life!

You’ll love this location for weekend getaways from NYC.

If you’re looking for a cute, quirky place to visit for your weekend getaways from NYC – then Rhinebeck would be a great choice. It’s easy to reach by train and by car – so it ticks those boxes!

In terms of weekend getaways from NYC – Rhinebeck is a pretty solid choice for a weekend away.

You have the nature and beautiful scenery of upstate New York, but you also have a bustling and very friendly town with lovely shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy too. There are loads of things to do in Rhinebeck !

Atlantic City

Next up on my list of weekend getaways from NYC… it’s Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is essentially New Jersey’s very own Las Vegas. Acting as a dedicated resort city on the Atlantic coast, Atlantic City is absolutely one of the top places to visit outside of New York.

Packed with casinos, wide beaches, and an iconic Boardwalk, it’s one of our favorite picks for day trippers.

If you’re not huge on gambling though, don’t fret, for Atlantic City has plenty more in store for you!

With numerous spas, famous entertainers, and some great high-end shopping on offer, you certainly won’t leave the AC disappointed. 

It’s a classic choice for weekend getaways from NYC – especially when a flight to Vegas seems too long and too far.

Read more about New York State: 20 beautiful waterfalls in NY (with a handy map!)

Another pretty commuter town on my list of weekend getaways from NYC!

This is another great choice for places to visit outside NYC. This is a lovely little town, packed full of gorgeous little stores and cafes, and friendly locals.

There are lots of things to do in Beacon to choose from, but I personally love the galleries and the cultural centre, and the Bannerman’s Castle (which isn’t far from the town centre).

This is a great place for weekend getaways from NYC and you’ll love it all year round.

Check out a spa hotel near NYC

If you’re not bothered by location when looking for weekend getaways from NYC, but want a beautiful hotel and some much-needed relaxation – then a great option to finding places to stay outside NYC, is just to search for a great spa hotel.

There are so many amazing spa hotels near NYC , located in beautiful countryside and with stunning views over the surrounding wilderness. So if you’re hoping to just get some peace and quiet – maybe looking at one of those spa hotels is a good plan!

Spa breaks are the most classic choice for weekend getaways from NYC, and there are so many great ones to choose from!

Next up on my list of weekend getaways from NYC… It’s Brooklyn.

OK… So Brooklyn isn’t exactly miles from Manhattan, but it’s very easy to get to and sometimes even somewhere super close can give you the escape you need from the crowded city.

Head to Brooklyn’s Botanical Gardens, or splurge on a spa hotel in Brooklyn. Or just take the train out to one of Brooklyn’s lovely suburbs and have a stroll around for the weekend. There’s so much to do there.

Read more about New York State: Ultimate guide to the best REAL haunted houses in New York

Croton Gorge Park

Next on my list of weekend getaways from NYC, it’s Croton Gorge Park.

If you’re just looking for a day trip for the weekend, then I really recommend Croton Gorge Park . It’s only a little north of the city, but it’ll give you that nature-fix city dwellers so often need.

There’s quite a few things to do in Croton Gorge Park, including fishing, hiking, walking, picnicing, sledding and skiing (in winter).

So it’s got it all really – and it’s pretty reliable all year round too. Oh and it’s really pretty! Definitely Instagram-worthy that’s for sure!

If you don’t mind driving a little further for you weekend getaways from NYC…

Remember also, if you don’t mind driving a little further afield in New York State when it comes to planning your weekend getaways from NYC… then some incredible places lie about 3-5 hours drive from the city, such as the Finger Lakes National Park.

Now, I won’t go into as much detail here, but we’ve written plenty of content about these destinations in Upstate New York for you to check out too!

If you love nature, hiking, swimming, kayaking, etc – then some of these beautiful destinations a little further away might be just what you’re looking for when choosing your weekend getaways from NYC…

• Ultimate Guide to the Finger Lakes
• Things to do near Syracuse
• Things to do in Watkins Glen
• Things to do in Jamestown
• Things to do in Tupper Lake
• Things to do in Utica
• Things to do in Saratoga Springs

They should give you even more inspiration for planning a getaway outside of NYC!

I hope this list of 20 weekend getaways from NYC has been helpful!

Hopefully this list has given you loads of ideas and inspiration for weekend getaways from NYC! There are so many to choose from, and NYC is a city that is surrounded by beautiful nature, towns, and spas… So you’re truly spoilt for choice.

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

Post navigation

15 Amazing Breweries in Orlando - That you won't want to miss!

25 Best Things to do in Northumberland, England (Ultimate list for 2021)

You might also like.

28 Fun Things to Do in Chicago At Night!

• September 11, 2023
• 11 minute read

• Christmas travel

17 Restaurants for the Perfect Christmas Eve Dinner in NYC…

• November 15, 2023
• 9 minute read

11 Festive Christmas Movies in New York City – Which you’ll LOVE!

• October 21, 2022
• 4 minute read

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

New York Chevron

5 Best Day Trips from New York City

By Alex Van Buren , Andrea Whittle , and Devra Ferst

New York City has endless allure for residents and visitors, from its cultural attractions to its dining and nightlife scene , but sometimes what you need most from New York is a break. Seated where it is on the northeast corridor, there are plenty of great escapes you can tackle in a day or long weekend. These places that are just a train or car ride away from NYC combine ease of access with a fresh vibe no less full of appeal: from the nearby waterfront to the charming towns upstate. These are the best day trips from NYC.

Click the link to read our complete New York City guide .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK

A short jaunt on the Metro North from New York City, these two little towns have become popular in spring, summer, and fall. They're beautiful, with DIA: Beacon the star around which a constellation of eating, drinking, and hotel options have sprung up. Since they're a quick car or train ride apart, you could see both in one day, if you like. Consider steak frites, ice cream by the water, drinks overlooking a rumbling waterfall, and a quaint B&B if you can't bear to leave so quickly.

The Patio Grill at The Roundhouse Arrow

This former dye mill ( now hotel ) overlooks Beacon Falls, and boy are they gorgeous, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall from the seasonally open Patio Grill. (Mother Nature did good work on both the lighting and the water feature.) The menu changes all the time, and past hits have included a burger with smoked Gouda, fried shrimp with spicy mayo, and a pretty solid salad. Keep it simple and go for wine or beer on tap; cocktails are ambitious but don’t always hit the mark. This food isn’t going to blow your mind, nor will it break the bank: You’re here for that view.

Dogwood Arrow

One of a couple neighborhood bars where you can really feel the chill Beacon vibe, this one is studded with locals hunkered in their booths, or tipping back a few local on-tap drafts. You’ve got 16 taps on draft, solid cocktails but nothing fancy, and wine from California, France, and Italy, for the most part (We’d go with a pint). You're wanting a burger, some wings, jumbo stuffed tater tots, a pint, and some gossip. This place has all of it.

Hudson River Expeditions Arrow

This rustic kayak tour takes you to the still-beautiful Bannerman Castle , which is in a state of photogenic dishabille . Guides tend to be on the very friendly side, and the folks hosting you at the castle itself are bookish and know their stuff. This late spring to early fall operation is pretty much right on the Hudson, which is perhaps why the folks running the show seem to understand the river itself. You’ll want to book in advance, but if you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to pop by just in case there are openings. They have a Peekskill, NY location, too.

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

Cold Spring Antiques Center Arrow

Tiny, cluttered, and wonderful, this is one of a clutch of great antiques and vintage shops peppering Main Street. Mix-and-match bakelite flatware (a steal) is packed in right alongside vintage Mister Rogers albums, and a lamp of a white monkey clutching a lightbulb. It’s a hoarder’s fever dream. Remember that half the pleasure of vintage and antique shopping is in The Dig. Spend some time shuffling through old photos, posters and the like, and you might just find a diamond in the rough. (But probably not an actual diamond.)

Storm King Art Center Arrow

Forget what you think you know about tiny, manicured sculpture gardens. Storm King Art Center—simply, Storm King to those fleeing the city to see it—is an extraordinary 500-acre outdoor museum, complete with works from Alexander Calder, Zhang Huan, and Sol LeWitt. In autumn, it’s hard to say what’s more striking here: the artwork or the scenery. Strap on your best walking shoes and pack a picnic. You’ll want to spend a day exploring here.

Backbar Arrow

Is this a bar? A vintage shop? A restaurant? Backbar looks a bit like all three. But, at its core, it’s a bar with food worth getting in a car for. Zak Pelaccio, who once operated Fatty Crab in Manhattan , and later decamped to the Hudson Valley, is behind the project. It's geared towards locals but will allow those visiting for the weekend to join in. Pull up a seat at the bar or in the large outside space if the weather’s nice. With a name like Backbar, it’s fair to expect high level drinks. That expectation is certainly met with simple but well executed cocktails like the bee’s knees with citadelle gin, honey, and lemon, and slushies like the Lucy, made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and topped with Prosecco. There’s also a board for local beer offerings and cocktail specials. If you're in the Upper Hudson Valley, you really shouldn't miss Backbar, regardless of whether you're with your partner, parents, or friends.

Pig Hill Inn Arrow

This 1825-era B&B is adorable, right on Main Street, and comes with a fabulous breakfast. Rooms have four-poster beds, canopies, and lacy coverlets—all the details are spot-on, right down to the clawfoot tubs. There's a cute little "conservatory" for dining with other guests after a night of sleep, and you can sip wine in front of a wood-burning fire. Of all the older options downtown, this is the best by a longshot.

Brunette Arrow

New to natural wine? The staff here is happy to help guide you. Don’t be shy, just ask. The wine offerings change daily, but expect at least 10 or so wines to be available by the glass like an orange chardonnay from Marche, Italy, and a sparkling red. There are also beers including those from Hudson Valley’s Suarez Family Brewery. Just like the wine offerings, the team says the food menu can change with abandon and without notice, but that’s part of the fun. You might find hot dogs with pickled carrots, shrimp cocktail, and burrata with fennel. Don’t skip the trout roe nachos.

Moo Moo's Creamery Arrow

Small and quaint, with all the hallmarks you’ve come to expect of an ice cream shop—barely legible signs denoting ice cream flavors scrawled in every color, cute black-and-white tiled floors, teenage scoopers whose moods vary by the day—this is a great place for a to-go cone. Even New England ice cream snobs should be able to get behind the relatively creamy texture and straightforward flavors proffered here. (Think: coffee chip and chocolate Oreo.) The fanciest, Mexican chocolate, is good and punchy with the requisite cinnamon. The mouthfeel is what matters—buttery, luxe, and creamy, not icy—and Moo Moo’s usually nails it.

GREENPORT, LONG ISLAND

Keep driving East and North from New York City. Let the last Burger King and Friendly's drop off in the rearview mirror. Observe as apple orchards, breweries, cows and Canadian geese pop into view. Marvel at how the vineyards seem to stretch right to the horizon. You're in the North Fork, baby. Shuck some oysters, hit the beach, have some wine, and most importantly, slow your roll.

Aldo's Arrow

Locals have been coming to this cozy café since it opened in 1987 to sip espresso drinks and chat over the day's news. It's such a neighborhood institution, even Starbucks closed after four years when it opened across the street. The coffee runs strong and we’d recommend it in latte or mocha form, to balance its intensity. Chocolate-dipped biscotti—which you can buy to go—croissants, and scones are the things to snack with your drink.

Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market Arrow

This nautical oyster hideout by the docks is tiny, popular, and fun, known for its slogan, “Shuck Your Self.” New Englanders and anyone else who grew up shucking their own oysters will delight that it’s half-price here ($20 versus $36 for a pre-shucked dozen) if you do so. If you don’t know where to start, someone will teach you. Oysters here are divine, since this restaurant is part of a local collective working with dozens of individual farmers and harvesters. If you’re here from The City, the wine prices by the bottle might make you a little weak-kneed. Pull yourself together and order a classic oyster pairing: Muscadet, Champagne, or—yes, it works—chocolatey Oyster Stout from Greenport Brewing.

1943 Pizza Bar Arrow

Intimate and simple, with burnt-orange walls and a wood-fired brick oven, crowds come to clamor over the attractive pizzas they're slinging. Even Ina Garten is a fan of these 14-inch thin-crust pies, with their prettily bubbled crusts. The options vary: You could do a margherita simply dressed with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, or you could order the innovative clams casino (fresh clams, bacon, green peppers, and garlic on a white pie). This place can be a nice change from the hustling, bustling pizzerias of Manhattan .

Croteaux Vineyards Arrow

This is off the beaten path of the vineyards lining the North Fork, and it makes for a nice change of pace, with a wonderful garden and tasting barn, and delicious rosé. Everyone’s got a glass of rosé or bubbly rosé, and most folks will order a flight—they’re cheap by Manhattan standards. We love the selection of rosé sparklers, of which you can order a trio at a time, including the deep, juicy Cabernet Franc sparkler (if they have it). Do know that the bar is a warm-weather operation and will reopen before April.

White Flower Farmhouse Arrow

Farmhouse antiques are the specialties at this downtown Southold shop—as far as the eye can see—with home decor, kitchenware, and other finds in the mix. Maybe you need a mirror framed in distressed wood? An antique table? Hand-thrown ceramics or a few yard sale items just purchased in the French countryside? These are the vintage and “vintage-inspired” housewares and linens you dream about. If you're a New Yorker trying like hell to make your Brooklyn home into a tiny little country cottage, this is your place.  We’re not gonna say we’d fight you for the matched sets of Bakelite flatware or the cool blue-and-red vintage sailboat rental signs, but…

Brix & Rye Arrow

Cocktail obsessives have one daydream: to find a bar with excellent drinks for about a third of what they’d pay in New York or San Francisco . This is that bar. Order The Last Word if you’ve never had one, a Sazerac, or maybe something made with sherry, a fortified wine that drinks master Evan Bucholz understands how to wield wisely. Use those cocktails to wash down pizza from 1943 Pizza Bar next door. Whether you go for a white pie decked out with clams or a classic margherita, the food here—including some killer wood-fired meatballs—is better than most people expect.

American Beech Hotel Arrow

The design at American Beech fits somewhere between LA , Miami Beach, and Greenport . There are whitewashed suites, an Instagrammable bar, and large plants outside. Somehow, the three styles all come together to make one of the chicest places on the North Fork. There are only 11 rooms at this boutique hotel, so book in advance during peak season. Note that some are located over the bustling restaurant, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, opt for one of the other rooms located around Stirling Square. This spot is as much about the restaurant and bar as it is the hotel. The roomy restaurant, which is closed during the winter, can accommodate large parties, so if you’re visiting the North Fork for, say, a bachelorette, this is a great choice. The menu hops around from cumin-cured duck wings to spaghetti squash latkes and a smash burger with cheddar. 

