Everyone needs to escape from the concrete jungle from time to time. And our centrally located city allows even the car-less to take easy, affordable, and convenient day trips. All you need is a free Saturday, some friends, and a sense of adventure, and you can flee for sand and surf, charming river towns, or nostalgic boardwalks without too much trouble.
The name of the game is accessibility, and it couldn't be more simple to plan a trip to the outer boroughs, upstate New York, or (gasp!) New Jersey. We've rounded up some stellar day trips for outdoor types, foodies, architecture and art lovers, adventure seekers, and music aficionados. And there are plenty of activities for both the budget savvy and the high-roller (and everyone in between).
Ahead, 19 day trips to take this weekend. Is it Friday yet?
Princeton, NJ
You don't have to be a high school senior to spend a day at the home of Princeton University. Even non-academics can enjoy a few hour wandering around the picturesque campus (either on your own or through a walking tour). For history nerds — or just fans of Hamilton — the Princeton Cemetery, final resting place of Aaron Burr among other notables, is a must-see. Once you've walked up an appetite, find out why students and locals alike have been hitting up Hoagie Haven since the 1970's. For dessert, Halo Pub and their ice cream and espresso is a must.
Getting There:
For the carless, you can get to Princeton via New Jersey Transit. Trains leave from Penn Station; from there, transfer at Princeton Junction to the Princeton Shuttle, a one-car train also known as the Dinky, to get to Princeton proper. Megabus also makes several trips daily.
Bannerman Castle, Fishkill, NY
If you ever have the urge to explore abandoned buildings, we have the perfect day trip for you. Bannerman Castle is most often glimpsed by eagle-eyed MetroNorth riders, looking out of place on an island in the Hudson River, not in the English Countryside. But you don't have to fence-hop or trespass to get a closer look. The Bannerman Castle Trust offers tours, either by ferry or kayak. During the tour, you'll learn about the island's past as an armory, as well as enjoy the garden and grounds. The island also hosts several live performances a year; check the website for latest dates.
Getting There:
Tours depart from Beacon, NY, as well as from Newburgh, NY, on both sides of the Hudson River. The Beacon tours depart directly across the street from the Beacon Station stop on MetroNorth, making it easily accessible to anyone without a car. Trains depart frequently from Grand Central, with an additional stop in Harlem, before heading up the Hudson Valley.
Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate, Sleepy Hollow, NY
If you love historic estates, you’ve got to make the trip up to Sleepy Hollow to see the home of four generations of Rockefellers. Here you’ll see breathtaking architecture, sprawling gardens, and remarkable views of the Hudson Valley. The 6-story house holds innumerable pieces of art from renowned artists including Picasso and the gardens contain Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller's impressive collection of 20th century sculpture. Immerse yourself in history, art, architecture, and even nature with this single day trip.
Getting There:
Take Metro-North from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown. From Tarrytown, you can walk 15 minutes to the destination or take a cab. The total trip takes about an hour. Historic Hudson Valley offers a special $5 discount for visitors who purchase a round-trip Metro-North ticket and a Kykuit tour ticket in advance online. See details here.
Photo: Remi BENALI/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
The Bronx Zoo
As the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, The Bronx Zoo offers award-winning exhibits and a diverse collection of animals. It's managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, an organization devoted to animal rescue and wild land conservation around the world. Here you can come face to face with animals from the African plains to the Himalayan Highlands.
Getting There: The zoo is located within Bronx Park, and there are a number of public transit options (see here for more info). The zoo is about 50 minutes from Midtown.
Photo: David Handschuh/Getty Images.
Warwick Valley Wine & Distillery, Warwick, NY
Delight your inner wino by spending a day at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery in the mid-Hudson Valley. Explore the apple orchard (where more than 60 different varieties of apple are grown), or simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley while sipping a glass of cider. Then it's on to the tasting room, located in a renovated apple-packing house, where you can sit back and sample Warwick Valley’s many wines, ciders, brandies, and liqueurs. Grab a bite at the café, or take in some free live music on the tasting-room patio (every weekend afternoon between 2 and 5 p.m.). It's an unbeatable combination of food, drink, music, and nature that makes for a perfect escape from city life.
Getting There: Driving is best (there's no direct train route between NYC and Warwick), and it'll take around two hours from Manhattan. See here for more info.
