11 of the best day trips from New York City

With so much to do in the Big Apple, it’s no surprise a lot of visitors barely leave Manhattan, let alone travel further afield – but with some fantastic day trips from New York City with kids, you’ll be missing out if you don’t.

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You don’t necessarily even need to have a car to escape the city for the day, with various different transportation options to help make it easier to explore New York state.

So challenge yourself to travel beyond Long Island. From picturesque historic towns to spooky villages, beautiful mountains and some gorgeous state parks, I’ve rounded up some of the best (and easiest) day trips from New York City for your bucket list or family itinerary!

For the best things to do in New York with kids, check out my top picks

Beacon

Less than two hours from New York City, amid the Hudson countryside, Beacon makes an easy day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Known for its good food and lively art scene, including contemporary art organisation Dia Beacon, the historic town oozes old American charm. Stroll through to soak up the red-brick architecture lining Main Street and Victorian-era buildings that now house local art galleries, coffee shops, bakeries and trendy restaurants.

You can hop on a train from Grand Central station if you’d rather not drive, with a chance to watch some of the lovely scenery along the way.

Or for a chance to experience it close-up, head outside Beacon itself to hike the Mount Beacon Incline Railway Trail. The hiking path runs along part of a historic railway route and  leads all the way up to the top of Mount Beacon for some fantastic views.

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

Only 50 miles north of New York City, this beautiful state park is one of the loveliest places for a day out with kids. 

For active families, the hiking is amazing with over 100 miles of trails to choose from, some of which intersect the Appalachian Trail, giving you the opportunity to experience a piece of this epic route!

Don’t fancy walking? There are some gorgeous views to soak up from a boat too, as well as birdwatching. 

If you’ve got more than a day to spare, or you’re planning a road trip from New York with kids, you can stop overnight at one of the 80 campsites scattered all over the park too.

If you’re planning a road trip from New York, check out the best things to do in Boston with kids for more inspiration

Cold Spring

Considered one of the best-preserved 19th-century towns in the Hudson Valley area, Cold Spring is just 50 miles north of Manhattan, and ideal for a chilled-out day out, as well as more Instagrammable spots that you can shake a phone at. 

You’ll find restaurants and cafes lining the banks of the Hudson river, often with live music as a soundtrack during the summer, as well as the picturesque historic streets to wander through.

It’s easy to combine a visit to the town with a little nature too, with several hiking and biking trails in the outskirts of town, including some great views of the Hudson River.

During the autumn, fall foliage cruises are a lovely way to enjoy the colourful leaves, plus there’s a whole string of waterspots, from boating and canoeing to paddle-boarding, kayaking, and waterskiing on the river.

You’re not far from Bear Mountain State Park and West Point as well, if you’re looking for more fantastic scenery or some military history, so you can combine either with your visit to Cold Spring. 

Cooperstown

Cooperstown has become synonymous with baseball: home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s unmissable for aficionados as well as those who’d love to learn more about the sport.

In the museum, check out the vast collection of memorabilia that tells the history of America’s national sport from its earliest days. 

If you’re not into baseball, there’s plenty more to discover in Cooperstown though, from the enticingly named Glimmerglass State Park to folk and Native American art at the Fenimore Art Museum.

Mohonk Preserve

With 8,000 acres of forests, perfect for hiking, cycling and rock climbing, Mohonk is a nature lover’s slice of paradise – and its nature trails are only around 90 minutes from the city. 

Unlike many of the other places near New York City where you can get back to nature, Mohonk is also perfect if you love riding horses – or have always fancied trying.

There are designated roads to get into the saddle, with far fewer pedestrians to worry about than many other similar places.

Although there are public transport options, including buses to New Palz, where you can grab a cab to the preserve, this is one day out from New York that’s easiest if you have a car.

Philadelphia, PA

A day trip from New York City doesn’t mean you have to stay in the Empire State – Philadelphia may be located in Pennsylvania, but it still makes for a great day out with kids, thanks to the fact that it’s located just an hour and a half away by train from Penn Station (easy enough that many people commute between both cities!). 

As well as travelling independently, there are also day tours from New York to Philadelphia

If you think there’s no point just swapping one city for another, visiting Philadelphia is a completely different experience – as well as the history, there’s often a more laid-back feel as you explore.