Eagle's Neck Paddling Arrow

The employees of this kayak outfitter are locals, and they want you to relax—Orient Beach State Park is a national landmark, thanks to its unusual maritime forest and its plethora of great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, and crowned night herons. Guides can point out beautiful vistas, but you could also do that on your own. (Costs are similar whether you take the tour or not.) Outdoorsy types will love seeing how far they can get in two hours, and the lazy dabblers among us will enjoy just how chill kayaking can be.

North Ferry Company Arrow

This is a daily ferry leaving every 10, 20 or 30 minutes to take you to Shelter Island . You came all the way to Greenport. You want to see more of the water. For $2 each way, this is how you do it. This is the best way to get some beach time in—and truly escape the city—without paying much. Rent or bring a bike; the island is totally easy to get around on one. Then go to the beach with a bottle of something delicious.

NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS

Mass MoCA is a behemoth hub of the arts for many miles in every direction, playing host to artists as varied and marvelous as David Byrne, Wilco, Xu Bing, and Katharina Grosse. It's definitely a can't-miss, but as you drive here, marveling at the rolling hills and sprawling natural beauty, you'll want to know where to eat and sleep, too. One of our favorite boutique hotels is here, featuring a hot tub where you can sip bourbon under the stars, after a day at the museum. A trip to this part of the world is like hitting a reset button.

MASS MoCA Arrow

This sprawling museum lures history buffs and art fans alike. The 16-acre complex of 19th-century mill buildings occupies almost a third of the North Adams downtown business region. It is a mind-bending museum. James Turrell, Xu Bing, and Katharina Grosse are among the artists who revel in just how much space is here. The curation is smart, using the gargantuan ceilings and old trappings of the place to make you feel dwarfed, but not diminished. When you need a break, there is a brewpub here, a good café, ice cream, and a fine dining restaurant.

The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA Arrow

A string of 19th century Victorian row houses, lined by porches with slightly ominous identical rocking chairs. This place is dwarfed by Mass MoCA just across the street, but you notice the hotel owner’s attention to detail as soon as you park and see the lobby. The tub in your room will be so gorgeous you’ll want to pull it from the floorboards and take it home. And if you miss out on the hot tub, at night, under the stars and foliage, with a bourbon, neat, in your hand (they’re fine with that at the front desk), you are not doing it right. So long as you're not a diva needing to count threads in the sheets, Porches' style and attention to detail may just ruin you for other boutique hotels.

Cascade Waterfall Arrow

At the end of this hike is a picturesque, cold waterfall. The air is crisp and clean here, and it feels a bit like you fell off the map, in the best way. Relatively easy for beginning hikers, sometimes with a bit of mud at the end of the trail, this is a slightly tricky-to-find spot with unfortunately few easements. But if you don't mind muddying your boots a bit, and just want to stretch your legs without going all out, this one's for you.

Pedrin's Dairy Bar Arrow

The words on the awning say it all: “Pedrin’s Dairy Bar: Home of the Fish Fry.” Brace for MASS MoCA tourists and locals wishing they lived a little closer to the beach, all happily digging into sundaes and deeply fried fish ‘n chips. This is a quick fix for a few New England greats, all to be spread out over a white or red picnic table and—as they say—housed. Fried fish, clam strips, cheap burgers, and bountiful ice cream: This isn’t a place you walk away from feeling light on your feet, but some of us like to get all our indulgences in at one go.

Williams College Museum of Art Arrow

Dedicated art lovers know that there’s more to see in this corner of the Berkshires than the large-scale installations at MASS MoCA . Just down the road sits William College Museum of Art, or WCMA, a small but mighty museum that’s home to 15,000 pieces that range from ancient Egyptian and Assyrian to works from living American artists. The collection here has a bit of everything. There are outdoor sculptures, an archive dedicated to brothers Maurice and Charles Prendergast, and pieces from contemporary artists. Students at Williams College are lucky enough to be able to loan select pieces from the collection for a semester.

Tourists Arrow

Inspired by the American roadside motor lodge of yore, Tourists is built for contemporary design lovers with lots of light wood on the banks of the Hoosic River. Many of the large windows in guest rooms look straight into nature, helping blur the line between the outdoors and indoors. Opened in 2018, Tourists still feels like the cool new kid on the block with the clientele to match. For those exploring Williamstown and North Adams, Tourists is perfectly situated. It’s approximately three miles from the Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA , and Bright Ideas Brewing . If you’re visiting this corner of the Berkshires, there’s nowhere more stylish to stay.

The Distillery at Greylock WORKS Arrow

The historic Greylock Works mill has been converted into a stylish home for this distillery from Colorado that relocated to the Berkshires and opened here in 2019. Inside the distilling room sits a 20 person bar that makes drinks exclusively from housemade liquors and is open on Friday and Saturday evenings—perfect for folks visiting from out of town. Take a bottle for your friends back home and know that for each bottle you buy, you’ll get a complimentary cocktail or flight.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

The City of Brotherly Love has been luring lovers of art and dining from NYC and Washington, D.C., in recent years, and can compete on the national level on both fronts. With arguably the best Israeli cuisine in America, a trio of knockout museums, and even a Four Seasons, it's a destination town. Here's where to sleep, drink, eat, and play in Philly right now.

Zahav Arrow

When James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov opened Zahav over a decade ago, it was one of only a handful of Israeli restaurants in the U.S. that served dishes other than hummus and shakshuka. Since then, upscale Israeli restaurants have sprouted in major cities across the country, and Americans have learned how to say "tehina." But despite the competition it's created, Zahav remains one of the best (if not the very best). Every meal here should start with Solomonov's silken hummus and laffa, a just-barely singed Iraqi flat bread, and salatim, a selection of Israeli salads and dips you can plunge that laffa into. From there, there's no wrong turn: Choose plates like chicken shishlik with plum, fennel, and sumac, or black sea bass tartare with bulgur and preserved orange. And save room for the restaurant’s iconic pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder.

If you can’t score a table at Zahav, try Laser Wolf, which serves several salatim (Middle Eastern salads) and skewers like Yemenite beef kebabs and mushroom shishlik, which are kissed with charcoal.

Reading Terminal Market Arrow

All of humanity seems to have come together in a happy hubbub at Reading Terminal Market. The sprawling space has been around since 1893, though now, its vegetable, fish, and meat vendors are compounded by dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Look for old-timey neon signs to help you make sense of the dozens of options—or just head straight for DiNic's, where the roast pork sandwich, topped with a frenzy of broccoli rabe, is practically the beating heart of the place. Follow it up with a scoop (or three) of Bassett's silky ice cream.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Arrow

Classic, grand, and impressive, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a cultural institution. It is Philadelphia's answer to the Louvre, and houses one of the country's finest collections of art and sculpture. Tourists, locals, the stroller set…the gang's all here and they're all taking in the art at their own pace. Some skip entire galleries based on interests, while others read every placard. It's a choose your own adventure kind of place. And if all of this culture makes you hungry, you're in luck. The Cafe is bright and welcoming and features a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more. Prefer to cool your heels in a more formal setting? The Stir is an elegant spot designed by Frank Gehry that's perfect for lingering and lunching.

Briar Vintage Arrow

Vintage for gentlemen! This extraordinary place is one of a bevy of great vintage shops sprinkled around Philly, though it has some of the best men’s gear. Silk ascots, waistcoats, bowties, jackets, and an attentive owner who knows your size on site? It’s like stepping into a Gary Cooper vehicle. Don't leave without a smart vintage watch and, if you're feeling especially adventurous, a full tuxedo with tails.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center Arrow

This is a Four Seasons, so you can expect seamless service and a lot of greige carpeting. However, this particular outpost is somewhat unique in that so many big names were tapped for its creation: floral designer Jeff Leatham, composer Brian Eno, architect Norman Foster, and chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Greg Vernick. Their contributions along with expansive skyline views from every vantage point on the property and passionate, genuine service could make this the beginning of a transformation of Philadelphia's hotel scene . 

La Colombe Arrow

La Colombe’s Fishtown location is unlike any of its many other outposts. The sprawling space is home to a roastery, a coffee laboratory, an open kitchen, a shop, and lots of seating. To call it a coffee shop would be to miss the point. There are fresh baked goods and other cafe standards aplenty here, but you’re really here for the coffee like pour overs, nitro lattes, and of course all of the espresso standards perfectly prepared. For coffee nerds or those with coffee lovers at home, there’s also a shop where you can pick up bags of La Colombe’s coffee to take home. Curious diners should consider stopping in for coffee and heading over to nearby Suraya for a Lebanese brunch.

Cadence Arrow

Food & Wine named this South Kensington restaurant the best new one in the U.S. in 2019. Note though, you're not here for the aesthetics; you’re here for the food. The $68 four-course prix-fixe menu offers a handful of choices of thoughtful and creative dishes for each course. In the winter, you might find wagyu beef tartar with smoked cheddar, herb dumplings with seafood ragu, or n’duja stuffed quail. Each course also contains a vegan dish, or one that could easily be prepared that way. If both you and your date enjoy meat, call ahead to see if the Keiser duck for two with mushrooms, sunchoke, sichuan, and sunflower will be available that evening. While BYOB, Cadence does have seasonal vinegar sodas, kombucha, and mate from Pennsylvania producers on offer. It strikes that rare balance of special and creative but still welcoming and comfortable. The space is cozy, so bring a date or a small gathering of food-loving friends.

Jim's South Street Arrow

Most cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia focus so closely on the rolls, onions, steak, and wiz, not to mention claiming the title of the best cheesesteak in the city, that a comfortable place in which to eat the sandwich is often overlooked. The team at Jim’s, which has been making cheesesteaks in Philly for almost 80 years, thankfully doesn't fall into that camp. Located on the corner of Fourth and South Streets, you can typically spot Jim’s before you arrive from the line snaking outside, down Fourth Street towards tattoo shops and piercing parlors. Once you’re inside, split up your team. While one person waits in line to place orders for cheesesteaks "wit whiz" (Cheese Whiz, that is), provolone, or American, or an Italian hoagie, the rest of the crew can head upstairs to stake out a table. It’s a bit of a production, but well worth it for a cheesesteak that never disappoints—and a place that lets you enjoy.

Independence National Historic Park Arrow

Philadelphia is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States precisely because of the historical events that transpired right here, and it’s not just one museum or historic landmark. Rather, it’s a collection of buildings that played host to events that shaped American independence or honor that hard-won heritage. Begin at the Visitor Center to get your bearings and start your tour—visitors can enter with timed entry tickets—at Independence Hall, then stop by the Liberty Bell Center for a look at ostensibly the most famous broken item in the world. Afterwards, wander past the park’s other historic buildings including Carpenters Hall, the meeting site of the first Continental Congress, then make your way to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Just note the airport-style security (and subsequent foot traffic) you're bound to encounter, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking.

THE HAMPTONS, NEW YORK

It's famous on so many fronts: as a tony playground for celebrities and the Manhattan elite, but also for its earthier roots—lush farms, beaches, and quaint villages. Do as the locals do, and hit the bakeries, sandwich spots, farm stands, and under-the-radar museums and galleries that really make it stand out. Then, you'll understand why the crowds beeline for it as soon as the weekend hits.

Carissa's The Bakery Arrow

The most Williamsburg-ified place in the Hamptons, Carissa’s started as a tiny walk-in-closet-sized space but has graduated and expanded to a second, larger two-building space on Pantigo Road. At the new location, the house is still stocked with artful pastries that would impress at that dinner party your Hamptons host is throwing. But, there’s also a more fleshed out café menu and dinner offerings like fried Montauk monkfish and spaghetti al limone. You can (and should) still load up sourdough and pie though.

Breadzilla Arrow

This unfussy family-run bakery churns out the best loaves of bread, sandwiches, and pastries on the East End of Long Island. It draws a mix of locals and "summer people," lots of families stocking up on sandwiches for the beach, people buying loaves of cinnamon brioche and seven grain boules for their houseguests. The lobster roll, served on a pillowy soft round of brioche, is superb, but so are most of the turkey-and-cheddar kinds of classics (this isn't haute cuisine, but it's exactly what you want for a beach picnic).

Pollock-Krasner House Arrow

This 19th-century shingle-style farmhouse in the Springs was home to the abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner, until the late '80s. It's been left pretty much intact: the shelves are filled with books, Krasner's necklaces still hang on hooks in the bedroom, and, most fascinatingly, the drips from Pollock's most famous paintings still cover the wooden floor in his studio. It's a seasonal site, open May through October.

Round Swamp Farm Arrow

The Hamptons are filled with "farm stands" that are really specialty food boutiques. This is one of them, and it's the absolute best. Fresh peaches, white corn, and blackberries from local farms, eggs from the neighboring Iacono chicken coop, and tasty prepared salads and pasta, but the real draw are the baked goods: lemon pound cake, mini chocolate chip cookies, and crumble-topped pies oozing with fruit. There aren't any prices on anything. You'll wince when they start ringing you up at the register, but the baked goods and fresh produce are as good as the people-watching.

Hampton Chutney Co. Arrow

A counter service Indian-ish café, it's known for its massive, delicious dosas served on big plastic lunch trays and filled with grilled curried chicken, jack cheese, fresh veggies and plenty of avocado. Skip the sandwiches. You're here for the crispy, light-as-air, longer-than-your-arm dosas that you'll think are too big for one person to finish alone (you'll be wrong). One bite and you'll wonder why every order isn't served on this crepe-like wonder. The breakfast dosa is a Sunday morning home run, and the curry chutney chicken is like a chicken salad sandwich that just came back from a semester abroad in New Delhi. Everything comes with your choice of chutney for dipping and spreading—they're all tasty, but you can't go wrong with the herby cilantro.

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen Arrow

On-the-nose classic 1950's luncheonette. There's a striped awning and neon lettering out front, leather-covered stools at the counter, booths lining the wall, paper menus-slash-placemats. They're known for their homemade ice cream: the flavors are listed on a board above the counter, where waitresses have been blending milkshakes in old-school machines for years, and there's a case where you can buy gallon containers of the stuff by the door. Stick to the classics and don't pass up a milkshake or malt.

La Fondita Arrow

It's a seasonally-open taco shack (albeit one brought to you by the restaurateurs behind the chic Nick and Toni's ) off the highway in Amagansett, with reggaeton on the stereo, technicolor picnic tables on the grass outside, and guacamole served in little plastic tubs. There's a full menu of tortas, burrito bowls, salads, and tostadas, but tacos are the way to go. Get some chips and guac to start, then a few Baja-style fish tacos, chicken tingas, and al pastors. Wash it down with Jarritos or a Modelo.

