New York City has no shortage of incredible things to do. If you are planning a trip to the Big Apple, rest assured that you’ll have an exciting itinerary on your hands. But what about day trips from NYC? You can escape city life and explore the smaller country towns in the Hudson Valley or take a day trip to Philadelphia or Atlantic City. Whether you want hiking and biking trails or a glitzy day trip to a neighboring city, this guide will cover all the best day trips from NYC. Let’s dive straight in.
Top Day Trips from NYC
New York is surrounded by fantastic day trip destinations, and Grand Central Station is just as functional as it is sightseeing-worthy. You could venture out using public transport like the train or Metro North or hire a rental car to visit somewhere off the beaten track.
1. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a vast sandy beach on the outskirts of New York City. Its 5.5-mile boardwalk is a popular draw and, in summer, Rockaway Beach is the perfect spot to escape the city for beach volleyball or relaxing sunbathing. Visiting Rockaway Beach is easily a half-day activity, although you’ll probably want to stay longer. You can reach the beach in less than an hour by car, while public transport takes around an hour and a half.
Rockaway Beach is where to head on a day trip if you want a beach day, and it is a popular coastal getaway from New York City. The city can get stifling in summer, and this beach is a dreamy place to catch a coastal breeze and cool off in the waves.
- One hour from New York City
2. Bear Mountain State Park
A day trip to Bear Mountain is one for hiking and nature lovers. Bear Mountain is a 1289 foot (393-meter) high peak in the Hudson Highlands and is just a one-hour drive from the center of New York City. Visitors can drive up Perkins Memorial Drive for beautiful views over the highlands; even better, you only need half a day to do so. Bear Mountain is popular because it is a scenic but convenient hike just a stone’s throw from New York City. And we think you’ll love it.
The Bear Mountain Loop Trail is 3.8 miles and has 1154 feet of elevation gain. It is a reasonably medium-difficulty route and takes just a few hours to complete. You start at a parking lot by Bear Mountain Inn and loop past Hessian Lake, quickly reaching stunning views over the Hudson River and the surrounding peaks. Be prepared for a bit of scrambling and pack some sturdy hiking boots; it is one of those nature trails you crave…
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