A day in Philly is barely enough but lets you enjoy some of the highlights. For history fans, don’t miss the Old City district, a one-square-mile historic section of downtown Philadelphia filled with landmarks such as Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was adopted), the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the Museum of the American Revolution.

Take a stroll along cobbled Elfreth Alley and stop in to the National Constitution Center, before grabbing a snack at Reading Terminal Market – whether it’s a cheesesteak is up to you!

There are some great art museums too (including the chance to copy Rocky by racing up the steps in front of the Museum of Art – pose for a photo with the statue first too.

If you’re feeling seriously ambitious, you can even join a guided day tour of Washington DC and Philadelphia from New York – expect a lot of travelling though, definitely not for younger kids. For more ideas of things to do in Washington DC with kids, check out this post

Sleepy Hollow

No longer quite so sleepy, for fans of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, how can you beat a day out in the town where it’s set?

Once famous for its milling and farming, today it’s the story which has put it on the map, especially during October when it’s famous for its Halloween festivities. Expect haunted hayrides, parades, spooky decor and of course, a chance to spot the Headless Horseman.

At other times, don’t miss a visit to the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, with tours available day and night. Less than an hour from Grand Central Terminal station in NYC, it’s one of the easiest day trips to try too.

Woodstock

A little over a two hour drive from NYC lies the town of Woodstock – although contrary to what you might think, this isn’t the place where the 1969 festival was held.

That actually took place in Bethel, two hours away, but despite that, the town of Woodstock brims with the festival’s famous vibe, with retired hippies and artists flocking here enthusiastically.

If you’re into healthy eating and local shopping, you’ll be in heaven, with some great organic food and locally-owned shops selling all sorts of unique mementoes. A perfect day out for teens (or those who wish they still were!)

The Catskills

Only a couple of hours from Manhattan, the Catskill Mountains promise a proper escape into nature and this mountain range in upstate New York is absolutely gorgeous, particularly during autumn when the foliage puts on a spectacular show.

Think rolling hills covered in vibrant oranges, reds and yellows that look like something from a postcard, dotted with a charming town or two – you can even go wine tasting.

The region is perfect for active families too, with hiking trails for all abilities. For a gentle introduction, try the Kaaterskill Falls hike – it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in New York state and the views are absolutely worth it. If you’re happy to venture further from NYC, the Five State Lookout at Acra has some incredible panoramas, but you won’t be short of a great view.

The Poconos

It’s around a two-hour drive from New York City to the Ponoco Mountains – the whole area covers 2,400 square miles, so you certainly can’t see it all, but you can have a fantastic day trip.

As well as the lush green mountains – great for skiing in the winter – you’ll find laid-back small towns full of history, as well as lakes and some gorgeous mountain views in the clear air.

Take the I-80 and you’ll get to Delaware Water Gap within around 90 minutes, a favourite of Teddy Rossevelt and Fred Astaire, known for its jazz scene as well as its hiking, kayaking and rafting – perfect for nature lovers. Or head to nearby Stroudsburg if you want more than a chance to get outdoors. Stroudsberg is known for its charming 19th century market town architecture, with museums, galleries, wineries and restaurants galore.

Washington DC

The US capital is around three hours from New York City by train, so it’s either a long day or a short time to spend exploring the historic sites here, from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial, as well as the museums and other attractions.

But if you’re determined to pack both cities into your trip, and don’t mind the train ride, you can at least get a taste of Washington DC with kids. Some of the biggest sights, including the Capitol, are only a short walk from the train station.

For ideas of more things to do in Washington DC with kids, check out my top picks

You can also find guided tours from New York City to Washington DC, which tick off some of the highlights as well as Arlington National Cemetery and The Pentagon, although realistically most of it will be short photo stops – if you just want a quick chance to look and snap a picture, you’ll cram more into your day than doing it independently though.

Can you do a day trip from New York City to Niagara Falls?

Tempted by a day trip from New York City to Niagara Falls? Think again – it’s around 6h 30 minutes by car each way, so while it’s technically possible, you’d barely have any time to appreciate the falls and it would be exhaustingly unenjoyable.

This natural wonder needs an overnight stop at least – and the same goes for much of upstate New York, including the Finger Lakes. Save that for your next trip!

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Images courtesy of Depositphotos

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