Hither Hills State Park Arrow

Hither Hills is a network of trails that stretches across the narrow Montauk peninsula from the Long Island Sound to the Atlantic. Parts of it are heavily forested, best for mountain bikers or trail runners looking to get their miles in; the rest are open sand dunes that stretch onto a skinny, quiet beach on the sound, perfect for an adventurous walk or a picnic. Don't miss the Walking Dunes trail for its dramatic sandy bowls. In all, it's a respite from the rest of the Hamptons and a cool, totally unspoiled landscape to explore.

Baron's Cove Arrow

Baron’s Cove leans into the Hamptons lifestyle hard. If you don’t want to drop several million on a mansion, Baron’s Cove will give you a taste for the weekend. Located right along Sag Harbor cove, there’s a salt water pool in the summer, lounge chairs aplenty by said pool, and a preppy interior that looks like Ralph Lauren gave the decorator some tips. Guests can opt for a room that looks out onto the garden or the water. No matter where you stay, there will be nods to nautical design. With a full restaurant that services both guests and other visitors to Sag Harbor, you’ll never have to travel far for a meal here. But, this is the Hamptons, so prepare to shell out $25 for a breakfast sandwich or $26 for a lobster omelet at brunch. At dinner, opt for seafood options like the local catch of the day and a lobster caesar.

Parrish Art Museum Arrow

Driving down Route 27, you'll see what looks like a hyper-elongated modernist barn in an open field with two giant Roy Lichtenstein sculptures out front. This Herzog and de Meuron designed building is home to more than 2,600 works of art, many of them made by artists who lived and worked on the East End during their lifetimes, including Lichtenstein, Fairfield Porter, Willem de Kooning, and Dan Flavin. It's usually an older, quieter crowd—people are here to see the architecture and spend some time contemplating the art in the galleries. It never gets too crowded, unless it's a rainy day on a summer weekend.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

13 Best Road Trips From NYC

How to escape the city without getting on a plane.

One of our favorite parts of travel is visiting local, boutique hotels and independently owned businesses . Whether you're looking to escape the heat of an NYC summer, or just explore a nearby destination you've never seen before, these 13 road trips make for the perfect mini-break.

Here are the best road trips from New York City, from the most luxurious corners of New England to charming, up-and-coming Catskills enclaves.

1. Westerly, Rhode Island

A quaint coastal town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Westerly is a two-and-a-half-hour Amtrak ride or a three-hour drive from NYC. Visitors can post up at Ocean House , a Relais & Châteaux property. On the grounds, guests get access to a private white-sand beach, the Mercedes-Benz Program (you can borrow and drive around town in the latest models at no charge), Ocean & Harvest Spa , and complimentary cooking classes at the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts .

2. Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is one of the most idyllic towns on the Jersey Shore, as evidenced by attractions from from the historic Congress Hall Hotel — opened in 1816 — to the paved promenade along its beaches. Stop in for fresh seafood at The Lobster House, and grab a sunset cocktail by the fire pits at the waterfront hot spot, Rusty Nail .

3. Finger Lakes, New York

Less than a five-hour drive from NYC, the Finger Lakes region is comprised of 11 pristine lakes, excellent wineries, great hiking through scenic gorges, and historical attractions. For a luxurious home-away-from-home escape, stay on Cayuga Lake at The Inns of Aurora . Here, you can check into the lavishly decorated Zabriskie House and head down the street for a cooking demonstration at Aurora Cooks , followed by a cocktail at the hotel's 1833 Kitchen & Bar . Off the property, visit the nearby Heart & Hands Wine Company to taste their pinot noirs, or enjoy a peaceful day of hiking at Watkins Glen State Park.

4. Alexandria, Virginia

Nicholas Schmidt/Travel + Leisure

Venturing to Old Town Alexandria will help you feel a world away from the bustle of NYC. Architecture enthusiasts will love Old Town's 18th- and 19th-century facades, while the shopping-inclined traveler will enjoy patronizing the inviting local businesses. Right on the Potomac, Alexandria is one of our favorite southern U.S. cities — right up there with Savannah and Charleston — but it's only four hours from NYC by car.

5. Catskills, New York

Cooperstown is a four-hour drive from NYC through the scenic Catskill Mountains. Stay close to Otsego Lake at The Inn at Cooperstown ; built in 1874, the historic, award-winning hotel is home to 18 beautiful guest rooms. From Cooperstown, it's a short ride to the north end of the lake and Glimmerglass State Park , a perfect spot for out-of-town visitors to explore.

Meanwhile, the charming Catskills town of Roxbury is a quick, three-hour drive from NYC. Stay at The Roxbury at Stratton Falls , a lovely boutique hotel with eclectic decor. If you love to stargaze, book the astronomy-focused Galileo's Gate cottage with its own glass-ceiling observation deck.

6. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains are an easy getaway from New York City, just under two hours away. For those who want a full nature immersion, consider a stay at Cranberry Run Campground . It's surrounded by 65 acres of woodlands, and campers can hang out at the on-site outdoor pool or explore the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting.

7. Lexington, Massachusetts

Situated approximately 15 miles from Boston in bucolic woodlands, Lexington is the perfect destination for American history buffs. Stay at the stunning 22-room Inn at Hastings Park , a Relais & Châteaux property that's centrally located to Walden Pond, Battle Green (where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired), the Hancock-Clarke House, and the Orchard House (where "Little Women" was set). You can reach this town in less than four hours from NYC.

8. Niagara Falls, New York

It'll take seven hours from NYC, but if you trek 400 miles north of the city, you'll make it to Niagara Falls, New York. The trip itself is exceptionally scenic, with plenty of opportunity for hiking or picnic lunches along the way. Once you arrive at Niagara Falls State Park , you'll be overwhelmed by the rainbows, mist, and thunderous roar generated by the American, Horseshoe, and Bridal Veil Falls.

9. Newport, Rhode Island

Only a four-hour drive from NYC, Newport is a must-visit for all East Coast road trippers. This summer, stay at The Vanderbilt for a taste of opulence. With 33 rooms located in the authentic former mansion of a real Vanderbilt, the property was recently renovated and offers unique experiences, like a wine tasting paired with a vinyl listening session on a vintage gramophone and tea leaf reading sessions with a professional psychic.

10. Haines Falls, New York

The Catskills are so nice that they made the list twice. With majestic waterfalls, unique towns, and beautiful scenery, the region offers incredible outdoor experiences. The hamlet of Haines Falls, in the Great Northern Catskills , is home to the highest cascading waterfall in New York state, Kaaterskill Falls . The trail, which is open year-round, is about a mile and a half round-trip. Road trippers should also head to Round Top to see Glen Falls, which doubles as a popular swimming hole during the warmer months.

11. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Drive three hours from NYC, and you'll wind up in the stunning Berkshires in western Massachusetts. While visiting, grab iced coffees and croissants from Six Depot Roastery & Cafe and picnic along Shaker Mill Pond. For a quintessentially charming New England stay, check out The Old Inn on the Green .

12. North Fork, New York

Head out to the North Fork of Long Island, which has great dining and wineries, but is still quieter than the buzzing Hampton towns on the South Fork. On your way to the North Fork from NYC, stop off at Jerry & the Mermaid for lunch. Your first winery in North Fork should be Bedell Cellars . And when you're driving back to the city, if the season is right, take a detour to see the lavender fields at Lavender by the Bay .

13. Keene Valley, Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondacks are worth visiting in any season. Keene is well-situated in the highest peaks of the Adirondacks, offering great downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, and hiking in the summer (we recommend taking the Giant Mountain trail at the base of Roaring Brook Falls). For a lovely bed-and-breakfast, check out the Keene Valley Lodge .

10 Best Things to Do Outside NYC + MAP

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 10 Best Things to Do Outside NYC + MAP

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

The Big Apple is lots of fun, but if you’re looking for things to do outside NYC , you’ll be pleased to know that there are tons of good options. From sprawling state parks to charming coastal communities and artsy downtown districts, there is a wide variety of attractions near NYC .

This guide includes 10 fun activities just outside New York City and where to find them. So, whether you’re craving some time away from the city, or you’re passing through Manhattan and want to see what you can do nearby, this article will help you out.

After reading about these attractions and cities near NYC , be sure to download the map so you can plan your perfect itinerary. Now, let’s get started !

1. Take a vacation in The Hamptons, one of the top things to do outside NYC

First, The Hamptons is one of the best places to visit outside New York City , especially during the summer. This luxurious seaside resort has a rich history and beautiful beaches, so it’s a great place to go with friends or as a couple.

Once you visit this popular summer colony, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the most charming places near NYC . The Hamptons include several distinct communities, each with its unique characteristics and attractions.

For example, Southampton is the largest community in The Hamptons and offers museums, vineyards, sidewalk cafes, and the lovely Cooper’s Beach.

A nice alternative is East Hampton , which is home to artsy shops and boutiques, or Montauk Point State Park , where you can see the imposing red-and-white lighthouse. Built in 1796, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S., and a National Historic Landmark.

If you want to visit a beach near NYC without a car , take this Hamptons day trip from New York City . You’ll be able to visit Southampton and other nearby villages, making it one of the best  day trips from NYC .

• Recommended accommodation: The Southampton Inn is the perfect place to stay in Southampton, as it combines a summer cottage vibe with modern conveniences. The hotel has free parking, a pool, a game room, and it’s a few minutes from Cooper’s Beach .

2. Mohonk Preserve, a lovely place to go near NYC

The Mohonk Preserve is just two hours from the Big Apple, so visiting it is one of the best outdoor activities to do in NYC . This protected natural area spans 8,000 acres in the Shawangunk Mountains, so there is plenty of space to stretch your legs and explore.

The preserve was created as a conservation effort, and you can learn more by visiting the Daniel Smiley Research Center . Here, you can peruse thousands of mammal, bird, butterfly, and herbarium specimens. The center also has a research library and an impressive photograph collection.

It’s also worth checking out the Visitor Center, where you can find maps and other info. Outside the Visitor Center, you’ll find a trailhead that branches off to several hiking routes. Try the Undercliff-Overcliff Loop, which provides lovely views of the Catskills and the Wallkill Valley. A good alternative is the J & S Grafton Sensory Trail , an easy ¼-mile route that goes past the Weinstein Butterfly Garden . It’s one of the most popular hikes near NYC.

You can also go biking or horseback riding along the old carriage roads or do some rock climbing on the “Gunks cliffs.” The Mohonk Preserve also has a campsite, so it’s a beautiful place close to New York where you can escape into nature.

• Recommended accommodation: The picturesque Minnewaska Lodge in Gardiner is a few miles from the Mohonk Preserve and Lake Minnewaska State Park. The oak furniture and cabin décor give the inn a super rustic vibe that’s perfect for staying in upstate NY. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in NY , Mohonk Mountain House is a great option too .

3. Visit Jones Beach State Park, one of the best things to do just outside New York City

Jones Beach State Park has one of the best beaches near NYC , so visiting it is a great thing to do outside NYC during the summer months. Located on the southern shore of Long Island , this park boasts over six miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a family-friendly atmosphere.

Part of what makes this one of the top places near New York City is the clean beach where you can sunbathe, go swimming, or enjoy the surf. The park also has a public pool and children’s playgrounds, so you can come here with the entire family. Other fun activities include basketball, corn hole, pickleball, ping pong, and shuffleboard.

Spend the morning enjoying the sea breeze along the walking and jogging path, stop for lunch at a boardwalk café, and join family or friends in a game of mini-golf in the afternoon. You’ll find no shortage of ways to spend the day here, plus you’ll be close to nearby attractions like Fire Island and Old Westbury Gardens.

• Recommended accommodation: Check in at the Jones Beach Hotel , which is less than a 10-minute drive from Jones Beach State Park. You’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, and a spa bathtub where you can relax after a long day .

4. Visit Thomas Edison National Historic Park, another top thing to do outside NYC

Thomas Edison National Historic Park offers lots of fun things to do outside NYC , so it’s worth a visit. The park has two distinct areas about a ½-mile from each other: Edison’s lab complex and his former home in Llewellyn Park.

Edison himself built the lab in 1887, and the entire complex contains several buildings, including his library, office, photography studio, machine shop, and labs for chemistry, metallurgy, and physics. He had a previous lab before this one, which he built in 1876. It’s located in Menlo Park, about 40 minutes away.

The laboratory complex at the national historic park helped Edison achieve his advancements in phonographs, sound recordings, and motion picture cameras, so it’s quite an important site.

At Llewellyn Park, you can visit the Glenmont Estate where Edison lived with his second wife, Mina. The beautiful home was built in the 1880s in the Queen Anne style and features 29 rooms and a greenhouse with native and exotic plants. The home was also one of the first to have the modern amenities we enjoy today, such as indoor flush toilets, electrical wiring, and a water heater.

The home was declared a National Historic Site in 1955 and, behind the house, you can see Thomas Edison’s and Mina’s burial sites.

• Recommended accommodation: Stay at the Cambria Hotel West Orange , where you’ll be just three miles from the Thomas Edison National Historic Park. Plus, the hotel has free parking, an indoor pool, and private bathrooms .

5. Bear Mountain State Park, another great place to visit near NYC

If you’re looking for a beautiful place near NYC where you can enjoy nature, head to Bear Mountain State Park . Named for Bear Mountain, which looks like a bear when viewed in profile, the park spans over 5,200 acres and grants you sweeping views of the Hudson River.

The recreational activities here include biking, hiking, boating, swimming, and, in the winter, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating. If you’re looking for family things to do outside New York City , you can rent a paddleboat at Hessian Lake, take the kids to the playground, or visit the Trailside Museums, which have exhibits on geology and history.

Also, Bear Mountain is right next to another park, Harriman State Park , which is home to hiking routes like the Blue Disc Trail and Long Path, as well as the beautiful Lake Sebago . It’s a popular place to do some wildlife viewing and camping, but if you just want to pass through these parks, take the Perkins Memorial Drive , a scenic road that leads to the summit of Bear Mountain. From there, you can get a panoramic view of the park and the greater Palisades Interstate Park, which I’ll talk about next.

• Recommended accommodation: Stay at The Overlook Lodge & Stone Cottages at Bear Mountain for views of the Hudson River and Hessian Lake. It has woodland hiking trails, an ice skating rink, and a pool, plus it’s less than a 15-minute drive to Harriman State Park .