Photo: Courtesy of Warwick Valley Wine & Distillery.
Fire Island
A closer (and less pretentious) alternative to the Hamptons, Fire Island is a cluster of villages and hamlets off the southern coast of Long Island. There are no cars allowed on the island, but you won't need one, as everything is accessible by foot or bike. You'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, and outdoor preserves, and the island is also home to several dedicated LGBTQ communities (The Pines and The Grove). Whatever village you visit, the beach is never more than a short stroll away.
Getting There: Ferries depart from several different ports on Long Island, and you can drive or take the LIRR to those points. Find more info here.
Photo: Getty Images.
Philadelphia
It's less than 100 miles from NYC, and Philly has loads to do and see in a day. Experience some of America's most significant historical attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed). There are also plenty of beer halls where you can grab a pint, plus lush outdoor spots that are prime for an afternoon picnic. But you can't come to Philly without having a cheesesteak at Geno's or Pat's. Don't let the lines intimidate you — they move quickly.
Getting There: Amtrak goes from Penn Station to Philly multiple times a day and takes around 90 minutes. It's under two hours by car.
Photo: REX/Shutterstock.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you haven't been to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you don't know what you're missing. Since the early 1900s, the vast and breathtaking grounds have provided New Yorkers with an unlikely escape from the fast life of Manhattan — a place to experience some urban horticulture, and revel in the majestic beauty of the trees, flowers, and other plant life. Spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the gardens are in full-bloom and the lily pool terrace is at its most serene. There are also indoor exhibitions, should you encounter any untimely April showers.
Getting There: The gardens are located in Prospect Park, and there are are many subway stops and bus routes nearby. See here for specifics. (About 35 minutes from Midtown by subway.)
Photo: Liz Ligon / Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
The Cloisters, Fort Tryron Park, NY
Perched on a hill in upper Manhattan, The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, houses a world-class collection of medieval art surrounded by 67-acres of gorgeous gardens, stunning river views, peaceful vistas, and flowering walkways. Enjoy lunch at New Leaf Restaurant, housed in a 1930s cottage — the shady patio is perfect for dining al fresco.
Getting There: Take the A train to 190th Street (about 30 minutes from Midtown) and a 10-minutes' walk through Fort Tryron Park.
Photo: Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Coney Island, Brooklyn
There’s no shortage of beachy nostalgia at Coney Island. For a yesteryear experience, cruise the boardwalk or take in a Brooklyn Cyclones ballgame. Adrenaline seekers will love the 125-foot steel Thunderbolt roller coaster (and the 90-degree drop), while sentimentalists and food lovers should opt for a hot dog or two at the original Nathan’s Famous or a pie at Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano (cash only, no slices). And, of course, a ride on the Cyclone is obligatory.
Getting There: D/Q/N/F subways to Stillwell Avenue (about 75 minutes from Midtown).
Photo: Courtesy of Coney Island.
Rockaway Beach, Queens
This seaside hot spot in Queens is a hip, up-and-coming destination. Rent a surfboard, sunbathe, or go for an invigorating swim. Sample the grub at Rockaway Beach Surf Club (from the same chef as dearly departed Rockaway Taco) or head to Rippers, which doles out juicy grass-fed burgers.
Getting There: Hop the A train to Far Rockaway (1 hour from Midtown) or take the LIRR from Penn Station to the Far Rockaway station.
Photo: Courtesy of New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
Dia:Beacon, Beacon, NY
Situated on the banks of the Hudson River, Dia:Beacon is an ideal visual escape. Housed in a stunning 300,000-square-foot space, this light-filled contemporary art shrine exhibits incredible pieces by world-famous artists (think Warhol, Louise Bourgeois) and grand installations (including Richard Serra’s metal sculptures). Stroll the lush gardens and grab a bite at the locavore spot Homespun Foods.
Getting There: Take Metro-North 's Hudson Line from Grand Central Station to Beacon, then walk a short distance to the museum (85 minutes from Midtown).
Photo: Courtesy of the Dia Art Foundation.
