Day Trips from NYC: Where to Visit Outside of the Big Apple

Are you visiting New York? Are you a New Yorker yourself? New York has an incredible amount to offer—some of the best food in the world, fascinating cultural endeavors, and an atmosphere like nowhere else on the planet. That said, this city can get overwhelming at times, and it can be great to get out of the hustle and bustle for a little while, and take a deep breath. And, in fact, there are lots of adventures to enjoy without having to travel too far from the city. So, today at Civitatis, we’re going to dive straight into the best day trips from NYC! 

1. Philadelphia, PA (1.5 hours)

Explore the birthplace of America in Philadelphia, famously home to the Liberty Bell and the Philly Cheese Steak—which you can try on this Philadelphia food tour! Philadelphia is a big, modern city, but it still has friendly small-town vibes. If you’re interested in history, there are plenty of museums to check out,  including the Academy of Natural Science, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Franklin Institute Science Museum—all of which are included in the Go City: Philadelphia Pass. However, the most important historical site in the city is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed.

In terms of day trips to other cities, Philadelphia is probably the easiest one to make from NYC, consisting of a 90-minute journey on the high-speed train. So, grab a train first thing in the morning and you can spend the whole day exploring the city! Or, make life easier for yourself and go on this Philadelphia & Amish Country day trip from NYC, which includes transport, a tour of the city, and a buggy ride through the surrounding Amish farming area!

2. Boston, MA (4 hours)

Founded by the English in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US and is steeped in history and culture. The city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and is best known perhaps for being the site of the Boston Tea Party, which you can learn more about with this Boston Tea Party ships & museum ticket. The city also celebrates a deep Irish heritage, shaped by waves of immigration.

A 4-hour train or drive from New York City, this day trip requires a lot of travel, but it is certainly doable, and here at Civitatis, we’d prefer to see a city for a little while than not at all! If Boston is on your bucket list and you don’t have much time, the easiest way to see it is on this day trip from NYC to Boston, which includes transport and stops at Harvard University, MIT, City Hall, Boston Common Park, and Quincy Market—where you can grab yourself a traditional lobster sandwich!

3. Niagara Falls, NY (8 hours)

For us, Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet. Composed of three different streams of water (Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls), 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second, which accounts for the thunderous roar you hear when standing near the water.

Now, ideally, you would be able to spend more time visiting Niagara Falls, like on this 3-4 day Niagara Falls tour, but of course, we know that it’s not always possible. So, if Niagara Falls is on your bucket list and you’re short on time—visiting it as part of a day trip is entirely possible. With Civitatis, there are two ways of visiting the falls, as part of this Niagara Falls day tour by bus, or this day trip by plane. Traveling by plane is the quickest and most comfortable way to make the trip, and you’ll also get to spend a little bit longer at the site. However, both are great options!

4. Mohonk Preserve, NY (1.5-2 hours)

Perhaps the perfect escape from the craziness of NYC, just 90 miles, or 1.5-2 hours from the city is the beautiful Mohonk Preserve. The largest private nature reserve in the state, encompassing 8,000 acres of Shawangunk Ridge, this preserve is one of our favorite places to go hiking near the city. The best-known trail is called the Lemon Squeeze, which will force you to navigate fascinating rock formations to earn fantastic views at the end. Check it out for yourself!

Please Note: As of 2025, hikers will be charged a $20 fee upon entering the preserve.

5. Washington, D.C. (3.5 hours)

The Capital city of the US, and home to countless iconic monuments from the Lincoln Memorial to the Library of Congress to the White House, this city is a must-visit in the USA. On this Washington, D.C. free tour, you can see these key landmarks and more and also learn about the history of the city.

You can get from NYC to Washington DC aboard a 3.5-hour high-speed train. Alternatively, you can make the journey by bus on this Washington, D.C. day trip from NYC with Civitatis. You might also consider this Washington, D.C. + Philadelphia day trip, which brings you to both cities. Or, if you have a little bit more time, check out this 2-day Washington, D.C. + Philadelphia tour from NYC.