6. Palisades Interstate Park, a beautiful place to go near NYC

Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park are part of the larger Palisades Interstate Park , a huge riverfront park that stretches across New York and New Jersey. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the park features breathtaking cliffs, overlooks, and hiking trails. It’s certainly one of the best things to do in New Jersey , so if you’re looking for natural attractions near NYC , be sure to check it out.

The New Jersey portion of the park takes up about 12 miles in Fort Lee and offers picnic areas, lookout points, hiking routes, and other natural features. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy over 30 miles of trails, such as the Long Path route, which leads to the stunning Rockefeller Lookout. Another great route is the Shore Trail , which goes past the Kearney House , a historic homestead and tavern from the 1800s.

The Kearney House is just one of the historic landmarks in the park, several of which date back to the American Revolutionary War. For example, Fort Lee Historic Park was an important encampment during the war, while the Hasbrouck House was the home of General George Washington during the final year of the war. You can also visit the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site , where the battle of Stony Point took place in 1779.

Again, Palisades Interstate Park is huge, so if you want, you can drive along the Palisades Scenic Byway , which runs through forests and along the cliffs of the Hudson River.

• Recommended accommodation: Hyatt Place Fort Lee/George Washington Bridge is a 12-minute drive from Palisades Interstate Park, or you could check our guide on where to stay in NYC .

7. Storm King Art Center, one of the best attractions near NYC

Visiting the Storm King Art Center is another fun thing to do outside NYC , and it’s just an hour from Manhattan. This open-air museum originated as a museum for the Hudson River School’s paintings, and it eventually evolved into an outdoor sculpture garden.

Today, it’s home to the biggest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the U.S., with works by Alexander Calder, David Smith, Richard Serra, and Isamu Noguchi, among others. The Storm King Art Center takes up about 500 acres, so you can rent a bike from the visitor center to cover more ground. Besides the intriguing sculptures and landscaped grounds, you can marvel at the beautiful natural backdrop, which looks especially gorgeous during the fall.

The permanent collection contains 115 sculptures, and the museum holds special exhibits throughout the year. Admission is $20 per person, and you should plan on spending a few hours here. Before or after your visit, consider visiting nearby Storm King Mountain, which stands 1,340 feet above the Hudson Highlands.

• Recommended accommodations: The Beacon Hermitage is about 30 minutes from the Art Center, but it’s also in the town of Beacon, so it’s worth staying at if you’re also visiting this city. If you prefer something closer to Storm King, the Caldwell House Bed & Breakfast offers private suites with a kitchenette and bathroom .

8. Go to Greenwich, CT, a popular thing to do outside New York City

Even though it’s in Connecticut, Greenwich is just an hour from the Big Apple, so it’s another great place near New York . Greenwich offers a bit of everything – history, architecture, public parks, a downtown district, and even a beautiful coastline.

History buffs can check out the Revolutionary War-era buildings like the Bush-Holley House and Putnam’s Cottage , while those in search of art and culture can explore downtown Greenwich’s museums and shops.

If you plan to spend more time here, then you should check out the nearby natural surroundings. For example, Greenwich Point Park is a beautiful park with a beach where you can swim, sunbathe, and bike along the water.

Alternatively, Montgomery Pinetum Park at the Greenwich Botanical Center offers scenic walking trails, and it’s right next to Pomerance Park , a wooded area with hiking routes, a pond, an old mansions, and other historical buildings.

• Recommended accommodation: The J House Greenwich Hotel is conveniently located between Greenwich and Stamford, close to Putnam Cottage and Montgomery Pinetum Park .

9. Sleepy Hollow, NY, a place to visit near NYC during the fall

Located along the banks of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow is notorious for its portrayal in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow , which describes the ghost of the Headless Horseman. While it’s considered a haunted place, Sleepy Hollow is one of the safest and most charming small towns in the country and a beautiful place near NYC to visit.

This town offers lots of historical sites and unique structures, so you’ll feel like you’re walking through a storybook. Pay a visit to the Old Dutch Church , built in the 1690s, and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery , which is just steps away from the Headless Horseman Bridge.

It’s also worth visiting the old Tarrytown Lighthouse and the Philipsburg Manor House , a Colonial-era estate with a water mill and museum. The home dates back to the 1690s, and the living-history museum employees wear period clothing and demonstrate old colonial chores like milking cows, grinding grain, and farming.

Sleepy Hollow is also close to the Rockefeller State Park Preserve , a lush 1,1770-acre park with wooded hiking trails and carriage roads. A Visitor Center and non-profit farm are also located in the park, as well as Rockwood Hall, the former home of William Rockefeller.

Since it’s just 30 miles from NYC, visiting Sleepy Hollow is the perfect thing to do outside New York , especially if you’re a fan of history.

• Recommended accommodation: If you want the full experience, stay at the Castle Hotel & Spa , where you can sleep in a castle room and enjoy pristine facilities like an outdoor pool and hot tub, terrace lounge, and daily breakfast in the Garden Room .

10. Beacon, NY, another great thing to see near New York City

Last but not least, Beacon, NY is one of the top weekend getaways from NYC , offering all kinds of fun attractions outside New York City .

Located in the Hudson Valley, Beacon is a beautiful relic of the past, full of historic landmarks like Bannerman Castle , an abandoned military warehouse. You can also see old Victorian and Gothic architecture at the Eustatia cottage and the Madam Brett Homestead .

There also lovely public parks and art galleries, particularly Dia Beacon , an impressive gallery space housed in an old Nabisco box-printing factory. Dia Beacon contains paintings, photographs, and sculptures from the 1960s to present-day, and is one of the biggest art museums in the country.

If you’re looking for nature-related things to do outside New York City , Mt. Beacon Park is gorgeous and full of scenic hiking trails, as well as an old 60-foot fire tower that you can climb. It’s also worth seeing Hudson Highlands State Park , home to endangered species like the bald eagle and the Wilkinson Memorial Trail , leading to the highest peak in Beacon.

It’s also worth noting that Beacon is close to another beautiful city, Cold Spring, NY . Its Historic District has an impressive collection of 19 th -century buildings, and its Main Street is lined with cute little shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Stonecrop Gardens , a public alpine garden; or go hiking on the Foundry Preserve Trail or the Breakneck Ridge Loop.

• Recommended accommodation: Stay at the lovely Beacon Hermitage , a bed and breakfast surrounded by landscaped gardens in the Hudson River Valley. It’s about three miles from downtown Beacon’s galleries and shops.

Now you know the 10 best things to do outside New York City ! You can download this map with all the places I mentioned; it’ll help you decide where to visit near New York  and, maybe plan longer road trips from NYC .

I hope you enjoyed reading about some of the most interesting places close to NYC . If you have any questions or you’d like to add your recommendation, leave me a comment below. I’ll be happy to answer you! Until then, have a safe trip.

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

15 Top-Rated Day Trips from New York City, NY

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated May 13, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

New York City has so much to offer that many tourists, and even the locals, never venture outside of Manhattan. However, it is well worth escaping the urban jungle to spend time in the peaceful, picturesque surroundings.

Charming historic towns are scattered around the idyllic countryside of New York State and make great day trips from New York City. Especially beautiful in late spring, summer, and autumn, the landscape features forested rolling hills and lush valleys.

Many delightful places to visit are just a 90-minute train ride (or less) from New York City: the colonial-era village of Sleepy Hollow, the quaint rural community of Cold Spring, and the lovely Victorian-era city of Beacon in the Hudson Valley. Even the unspoiled wilderness of Bear Mountain is only a one-hour drive or slightly over an hour train ride away from Manhattan.

Several of the attractions on this list are within greater New York City but are popular day-trip excursions, like Coney Island, Governors Island, and Rockaway Beach; they're ideal for a fun day of recreation and relaxation.

A few destinations on this list are considerably farther away and require a bit more effort to get there. Washington D.C. is over three hours away by train, but it has many impressive cultural attractions that merit the journey. Niagara Falls in Upstate New York is a seven-hour drive from New York City; however, it's possible to visit for the day by taking a flight and organized tour.

Learn about the best places to visit and things to do around the Big Apple with our list of the top day trips from New York City.

1. Washington, D.C.

2. philadelphia, 3. cold spring: a country village in the hudson valley, 4. quaint historic town of beacon, 5. storm king art center, 6. hiking and cycling at bear mountain state park, 7. sleepy hollow and tarrytown: colonial-era villages, 8. summertime fun in coney island, 9. niagara falls, 10. governors island, 11. princeton university and town, 12. rockaway beach, 13. greenwood gardens, 14. shopping at woodbury common and sugar loaf village, 15. farms in long valley, map of day trips from new york city, ny.

Washington, D.C. is a city of epic proportions, in its architectural monuments, as well as cultural heritage. The first president of the United States, George Washington, commissioned French-born city planner Pierre Charles L'Enfant to develop the nation's capital in 1791. L'Enfant designed broad streets and avenues that recall the grand boulevards of Paris, the most elegant capital city of Europe at the time.

The government buildings of Washington, D.C. were designed in lavish Neoclassical style, revealing an architectural and cultural influence from ancient Greece and Rome where democracy first flourished.

Today tourists are inspired by the city's rich heritage, seen in its iconic landmarks, evocative memorials, and superb museums.

Among the many tourist sites of Washington, D.C. , two of the most emblematic are the magnificent domed Capitol building, seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and The White House , the U.S. President's official residence. Tours of the Capitol are available for individuals and groups (advanced reservations are recommended). Guided tours of The White House must be scheduled in advance.

To admire larger-than-life tributes to important U.S. Presidents, visitors should see the Jefferson Memorial and the beloved Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall , an expansive park space. In view from the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (unveiled in 2011) honoring the prominent leader of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Art lovers and history buffs could spend days just touring the museums in Washington D.C. The Smithsonian Institution alone consists of 17 different museums, including the National Portrait Gallery , which exhibits portraits of the nation's most influential figures; the popular National Museum of American History ; and the National Air and Space Museum , which chronicles the history of aviation and space travel.

The newest addition to the Smithsonian Institution is the National Museum of African American History and Culture . The extensive collection features diverse topics such as exhibits about Harriet Tubman, historical records of enslaved persons, a South Carolina plantation cabin, photographs of the Tulsa Race Riot, a collection of fliers about hip hop and jazz music events. Admission to the museum requires a timed-entry pass.

Travelers can take the train from New York City to arrive in Washington D.C. However the train ride is 3.5 hours each way, so it's recommended to leave early to ensure a full day of sightseeing. An easier option is going on an organized tour, which allows tourists to visit many of the city's top attractions on a day trip. The Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York includes transportation by air-conditioned bus and entrance fees.

It's an easy and worthwhile day trip to Philadelphia, just one hour and 35 minutes away by train from New York City. In fact, many Philadelphians commute to work daily in New York City. However, the two cities feel further away in ambience, as Philadelphia has plenty of green spaces and more of a small-town feel.

The main tourist appeal of Philadelphia is its connection to American history. The Old City district (Independence National Historical Park), a one-square-mile historic section of downtown Philadelphia, is packed with landmarks: Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was adopted; the famous Liberty Bell ; Congress Hall; the Betsy Roth House ; the Benjamin Franklin Museum; and the Museum of the American Revolution.

One particularly enchanting corner of the Old City is Elfreth's Alley , the country's first residential street (dating to 1702). The Old City also has many shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Outside of the Old City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) display superb fine arts collections.

Philadelphia is a modern multicultural city with a Chinatown and a large Italian neighborhood ( South Philadelphia ). Philadelphia also has a gritty urban aspect: the grey skyscrapers and industrial warehouses surrounding the historic monuments.

For the most rewarding and stress-free way to visit Philadelphia on a day trip, it's a good idea to take an organized tour. Departing from downtown New York City, the Philadelphia and Amish Country Day Trip is a full-day guided tour that covers Philadelphia's highlights plus a stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and a jaunt through the Amish farm country on a horse-drawn buggy ride.

Considered one of the best-preserved 19th-century towns in the Hudson Valley region , Cold Spring is a charming country village only 50 miles north of Manhattan. The picturesque historic center was built up along the Hudson River.

A babbling brook runs right through the town's Main Street , which is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores. During summertime, visitors enjoy having coffee at sidewalk cafés and dining by the riverfront or at the restaurants with outdoor patios, many of which offer live music.

Cold Spring has a pleasant riverside park and gardens that inspire relaxation. In the wooded rolling hills surrounding the town are many hiking and biking trails that lead through pastoral scenes of leafy trees and alongside freshwater streams.

Visitors can also participate in water sports, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and waterskiing on the river. In the autumn, fall foliage cruises are popular.

During the summer months, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival takes places at an outdoor theater in nearby Garrison (one mile away) on the grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens . This Georgian-style mansion has exquisite gardens on the banks of the Hudson River. Visitors may picnic on the Boscobel lawn or enjoy snacks from a café beside the theater.

In Garrison, the Philipstown Depot Theatre presents top-notch original theater performances throughout the year. Garrison also has several excellent restaurants.

Cold Spring is accessible from New York City by car, train, or ferry. The train ride (which takes a little over one hour) is the easiest way to arrive here. However, traveling by car makes it possible to attend cultural events in the area such as the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. The car ride from New York City to Cold Spring is about 90 minutes depending on traffic.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Cold Spring

Just seven miles from Cold Spring in the lush Hudson Valley countryside, Beacon is an easy day-trip destination from New York City. The car or train (on the Metro North Railroad ) takes about 90 minutes.

The historic town of Beacon brims with classic Americana charm. Handsome red-brick architecture distinguishes the Main Street , which these days is buzzing with activity. Victorian-era buildings are now filled with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, cafés, bakeries, and trendy restaurants, as well as more traditional establishments.

For splendid views of the area's natural landscape, outdoorsy types can try the Mount Beacon Incline Railway trail , a hiking path along part of a historic railway route that leads up to the top of Mount Beacon. This hike in the 234-acre Mount Beacon Park takes about one hour each way, and hikers are rewarded with panoramic views from the summit.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Beacon

Just 12 miles away from Beacon, the Storm King Art Center is an expansive sculpture garden in the Hudson Valley . This 500-acre open-air museum is nestled in a bucolic landscape of rolling hills, meadows, and forests.

Dedicated to supporting contemporary artists, as well as protecting the environment, the expansive property exhibits large-scale sculptures and commissioned pieces. The collection includes striking artworks created from the 1950s to the present.

From New York City, it's an easy day trip to the Storm King Art Center by train or bus. Travelers can take the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central station in New York City to Beacon and then hail a taxi to Storm King Art Center. Another option is the New Jersey Transit train that goes from Penn Station in New York to Salisbury Mills station (three miles from Storm King) or the Coach USA bus that offers round-trip tickets from Port Authority bus terminal.