Glass House, New Canaan, CT
Architect Philip Johnson’s iconic, steel-framed Glass House, built in 1949, sits perched atop a 47-acre estate. This simple, sophisticated transparent box is a celebrated residential dwelling. The 2016 season will feature such exhibits as Yayoi Kusama: Narcissus Garden, a magnificent landscape installation consisting of 1,300 floating steel spheres. Tickets required; reservations strongly recommended.
Getting There: Take the Metro-North New Haven line from Grand Central Station to New Canaan (about 75 minutes from Grand Central).
Photo: Courtesy of the Glass House.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, NY
Located on an old Rockefeller estate, Blue Hill Farm is a working farm, education center, and home to a top-notch restaurant helmed by chef Dan Barber. Stroll the peaceful grounds, tour the barnyard, and enjoy the delight of eating the day’s harvest as part of chef Barber’s multi-course tasting menus. A restaurant this popular requires advanced reservations. Grab iced lattes, light snacks, and baked goodies from the café to enjoy on the train ride home.
Getting There: Take the Metro-North Hudson line from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown (about 35 minutes) and a 10-minute cab ride to the farm.
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Hill Farm.
Governors Island
From Manhattan, a free ferry ushers you to 30 acres of blissful (car-free) green park at Governors Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch, lounge in a hammock, eat ice cream, rent bikes, and kayak (free of charge). Check out one of the guest food vendors and grab a cold brew at Little Eva’s. In August, the fashionable Heminway-esque Jazz Age Lawn Party showcases an array of 1920s costumes and musical performances.
Getting There: Take a ferry from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 (only on Saturdays and Sundays).
Photo: Courtesy of Governors Island.
Cold Spring, NY
Experience the arty, charming, and well-preserved 19th-century town of Cold Spring, 50 miles north of Manhattan, along the Hudson River. Enjoy the leisurely pace, take in the rolling hills, and go hiking, kayaking, or biking. Pack a basket with some provisions (think cheese and charcuterie), a bottle of your favorite Champagne, and set up an epic picnic.
Getting There: Take the Metro-North Hudson line from Grand Central Station to Cold Spring (about 75 minutes from Grand Central).
Photographed by Laura Miller.
Asbury Park, NJ
Embrace your inner Jersey girl (or guy) at this boisterous summertime haven, made famous by Bruce Springsteen. You'll find Victorian architecture, a lively 130-year-old boardwalk scene (with old-school spots like a pinball museum), and vibrant live music. Don’t miss the artisanal pizza at Porta's, or the raw bar at Asbury Oyster Bar.
Getting There: Take New Jersey Transit from Penn Station to Asbury Park (about 98 minutes from Midtown).
Photo: Courtesy of Asbury Park.
Storm King, Mountainville, NY
The picturesque, open-air sculpture collection at Storm King is set on 500 rolling acres and includes 100 strategically placed works by unique artists, à la Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Henry Moore, and Andy Goldsworthy. Pack a picnic lunch and take a leisurely bike tour of the surrounding grounds. Afterward, sip a cold drink or a grab a quick nap by Maya Lin’s Wave Field.
Getting There: Coach USA (Short Line Bus) offers day packages to Storm King, leaving from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Click here for more details.
Photo: Courtesy of Storm King Art Center.
Arthur Avenue
If you stop by Arthur Avenue, locals will tell you you’ve discovered New York’s real Little Italy. Less crowded than its Manhattan counterpart (and a bit harder to get to by subway), this stretch of Belmont Avenue in the Bronx has had an Italian presence for over 100 years. Artisans from Northern Italy were originally recruited to live in the area and help construct the Bronx Zoo just up the road. The community they created around Arthur Ave remains a vibrant neighborhood full of stores selling cheese, handmade pasta, cannoli, pizza, and olives. You could spend a day wandering from storefront to storefront, but don’t miss Teitel Brothers, a fourth-generation salumeria that has been declared the best pork sausage in New York (never mind that the owners are Jewish). Grab pasta from Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles, and try some fresh mozzarella from Casa Della Mozzarella. For dessert, you can't beat cannoli from Artuso. After all that dining, consider a stroll to the nearby zoo or New York Botanical Garden, both worthwhile destinations in their own right.
Getting There: Take the 4 or D train to Fordham Road or the 2 or 5 Train to Pelham Parkway; then, board the Bx12 Bus headed west. Alternatively, take the Metro North Harlem or New Haven line to Fordham Road.
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