tours to the hamptons from new york city

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The Hamptons & Sag Harbor Day Trip from New York

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* Only the best group tours make our list. Each is personally selected and tested by us to ensure experiences that meets our high standards.

This Day Trip will take you exploring the Hamptons, playground of the wealthy and famous. A beautiful day into stunning Landscapes, gorgeous Mansions, breezy ocean Beaches and the historic villages of South Hampton & Sag Harbor - Official Tour Guide.

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Additional description.

• City Tour of South Hampton and Sag Harbor
• Wine Tasting (wine tasting must be over 21 years old)
• Coupons at the Tanger Outlet Mall
• Motor-coach or Van
• Professional Tour Guide in English
• Food and Beverages
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities: Recommended $5 for the Guide and $5 for the Driver per person

Activity Schedule

Additional info & faq.

• The Tour is escorted by professional Tour Guide; please note the Guide might narrate in more than one language.
• No meals or beverages included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required.
• Please note that due to special events, adverse weather conditions or circumstances outside of our control, some venues and places mentioned in the tour description, including, but not limited to historical sites, attractions, museums, and restaurants may change without prior notice.  

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THE 10 BEST Hamptons Tours & Excursions

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hamptons

Things to do in hamptons, explore popular experiences, popular cities in hamptons.

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Hamptons Private Day Trip from New York City

Full-Day Luxury Long Island Private Winery Tour

Boat or Yacht Rental in Sag Harbor, The Hamptons, or Monatauk

Sagaponack Sunset Electric Bike Tour

Private Yacht Charter in The Hamptons, Montauk or Sag Harbor

The Hamptons Date Night Dining Hot Spots

• The Hamptons and Long Island Wineries Private Tour

The Hamptons SeaBob and Water Toy Excursion

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6 Best Hamptons Day Trips from New York City

New York is a wonderful city which has a lot to offer visitors, but don't think it's all about Manhattan and the other boroughs. If you want to see another side of the Big Apple, a trip to the Hamptons is the ideal option.

Nicolas Reffray

10 min read

The Hamptons | ©Doug Kerr

Chosen by many celebrities as their place of relaxation and leisure, the Hamptons is an oasis of peace that delights with its country beauty and rustic villages. Just 100 miles from New York City, the Hamptons is the perfect destination for a full day trip.

Away from New York's skyscrapers, you'll find a myriad of rural landscapes, open skies and homes of the highest standard. On the many varied excursions from New York City, you can visit Sag Harbor and Southampton, shop at the Tanger Outlets, visit celebrity homes and much more, just some of the things you can see on a Hamptons tour, which is one of the best things to do in New York .

1. Visit the Hamptons, Sag Harbor and the Mall

Among the many options for excursions from NYC , this is one that combines in a balanced way the tranquility of the Hamptons meadows with a shopping trip, where you can get great deals at Tanger Outlets so you don't get completely out of the rhythm of the big city.

The tour can start from New York and go through Queens to get to the coast of Long Island to see the best rural landscapes along with dreamy design houses . In Sag Harbor and Southampton, in addition to the stunning sights, the guides will tell you about the 300-year history of these cities.

You'll have the chance to stop for a wine tasting, and you'll have free time not only to explore these beautiful places at your own pace, but also to take advantage of the offers at Riverhead Tanger Outlets.

Details of interest

• Price : from 160 euros per person.
• Duration : approximately 12 hours in total.
• Means of transport : you will be picked up from your hotel and travel in a minibus or van.
• Advantages of this option : wine tasting included and free time for shopping.
• Disadvantages of this option : not recommended if you are travelling with children, as they can get tired from the long journey.

Book a shopping trip to The Hamptons

2. Arrive by helicopter for a picnic in the Hamptons

Is there anything more glamorous than a picnic on the beach in the Hamptons? The answer is a resounding yes, arriving at the picnic aboard a helicopter. Without wasting any time in city traffic on your way to the Hamptons, you'll be whisked to your destination in a modern and comfortable helicopter, enjoying panoramic views of Manhattan, rural landscapes and the entire coastline.

It's an experience you can do with a group of up to 6 people. It can be done during the day or at night, and upon arrival, depending on your schedule, you will have a personal assistant waiting for you with a gourmet lunch or dinner in a luxurious setting . If you have any special menu requirements or preferences, you can indicate them at the time of booking.

After a day in the Hamptons, you will also return to Manhattan by helicopter. This is, without a doubt, an unforgettable plan that stands out among the top 10 things to do in the summer in New York City .

Interesting details

• Price : around 390 euros per person.
• Duration : approximately 5 hours.
• Means of transport : the tour includes pick-up from your hotel or airbnb to the helicopter.
• Advantages of this option : this is a completely out-of-the-ordinary experience, where you can experience the luxury to which celebrities are accustomed.
• Disadvantages of this option : not suitable for pregnant women or patients with heart conditions.

3. Private one-day tour of the Hamptons

In this case, the tour offers you a one-day tour of the Hamptons, travelling in a private car with a personal driver . As in other cases, you can go in a small group with other travellers or with your family, friends, or whoever is travelling with you.

During the day you will have free time to organise yourself as you wish, as well as being able to stop with the driver at certain places. As part of the tour, you will be taken to spend some quality time at the famous Coopers Beach , and make a 20 minute stop at the colonial Mulford Farm . You'll also be driven through Montauk , in the town of East Hampton, the Long House Reserve , with its 20 acres of gardens filled with trees, greenery and sculpture, the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse , the Parrish Art Museum and the Shinnecock Museum and Cultural Center .

You'll be free to explore the other Hamptons resorts and the rest of the region on your own. You will be there for lunch, where you will enjoy the prestigious restaurants that this incredible place has. Please note that lunch is not included in the price of the tour.

• Price : from 570 euros per person.
• Duration : approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transport : the tour includes hotel pick-up, you will travel aboard a private car.
• Advantages of this option : it is a private tour with a driver at your disposal, ideal for maximum relaxation and not having to worry about anything.
• Disadvantages of this option : lunch and drinks are not included.

4. Hamptons and Long Island Winery Tour

This tour takes you from Manhattan to the Hamptons for a day dedicated to food, and especially wine tasting, with a visit to local wineries. These tours are some of the most comprehensive, including transfers, an experienced guide and a very special itinerary.

The tour starts in Southampton, where you can wander along its quaint shops, beaches, cafes and the iconic Billionaires Lane , a 5-mile long waterfront street lined with the most luxurious mansions. Then on to Sag Harbor, the whaling town that dates back to the 18th century where you will explore the region and have time for lunch in the harbour and if you like you can sample the famous fresh seafood.

As the last and main part of the tour, you will cross over on board the Cross Sound Ferry to the North Fork where you will find small villages, vineyards, 29 wineries and some farm stands.

• Price : from 1050 euros per person.
• Duration : approximately 12 hours.
• Means of transport : includes pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb, and you will travel aboard a van or minibus.
• Advantages of this option : it is a themed tour, dedicated to gastronomy and fine wine, ideal to delight your senses.
• Disadvantages of this option : it may not be an ideal option for children.

5. Manhattan to Hamptons Helicopter Tour

This is a tour that takes you from Manhattan to the Hamptons by helicopter, not only to reduce a 3 hour or so overland trip to a 45 minute flight, but also to take in the breathtaking scenery along the way. This tour is undoubtedly one of the best helicopter tours in NYC .

Once in the Hamptons you will have about 4 to 5 hours to explore the Hamptons at your own pace. In that time you can take in the magnificent beaches, the restaurants and shops, historical sites and of course the luxurious mansions. Many of these buildings belong to celebrities such as Madonna , Steven Spielberg or Beyoncé . And if celebrities and show business is something that interests you, consider on your return to the Big Apple taking one of the many tours of movies and series filmed in New York City , because I assure you that you will not regret it.

Please note that this experience includes only the helicopter ride, transfers to the heliport, lunch and any other activities you decide to do in your free time in the Hamptons will be at your own expense.

• Price : from 800 euros per person.
• Duration : approximately 6 hours.
• Means of transport : you will have to get to the heliport by your own means to enjoy an incredible helicopter ride.
• Advantages of this option : it is a tour in which you can enjoy the aerial view of the region and all the charm of the Hamptons.
• Disadvantages of this option : it is not suitable for pregnant women and patients with cardiac deficiencies.