Official site: https://stormking.org

Bear Mountain State Park is an idyllic retreat in nature, about 50 miles north of New York City on the west bank of the Hudson River. The area was established as a protected nature preserve in 1910, and today is one of the most popular state parks in the United States.

Hikers and cyclists relish the rugged scenery and endless choice of trails. Hundreds of marked paths traverse the park, a vast wilderness that encompasses over 5,000 acres of wooded mountain terrain, including a lake and river with fishing access.

A favorite hike is the 3.6-mile Bear Mountain Summit Loop up to the top of Bear Mountain. The sweeping views from the summit make the challenging uphill journey worthwhile.

Bear Mountain is blanketed with wildflowers in the springtime. During summertime, visitors enjoy the picnic areas in shaded groves, swimming pool, and playing fields. In winter, things to do include cross-country skiing and ice-skating at the outdoor rink. Lake fishing is possible throughout the year; the season for trout fishing in the streams is from April through September.

One of the best times of year to visit Bear Mountain is in autumn, when the vibrant, multicolored fall foliage is spectacular.

Bear Mountain State Park has a few attractions that appeal to families with kids, including children's playgrounds. Another favorite attraction among youngsters is the Trailside Museums and Zoo that educates visitors about natural history, the local environment, and indigenous wildlife. The zoo houses rescued mammals that are native to the state of New York.

Topping the list of children's activities is a ride around the Merry-Go-Round . The park's unique carrousel features hand-carved seats depicting animals of the region, such as the black bear, Canadian goose, deer, raccoon, rabbit, and wild turkey.

It takes about 75 minutes to arrive here by train by Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central station to the Peekskill station, and then it's six miles by taxi to Bear Mountain State Park. Alternatively, visitors can hop on the Coach USA at the New York City Port Authority terminal for an easy one-hour bus ride to Bear Mountain State Park.

Sleepy Hollow is a colonial-era village on the Hudson River (about 20 miles north of New York City), an area that was historically a center of farming and milling. It's easy to arrive here by car or the Metro North Railroad (which takes just under an hour from Grand Central Station).

Sleepy Hollow was the setting of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollo w , the story about a headless horseman, and is famous for its Halloween festivities throughout the month of October, when the town comes to life with haunted hayrides, glowing pumpkins, live music, literary events, street fairs, and parades. Of course, the Headless Horseman is sure to make an appearance.

The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is considered a must-see sight during Halloween or any time of year. Daytime and evening cemetery walking tours are offered from April through October. For the evening tours, the cemetery is illuminated by kerosene lanterns.

Other tourist highlights in Sleepy Hollow are the 17th-century Old Dutch Church and the Philipsburg Manor , both mentioned in Irving's short story.

Visitors can also try to find the Headless Horseman Bridge , although it's unknown which of the rustic bridges spanning the Pocantico River is the one that Irving described in his story.

Another top attraction is Kykuit , a landmark registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that is open to the public for guided tours. Four generations of Rockefellers lived in this stately mansion, which is perched on a hilltop surrounded by magnificent gardens overlooking the Hudson River.

Less than one mile away from Sleepy Hollow is Tarrytown , another quaint colonial village with a National Trust landmark: Lyndhurst , a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion that was owned by railroad baron Jay Gould. Visitors may take a Mansion Tour or purchase a Grounds Pass to see the lovely gardens on the 67-acre estate.

Tourists can travel a few miles further (three miles away) to Sunnyside , the home of author Washington Irving. This estate in the town of Irvington was originally a Dutch farmer's house and is now open to the public. Beginning in mid-September, the site ("the home of the legend") treats visitors to a special Halloween experience, featuring a scavenger hunt and exhibits about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow .

With its roller coaster rides and famous fairground foods, Coney Island is synonymous with summertime fun. This iconic seaside destination, although not technically an island, is in the southernmost part of Brooklyn, only 14 miles away from Manhattan, and easily accessible by subway.

Epitomizing American popular culture, the old-fashioned Amusement Park allows visitors to forget their cares and have a few hours of fun. Besides the Amusement Park roller-coaster rides, games, and Beach Boardwalk , Coney Island also has museums, film screenings, and circus performances.

Coney Island is open seasonally from Easter until Halloween. The park has more than 50 rides and attractions with opening hours only on weekends from Easter through Memorial Day, and all week long from Memorial Day until Labor Day, then only on weekends from Labor Day through October.

The Coney Island beach and boardwalk are open year-round; lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The New York Aquarium and Nathan's Famous hot dog stand are open almost daily year-round.

During the summer (end of June through August), visitors are dazzled by fireworks displays every Friday evening at 9:30pm. The fireworks shows take place on the beach.

Address: Coney Island, Brooklyn 11224

Official site: http://coneyislandfunguide.com

For breathtaking natural scenery, Niagara Falls is the ultimate destination. Although the location in Upstate New York is too far away to drive from New York City for the day, it is possible to visit on a day trip by taking a short flight.

The Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York City by Air coordinates the ground transportation and flights to and from New York City. The day trip package also includes a guided tour of the Niagara Falls area, a boat cruise past the waterfalls, and a buffet lunch.

Just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan, Governors Island is an escape from the hubbub of New York City. The ferry leaves from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) in Manhattan or Pier 6 (Brooklyn Bridge Park) in Brooklyn and arrives at Soissons Landing or Yankee Pier on Governors Island. A visitor's first impression will be the peaceful traffic-free atmosphere and sensational views of New York City.

The island's 70-foot-high Hills space offers amazing panoramas of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the New York Harbor.

For more stunning vistas, Castle Williams is not to be missed. Built between 1807 and 1811, this coastal fort was designed by the Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army as a sentinel overlooking the New York Harbor. Currently managed by the National Park Services, Castle Williams is open to the public on weekends.

Besides the beautiful scenery, the other main reason to visit Governors Island is for the recreational activities. Visitors can go cycling, walking, enjoy picnics, or play miniature golf. For a casual meal or snack, tourists can choose from several casual restaurants and a few ice cream shops.

Culture hounds will appreciate that Governor's Island hosts events such as art exhibits and film festivals; check the schedule before planning a trip.

Official site: https://govisland.com

Founded in 1756, Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League institution in a serene, park-like setting. Around 180 university buildings grace the campus' expansive 500-acre grounds. Meandering tree-shaded paths lead from dorm rooms to classrooms and libraries.

Visitors will enjoy wandering around the campus, while admiring the inspiring ivy-covered halls. The architecture of the university's buildings reflects a wide range of styles, from colonial and Romanesque to modern. Many of the Collegiate Gothic buildings were modeled after the medieval halls of Oxford and Cambridge in England.

The campus' most noteworthy monument is the colonial-era Nassau Hall , built in 1756. This historic landmark witnessed a turning point in the Revolutionary War during the Battle of Princeton in 1777. British troops surrendered to General George Washington here, and Nassau Hall then became the new nation's capital building.

The Historical Society of Princeton offers guided two-hour walking tours of the Princeton University campus and the town every Sunday at 2pm.

Cultural attractions abound in Princeton. Visitors can admire a prestigious fine arts collection at the Princeton University Art Museum and learn about American history at the Morven Museum , which is housed in a National Historic Landmark.

For cultural performances, the McCarter Theatre Center presents Tony Award-winning theater, as well as dance, jazz, classical music, and comedy performances. The Princeton Garden Theatre screens artistic independent films, classic Hollywood movies, foreign films, and screenings of live broadcasts of theatrical events. The Princeton Garden Theatre also hosts an Outdoor Cinema Series.

At Rider University in Princeton, the Westminster Choir College is renowned for its opera and choral performances.

The downtown of Princeton invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll, browse locally owned boutiques, grab a bite to eat, or dine at one of the upscale restaurants. For those who have more time, the town of Princeton is a wonderful place to spend the night.

On the handsome Palmer Square in the heart of downtown Princeton, the Colonial-era Nassau Inn is a luxury hotel that blends traditional style with contemporary elegance. Another landmark in downtown Princeton is The Peacock Inn , a boutique hotel in a renovated historic mansion. Both the Nassau Inn and the Peacock Inn have excellent restaurants.

If visiting from mid-September through October, it's worth heading over to Terhune Orchards (four miles from Princeton) for Apple Day . This festive annual event includes apple picking, live music, and pumpkin paintings.

About 21 miles from Manhattan in Queens, Rockaway Beach is actually several different beaches along the expansive stretch between 3rd Street and 153rd Street. Known as the best beach destination near the city, Rockaway Beach merits the one-hour journey from downtown Manhattan by subway.

Rockaway beach buzzes with activity during the high season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. On balmy summer days, sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers come out in droves, however this gorgeous seaside destination is popular year-round.

Enjoy the refreshing ocean scenery; go for a walk along the sandy beach; and stop for a snack at one of the casual eateries or food stands on the Beach Boardwalk at 86th Street, 97th Street, and 106th Street. Rockaway Beach also has public restrooms and shower facilities, seven playgrounds, fishing areas, skate parks, handball courts, volleyball courts, a roller hockey field, and basketball courts.

This splendid 28-acre formal garden is surrounded by 1,200 acres of parkland, including the forests of South Mountain Reservation. Previously a private estate with an elegant manor house, Greenwood Garden was transformed in 2000 into a nonprofit conservation organization and public garden. The property features a blend of contemporary, classical, and Arts & Crafts garden-design styles.

Visitors are delighted by the Italianate-style terraces, moss-covered paths, groves of shady plane and spruce trees, and wildflower meadows.

Greenwood Gardens also offers events throughout the year such as lectures about gardening and holiday festivities. Visitors may take birding walks led by an Audubon Naturalist or a guided walking tour of the garden to learn about the garden's history and landscaping.

Greenwood Gardens is in Short Hills, New Jersey, just 22 miles from New York City, which is easily accessible by train. The ride on New Jersey Transit begins at Penn Station and takes about one hour and 30 minutes.

Address: 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ

Official site: http://greenwoodgardens.org

For brand-name shopping at reduced prices, fashion mavens make a beeline to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, about 50 miles (a 90-minute drive) north of New York City. The wide selection of designer-label outlets includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cucinelli, Calvin Klein, Escada, Fendi, Gucci, Izod, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Levi's, Loro Piana, MaxMara, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, and Versace.

Just 11 miles away from Woodbury Common, the place to go for shopping at artisan boutiques is Sugar Loaf Art & Craft Village . Tucked away amid the apple orchards and ranches of Warwick Valley, Sugar Loaf is a community of craftsmen that was founded in 1749.

In the little village of Sugar Loaf, artisans live and work in renovated 18th-century buildings. Sugar Loaf artisans create handmade pottery, paintings, candles, furniture, and jewelry that is available for purchase at the village's adorable boutiques.

A top destination for autumn outdoor activities, Long Valley is a pastoral area of New Jersey just 55 miles from New York City. The fall foliage is especially splendid here because of the many tall, leafy trees that line the valley's country roads. Besides leaf peeping in September, October, and November (depending on the year), other attractions of Long Valley are horseback riding and the local farms.

Many of the farms in this area allow visitors to pick their own pumpkins, apples, and fresh vegetables during harvest season. The 400-acre Ort Farms entertains kids with its gentle farm animals and delights parents with its old-fashioned grocery store.

The Willow Grove Farm offers horseback riding lessons and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Covering 120 acres, the Valley Shepherd Creamery is a working sheep diary that produces the finest artisanal cheeses and leads farm tours that explain the cheesemaking process.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Nearby Beach Vacation Destinations : During summertime, vacationers flock to the beach resorts within easy reach of New York City. Topping the list of weekend getaways is the Hamptons (a three-hour drive from NYC) on the southern tip of Long Island, but many great beaches on Long Island , such as Fire Island, are closer. About a 2.5-hour drive away are fabulous beaches on the Jersey Shore . It's worth the four- to five-hour drive to picturesque Cape Cod for its seaside charm and superb sandy beaches .

Weekend Getaways in Upstate New York : The resorts of Upstate New York and the attractions of the Hudson Valley draw many visitors. In a tranquil region of wooded rolling hills, several upscale Catskills resorts are just a two-hour drive from NYC. Other highlights of Upstate New York include Otsego Lake in Cooperstown (a 4.5-hour drive), renowned for its luxury resort hotel; Saratoga Springs , famous for its spa and horse racing; and The Sagamore on Lake George (a four-hour drive), one of the best resorts in the Adirondacks .

Relaxing Escapes in Rural Pennsylvania : Among the small towns of Pennsylvania , Lancaster and Lilitz (both about a 3.5-hour drive from New York City) are great places for a peaceful escape in Amish farm country. Besides Lancaster County, other weekend getaway destinations in Pennsylvania include the Pocono Mountains (a two-hour-and-45-minute drive from New York City). This pristine natural environment draws many visitors for hiking, cycling, white water rafting, bird-watching, and other recreational activities.

More on New York

Westgate Resorts

10 things to do just outside nyc.

Apr 16, 2020

By Rich Weidman

The new york city family vacation guide: 10 ideas to try just outside new york city.

“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.” – Lovelle Drachman

There comes a time when you need to escape the city for several hours or even a day. New York City can be quite hectic at times.

Yes, the Big Apple boasts the famous green space, Central Park with tons of outdoor activities and hiking trails with spectacular views plus Ellis Island, iconic landmarks and famous hotels near Grand Central Station - but overcrowded streets, honking cabs, and the usual hustle and bustle of a large city seem to be the order of the day. This is why a quick excursion just outside of New York City can be quite revitalizing to your personal well-being.

Things to do Outside NYC

From haunted places in New York , Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Statue of Liberty to ice skating and live music in Central Park, NYC is in a class by itself with a distinctive excitement found nowhere else. But if you get the chance, take day trips from NYC to explore what lies beyond the city - there are even some NYC getaways without a car needed to get to them. You can go mountain biking, surfing on some of the best beaches near the city, or visit upstate art museums and wineries. Let your family enjoy gorgeous sceneries as you drive through the countryside to nice destinations just a few hours from the Big Apple. To get started, consider these 10 ideas to try just outside the city as well as excellent places where you can relax, commune with nature or engage in adventurous activities.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Splish Splash Water Park (@splishsplashwp)

1 | Enjoy the Splish Splash Water Park on Long Island | Splish Splash is one of the most interesting family vacation spots just outside New York City on Long Island. It has even been voted by the Travel Channel as a top American Water Park. Splish Splash features 96 acres of thrilling water slides and other great attractions, including a tropical bird show, shops, food courts, picnic areas and just about everything your family would need. For the more adventurous folks, there are several wild rides and slides at the water park such as the Bombs Away dueling 300-foot slides and immensely popular Riptide Racer. If you like taking things at a slower pace, you can always glide down a Lazy River or relax in refreshing pools. Your kids will have a blast at the exciting kiddie zones such as Monsoon Lagoon and the Elephant Slides. You can even rent a canoe or kayak at the nearby Treasure Cove Resort Marina and enjoy an easy glide down the peaceful Peconic River.