6. Cold Spring, NY (1 hour)

A charming riverside town nestled along the Hudson River, Cold Spring is another tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the madness of NYC. Known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, antique shops, and stunning river views, this small town has the small-town feel and fresh air you crave!

It’s easy to get to Cold Spring. Simply hop on the Metro-North from Grand Central, and in just an hour, you’ll arrive in this picturesque town. When you arrive, head off on a morning hike (we recommend the Bull Hill Full Loop), before doing some shopping, and grabbing lunch and a coffee along Cold Spring’s cobbled streets. Finish off your evening on the Little Stony Point Loop, a short walk (under a mile) that brings you breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.

7. The Hamptons, NY (2 hours)

Luxurious hotels and spas, scenic natural beauty, fantastic beach… there’s a reason the NYC’s elites make the Hamptons their summer getaway—and you can do the same! About a 2-hour drive from New York City, the Hamptons have been a popular escape for New Yorkers since the early 1900s. 

You can On this Hamptons day trip from NYC with Civitatis, you can check out the popular getaway for yourself accompanied by a tour guide. Walk along Main Street, home to some of the finest boutiques and restaurants in the country. This day trip is perfect for shoppers, as it also includes a stop at the Tanger Outlets, where you can shop to your heart’s content!

8. Beacon, NY (1 hour)

A vibrant artsy town in the Hudson Valley, Beacon has transformed from an old industrial hub into a creative and cultural hotspot. With a thriving art scene, trendy restaurants, and scenic riverfront, this destination is perfect for an easy day trip from NYC. This town is most famously home to Dia: Beacon, a world-renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former factory, which alone makes this day trip worthwhile.

Like Cold Spring, Beacon is easy to get to, take the Metro-North for about an hour and a half, and you’ll arrive in this dynamic town. Start your visit at Dia: Beacon, before taking a walk down Main Street, where you can grab yourself some brilliant farm-to-table food, and some gifts to bring home with you. Finish off your adventure at Long Dark Park—a lovely artificial peninsula perfect for an evening stroll!

9. Hudson, NY (2 hours)

A mix of historic charm and modern sophistication, Hudson is often dubbed ‘Brooklyn North’ because of its trendy vibe and thriving creative community akin to that of Brooklyn. This small city along the Hudson River is also known for its beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, antique shops, and luxury hotels.

Around 2 hours by high-speed train from Penn Station, Hudson is a very doable day trip from NYC. When you arrive, start by exploring Warren Street, the heart of Hudson, lined with galleries, vintage stores, and unique cafés. Then, stop by the Hudson Opera House before grabbing lunch at one of the town’s many fine restaurants.

Staying for a bit longer?: If you have a couple of days, head to Olana State Historic Site, a stunning Persian-inspired mansion with breathtaking views of the Catskills.

10. Sleepy Hollow, NY (1 hour)

Steeped in legend and history, Sleepy Hollow is best known for Washington Irving’s famous tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This charming village nestled along the Hudson River is rich in colonial history, backed with plenty of scenic beauty, making it a fascinating place to explore. Whether you’re visiting in the fall for its legendary Halloween festivities or in the summer for historic sites, Sleepy Hollow offers a unique glimpse into the past.

To get to Sleepy Hollow, the Metro-North ride brings you all the way to Tarrytown, from which point you can take a short cab ride to Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills. This living history museum allows visitors to step back into 1750. Watch costumed interpreters accurately demonstrate colonial-era farming and milling techniques. After immersing yourself in history, take a stroll through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving himself is buried. End your visit with a walk along the Hudson River waterfront before heading back to the city.

Pro tip: The best time of year to visit Sleepy Hollow is during the fall, when the leaves are orange and yellow, and the Halloween decorations are out in full effect.

There you have it! Those are some of our favorite day trips from NYC. You have lots of options, some of which will require more planning than others. No matter where you decide to go, be sure to check out tours & experiences on the East Coast with Civitatis!