6. Hamptons Shopping Tour

This is a tour designed specifically for shopping in the Hamptons. The experience is personalised , as it is done in groups of no more than 6 people.

The guide in charge will take you and your group to the most important places of interest in the Hamptons, such as the mansions, ports, beaches and historical sites. But in addition to that, and as the star of this excursion, you will have a shopping tour where you will be shown the best places to buy all kinds of things, and free time in the shopping centres to buy what you want in a relaxed way. Highlights include the famous Tanger Outlets .

The tour includes pick up and drop off at your hotel or Airbnb in a private van. Refreshments and lunch are not included.

• Price : from 1100 euros per person.
• Duration : about 12 hours in total.
• Means of transport : pick up from your accommodation is included, you will travel in a comfortable van.
• Advantages of this option : guide through the best shops and malls.
• Disadvantages of this option : it is exclusively for those looking for shopping, as this activity is emphasized over the tour of the area.

How to book a Hamptons tour?

The best way to book a Hamptons tour from New York City is online. This way you can check that whoever is offering the tour has good references and positive reviews, and you can also see the many options available and choose the one that best suits your plans. Remember that this is a great place to visit with the little ones in the family, making a trip to the Hamptons one of the top 10 things to do in New York with kids .

Tips for a trip to the Hamptons

The Hamptons has a lot of sights to see, and this can make a single day there leave you wanting to explore more . For this reason, a fundamental tip is to organise your visit very well.

Look at the alternatives offered by the guided tours to see which one best suits your tastes. Do you want to spend more time on the beach? Are you more interested in the architecture and luxury mansions? Do you want to go shopping? Define what you don't want to miss and then take in the rest of the attractions in the remaining time.

In any case, if you have something left to see, what better excuse to return to the Hamptons and maybe stay there for a few days next time? This place is ideal if you decide to visit New York in August .

Why take a shopping trip to the Hamptons?

The Hamptons are very close to Manhattan, but it's important to note that travelling on your own can be tricky in terms of timing and being able to squeeze in a day to see all the sights. If you are not staying in the Hamptons and you are going to make a day trip from NYC, the best option is to hire a guided tour.

Accessing the Hamptons by public transport can take quite a long time, for example, by train the estimated time is about 3 to 4 hours , which greatly reduces the time available in the area (if we want to return in the day). On the other hand, if you book a tour, the time is perfectly organised so that your time in the Hamptons will be worth it. Tours take you to the main sights of the area and give you plenty of time to appreciate the place.

How long is a Hamptons tour?

Due to the amount of things to see and enjoy in the prestigious coastal region, the average length of a Hamptons tour is between 8 and 12 hours in total . So if you're planning to book a tour from New York City to the Hamptons, bear in mind that between the tour itself and the transfers you'll be spending a full day. Consider this when planning your days in the Big Apple.

What will I see on a trip to the Hamptons?

It all depends on the option you choose among the alternatives, but the most important tourist attractions in the Hamptons and its surroundings are:

• Westhampton : this stands out for being one of the Hamptons villages with the most peaceful atmosphere.
• Quogue : this village is the wildest and where nature stands out. Very interesting at this point, if you have time, visit the Quogue Wildlife Refuge .
• Southampton : one of the most glamorous areas, with its Main Street full of shops, cafes, high-end restaurants and much more. Among the restaurants I recommend Sant Ambroeus where you will taste the best Italian pastas.
• East Hampton : the most luxurious mansions of the Hamptons are located here.
• Sag Harbour : this is a whaling village with a lot of history behind it. It is noted for its quaint and welcoming atmosphere.
• Montauk : This site is home to the iconic lighthouse and the best waves for southern surfers. It's also known for its fresh seafood, which you can indulge in at the Lobster Roll restaurant.

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25 Best & Fun Things to Do in The Hamptons (NY)

In search of the best and most fun things to do in the Hamptons, NY?

The Hamptons comprise cities that make up the South Fork of Long Island, which includes East Hampton and Southampton, located about a hundred miles from New York City.

It is widely known as the place for the most distinguished and affluent. It is also a perfect place for holidays and vacations.

The Hamptons feature several amazing beaches in the United States and worldwide, making it a destination for fun water activities like kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, and more.

There are several places to visit in the Hamptons, including East Hampton Art House, Mill House Inn, Hither Hills State Park, Southampton Cultural Center, Patty’s Berries & Bunches, and many others.

The Hamptons has to be your next vacation destination if you want to truly have a great time. Here are some of the top things to do in the Hamptons, NY.

Things to Do in The Hamptons

1. quogue wildlife refuge.

One of the best things to do in the Hamptons, NY is visiting Quogue Wildlife Refuge , an incredibly beautiful nature preserve.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a three hundred acre nature preserve featuring a wide range of animal and plant species.

This nonprofit nature preserve was established in 1934 and is open throughout the year every day of the week from dusk to dawn.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge features a well-paved trail perfect for walking around the refuge as you get to enjoy the beautiful views of nature.

The nature preserve offers students an opportunity to learn more about the different local animals and how to take care of them and feed them.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge consists of a fully stocked library, a gift shop, and open wildlife exhibits. Biking and picnicking are highly prohibited here as well as pets.

Address: 3 Old Country Road P.O. Box 492 Quogue, NY 11959 United States

2. The Maidstone

Are you still confused about where to lodge? Then, add a visit to the Maidstone to your list of things to do in the Hamptons, NY.

The Maidstone is built in Swedish-style, graced with elegance and luxury, making it a great and conducive place to reside.

There is a large selection of well-ventilated rooms for you to pick from, with comfortable king-size beds, large flat-screen TVs, sofas, and more.

The Maidstone consists of a cocktail bar & lounge offering a wide variety of cocktails and other delightful drinks.

There is a fantastic restaurant that serves delicious and freshly made seafood and other cuisines using local ingredients.

  Address: 207 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States

3. South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center

Visiting the region’s one and only state-of-the-art natural history museum is one of the top things to do in Hamptons, NY.

South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center was established in 1988 to educate the public about the biodiversity of Long Island.

The center is open to both children and adults, featuring lots of hands-on exhibits ideal for everyone.

South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center features aquariums and terrariums comprising local wildlife with a marine Tank consisting of aquatic life such as whelks, crabs, urchins, and stars.

There are highly knowledgeable tour guides available at the facility to take visitors on a tour while educating them about the various exhibits displayed.

Address: 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, United States

4. LongHouse Reserve

The reserve comprises more than seventy outdoor sculptures thoroughly selected by Jack Lenor Larsen, the owner, and his crew.

LongHouse Reserve features an expansive collection of plants, including beautifully matured trees, flora and fauna, and more.

The well-manicured gardens with a special layout and contemporary exhibits are some of the features that make this place unique.

LongHouse Reserve was founded to motivate the creative spirit in patrons who stop by, offering guided tours of the facility.

Address: 133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States

5. Harbor Bistro

Harbor Bistro is a beautiful restaurant in the Hamptons that is renowned for offering meals made from scratch.

This is a family-owned and operated restaurant overlooking Maidstone Harbor Marina with a nice and comfortable terrace seating.

Harbor Bistro features a full-service bar packed with several varieties of drinks plus the friendly and cheerful bartenders.

They also offer catering services for any kind of event, including wedding reception, house parties, birthday parties, and more.

Harbor Bistro staff is highly professional and passionate while carrying out their duties, ensuring every guest is satisfied.

Address: 313 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States

6. Mill House Inn

Mill House Inn is located right in the middle of East Hampton, owned and managed by people who showcase the hospitality values in the city, treating everyone like family.

The luxurious rooms and suites are available, which offer visitors a homey and friendly feeling, consisting of soft beds, large windows, terraces, and more.

Mill House Inn features a vast three-bedroom for large families and groups, featuring a kitchen, garden, and lovely pool.

The resort offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, and the staff is happy to offer suggestions about where to visit and have a good time.