WHERE: 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton, NY 11933 | WHO: 631-727-3600

VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS

Never been to Long Island, NY? Catch a glimpse from this video!

RELATED ARTICLES

10 Things To Do In Grand Central Station!

10 Ideas to try in Central Park

10 Things To Do In Midtown East!

View this post on Instagram on Dec 26, 2019 at 9:29am PST

2 | Visit the Private Modern Art Museum at Dia in Beacon | A quaint city located in Dutchess County, Beacon is famous for its fine dining and lively art scene. Just a 5-minute stroll from the train station get you to Dia: Beacon, which is a modern art museum established in what was formerly a box factory. The museum has a permanent collection of Dia Foundation’s works from the 1960s to the present, including sculptures by Anne Truitt and fluorescent lights sculptures by Dan Flavin. You can also spend the day trying out different types of beer brewed at Denning’s Point Distillery, which also provides visitors with sampling tours of their finest bourbon whiskey, vodka and gin on Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss an opportunity to spend a tender moment watching the sun as it sets over the Hudson before you head back to the city.

WHERE: 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508 | WHO: 845-440-0100

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francine Damis (@__cine)

3 | Take Your Family to Playland Amusement Park in Rye | Playland is a perfect destination for a day trip. It is located in Rye in the Hudson Valley on the shores of Long Island Sound just a short train ride from New York City. The well-maintained Playland Amusement Park, which was established back in 1928, features a wide range of fun activities on a white sandy beach that include a pool, fishing pier, boardwalk and an ice rink. There are thrill rides for kids of all ages, a colorful carousel, the soaring Sky Flyer, splashy Log Flume and a huge wooden Dragon Coaster with a deep plunge of 128 feet. There is plenty of food available at the new waterside restaurant including everything for the kids such as burgers, cotton candy, and funnel cakes. You will also enjoy family entertainment events such as Friday night fireworks, magicians and live concerts. This fun-filled venue even rents out beach strollers, umbrellas, beach chairs and lockers to visitors.

WHERE: 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580 | WHO: 914-813-7010

View this post on Instagram on Feb 11, 2020 at 12:32pm PST

4 | Enjoy a Day of Fun Activities at Long Beach | Long Beach is just an hour or less from Manhattan and offers a perfect place for a day's outing from the city. The Long Island retreat is famous for its white sandy beaches, swimming, a 2.2-mile boardwalk and many fun festivals taking place all year round such as the critically acclaimed Long Beach Arts & Crafts Festival in July. Long Beach is easily accessible by train and you don't even have to carry along your gear as you can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas once you arrive. The Boardwalk Cafe serves delicious lunches for your entire family. You can also enjoy different games, including bocce ball, shuffleboard, table tennis and many more. Long Beach is a perfect seaside resort for a relaxing day or weekend trip.

WHERE: Long Beach, New York, USA | WHO: N/A

Secret Tips Only Locals Will Tell You!

Q. What can you do for free in NYC?

A. American Folk Art Museum, Brooklyn Brewery Tours, Bronx Museum of the Arts, Central Park, City Hall, Chelsea Galleries, Grand Central Partnership Walking Tours, Green-Wood Cemetery, National Museum of the American Indian, New York Public Library, New York Earth Room, Socrates Sculptor Park, Staten Island Ferry, and more.

Q. How far is Niagra Fall from New York?

A. Niagra Falls is 7 hours and 7 minutes or 408.4 miles from New York City

Q. Where can I go for a day trip near NYC?

A. Beacon, NY ( 1 hr. 20 mins.) Washington DC (3 hrs. by train), Fire Island, L.I. (1 hr. 30 mins. by ferry), Mohonk Preserve, NY (2 hrs. by car), Bethlehem, PA (1 hr. 44 mins. by car), Phoenicia, N (2 hrs. 50 mins. by car), Cape May, NJ (2hr.s 30 mins. by bus) and more.

Q. What are the fun activities in NYC for adults?

A. Check out fun things to do in NYC !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex Miller (@averagealex96)

5 | Enjoy the Sun at Fire Island | Less than two hours from New York City lies a sunbather's haven known as Fire Island. It used to be a nude sunbathing enclave until 2013 when clothes were made mandatory. The 31-mile barrier island provides plenty of fun, including lifeguard supervised swimming at Watch Hill, Sailors Haven and Atlantique. If you love communing with nature, take a walk on the elevated boardwalk at Sunken Forest Preserve. There is a huge diversity of plant life to elevate your mood and spirits such as holly trees, black cherry, sassafras and many more. The bar scene is also great if you plan to spend the night at Fire Island.

WHERE: Fire Island, New York, USA | WHO: N/A

View this post on Instagram on Jan 18, 2020 at 1:47pm PST

6 | Visit Storm King Art Center Where Art Meets Nature in Windsor | Conveniently located in a natural environment, Storm King Art Center is a perfect blend of art and nature with massive sculpture installations at every corner of the rolling green hills. The Center is a veritable paradise for ardent photographers and nature lovers. You will have a great time exploring the 500-acre park with works from more than 100 artists, including Maya Lin and Alexander Calder. You can even take a guided tour to get the most out of your trip or explore the park on a rented bike. Visitors are allowed to climb on some of the huge sculptures. Food shouldn’t be a problem as there’s a cozy restaurant called Painter’s, which features an artistic theme at the nearby village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.

WHERE: 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY 12553 | WHO: 845-534-3115

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Montauk Point Lighthouse (@mtk_lighthouse)

7 | Catch Endless Views at the Legendary Lighthouse in Montauk | A National Historic Landmark, Montauk Lighthouse is located at the eastern tip of Long Island in Montauk Village, which offers plenty to do such as a relaxed less-crowded beach, shops and restaurants serving typical New York dishes. Once you have toured the Village, explore the lighthouse and its keeper’s house museum. If you are up for it, you can climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase of 137 steps to the top and enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from above. The rocky beach also provides a great exploration adventure although it is not designed for swimming. Fortunately, there are other swimming spots and beaches close by. A popular local eatery called Gosman’s Dock is located just a short walking distance away and is known for its fresh seafood.

WHERE: 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954 | WHO: 631-668-2544

Check out this video of Montauk Lighthouse!

View this post on Instagram on Nov 11, 2019 at 6:15am PST

8 | The Magical World of LEGOLAND Discovery Center | The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester feels like a real adventure inside a magical box of LEGOS. It features amazing building creations made of LEGO pieces in 10 play areas. Parents and kids can enjoy a wide range of LEGO-themed activities, including flying in enchanted carts on the Merlin’s Apprentice ride and exploring a city made of over 1.5 million blocks. Your kids will have a blast building and racing LEGO cars or watching 4-D movies at the LEGO 4D Cinema. Put your child’s ninja skills to test in wall climbing and other fun activities at the Ninjago City Adventure.

WHERE: 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710 | WHO: 844-740-9223

View this post on Instagram on Feb 12, 2020 at 4:35am PST

9 | Visit the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center in Riverhead | Just an hour and a half from New York City in Riverhead is the famous Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. The aquarium and exhibition center is designed with a Lost City of Atlantis theme and features a wide range of river and marine creatures. The Aquarium houses one of the largest living coral reef displays in the Western Hemisphere in a 120,000-gallon tank filled with sharks and other marine creatures. It’s an educational center with the focus on the importance of marine life and preserving the environment. There are more than 100 exhibits at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center.

WHERE: 431 E. Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 | WHO: 631-208-9200

View this post on Instagram on Feb 14, 2020 at 6:01am PST

10 | Visit the Famous Sleepy Hollow | The beautiful Sleepy Hollow is a perfect place to visit on a day tour outside New York City, especially during the autumn months. There are many unique festivals and events at the Historic Hudson Valley homes in Sleepy Hollow such as the CORNUcopia corn festival held on Labor Day at the historic Philipsburg Manor. The festival has plenty of fun activities for the family such as farm tours, music, corn mazes and games, and treats such as corn ice cream and root beer. Washington Irving’s famous tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” began in this same neighborhood. You can even tour some of the key places mentioned in the famous story and even attend the Headless Horseman art activities in Sleepy Hollow.

WHERE: Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591 | WHO: 914-366-5100

Check out this video of Sleepy Hollow!

Use Our Handy Map to Find Your Way Around While You're Out of Town!

Bonus Places to Near New York City!

Staten Island | Distance: 17.1 miles | Things to do: Staten Island Museum, Seaside Wildlife Nature Park, Fort Wadsworth, Historic Richmond Town, and New York City Farm Colony

Coney Island | Distance: 14.5 miles | Things to do: Friday Night Fireworks, Wonder Wheel, Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, and Williams Candy.

Prospect Park | Distance: up to 6 miles |Things to do: Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park Boathouse, and Lefferts Historical House.

Brooklyn Bridge Park | Distance: 1.9 miles |Things to do: Ferry ride to Governors Island, WatrLab sprinkler playground, Sandbox Village, and kayak on the East River.

Bear Mountain State Park | Distance: up to 62.9 miles | Things to do: Trailside Museum and Zoo, Bear Mountain Pool, boat rentals, and hiking.

Bryant Park | Distance: up to 5.3 miles | Things to do near Bryant Park

Gantry Plaza State Park | Distance: up to 9 miles | Things to do: Fifth Hammer Brewing, Rockaway Brewing Company, Roosevelt Island, The Creek and the Cave, and Gabby Cabby.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park | Distance: up to 12.8 miles | Things to do: New York Hall of Science, Queens Zoo, World Ice Arena and Pool, Meadows Lake, and Citi Field.

Luna Park | Distance: up to 13.7 miles | Things to do: Enjoy your favorite roller coaster!

Socrates Sculpture Park | Distance: up to 12.7 miles | Things to do: Exhibitions, art, ecology and mindfulness workshops

Hudson River Park | Distance: up to 3.9 miles | Boat building at Pier 40, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Downtown Boathouse, kayaking at Pier 26, and Frying Pan.

Roosevelt Island | Distance: up to 10.7 miles | Thing to do: Smallpox Hospital, Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island Tram, enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, and Blackwell House.

A trip outside New York City isn’t only invigorating, but also shows you what else the countryside has to offer. There are many more interesting places and ideas to explore just outside New York City.

In summer, Coney Island becomes a hive of fun activities with roller coaster rides and fairground foods. The Hudson Valley is quite inspiring too. Enjoy breathtaking views of the spectacular beauty of Hudson Valley from the famous Walkway Over the Hudson, which is actually the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world at a length of 6,768 feet.

If you want to get closer to nature, visit the Bear Mountain State Park, which features among other things a fishing lake, shaded picnic groves and long hiking trails. As you can see, there are a lot of fun things you can do just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of NYC. And when you return to the Big Apple after a fun-filled day of exploration, make sure to check out the best kids activities to try in Midtown East, the most awesome Central Park attractions and the most unique things to do in Grand Central Station.

RELATED ARTICLE:

At Westgate Resorts , when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your New York City vacation awaits! Explore our New York City hotel today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690 .

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

Other tagged pages of interest: hotel near Grand Central Station in NYC , things to do near Grand Central Station , NYC nightlife , best drinks in NYC , karaoke in NYC , the best wine bars near midtown NYC , rooftop bars Manhattan , hotels , staycation

When You Check-in, There's a Lot to Check Out

Sign up for our newsletter and check-in to great offers, secret stuff, and special events.

Thank You for Signing Up!

Exciting things are headed your way soon!

This website uses cookies to improve your digital experience. By continuing your browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. To learn more, please view our privacy policy .

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of New York for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy New York without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

21 outdoor adventures near NYC

Need a break from the city? Head out for a day of kayaking, hiking or another of these year-round outdoor adventures.

When the crammed sidewalks and packed subway cars get to be too much, get out of town for an outdoor adventure not too far from the city. To really get back to nature, you have to venture at least an hour or two outside NYC. The adrenaline rush from whitewater rafting, rock climbing or snow tubing, combined with the magnificent natural scenery, is enough to make any New Yorker forget about the Big Apple for a few hours. And if you're still not ready to go back to the concrete jungle, book a nearby hotel room to turn any of the day trips below into a relaxing weekend getaway . Queue up the road trip songs !

An email you’ll actually love

Spring outdoor adventures

Scrambling up Breakneck Ridge

With an ascent of 1,442 feet, this 9.6-mile loop trail will definitely leave you huffing and puffing. Though advanced hikers can certainly tackle it on their own, beginners might want jion a group hike with Xcelerated Adventures or another guide company. Come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and durable clothing—you’ll be scrambling over quite a few rocks along the route.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Rick McCharles

Sailing on the Hudson River

Make the most of sunny days by getting out on the water. Hudson River Community Sailing offers three-hour introductory classes most weekends during the spring and summer to get you started. You’ll learn the difference between port and starboard, what “come about” means and, most importantly, how to steer. Ahoy sailor!

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ rabendeviaregia

Checking out the view from Anthony’s Nose

This rocky ridge with an unusual name offers unparalleled views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. Of course, the scenery comes at a price: You’ll have to huff and puff your way up 2.8 miles of trail and a 700-foot elevation gain for the photo opp. Though you could certainly go solo, inexperienced hikers might want to join a Vertically Inclined group hike for some expert guidance.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ squirrel83

Hiking the Surprise Lake Loop

After climbing up an extremely rocky ridge and meandering along a fairly flat trail for a few miles, you see it: the unexpected (but aptly named) Surprise Lake appearing over a vista. On a clear day, you can even see the teeny-tiny New York City skyline in the distance. The terrain can be tough, but it’s worth it for the incredible views.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ WhatsAllThisThen

Summer outdoor adventures

Whitewater rafting on the Delaware River

Adventurers looking to really get their adrenaline pumping will want to book a whitewater rafting trip on the Upper Delaware River. Known for its intense rapids, this section of the river is beloved by thrillseekers. Never fear—that’s why you’re going with an experienced Reber River Trips guide. Prepare to get soaked!

