10 Great Day Trips from NYC
As much as we love the city, sometimes you just need to get away for a breath of fresh air to recharge. It's a good thing there are so many great places just a stone's throw away from Manhattan and all accessible by public transport. Check out some of the best spots to take a quick day trip this summer:
1. Kykuit in Sleepy Hollow, NY
Distance from city: 1 hour
How to get there: Take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown, then walk 15 minutes to the estate or take an Uber. You can actually get a $5 ticket discount for purchasing a round trip ticket and tickets to Kykuit ahead of time--check it out!
What to do there: Explore the mansion, take a tour of the grounds, and wander through the extensive gardens enjoying the beautiful estate. Afterwards you can also explore the nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve or grab a bite to eat in Tarrytown at a place like Blue Hill Farm.
2. Providence, RI
Distance from city: Around 3 hours
How to get there: Take the Acela Express Amtrak train from Penn Station to Providence Station
What to do there: This town is considered a creative capital, full of great art galleries, fun little boutiques, and artsy eateries, as well as home to Brown University and the adjacent Rhode Island School of Design. You can explore the museums, like the one at RISD, go shopping downtown, get a historic experience at Federal Hill and the State House, and if you're there on the right day at sunset you can see the signature WaterFire show installation on the river downtown.
3. Westport, CT
Distance from city: 1 hour
How to get there: Take the Metro-North train from Grand Central to Westport, CT
What to do there: Grab an Uber to take you downtown for some good shopping and a walk around the nearby parks, take a kayak tour if it's warm enough and you're feeling adventurous, grab a ride to the Southport beach and see some gorgeous mansions along the way, and get a great meal at the Spotted Horse Tavern or Terrain.
4. Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Distance from city: 1 hour
How to get there: Take the Hudson line train to Peekskill station and a 15 minute Uber to Bear Mountain.
What to do there: Whether you're an avid adventurer or a more laid back hiker, there's a trail for everyone among the tranquil state park. If you really want a challenge and an awesome view try the trek to the Perkins Memorial Tower where you'll see 360-degree vistas of four states (NY, NJ, PA, and CT). Bring a picnic and spend a day back in nature.
5. Dia.Beacon in Beacon, NY
Distance from city: 1 hour 30 mins
How to get there: Take the Hudson line train to Beacon station and walk five minutes to the museum.
What to do there: You could easily spend a day exploring the extensive art collection at the museum, which includes pieces from Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra, and the like. After the museum you can head down the quaint Main Street and find a place to eat before heading back to the city.
6. Old Westbury Gardens in Westbury, NY
Distance from city: 1 hour 45 minutes
How to get there: Take the Long Island Rail Road train from Penn Station to Westbury and then take a 10 minute cab or Uber to the gardens.
What to do there: You can take a guided tour with volunteers to learn more about the history of the estate or you can stroll the house and gardens at your leisure. You may recognize the house from its numerous appearances in movies and television shows, including scenes in Royal Pains and Gossip Girl.
7. Fire Island, NY
Distance from city: Around 2 hours
How to get there: Take the Long Island Railroad train from Penn Station to Sayville Station, a cab or Uber to the Sayville Ferry, and a quick boat ride to the island.
What to do there: Ocean Beach is the most popular village on the island and you can spend a day at the beach and wander the downtown for a meal or to shop at the little boutiques. You can also head to the end of the island to see the Fire Island Lighthouse and even rent a kayak or paddle board to paddle through the park.
8. Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY
Distance from city: Around 1 hour 30 mins
How to get there: Take the Metro-North train from Grand Central to Beacon and then a taxi or Uber to the art center.
What to do there: You can spend hours wandering the grounds seeing Museum Hill and the various sculptures and galleries, getting a snack at the cafe, participating in a weekend event, and more. There are guided tours and events generally going on every day so be sure to check the schedule online if you are interested.
9. Philadelphia, PA
Distance from city: Around 1 hour 30 mins
How to get there: Take the Acela Express Amtrak train from Penn Station to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
What to do there: In addition to numerous events and festivals happening every week, you can take a historic tour of the city that was so central to American history, stop by the One Liberty Observation Deck for a view over the city, or visit the Magic Gardens for an artsy experience.
10. Cold Spring, NY
Distance from city: 1 hour 15 mins
How to get there: Take the Metro-North train from Grand Central to Cold Spring, NY.
What to do there: You could take a hike around Breakneck Ridge Loop or explore the nearby West Point or just enjoy a day looking through antiques shops and quaint boutiques in town. You can also take a fun kayak tour to the Bannerman Castle which is located on a small island in the Hudson River.