Address: 31 North Main St, East Hampton, Long Island, NY 11937, United State

7. Sag Harbor

For an exceptional experience, add a visit to Sag Harbor to your list of fun things to do in the Hamptons, NY, a remarkable village that transports you back to the ancient days.

Sag Harbor is an incorporated village; the larger portion of the village is located in Southampton and the smaller part in East Hampton.

One of the most amazing places here, is the main street, a region packed with an assortment of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and more.

Sag Harbor consists of the popular Whaling Museum, containing an enormous selection of whaling materials.

In the early 1700s, Sag Harbor was formerly known as the “Un-Hampton,” consisting of Borth Sea, Noyack, and North Haven.

Take a walk down the streets of Sag Harbor as you check out the beautiful ancient structures built in a unique architectural style.

8. Hither Hills State Park

When you’re in the mood to get outside and have fun, visiting Hither Hills State Park is one of the top fun things to do in the Hamptons, NY.

Hither Hills State Park sits on a landspace of one thousand, seven hundred and fifty-five acres, featuring different exciting amenities.

The state park features several picnic areas, where you can conveniently throw your picnic mat and enjoy a meal with your family.

Hither Hills State Park consists of nice fishing spots open throughout the year where visitors get to fish to their heart content.

The park also features a sandy beach with glimmering blue ocean waters, which is both beautiful and soothing.

Hither Hills State Park contains a playground for children and several campgrounds for those who want to spend the night here.

The park has pine trees, oak trees, olive trees, and trails perfect for biking, nature, cross-country skiing, and hiking.

Your visit to the Hamptons wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Hither Hills State Park with your loved ones.

Address: Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, NY 11754 United States

9. Montauk Point Lighthouse

If you are a history fanatic, visiting Montauk Point Lighthouse should be at the top of your list of things to do in Hampton.

Montauk Point Lighthouse is the first lighthouse to be erected in New York and is rated as the fourth lighthouse in the United States.

The lighthouse is independently owned, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean when viewed from the top of the building.

Montauk Point Lighthouse consists of a museum comprising pictures, artifacts, and several materials focused on the history of Montauk.

The lighthouse is currently open for tours of the ten essential spots, including the lighthouse keeper’s apartment, oil room, and fog signal cabin.

Montauk Point Lighthouse is a great venue for events such as musical concerts, weddings, and art shows.

Address: 2000 Montauk Highway Montauk 11954 United States

Check out our checklist of things to do in Flushing ,  things to do in Canandaigua  and  things to do in Cortland . for a fun time in New York

10. 75 Main in Southampton

75 Main in Southampton is a unique spot in Southampton that offers patrons nothing but an amazing experience.

This is also a great place where you can spend the night having fun with your loved ones, and a professional Dj is available to grease your ears with great music.

75 Main in Southampton features a large dance floor where you can show off your dance skills with a lounge for relaxation.

They offer an energetic and lively atmosphere which attracts people from different parts of the city, who just want to have a good time.

75 Main in Southampton consists of a lovely restaurant that serves delicious meals like Roasted Branzino, Endive and Arugula Salad, Black Bean & Quinoa Burger, Belgium Waffles, Spaghetti Little Neck Clams Red or White Sauce, and more.

Address: 75 Main St, Southampton, NY 11968, United States

11. Patty’s Berries & Bunches

Have you ever had a U-pick experience? Then, do well to add a visit to Patty’s Berries & Bunches to your list of things to do in Hampton.

Patty’s Berries & Bunches offers many families opportunities to pick lots of blueberries and raspberries themselves.

The best time to pick these fruits (raspberries and blueberries) is usually during August, though the season for strawberries begins in June and is cultivated in July.

Patty’s Berries & Bunches was founded by Patty DiVello as Harbes Berry Farm in 1975; later, in 2010, its name was altered to Patty’s Berries & Punches.

The farm features several species of flowers such as sunflowers, Dahlias, ornamental, and more, making it a perfect place for picnics, weddings, and many events.

Patty’s Berries & Bunches is open for arranged group tours; the onsite store offers honey, cider, Jams, baked goods, and more.

Address: 410 Sound Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952, United States

12. Montauk Downs State Park

Montauk Downs State Park has one of the best golf courses in the Hamptons and is a family-friendly state park.

Its beautiful 18-hole course is one of the major highlights of Montauk Downs State Park, offering the public exciting tee times for little or no cost.

Montauk Downs State Park also consists of many pools where you can go diving and a driving range for those who want to test their driving skills.

The park features a mini-golf course in the Puff n Puff Family Fun Center, specially designed for children only to explore.

Montauk Downs State Park also features six championship tennis courts and a pool for children; visitors can also choose to go canoeing or paddle boating.

There is a clubhouse and a grilling spot where you can relax and boost your energy before or after playing through the delicious meals and drinks served.

  Address: 50 S Fairview Ave, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

13. East Hampton Art House

Booking a room at East Hampton Art House is one of the best things to do in the Hamptons, NY, a resort that speaks luxury and glamour.

East Hampton Art House offers guests private passage to the Marina and Clearwater Bay Beach, which also offers sweeping views of the environment.

The art-house consists of stylishly decorated rooms with unique designs and essential furnishings.

The rooms feature cable Tv, nice linen, toiletries, bathrobes, large beds, and their bathrooms consist of the best toiletries.

East Hampton Art House also features the Master Spa Suite, which contains a double whirlpool spa tub ideal for couples.

There is an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness room, and a stunning garden on the property, open to everyone.

Address: 9 Bon Pinck Way, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States

14. Gosman’s Dock

Gosman’s Dock is one of Montauk’s most popular seafood restaurants, known for serving deliciously made meals.

The seafood restaurant is unique, with a casual setting offering sweeping views of the Montauk Harbor, and it also features a rooftop deck.

Gosman’s Dock offers patrons a diverse menu featuring varieties of preparation styles, ingredients, spices, and more.

Some of the popular meals served include Montauk Lobster Roll, lobster tail, Gosman’s Surf and Turf, fish & chips, Grilled Scottish Salmon, fish tacos, Baked Stuffed Clams, Romaine & Kale Caesar Salad, Stuffed Lobster Tails, and more.

Gosman’s Dock offers a wide variety of cocktails, and other delicious drinks to blend with the mouthwatering dishes served.

This is a kid-friendly seafood restaurant with a comfortable outdoor patio and a large parking space for customers to enjoy.

Address: 500 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

15. Stony Hill Stables

If you have ever wanted to ride a horse, add a visit to Stony Hill Stables to your list of fun things to do in the Hamptons, NY.

Stony Hill Stables is open to everyone regardless of age, offering several horse riding competitions and pony camps.

This stable has existed for almost fifty years and features one of the best horseback riding facilities in the region.

Stony Hill Stables offers vibrant and friendly horses which are due to the proper feeding, training, and caring of these horses

Address: 268 Town Ln, Amagansett, NY 11930, United States

16. Southampton Cultural Center

Certainly, no list of fun things to do in the Hamptons, NY is complete without a visit to the Southampton Cultural Center.

The Southampton Cultural Center was established for the promotion of the culture, art, music, and dance of the community.

This non-profit organization offers a wide variety of workshops, and programs throughout the year, which are immensely focused on education and the participation of the people in performances and exhibitions.

Southampton Cultural Center organizes a series of concerts during the summer period offering talented local artists a platform to shine.

Many of the events organized are held at Cooper’s Beach and Agawam Park, including the Southampton Strings Festival.

Address: 25 Pond Ln, Southampton, NY 11968, United States

17. Southampton Hunt and Polo Club

Southampton Hunt and Polo Club is a fun place to visit in the Hamptons, especially for polo lovers. You do not need to have prior experience before visiting.

The club teaches beginners how to play the sport, which basically involves riding a horse while also trying to score goals against the opponent.

Southampton Hunt and Polo Club officially opened its doors in 1989, offering polo lessons to those who would like to learn the sport.

This is one of the country’s most popular and biggest polo clubs, providing exciting and competitive polo games.

  Address: 206 Millstone Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976, United States

Are you planning to explore New York?, check out our guide on things to do in Newburgh , things to do in Jamestown and  things to do in Sag Harbor  for an amazing time.

18. Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen is the best place for different kinds of sweet treats in the Hamptons, which officially opened in 1925.