Biking to a campsite in a New Jersey vineyard

Sure, the first day of this weekend bike excursion ends at a winery, but it’s no joke: You’ll ride 56 miles the first day and 45 the second! Luckily, the paths you’ll follow are relatively flat, so you won’t burn out too quickly. You’ll start at Sandy Hook Beach, and wind your way along the coast before turning west to ride through the countryside of Monmouth County. Once you arrive at Cream Ridge Winery, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and hot meal before setting up camp for the night in the stunning vineyard.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Jeffrey Beall

Competing in the Tough Mudder Long Island

Though it’s held at the quaint Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island, this July’s Tough Mudder competition is anything but cute. Competitors will have to power through a 10–12 mile course with more than 20 obstacles, including 10-foot tall walls,  channels of icy water  and a deranged version of the monkey bars. Don’t think you can handle it? There’s also a Tough Mudder Half that puts you through just 5 miles and 13 obstacles. No biggie, right?

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ thecollectivity

Kayaking down the Delaware River

Travel an hour and a half outside of the city to find some peace and quiet on the serene Delaware River. Pick up a paddle and kayak for a few hours on this excursion led by Sourced Adventures. After a picnic lunch, you’ll end the afternoon with a wine tasting at Westfall Winery in New Jersey. That’s one way to soothe your sore muscles.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Jim Pennucci

Rappelling down a waterfall in the Catskills

What’s better than hiking to a 100-foot waterfall? Rappelling down it, of course! Kids, don’t try this at home: You should definitely get some professional supervision from the certified instructors at Northeast Mountain Guiding before you attempt to rappell on your own. Don't get too caught up in the heart-pounding experience to enjoy the scenery, though—it would be a shame to miss the gorgeous surroundings of Catskill Park. 

Stand-up paddleboarding in Manhasset Bay

Staying upright on a stand-up paddleboard requires core strength and, of course, balance. Still, it’s much easier for beginners to pick up than you might expect. Start off with just an hourlong rental from Kostal Paddle in Manhasset Bay and see how you fare. Or, if you think you’ll need a more hands-on learning experience, book a lesson to get the lowdown from a local guide.

Tubing on the Navesink River

Looking for a more relaxing day out? Join Northeast Mountain Guiding for a float down the Navesink River on a tube. Bobbing along the serene waters is the perfect way to wash away your cares and worries. And since it’s just an hour outside of the city, it’s the perfect activity if you’re short on time.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ ScubaBear68

Fall outdoor adventures

Biking to a craft brewery in the Hudson Valley

After the city stopped passenger service on the the Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad in 1958, the train tracks became a rail trail perfect for cyclists. Bike the northernmost 35 miles of the trail on this day outing with Gotham Bicycle Tours. You’ll start out in Brewster, then bike south under a shady canopy of trees until you reach Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford. Sample 10 of their craft beers and raise a glass to the journey before heading back into the city!

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Forsaken Fotos

Foraging in Saxon Woods

This 700-acre park in Westchester County was named after William Saxton, an early settler who had a saw mill on the western branch of the Mamaroneck River. Though the park contains an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and other amenities, a large portion of it remains undeveloped. Meet up with self-described “Wildman” Steve Brill to explore the forested area and forage for wild mushrooms, edible roots and herbs along the way.

Ziplining through the trees at Mountain Creek Resort

In the warmer months, Mountain Creek Resort turns its slopes into a zipline course. Put on a harness, clip onto the line and zoom over a mountaintop lake on this heart-pounding tour. You’ll take in jaw-dropping views of the Tri-State Area as you fly along a series of four ziplines. The day with an off-road ride down the mountain in a Mercedes Unimog truck for even more adrenaline-pumping action.

Rock climbing at the Delaware Water Gap

Don’t learn to climb on some lame indoor course—get out into the wilderness to experience the real deal. New Jersey’s biggest and best multi-pitch climbing area—Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—is the perfect place for you to put your climbing and belaying skills to the test. Northeast Mountain Guiding only employs experts certified by the Professional Climbing Guide Institute, so you know you’re learning from the best of the best.

Winter outdoor adventures

Snowshoeing in the Adirondacks

Okay, so snowshoeing isn't the most death-defying sport you can partake in the snow, but it's pretty intense on the old leg and arm muscles. Or at least it can be. That's the beauty of snowshoeing: you can put in as much or as little effort as you like. After all, it's basically walking. If you're new to the sport, head up with a guide, who will show you how to pick your shoes and teach you the best ways to stride through the chilly white stuff.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Howard Kang

Hiking in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Some parks look dead in the winter, but this 23,000-acre preserve offers dramatic scenery year-round. Minnewaska is known for its lakes and waterfalls that turn into dramatic icescapes when the temperature drops. Hike along 25 miles of footpaths and 35 miles of well-maintained carriage roads. Keep an eye out for guided hikes, such as a three-mile trek with a stop at Awosting Falls, which environmental educator Laura Conner says “looks like a frozen volcano in winter.”

Cross-country skiing at Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center

Leave it to the pros to set up a world-class cross-country-skiing destination. This spot was founded by former Olympian Olavi Hirvonen and his wife, Ann. Ski along more than 30 miles of paths through the Adirondack Forest Preserve. You can also try a kicksled—a man-powered vehicle in which one person sits while the other pushes ($20/day).

Snow tubing at Hunter Mountain

These rubbery looking contraptions may look like they belong on water more than snow, but trust in the fun about to be had. You'll experience screams of pure joy (and maybe a pinch of terror) as thse tubes hurtle down the slopes – or shoots – of which there are 24, each at 1,000 feet long. No skills required: simply sit and let gravity take its course.

Ice climbing with Alpine Endeavors

The folks at Alpine Endeavors literally wrote the book on this activity in the area ( An Ice Climber’s Guide to the Catskill Mountains ). So who better to lead you up the slippery facade of the Shawangunks? Guides will pick you up from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North station, set you up with lunch, and drive you to and from the best ice-climbing spots in the region. They’ll also provide all of the necessary equipment. Beginner? Instruction is included for parties of three or higher.

Everything at Windham Mountain

Is there any kind of cold-weather pastime that Windham Mountain doesn’t have in its Adventure Park? There’s tubing on a 650-foot-long slope ($20–$25); ice-skating on a 120' x 60' rink ($10, skate rental $5); and three-odd miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Windham Country Club. For kids, there’s a mini snowmobile park and a Euro Bungy, a hybrid bungee-jump–trampoline. But our favorite has to be the twin zip lines, which allow you to race someone down the 500-foot-long course while you’re 40 feet in the air ($10–$15).

Looking for more hiking trails?

The best hiking near NYC

• Things to do

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city is a must—and what better way than to go hiking near NYC? 

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Local Marketing Solutions
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

8 easy New York City escapes you can get to in three hours or less

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

There's nothing like leaving New York City to make you realize how much you appreciate it.

Let's face it: This city can be exhausting. For all of its magic and energy, it sure can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from time to time. Sometimes all it takes is a road trip to clear your head, relax and, let's be real, get some much-needed space.

Whether you're eyeing a road trip from the Big Apple after being cooped up in your apartment for the last few months or just looking for a low-stakes weekend trip, these spots will fit the bill pretty nicely. Better yet, they're only three hours or less away from the city by car and a great choice no matter the season.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York

Distance from New York City: 1.5 hours

What to do: This riverfront town boasts scenic views and Storm King Art Center, one of the biggest outdoor open-air museums in the country. It's only 50 miles outside of New York City and is home to more than 100 different sculptures and artworks installed along the rolling hills. It also features work from some of the world's most acclaimed and influential artists, including Maya Lin, Mark di Suvero and Zhang Huan.

If the weather allows it, the grounds are also perfect for a picnic. You can bring food or visit the café at the visitor's center.

The park also offers bike rentals and tram rides if you're looking for an efficient trip around it.

Once you've had your art fix, be sure to head to Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. It's a 15-minute drive from Cornwall and claims to be the oldest winery in the United States, offering tastings and tours through its underground cellars for just $10.

Where to stay: There are a handful of charming boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area, including the Cromwell Manor Historic Inn, The Thayer Hotel and the IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn (not an IHG property). Rates start at $190, $209 and $101, respectively.

Naturally, there are also a handful of Airbnb properties, including this jaw-dropping "Glass House" for just $229 a night.

Related: Tips for families using Airbnb

Beacon, New York

What to do: If you want a mix of the arts and the outdoors, Beacon is your spot.

Art lovers, in particular, will fall in love with Dia Beacon, an art gallery housed in a former Nabisco box printing factory. You'll find a permanent collection of works from the 1960s to the present and can easily spend hours combing through all of the exhibits.

After you've had your art fix, it's time for a little physical activity. The 2,000-foot Beacon Mountain is the highest peak in the Hudson Highlands and offers stunning views of the Hudson River, plus an overlook of the century-old ruins of an abandoned, burned down casino on the aptly named "Casino Trail." If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you'll also find a 250-foot-high, 72-step fire tower that offers great views of the river, the Catskills and, on a clear day, the New York City skyline.

Don't forget to check out Bannerman's Castle located on the small 6.5-acre Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River. It's a picturesque castle originally used as a military surplus and while much of it is in ruins today, the foundation of the structure is still intact.

Where to stay: As Beacon is relatively close to Cornwall-on-Hudson, many of the aforementioned properties would be worth looking into, as well.

The Hamptons, New York

Distance from New York City: 2 to 2.5 hours

What to do: The Hamptons, technically a group of villages and towns — including East Hampton, Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor — is arguably New York City's most premier weekend retreat. Wealthy New Yorkers are known to essentially camp out "Out East" for days, weeks or months at a time throughout the summer. While it only takes about two and a half hours without traffic, be prepared for quite a lot of it, especially on holiday weekends.

Related: Race to the Hamptons -- What's the best way to get there?

Deciding which "Hamptons" is right for you is an article in and of itself, but you really can't go wrong with any of them. During the day, you'll want to visit Wölffer Estate Winery, the docks in Sag Harbor, and, of course, soak up the sun either in your backyard or at one of the Hamptons' many beaches — that's what you're here for, after all.

There are so many fantastic restaurants out here, you might have a tough time deciding where to grab a bite to eat. We love Duryea's Lobster Deck, Nick & Toni's, Lunch, Candy Kitchen and Goldberg's Bagels, just to name a few. Save room for BuddhaBerry, Big Olaf's or Scoop du Jour for dessert. You'll thank us later.

Where to stay: While most people who "summer" in the Hamptons do have their own houses, there are a ton of Airbnbs available for rent in every corner, ranging from budget to luxe.

Hotels are definitely on the pricey end, but we're fans of Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, East Hampton Art House and The Surf Lodge. Rates start at $460, $397 and $325, respectively.

Related: Where to stay in The Hamptons this summer

Fire Island, New York

Distance from New York City: 1 hour and 45 minutes

What to do: While you'll have to drive (or take the Long Island Rail Road) from New York City and then a ferry from Bay Shore, it's well worth the trek. When you get to Fire Island, you'll feel like you're in a different country. There aren't any cars here, and the entire island is made up of quintessential beach towns. Ocean Beach is no doubt the most popular town, with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to keep you and your friends occupied for days. A stark contrast to The Hamptons' luxury vibe, Fire Island is for the more laid-back and casual types.

Enjoy seafood on the water at Island Mermaid, or grab a burger at Maguire's. Whatever you do, though, be sure to get a slice (or two) of pizza from Town Pizza with cold mozzarella cheese sprinkled on it. We promise it will be one of the best slices you'll ever have.

Where to stay: While accommodations are somewhat limited, your best option is to rent a house via Airbnb or VRBO. We like this one , which sleeps up to 11 people, for $650 per night. If you'd rather stay in a hotel, though, The Palms Hotel Fire Island is your best bet, with rates starting at $305 per night.

Catskills, New York

Distance from New York City: 2.5 hours

What to do: There's nothing like a little trip up to the countryside to get some fresh air to clear your head. The Catskills, a mountain range in upstate New York, has had a period of ups and downs but is undoubtedly making a comeback as of late. Whether Woodstock is on your radar or Bethel, where the actual Woodstock Festival took place, there are so many quaint towns to find a cabin to cozy up in.

The Catskills has a bunch of mouth-watering spots you'll want to keep in mind, such as Phoenicia Diner, Sweet Sue's, SushiMakio and Cucina.

Related: 6 things to do when you need a break from New York City

Where to stay: No matter your budget and style, there's something for you here. Our top picks are Scribner's Catskill Lodge (rates start at $204 per night) or Urban Cowboy Lodge (rates start at $345 per night).

Poconos, Pennsylvania

Distance from New York City: 2 hours

What to do: Similar to the Catskills, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are also a great summer hideout. Home to many of the country's sleepaway camps, get ready to nestle up in a quaint bed and breakfast, boutique hotel or Airbnb. Go tubing in the Delaware River at Skinners Falls, or enjoy a hike at Bushkill or Hickory Run Boulder Field.

As far as food goes, we like The Wheel, Mi Casa Restaurant and Peter's Europa House. And if you end up in a town in the middle of nowhere called Tyler Hill, be sure to stop at Dutton's Tyler Hill Diner and get a Louie Bagel. Trust us on this.

Where to stay: It doesn't get much better than The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley. It's a luxury retreat, complete with a spa and dining room. With rates starting at $738 a night, it's certainly not cheap, but you'll end up feeling relaxed and refreshed. If you want something more budget-friendly, the Inn at Jim Thorpe has rooms starting for just $117 a night.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

What to do: Nestled about halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, New Hope is the quintessential classic rural Pennsylvania town. Visit the Bucks County Children's Museum or take a stroll through Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve for some fresh air and nature. Catching a show at the Bucks County Playhouse is a must, too — be sure to grab a bite at Nektar Wine Bar across the street.

Related: Things to do in Philadelphia with kids

At TPG, we also love Black Bass Hotel and Restaurant in nearby Lumberville. In fact, it was the site of our 2018 holiday party. No trip to New Hope, though, is complete without a stop at Nina's Waffles & Ice Cream.

Just beyond the borders of New Hope, you'll find Easton and the famed "Crayola Experience." If you're feeling adventurous, Hersheypark is about a two-hour drive away from there, too. It's a trip your kids are sure to love.

Where to stay: We're fans of the aforementioned Black Bass Hotel, where rates start at $215 per night. You also can't go wrong with the Ghost Light Inn ($360), a luxury boutique hotel right on the water in New Hope, or the Logan Inn ($195), one of the oldest continuously run inns in the United States.

Berkshires, Massachusetts

Distance from New York City: 3 hours

What to do: The Berkshires are undoubtedly one of the most stunning destinations in the country. Ask anyone who's been here, and there's a reason their eyes light up when they talk about it.

Enjoy museums such as the Animagic Museum of Animation & Special Effects, Berkshire Botanical Garden and MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country.