This family-owned and operated business has been offering customers the best treats for almost one century.

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen is a great place to relax and chill during a hot summer day; make sure you try out some of their homemade ice creams.

They offer a wide array of ice cream flavors for customers who visit to pick from, ensuring there is something for all.

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen offers the best milkshakes, grilled cheeses, sandwiches, and other light breakfast fares.

Address: Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, United States

19. Canal Cafe

Dining at Canal Cafe with your family and friends is one of the best things to do in the Hamptons, NY, and be sure to have an amazing time.

Canal Cafe is a laid-back and casual restaurant making it an excellent place to take a break and relax in a comfortable environment.

The cafeteria offers visitors an impressive food menu featuring different kinds of food suitable for lunch and dinner.

Canal Cafe serves meals like Guacamole and Chips, fried calamari, lobster roll, Steamed Littleneck Clams, fried shrimp hero, fried oyster, Calamari and Chips and more.

The cafeteria is open on Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday from 12pm-9pm, and Friday & Saturday from 12pm-10pm ( closed Monday and Tuesday).

Address: 44 Newtown Rd, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, United States

20. Rocky’s Lobster Bar

Are you ready to party all night long? Then, add a visit to Rocky’s Lobster Bar to your list of fun things to do in the Hamptons, NY.

Rocky’s Lobster Bar is a place that makes you feel energetic and eclectic as you party and dance to the beats of the music.

This bar is open from Friday to Thursday with a fantastic restaurant that offers the public delicious meals and drinks.

Rocky’s Lobster Bar is a popular place in the city which offers visitors an amazing experience through the great music by live DJs, friendly bartenders, and savory food.

There is a vast dance floor and a large outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy a drink with your friends and family.

Address: 58 Foster Ave, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, United States

21. East Hampton Point

The true definition of a home away from home is East Hampton Point, a hotel in the Hamptons that ensures its guests feel secure and relaxed.

East Hampton Point is a resort everyone will love, especially mariners and sailors; there is a full-time marina open for visitors to explore with boats.

They offer a large option of rooms to pick from, each consisting of a fantastic spa bathtub and outdoor patios.

East Hampton Point rooms are decorated with dramatic designs to offer guests the kind of luxury and comfortability they desire.

Bikes are available in the facility for rentals, a tennis court, a gym room for working out, and an Olympic pool for relaxation.

Address: 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States

22. Adventure Paddleboards

Adventure Paddleboards is a tour company in Hampton Bays that offers family and friends an amazing experience through their tours.

The tours are carried out at Shinnecock Bay, where visitors get to have a closer view of the beautiful Bay.

Adventure Paddleboards also offer a large number of paddle boards and kayaks in good conditions for rentals.

You can also choose between Peconic Paddler, done at Riverhead, while Plaza Surf N Sports is carried out in Montauk.

 Adventure Paddleboards also feature a food truck available during the summer months, serving delicious meals and freshly squeezed juices.

They also offer stand-up paddle board, yoga lessons, and live music performances on Wednesdays from 6-10pm.

23. Jedediah Hawkins Inn

For a more unique experience, add a visit to Jedediah Hawkins Inn to your list of things to do in the Hamptons, NY, especially with your loved ones.

Jedediah Hawkins Inn is a beautiful hotel surrounded by about twenty-two acres of farmland and a gorgeous garden.

This is the right place to stay if you want to easily explore the North Fork beaches and wineries.

Jedediah Hawkins Inn is housed in an 1863 structure that has been entirely remodeled to retain its past beauty.

The inn consists of six beautifully decorated rooms and suites, featuring every necessary thing one needs to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Jedediah Hawkins Inn offers visitors uniquely styled rooms with fireplaces, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and more.

Address: 400 South Jamesport Ave, Jamesport, NY 11947, United States

24. Montauk Brewing Company

Montauk Brewing Company is a laid-back brewery established by three friends who were also classmates in high school.

The brewery has existed since 2012 and has become a popular place for many beer fans in the community.

Montauk Brewing Company offers some of the best drinks like Wave Chaser Ipa, driftwood ale, watermelon session ale, and pumpkin ale.

Make sure you visit Montauk Brewing Company with your family and friends and be sure of having a great time.

Address: 62 S Erie Ave, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

25. The 1770 House

The 1770 House is a resort that takes you back in time with its unique designs and outstanding architectural style.

This resort has existed for more than two hundred and fifty years, offering visitors a safe and comfortable environment to live in.

The 1770 House was constructed way back in 1663 as a luxurious home before it was transformed into a hotel.

The building comprises six rooms, including the coach house quarters, which have all been elegantly refurbished and well decorated.

The 1770 House rooms feature large beds, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, air conditioners, comfortable sofas and tables, and more.

The resort offers guests an amazing dining experience at their bistro-style tavern or the beautiful restaurant.

Address: The 1770 House, 143 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States

Are you considering exploring New York, here is a guide on things to do in White Plains ,  things to do in Saugerties , and  things to do in Cold Spring  for a fun vacation

Plan a Trip to Hamptons

The Hamptons is a combination of cities in the United States that attracts hundreds of wealthy people to the country.

These cities are some of the top vacation destinations in the state of New York because of all they have to offer.

You’re guaranteed an incredible experience in the Hamptons; visit with your family and friends to make super amazing memories.

A Local’s Detailed Guide on How to Get from NYC to the Hamptons

Ready to enjoy a very Hamptons vacay but not exactly sure how to get from NYC to the Hamptons ?

If so then you are NOT alone. Because even as a 30+ year NYC local, it can still be a challenge to get all the way out to Long Island – especially when you don’t have a car to call your own (one of the cons of living in NYC ).

Because this glorious summer I think we all want to relax and enjoy some of the very best beaches in the Hamptons while hanging out at some of the greatest wineries on Long Island too.

However, luckily for you, I’m gonna share all my insider tips and tricks with you on how to get from the Hamptons to NYC by plane, train, car, and even using the good old Jitney.

So, regardless of your budget, there’s a perfect transportation method on this list for you!

After all, the Hamptons are one of the best romantic getaways in New York and should be accessible to everyone since we all deserve a little fun in the sun.

So, if you’re ready to plan the perfect day trip from NYC, then let’s swan dive into this hella epic guide about how to get from NYC to the Hamptons right now!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Where are the Hamptons

The ever fabulous and always luxurious Hamptons are right at the east end of Long Island, sticking as far out into the Atlantic ocean as New York State can go.

This affluent community features sandy beaches, golf clubs, vineyards and expansive houses that include the towns of Southampton and East Hampton, which form the southern part of the island’s two forks, in Suffolk County NY.

All in all, there are around 20 seaside villages and hamlets for visitors to enjoy, right on New York City’s doorstep.

And at just under 100 miles from New York City, the Hamptons is one of the most famous and popular vacation getaways in the USA.

But, not just for the general public either! In fact, there are a large number of celebrities who regularly visit (aka party like a rockstar) the Hamptons in order to enjoy the glamour and glitz of this amazing place.

But, if you’re still not sure of where the Hamptons are or how to get from NYC to the Hamptons, check out the map below.

Map of How to Get From NYC to the Hamptons

How to take the Jitney to the Hamptons

One of the best answers for how to get from NYC to the Hamptons is to take the Hampton Jitney. Now just called the Jitney, this bus service started as a single small van that shuttled people around the Hamptons!

Then, fast forward a couple of decades and it’s quickly become one of the most popular ways to get from New York to the Hamptons.

There are also three main lines on the Jitney, depending on where you want to end up: the Montauk Line, the Westhampton Line, and the North fork Line.

Each line also departs from multiple places across NYC, with all of them departing at 96th Street between 3rd and Lexington.

In particular, the Westhampton and North Fork Lines each depart from 83rd and Lex., 59th and Lex. and 41st and Lex respectively. In contrast, the Montauk Line leaves from a few more places, including 85th and Lex., 77th and Lex., 69th and Lex., 59th and Lex. and 40th Street.

Most one-way tickets from New York City to the Hamptons via the Montauk Line are also pretty well-priced and will cost between $37-$44 per person.

And then upon arrival, you can disembark at stops at Manorville, Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Wainscott, East hampton, Amagansett, Napeague and Montauk.

On the other hand, one-way tickets for the Westhampton Line from NYC to the Hamptons are slightly cheaper at $32-$39 per person, with stops at West Hampton, Quogue, East Quogue, Hampton Bays, and even an airport connection (for good measure).

And finally, there’s the North Fork Line, where tickets are even cheaper at $29-$36 per person. North Fork Line buses also make stops at Calverton, Tanger Outlet, Riverhead, Aquebogue, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, Orient Village and Orient Point.

Plus, after you leave NYC, there are some additional buses that stop at Farmingville, depending on the time of departure. You know, just in case all the mentioned stops are not enough for you as you make your way from NYC to the Hamptons.

It’s also worth noting that tickets are cheaper if you prepay. Therefore, the higher price listed above applies if you buy a same day ticket while onboard the Jitney.

Also, remember that buying on the day comes with some risk, as there are only so many seats. So not only is it more expensive, but you might be disappointed!

In terms of timing, the trip in each direction should take somewhere between 2-3 hours, depending on where in NYC you’re starting from and how far along the Hamptons you want to go.

And if you want to splurge on a bit of luxury, the Hampton Ambassador also goes from NYC to the Hamptons! You’ll get more space, access to snacks, alcohol and movies, and even have more time slots to choose from for your journey.

Speaking of alcohol, here’s a fun fact: the Jitney also does wine tours! So, you can be riding in style as you try wines from some of the best vineyards in Long Island !

How to Drive from NYC to the Hamptons

If you choose to drive to the Hamptons , you have a variety of different routes to choose from as you make your from New York City to the Hamptons.

So, you can spend as much or as little time as you like along the coast, and you’ll get to see plenty of New York scenery and local village life too!

Now, when working out your route, you’ll find that there are three main roads that run the length of Long Island: Route 25/25a, Route 27 and the I-495. These roads start as far west as Brooklyn and go right to the tips of the Forks.

The I-495 is the most major motorway into the Hamptons from New York City. It runs right through the middle of Long Island and has the fastest moving traffic of the three roads.

In contrast, Route 27 will take you from the heart of NYC all the way to the end of South Fork! In fact, this scenic road will carry you through Connetquot River State Park, Southaven County Park and past the Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve – areas which have some of the best hiking trails on Long Island !

Now, Routes 25 and 25a both run along the top of Long Island and make for a more leisurely route to the Hamptons, with some great views of the Connecticut coast out across the Long Island Sound.

Whichever route you take though, it’s about 70 miles to the Westhampton Beach area and 90 miles to East Hampton on South Fork. So, you’ll be looking at a 1.5 or 2 hour long journey on the road.

Driving during the summer season, and driving to the Hamptons on weekends, will probably take you a little longer. After all, the Hamptons are super popular and there will definitely be lots of traffic.

How to take the Train from New York City to the Hamptons

Ah, riding the iron horse across the great USA. It’s what our ancestors did, and it’s still one of the best ways to get from NYC to the Hamptons!

Ah, riding the iron horse across the great USA. It’s what our ancestors did, and it’s still one of the best ways to get from New York City to the Hamptons!

This is because it is both the cheapest and one of the fastest options for this route. So, you’ll be able to save some money and have more time for sightseeing? It’s win win!

There’s only one line you need to remember for trains to the Hamptons: The Long Island Railroad (LIRR). Trains depart from Penn Station once per day to Montauk and the South Fork region at 4:06pm sharp, and twice (or sometimes three times) per day to Greenport and the North Fork Region.

Tickets can be purchased either at the station or onboard the train. Prices vary depending on your destination, but from Penn Station they should be in the region of between $9-$30.

And if you’re riding to Montauk on the South Fork, your train will stop at Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and finally Montauk. Tickets should be $18-$24 for off-peak and $20-$30 at peak times.

If you’re only going as far as somewhere like Southampton, you’ll pay something more like $15-$21 for off-peak and $16-$26 at peak times. Also be aware that the full journey from Penn Station to Montauk takes about 2.5 hours.

On the other hand, getting to the North Fork takes a bit longer, because you’ll have to change trains at Ronkonkoma. Again, starting at Penn Station, you’ll pass through stops at Woodside, Jamaica, Mineola, Hicksville, Bethpage, Farmingdale, Pinelawn, Wyandanch, Deer Park, Brentwood, Central Islip and then Ronkonkoma.

After changing trains, your next stops are Medford, Yaphank, Riverhead, Mattituck, Southold and finally Greenport.

Tickets as far as Ronkonkoma are between $11-$15 at off-peak and $10-$19 for peak times. Tickets to Greenport are between $10-$14 at off-peak and $9-$18 for peak times.

Each part of this journey takes about 80 minutes, so adding in the time to change trains it’s a 3 hour trip one-way. Make sure to bring a good book, or a tablet with some good TV!

Pro Tip: When purchasing train tickets, remember that round trip tickets are cheaper than two one-way tickets and that tickets purchased on the train are way more expensive than ones purchases in the station.

How to Take a Helicopter from New York City to the Hamptons

So you want to travel in style – I can respect that! Fortunately, New York City has one of the most exciting and speedy methods for getting to the Hamptons: BLADE.

BLADE is a company that specializes in transport by helicopter in and out of cities, and they have a regular service that flies between NYC and the Hamptons.

With BLADE, you’ll take off from the Hudson River outside BLADE’s NYC headquarters at West 30th Street and arrive in the Hamptons in just 40 minutes!

Needless to say, you’ll also be treated to some VERY Insta-friendly views of New York City as you soar over the skyscrapers before setting down in East Hampton airport.

However, all this luxury does come with a price. It will cost you upwards of $795 or more per seat for this experience, but who says you should put a price on luxury?

There are also regular flights twice a week that take off at Fridays at 5:00 pm and on Sundays at 2:30 pm. If you want, you can even arrange extra flights if you work together with other BLADE patrons, or even charter your own personal flight. But, yeah, that will definitely cost you significantly more!

How to Take a Seaplane from the Hamptons to NYC

BLADE to the rescue again!

Helicopter ride too blasé? How about a seaplane? I’ll admit, there’s something about taking off and landing on water that’s unlike anything else. And when you’re thinking about how to get from New York City to the Hamptons , a seaplane is the connoisseur’s choice!

It’s also a great way to experience the best beaches in the Hamptons !

Launching out of their base on the East River at the end of East 23rd Street, BLADE’s seaplanes are available to take you to the Hamptons in style.

And unlike with their helicopters, there’s no regular service in operation. So, you’ll have to charter your own personal flight, with similar rates to their private helicopter rides.

Other ways to get from the Hamptons to New York City

If none of the above methods appeals to you, or if you’re feeling a little alternative, here are a few more ways to get from NYC to the Hamptons.

• Taxi – Grabbing a taxi from the Upper East Side to Hampton Bays would cost you about $217-286. However, because of traffic (and there WILL be traffic, it’s New York City!) you’re more likely to pay anywhere up to $300+ or more. The journey time is also 2-3 hours on average, so choose this option with caution.
• Limo – Renting a limousine is definitely one of the best ways to make a statement as you cruise from NYC into the Hamptons. They’ll also pick you up and drop you off wherever you want! They will definitely be at least as expensive as a cab though, if not more.
• Ferry – Unfortunately, there is no ferry service that runs from NYC to the Hamptons. The residents of the Hamptons are generally against the idea of ferries coming into their harbors, so if you want to sail there it will have to be by private means.
• Yacht – If it’s within your budget, you can charter your own luxury yacht! It’ll have beautiful interiors, it’s own pool, plenty of decking, and it could all be yours for between $25,000 and $700,000 per week! Ok, that’s a little unrealistic, but I’m covering all the bases here! But if you do take my advice on this, can I come too?

So, What is the Best Way to get from New York City to the Hamptons?

So those are my answers for how to get from NYC to the Hamptons!

If you’re looking for flexibility, driving is the way to go, either in your own car, in a good ol’ New York yellow cab, or a luxurious limousine.

If you want to get there fast and/or save some money, then the Long Island Railroad and the Hampton Jitney are your friends.

However, if you want to get there fast and SPEND some money, then it’s time to take to the skies in a helicopter or a seaplane.