Even if you're not staying there, you'll want to grab a bite at The Old Inn on the Green, a stagecoach stop from the 1700s turned refined and serene hotel. The restaurant is entirely lit by candles, proving it to be one of the most romantic spots in the Berkshires. We're also fans of Baba Louie's Sourdough Pizza and, of course, Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar. It's a favorite for a reason.

Where to stay: There are a handful of charming places to stay in the Berkshires, ranging from Airbnbs to hotels, resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts and more. Of course, you'll want to find an accommodation that fits your personal preferences, but we have some suggestions up our sleeve.

We also recommend Yankee Inn ($87) and Seven Hills Inn ($109) in Lenox, and the Courtyard Marriott (rates start at $105 per night at this Category 5 hotel where it costs from 30,000 to 40,000 points Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a redemption).

Related: The award traveler's guide to Marriott Bonvoy

Hyatt is also set to open the Miraval Berkshires this year.

Bottom line

There are so many great options for a quick weekend getaway from New York City that it's hard to pick just one — the good news, though, is that you don't have to. Since all of these destinations are only a few hours from the city, you can easily sprinkle them in throughout your summer. Many of them can be booked somewhat last minute, too, although you'll want to be mindful of hotel cancellation policies before you do commit.

Whether you're staying at a luxury hotel or quaint bed and breakfast, you'll also want to be sure to use a card that earns bonus points on travel and hotel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (3x) or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (2x).

With additional reporting by Xander Zellner.

4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 45 miles from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations, this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, New Jersey," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

4.0 magnitude aftershock strikes hours after earthquake

Officials in New York and New Jersey alerted residents to an aftershock Friday evening, nearly eight hours after the earthquake.

A 4.0 magnitude aftershock slammed New Jersey at around 6 p.m., with an epicenter about four miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the USGS. New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.

Hochul said there were no reports of serious damage after the aftershock, and officials were continuing to assess critical infrastructure.

The aftershock Friday evening was at least the third that USGS recorded after the quake struck.

As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.

USGS scientists said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” said Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By midafternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’d ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s day care.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York – Philadelphia – Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every two to three years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only  three earthquakes in modern history  that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern-day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.

  Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

– David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some whom were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

– Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually, earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors. 

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

◾ Below 2.5: Generally not felt

◾ 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage

◾ 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings

◾ 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage

◾ 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Totality stretches from Texas to Maine

Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone.

Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

Shots - Health News

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

• 2024 solar eclipse
• eclipse 2024
• 2024 eclipse
• Traffic patterns
• total eclipse

New York state and city officials urge caution if traveling during solar eclipse

State transportation officials suggested new yorkers leave early to view the eclipse, be prepared for traffic, and follow the law by not parking on the shoulder, by nbc new york staff • published april 7, 2024 • updated on april 8, 2024 at 8:23 am.

New York City and Empire State officials are cautioning about the challenges of traveling Monday afternoon during the solar eclipse .

The greater New York City area will see a partial solar eclipse (not a total one), but will have nearly 90% of coverage of the sun. The strongest effects will start around 3 p.m. and last an hour.

The New York City Office of Emergency Management warned "New Yorkers are advised to take caution while traveling due to the sudden lack of light."

Gov. Kathy Hochul said a large number of visitors are expected to New York state and traffic could be more congested than normal.

Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.

“New York is prepared to welcome visitors from around the world to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, and I urge all travelers to be prepared for a high volume of traffic,” Hochul said.

The state Department of Transportation said extra HELP and tow trucks will be on the roads, but New Yorkers should take precautions before heading out to view the eclipse.

"I urge all New Yorkers to enjoy this natural wonder - but do so, safely," Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said in a statement. " Leave early, be prepared for traffic delays - bring extra food, water and blankets and don’t forget your eclipse viewing glasses. Please remember to not park on the shoulders of the road, and most importantly, pack your patience."

No scraping this Barnacle: How NYPD's new car booting system works

USGS deploys ‘aftershock kits' to study New Jersey shaking with more than 50 aftershocks detected so far

Construction and temporary lane closures will be suspended through Tuesday, the governor's office said.

It's very important to not look directly at the sun during even the partial eclipse and to only use certified viewing glasses.

Regular sunglasses, polarized or otherwise, are not a safe replacement for solar eclipse glasses. You can find free solar eclipse glasses across at NYC Public Library ( @nypl ) locations across the city. Remember, it’s not safe to look directly at the sun! 🙈 pic.twitter.com/NCtlsrYCvD — NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) April 6, 2024

This article tagged under:

The 9 Best All-Season Road Trips From New York

One of the best ways to enjoy your vacation in New York is by renting a car and driving to beautiful, historic cities and states like New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Each is easily reached within a day’s drive, making the possibilities for exploring beyond New York in any season endless.

You'll also love this:

• The 27 Best Day Trips From New York
• The 15 Best Fall Day Trips from NYC

Below we are sharing our favorite 7-day road trips from New York as well our favorite weekend road trips, too. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the cities and states around New York, so we hope this guide to NY road trips inspires you for your next trip!

As a note before we get started, each of these suggested road trips starts and ends in New York.

Table of Contents

Our Favorite 7-Day Road Trips From New York

7-day road trip from new york to vermont and new hampshire.

After planning a packed visit to New York, with all its museums, restaurants, and Broadway shows, take a road trip to Vermont and New Hampshire to really enjoy one of America’s most beautiful spots. With New Hampshire about four and a half hours by car from New York and Vermont just an hour or two from New Hampshire, this is a trip that prioritizes time outside.

Head to Bretton Woods in New Hampshire in the White Mountain National Forest for some of the region’s best snowshoeing in the winter and incredible mountain biking and hiking during the summer. Over in Vermont, the Killington Resort is one of the region’s biggest, also offering snowmobile tours, a tubing park, and more.

Wondering when to plan your Vermont and New Hampshire road trip? It’s easy to take advantage of your preferred season. For skiing in Vermont and New Hampshire, the snowfall can start in November and often lasts until mid-April. For hiking and fishing, come in the summer. For the stunning colors of changing leaves, come in autumn. 

Roadtrip from NYC to Watkins Glen and Letchworth State Parks, Niagara Falls and 1000 Islands

We have again made a great tour from New York: The route leads once through the entire state of New York, with Niagara Falls on the northeastern border with Canada, along the beautiful Finger Lakes to the 1000 Islands on the northeastern border. You can expect a beautiful landscape with many farms, rivers and dreamlike nature.

After this tour, which incidentally follows the course of the Erie Canal, which is largely responsible for the rise of New York City, you can also proudly claim to have been in Lebanon, Athens, Rome, London, Amsterdam, Russia and Hamburg. Because all of these places are located along this great road trip.

The next road trip from New York on my list is quite similar but you spend more time in Canada with Toronto and Montreal on your list.

7-Day Road Trip From New York to Canada

Did you know that New York shares a border with Canada? It can be easy to forget with all of the focus on Manhattan that New York state is actually a fairly big state – and one that connects with America’s neighbor the north.

For a break from New York city life and to experience Canadian culture, you’ll enjoy a weeklong road trip to Canada with stops at Niagara Falls (even taking a boat underneath the falls!), Toronto (where you can size up the city with the view from the CN Tower), and Montreal (where you’ll see the French influence is still alive and well).

Driving from New York to Niagara Falls will take just under seven hours. From there, you’ll drive for two hours to Toronto. Toronto to Montreal is about five and a half hours. Then returning to New York will take about five hours. Though chillier in the winter, this is a beautiful roadtrip from NYC to take no matter the season.

This road trip from New York is also available as a guided 5-day tour. You can find out more about it here 👇

Show me more

Get To Know America’s Roots on this Roadtrip from New York

New York can feel like the most American of cities: lots of cultures, lots of opportunity, lots of, well, everything. If you want to spend some time getting to know American history, then use a weeklong road trip to head to Washington D.C. and Virginia.

In Washington, D.C., which is about fours from Manhattan by car, you’ll find the National Mall, one of the most concentrated and impressive collections of museums in the United States. Continuing onto Virginia, which was home to four of America’s first five presidents, you can visit living-history museums like the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg.

After your fill of culture and history, you can take advantage of the stunning Shenandoah Valley before taking a four-hour drive over to Virginia’s Eastern Shore to soak up the ocean sprays.

Given this mix of city visits and natural parks, this is a trip that’s enjoyable throughout the year.

Taste Southern Hospitality in South Carolina on this roadtrip from NYC

After a few hectic days in the hustle and bustle of New York, a trip down the coast to South Carolina can be a wonderful experience. The total driving time from Manhattan down to South Carolina is about 11 hours. Spread out over six or seven days, that means you can enjoy visits to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina on your way to Hilton Head and Charleston, South Carolina.

So-called the Birthplace of Barbecue , South Carolina is as much a culinary destination as a cultural one. Enjoy the change of pace and scenery over your weeklong road trip as you enjoy true Southern Hospitality.

If you’re planning a winter vacation in New York, South Carolina may be a bit warmer, offering you a chance to thaw out. During the summer it can be more humid. Either way, the barbecue is always delicious and the people are always charming.

Roadtrip from NYC to Boston, White Mountains, Niagara Falls and Washington D.C.

This tour along the East Coast is one of the most impressive road trips I have taken in the USA so far. In October 2016, my father and I started in New York – where else?! I wanted to show him why I have loved this city so much for years and which spots are close to my heart. 

In total, this route takes you a total of 1,600 miles through 12 US states. What are our highlights of this road trip on the East Coast of the USA for us, I show you here in the travel review.

History And Food In And Around Philadelphia

If you are looking for an amazing weekend road trip adventure from New York look no further! Apart from being known for Rocky’s hometown, Philadelphia is also one of America’s most iconic and historical cities. It’s even where the signing of the Declaration of Independence happened on August 2nd, 1776! So if you’re looking to add a weekend trip onto your time in New York, Philadelphia and a few of its surrounding cities could make for a great choice.

At just under two hours by car (and even less by train!) Philadelphia is an easy trip from New York. Along with stopping by to see the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, you can also see the birthplace of the American flag and the Museum of the American Revolution (before taking a lunch break to grab a renowned Philly Cheesesteak).

To make a weekend of it, it’s worth turning toward the countryside and heading toward Brandywine Valley. Filled with quaint towns and rolling hills, the region also has a number of renowned wineries making up the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. 

And what pairs with wine better than chocolate? Just an hour and a half by car to the west, Hershey is the birthplace of Hershey chocolate and the so-called Sweetest Place on Earth. Ideal for families, Hershey features the Hershey Story Museum, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Hershey Gardens.

Though there are a number of Christmastime activities that make for even sweeter seasonal celebrations, the attractions are open year-round, making Philadelphia, Brandywine, and Hershey a great weekend trip to take from New York.

My tip: An additional stop in Washington D.C. is a great extension to this road trip from New York. Besides the White House, you can visit the Lincoln Memorial, the famous Smithsonian Museums, the United States Capitol or the Washington Monument.

Hike Upstate New York: One Of The Best Weekend Road Trip Adventures From New York

When you want to get out of the city for a few days, hiking in upstate New York is one of the best options. No matter the time of year, hiking in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the surrounding regions always offers incredible views, serene nature, and charming small-town atmosphere. 

To get to the Adirondacks from Manhattan, you’ll need about four and a half hours in a car. Perfect for a morning start and a leisurely afternoon hike. Among some of our favorite Adirondack adventures are the Ausable Chasm (which also has white-water rafting for those summer month trips), Cascade Mountain (the supposed easiest of the 46 High Peaks), Mount Marcy (the highest of the 46 High Peaks), and the Saranac Lake 6er (a delightful hiking challenge you can try and tackle in a single weekend).

At just over two hours driving time, the Catskills are an even more accessible weekend trip from New York. With stunning waterfall hikes (don’t miss the Haines Falls!), the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (one of the region’s most challenging hikes), and plentiful Nordic skiing and snowshoeing , there are plenty of outdoors activities to choose from.

With well-marked trails for any season, you’ll find the snowy hikes and the summertime strolls equally enjoyable. Just make sure you’re dressed for the occasion!

Go Wine Tasting In The Finger Lakes

Want to taste some of the best wine in New York? Soak up the small-town life in some of the state’s quaintest towns? Enjoy some idyllic lakes?

Then it’s time to head to the Finger Lakes Region. Located in upstate New York, the Finger Lakes is home to towns like Ithaca (and Cornell University, the region’s Ivy League), Watkins Glen (some of the best hiking in the area), and Geneva ( recent winner of the All-America City award ).

If you’re looking to get your wine on, the Finger Lakes themselves have four official wine trails ready to be embarked on. This includes

• the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
• the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail (“America’s First Wine Trail”)
• the Keuka Lake Wine Trail,
• and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

From Manhattan to the Finger Lakes, you can expect to spend about 5 hours in the car. Perfect for a Friday departure with a few roadside attractions, a lazy Saturday, and then a return late Sunday afternoon. With wine-tasting rooms and events all year round, the time is always right to stop by the Finger Lakes.

Which Road Trip or Day Trip from New York is the Best?

Check out my free road trip advisor that will help you choose from over 30 road trips and day trips to suit your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From New York

If I rent a car, does my road trip have to end back at New York?

Nope! Most rental car agencies are flexible with the return location for your rental car. There may, however, be a slight surcharge for returning it in a different spot than you started.  

Which states make up the New England region?

This is one of the most gorgeous areas to visit during the autumn. But for those not familiar with the area, the name can be a little misleading. New England is the name given to a northeastern region of the U.S., and it includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.  

What’s the best time of year to do a road trip from New York?

There’s an argument to be made for each season. New York City is the hottest during the summer, so a road trip can be a nice way to escape the heat and explore some of the amazing nature around it. If you’re planning to spend time exploring other cities, a road trip in the spring and fall will give you the most agreeable temperatures. And if you’re planning to do some winter sports, then the winter season will work best. The only risk with winter is, naturally, that a large snowstorm could make travel by road difficult. Fortunately, the region is well-prepared to handle this kind of weather and delays would likely be minimal.

The 27 Absolute Best Day Trips from NYC in 2024

The Best Fall Weekend Getaways From NYC + Day Trips

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

See the Total Solar Eclipse’s Shadow From Space

Satellite images from NASA and NOAA showed the moon’s shadow moving across North America.

By K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

PATH OF TOTALITY

UNITED STATES

• Share full article

Advertisement

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

More from CBS News

Inflation's rising again. Here are 3 smart accounts to open now.

Congress is gearing up for the next funding fight. Will this time be different?

Inflation's rising. Here's how debt relief can help.

EPA issues first-ever regulations for "forever chemicals" in drinking water