And of course, you can always walk! LOL. I mean, it’ll only take you 32 hours and then you can collapse at one of the most romantic hotels on Long Island .

Additional Resources You’ll Love

• Best Things to do in Woodstock
• Unique restaurants in NYC
• Best Things to do in the Hamptons
• Best Hotels in the Hamptons

There you have it because that just about wraps up my guide on how to get from NYC to the Hamptons!

Tell me, did i leave any transportation methods out of this guide on how to get from new york city to the hamptons if so then let me know in the comments below, and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list now before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later.

Philip Reynolds

Monday 21st of February 2022

At one point I took a plane from marine air terminal at LaGuardia to East Hampton

travelnewyorknow

Oh wow. That sounds awesome and fast!

How To Get To The Hamptons (From NYC, New England, & more)

Planning a trip to the Hamptons? You’re in for a treat! These charming oceanfront towns offer some of the best beaches on the East Coast, plus fun nightlife, chic hotels, and diverse entertainment options.

Whether you’re wondering how to get to the Hamptons from New York City or New England, I’ve got you covered.

I lived in the Hamptons for a year and still regularly visit family who live there full time. I’ve navigated the area quite a bit using various transportation options, this is what I’ve learned.

Read on for everything you need to know about how to get to the Hamptons.

Table of Contents

Where Are The Hamptons?

The Hamptons are located on the far east end of Long Island, about 90 miles from New York City.

Numerous towns and villages comprise the Hamptons. These towns stretch across 40+ miles, with Westhampton to the far west and Montauk to the far east. Getting from one end of the Hamptons to the other requires at least an hour.

How To Get To The Hamptons

Driving to the hamptons.

If you’re driving in from locations such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and regions of Upstate you’ll be passing through New York City. For those coming in from New England and far eastern Upstate, I’ve got you covered in the ferry section further down in this post.

Below is how to drive from New York City to the Hamptons.

The Hamptons are a straight shot from New York City. Upon leaving the city make your way to I-495, the Long Island Expressway. At Manorville take 111 to Highway 27 which will take you straight into the Hamptons. 

Highway 27 and I-495 run parallel to each other, so you can hop on over to 27 at any time. Although this option is definitely slower than 495. 495 is an expressway, meaning multiple lanes and no stops.

Exactly how long it’ll take to drive depends on where you’re heading. For example, Manhattan to the Village of Southampton is about 2 hours, whereas it’ll take about 2 hours and 45 minutes if you’re heading all the way to Montauk from Manhattan, etc. 

Of course, traffic will also play a factor, the above estimates are based on light traffic. Peak times, such as Friday afternoon in summer, will see heavy congestion.

Tips For Driving To The Hamptons

Cell service may get spotty as you head east through the Hamptons, so be sure to have directions downloaded ahead of time. 

There are plenty of gas stations along the way but they do get quite expensive, and small, as you get into the Hamptons. I recommend filling up somewhere further west on Long Island if you want to save a few bucks and avoid crowded stations.

If driving an electric vehicle, there are various Tesla Supercharger stations along 495. Plus Tesla Superchargers and Destination Charging stations along Montauk Highway (Highway 27) in the Hamptons. 

Once you’re in the Hamptons there’s a lot of narrow, winding roads and wonky intersections. Be alert and use caution, especially if driving at night.

Also, if driving at night, watch for deer and wildlife crossings. 

If you have time, the Tanger Outlets are a popular stopping point on Long Island. The large outlets are in Riverhead near Westhampton.

Hire A Driver

Would you prefer to leave the driving to someone else? Hire a driver instead. My in-laws live in Sag Harbor full time and use AMS Limousine Hamptons when they’re in need of a driver. The company services New York City and Long Island, plus regions of New Jersey and Connecticut. 

They’re especially great for transfers to and from the airport.

Getting To The Hamptons By Train

The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Montauk Branch is a convenient way to get to the Hamptons from New York City. 

The train travels from Manhattan’s Penn Station to Montauk with a transfer at Jamaica Station in Queens. 

Additionally, there’s a seasonal train called the “Cannonball” Hamptons Express Train, which is among the fastest ground options to the Hamptons. 

The regular train route requires about 2 – 3 hours. For example, Penn Station to Southampton is about 2.5 hours, and just over 3 hours to Montauk. 

The Cannonball will shave off about 30 minutes of transit time. 

The train is a great option for summer months when the Long Island Expressway is jammed with cars.

The LIRR train runs the Montauk Branch year-round, with extra trains and more seating during the summer months. Again, the Cannonball is seasonal only.

Stops in the Hamptons, in order from west to east, include: Speonk, Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk. All stops listed are within the same fare zone.

Fares vary based on peak vs. non-peak travel times. Plan on spending about $23 – 30 each way, plus a bit more if riding the Cannonball. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the TrainTime app. The app also includes scheduling, shows train status and track location, etc. 

Otherwise, you can purchase from a ticket office, ticket machine, or onboard. Onboard purchasing includes a surcharge and is the most expensive way to go. 

Tips For Taking The LIRR Train From NYC To The Hamptons

Bikes and surf boards can be stored on a first-come, first-served bases for an added fee. 

If traveling during peak times, the LIRR trains can be a bit hectic. At Penn Station tracks aren’t announced until 10 minutes prior to departure, at which time there’s a mad dash for the train. Some will have to stand once seating fills up, there are no assigned seats. 

Most Hampton-bound trains require a transfer at the Jamaica train station. Be sure to keep your ticket for this.

If you don’t want to deal with a transfer, the Cannonball Express Train is your best option. 

If exiting the train in Amagansett, you must be in one of the first two cars to get off the train. When in doubt, ask a crew member if you’re in the right spot.

The LIRR has a helpful post on getting from NYC to the Hamptons via train: LIRR To The Hamptons

Getting To Penn Station By Train:

As mentioned above, the LIRR Montauk Branch departs from Penn Station.

Penn Station is centrally located in Manhattan, you can take the subway here from all around New York City.

Those taking the Amtrak train in from Boston, Washington D.C., or Philadelphia, for example, will arrive in Moynihan Train Hall which is across the street from Penn Station.

Getting To The Hamptons By Bus – Hampton Jitney

One of the most convenient ways to get across Long Island is to take a bus via the Hampton Jitney. This luxury liner has cozy seats, on-board wifi, restrooms, drinks for purchase, and an attendant.

The buses run frequently with a handful of pick up points in Manhattan and one in Queens. 

They have three Hamptons lines: North Fork, Westhampton, and Montauk Line.

The North Fork Line, as you might expect, goes to Riverhead and the North Fork only. You don’t want to take this line if you’re going to the Hamptons. 

Westhampton Line makes stops (in order from west to east) in: Hampton Bays, East Quogue, Quogue, and Westhampton.

Montauk Line makes stops (in order from west to east) in: Manorville, Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Wainscott, East Hampton, Amagansett, Napeague, and Montauk.

Some routes stop in every town listed above, but not all. However popular towns, such as Southampton and East Hampton, will be included in every Montauk Line route. 

Routes are offered on the standard bus, called the Hampton Jitney, or the Hampton Ambassador. The Ambassador is their luxe option which offers more space and cozier seats. 

Fares vary but expect the Hampton Jitney to cost about $50 each way and the Ambassador about $70. Seats are not assigned, although seats can be reserved for an added fee.

You can book your tickets online at the Hamptons Jitney . 

Advanced reservations are required to reserve a spot on the coach. Walk-ups are allowed, in which case riders will pay the attendant. I recommend booking online in advance, especially during summer when buses are regularly full. 

If traveling during summer weekends, reservations need to be made well in advance. 

Tips For Riding The Hamptons Jitney Bus From NYC To The Hamptons

Bikes and surf boards can be stored in the luggage bay for an added fee. Pets are allowed in approved carriers and also require a fee. 

The Jitney bus stops, for the most part, are nondescript — no ticket office, just a very small sign confirming you’re in the right spot. The Southampton stop does have a building with restrooms and cafe. 

Be sure to arrive about 10 minutes before departure. Don’t be alarmed if the bus is late, and don’t worry if a bus passes you — especially in summer when there are many lines running at one time, and even multiple buses per route. 

I found the Jitney bus service to be the best way to get between NYC and eastern Long Island during my time living in the Hamptons.

NYC To The Hamptons By Helicopter – BLADE

For the quickest way to the beautiful beaches of the Hamptons, you’ll want to hit the sky. 

BLADE offers helicopter service into the Hamptons, think Uber gone helicopter. It may be pricey but it’ll get you to the East End in under an hour.

There are various routes throughout the year, with summer having the most options. BLADE offers scheduled, chartered, and crowdsource flights, which I’ll get into below. 

Helicopters depart NYC from helipads located in west Manhattan, east Manhattan, and Wall Street. These helipads each have luxury lounges with amenities such as a bar, snacks, chic decor, and staff members to ensure smooth check in. 

Most scheduled flights land at East Hampton Airport or Montauk Airport. 

For those chartering, there are additional landing site options, such as Southampton and Westhampton.

One way tickets range from about $550 – 1,500 for scheduled flights. 

Private charters start at $4,500. 

BLADE also offers a crowdsourcing option. By launching a crowdsourced flight, you fly when you want, for the same price as the carter. However, in this case you have the potential to earn back credits for seats purchased by other users on your flight.

Reservations can be booked through the BLADE app or online at BLADE . Additionally, flights can be booked over the phone for an added fee. 

There’s no membership requirement or anything along those lines, anyone can book. 

Tips For Riding A BLADE Helicopter From NYC To The Hamptons

There are luggage restrictions due to weight requirements. If flying a scheduled flight with other passengers, large items — like golf clubs, bikes, and large luggage — will be transported to the Hamptons via ToteTaxi for an additional fee. 

Pets are allowed for an added fee. 

If needed, BLADE will arrange transportation services to and from their helipads.

Helicopter To The Hamptons From Locations Outside Of New York City

BLADE also has helipads in New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, D.C., and Westchester, New York, to name a few.

These helipads may not have scheduled flights but will have private helicopter options.

Seaplane To The Hamptons

BLADE also offers seaplanes from NYC to the Hamptons.

The seaplanes depart from the BLADE Aqua Lounge on East 23rd Street in Manhattan. Booking requires a chartered flight and various landing points are offered.

Reservations can be booked through the BLADE app or online at BLADE .

Again, there’s no membership requirement or anything along those lines to fly BLADE, anyone can book. 

Commercial Flights To The Hamptons

There are no commercial flights directly to the Hamptons.

Long Island MacArthur Airport

The nearest airport to the Hamptons with commercial flights is Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), often referred to as Islip.

Islip is a small regional airport, primarily serviced by Southwest Airlines. You can find frequent daily flights to Islip from around the East Coast. Those coming from further points in the United States will connect to ISP via a larger airport such as Baltimore (BWI).

Islip is located about an hour (45 miles) from the Hamptons. Upon arrival you can take the train into the Hamptons, the LIRR stops at the Ronkonkoma Station which is 1 mile from Islip Airport.

Additionally, you can drive to the Hamptons from here. There are various car rental options serving Islip Airport.

New York City Airports

New York City airports include:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 80 miles to Southampton
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – 85 miles to Southampton
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 111 miles to Southampton

Each of these are large airports serviced by almost all major airlines.

Getting to the Hamptons from these airports can be done by renting a car, hiring a driver, taking a bus, or train, all of which I detailed above. Below are a few extra tips for each airport:

Getting To The Hamptons From JFK Airport

If driving to the Hamptons you can rent a car from from JFK. Then follow my directions from the beginning of this post on how to drive from NYC to the Hamptons.

If riding the train, take the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station, which connects with the LIRR.

If taking the Jitney, hire a cab/Uber/Lyft to the Jitney pick up location in Queens (Hampton Jitney Airport Connection). It’s possible to take public transportation to this pick up location but it will involve multiple transfers.

Those flying a BLADE helicopter, there is a BLADE helipad at JFK airport.

Getting To The Hamptons From LaGuardia Airport

Those driving, rent a car from LaGuardia Airport. Then then follow my directions from the beginning of this post on how to drive from NYC to the Hamptons.

If taking the LIRR, from LaGuardia take a cab/ Uber/Lyft to Jamaica Station, then connect to the LIRR. It’s possible to get from LGA to Jamaica utilizing public transportation but multiple transfers are required.

For those taking the Jitney, hire a cab/Uber/Lyft to the Jitney pick up location in Queens (Hampton Jitney Airport Connection). Again, it’s possible to take public transportation to this pick up point but it will involve multiple transfers.

Flying a BLADE helicopter? There is a BLADE helipad at LGA airport.

Getting To The Hamptons From Newark Liberty International Airport

You can rent a car at Newark and drive to the Hamptons. Keep in mind Newark is located west of New York City, meaning you’ll need to get around Manhattan before making your way onto Long Island. This is time consuming.

Newark may not seem that much further from the Hamptons, compared to LGA or JFK, but it will add at least an additional hour of drive time. On top of that, you will pay much higher toll fees from Newark than from the other two airports.

If taking public transportation, take the NJ Transit train into Penn Station. From Penn Station you can connect to the Long Island Rail Road.

If taking the Jitney, from Penn Station walk, cab, or subway to the nearest Jitney pick up location.

Those flying a BLADE helicopter, there is a BLADE helipad at Newark.

Ferry To The Hamptons

If driving from the New England area it’s best to avoid NYC, instead take a ferry from Connecticut to Long Island.

Ferry From New London To Orient Point

The Cross Sound Ferry transports passengers from New London, CT to Orient Point on Long Island’s North Fork year-round.

This is a large ferry with onboard services such as food, beverages, and ample seating areas. The ferry does allow cars, including oversize vehicles and trailers. The ride is 1 hour, 20 minutes in each direction plus extra time for loading and unloading.

Fares vary based on peak vs. non peak travel times, expect to spend about $50 – 80 each way for a standard size vehicle. Reservations need to be made in advance, especially for those bringing a vehicle. You can book online at Cross Sound Ferry .

Orient Point is located on Long Island’s North Fork. To get to the Hamptons from here you’ll need to drive to the South Fork.

There’s two route options, you can either drive to the Hamptons via Riverhead or drive across Shelter Island which involves two more quick ferry rides. 

Which route is better depends where you’re going in the Hamptons. For example, it’s quickest to drive to the Village of Southampton, whereas it’s faster to ferry to Sag Harbor or East Hampton, etc.

Driving To The Hamptons From Orient Point

Take Highway 25 or 48 west towards Riverhead, then head south to Highway 27 which will take you right into the Hamptons.

Orient Point to the Village of Southampton is 45 miles and requires about an hour of driving, more time with traffic.

Note: Most roads along the North Fork are narrow, two-lane highways which can be very congested during weekends.

Drive & Ferry To The Hamptons (via Shelter Island) From Orient Point

From Orient Point you’ll drive to Greenport (9 miles) and take the North Ferry to Shelter Island’s north shore.

You’ll then drive 4.5 miles across Shelter Island, where you’ll hop onto another ferry. The South Ferry departs the island’s south shore and arrives in North Haven of Sag Harbor. You are now in the Hamptons. 

The ferry drop off point in North Haven is about 5 minutes (3 miles) from downtown Sag Harbor.

Both the North Ferry and South Ferry are operated by different companies but are extremely similar, as far as riders are concerned.

Both ferry rides are very quick, about 10 – 15 minutes each way.

The boats are small and run very frequently, there are no reservations for vehicles or individuals. We’ve never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a ferry. However, wait times will be longer during high peak times, such as holiday weekends.

The one way fee is about $15/ vehicle for each ferry. The round trip fares are for same day round trip only.

Cash is required for both the North Ferry and South Ferry.  

Find more information about the North Ferry here: North Ferry Shelter Island Find more information about the South Ferry here: South Ferry Shelter Island

Ferry From Bridgeport To Port Jefferson

The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry transports passengers from Bridgeport, CT to Port Jefferson on Long Island year-round.

This is a large ferry with onboard services such as food, beverages, and ample seating areas. The ferry does allow cars, including oversize vehicles and trailers. The ride is 1 hour, 15 minutes in each direction plus extra time for loading and unloading.

Fares vary based on peak vs. non peak travel times, expect to spend about $60 – 80 each way for a standard size vehicle. Reservations need to be made in advance, especially for those bringing a vehicle. You can book online at Bridgeport – Port Jefferson Ferry .

Getting From Port Jefferson To The Hamptons

Port Jefferson is just over an hour from the Village of Southampton (45 miles) and nearly 2 hours from Montauk (70 miles).

To get from Port Jefferson to the Hamptons you’ll follow Highway 112 south to I-495 (the Long Island Expressway). You’ll then take 111 to Highway 27 which eventually turns into Montauk Highway and leads you straight into the Hamptons.

Ferry To Montauk

The Viking Fleet offers fast ferries from New London, CT or Block Island, RI to Montauk.

Viking Fleet does not allow cars, so this option will only work for specific travelers.

The ferry does not travel every day and only offers a few routes per day.

Both the New London and Block Island ferries are about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Montauk.

One way fees are about $45/ person to Block Island and $55/ person to New London. Reservations should be booked in advance online at Viking Fleet . Bookings made over the phone, onboard, or at the office will incur additional fees.

This is a seasonal ferry, usually running May – October.

Is There A Ferry From NYC To The Hamptons?

There is no public ferry from New York City to the Hamptons.

Other Ways To Get To The Hamptons

Uber/lyft/cab.

People often ask, “Can you Uber from NYC to the Hamptons and vice versa?”

The answer is yes. 

It’s going to be expensive and there’s not a guarantee you’ll find a driver who approves the ride.

However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to arrange other transportation, this is probably a fair option. 

Conversely, if you do have time, I’d recommend hiring a professional driver over an Uber. Why pay nearly the same price for an Uber or Lyft when you could be in a luxury Town Car instead? 

Hire A Tour Guide

If you’re only visiting the Hamptons for a day trip and don’t want to drive yourself, I’d recommend hiring a tour guide.  

Most guides offer private tours only, so it’s definitely no free ride. But if you’re traveling with a small group the price per person is very reasonable. 

The private tour is especially great in that the itinerary is customizable and provides a personalized experience. 

You can book your private tour here: NYC To The Hamptons Private Day Trip

Private Plane To The Hamptons

If traveling from NYC to the Hamptons a helicopter or seaplane is the easiest flight option, which I covered above.

However, for those coming from locations further away — throughout the East Coast, United States, or international — a private plane is the way to go.

Netjets is one of the top companies for private jet services. They offer various planes from light jets to long-range jets, with chartered flights into East Hampton Airport.

You you can book directly through Netjets . If you’re wondering how to get to the Hamptons in style, this is your answer.

What Is The Best Way To Get To The Hamptons?

The answer to this depends on a few factors.

If money is no object, the best way to get to the Hamptons from NYC is via helicopter.

If budget is a consideration, the best way to get to the Hamptons is by driving or taking the Long Island Rail Road. Additionally, taking the train to the Hamptons is a great way to go for any travelers during peak summer hours when roadways are backed up.

Mid-budget travelers looking for a convenient way to get to the South Fork will enjoy the Jitney bus to the Hamptons.

Those coming from the New England area, such as Boston, the best way to get to the Hamptons is by driving then taking a ferry across the Long Island Sound.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in determining how best to get to the Hamptons! This is a wonderful destination and you’re sure to have the best time. Happy travels!

If you wish to follow along with my travels in real time check out  @seen.by.amy  on Instagram or  @seenbyamy  on TikTok!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Hamptons and New York guides. 

More Information For Your Hamptons Vacation:

• East Hampton, NY: Exciting Things To Do
• Montauk: Epic Things To Do
• Southampton, New York: The Top Things To Do
• Sag Harbor, New York: The Top Things To Do
• Sag Harbor: Day Trip Itinerary
• Amagansett: Exciting Things To Do
• Best Wineries In The Hamptons
• Winter In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
• Fall In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
• Spring In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
• Where To Stay In The Hamptons
• The Best Things To Do In The Hamptons
• What To Wear In The Hamptons
• Everything To Know About Visiting The Hamptons

More Information For Your Trip To New York State:

• Upstate New York: The Best State Parks
• Upstate New York: Top Fall Destinations
• Long Island’s Waterdrinker Family Farm: Everything You Need To Know
• Greenport, New York: The Best Things To Do

You May Also Like:

• Nantucket Day Trip: Everything To Know
• Watch Hill, Rhode Island: The Best Things To Do
• Mystic, Connecticut: The Top Things To Do
• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: The Best Things To Do
• Newport, Rhode Island Weekend Itinerary
• New England: 9 Day Southern New England Road Trip

Hey! I’m Amy, author of this article and owner of this website. I've lived in Denver, Chicago, New York, Utah, and Arizona. I’ve visited almost all 50 states, and traveled in nearly a dozen countries. I enjoy writing about places I've lived and the many incredible destinations I've visited worldwide. My hope is that my love for travel will inspire others to see more of this beautiful planet.

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I want to drive to the Hamptons from Manhattan stay and explore a couple of days then take the ferry across and go on up the East Coast where should I stay and where can I catch the ferry how does it all work thank you

What an exciting trip!

To catch the ferry you’ll go to either Orient Point or Point Jefferson, this will take you to Connecticut. There’s more information in the “Ferry to the Hamptons” section. Regarding what to do on the East Coast, check out my post 9 Day Southern New England Road Trip guide. We spent 9 days in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. If you have more time head further north to check out Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. We did a 9 day road trip through those three states as well, with nights in Portland and Bar Harbor, ME, North Conway, NH, and then Burlington, VT. We loved New England.

Regarding where to stay in the Hamptons I like Southampton, East Hampton, or Montauk. But there are many good options, I have a complete post linked here: Where To Stay In The Hamptons .

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

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How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC

Jason Schneider

Whether you split your time between the Hamptons and NYC or you’re just visiting, you’ll need to plan the trek out east. And there are more options for how to to get to the Hamptons from NYC than just driving. So here’s a quick primer on each mode of transit and what you can expect along the way.

How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC By Car

Driving out east is probably the most popular way to go, and it makes sense: Once you’re out there, you’ll most likely want a car to hit all the beaches, restaurants and farm stands. And who wants to carry an armload of fresh pies on a bus?

The most common route from Midtown, Manhattan is I-495 (the Long Island Expressway) all the way to Calverton, where you pick up State Route 24. You then follow State Route 24 to Riverhead — the town that sits right at the North Fork/Hamptons split. Alternatively, you can skip 495 and 24 and take the Southern State Parkway, but that will add mileage to the trip.

Once you’ve passed Riverhead , you stay on 24 until you hit the most important thoroughfare in the Hamptons — Route 27, colloquially referred to as 27 or simply the highway, as in ‘South of the Highway .’

A trip to Riverhead with average traffic will take you right around two hours from Manhattan itself. To get all the way to Montauk, you’ll want to budget about three and a half hours. Parking tends to be fairly easy if you’re staying in a hotel, but be sure to check the various permit rules on beaches — East Hampton Village , for example sells a limited number of non-resident permits. There are plenty of rental car companies along 27, too.

How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC By Bus

Since 1974, the Hampton Jitney has offered a reliable and popular bus service for  people traveling to the East End from Manhattan. Thankfully avoiding Port Authority all together, Jitneys depart from a variety of central, curbside locations between East 37th Street to East 96th Street and now even offers pick up locations in Brooklyn as well. Once in the Hamptons, the bus drops off riders off in Southampton , East Hampton , Amagansett ,  Montauk and more. Prices are around $35 each way, though you can get a bulk rate for more tickets or even charter your own private bus. It’s also a reliable way to get around once you’re there.

But, if you’re looking for the more luxury route, it’s worth looking into the Hampton Luxury Liner — a more upscale option. It offers a more sleek and comfortable traveling experience for a slightly higher price. On both bus options, the travel time will be similar to going by car, pending schedules.

How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC By Train

If you’re looking to get out east via train, then the LIRR is your only option. It’s good to keep in mind that, depending on seasonality and when you go, you might have to take a local train from Manhattan, which will take you up to three hours to get to Montauk due to all the intermediary Long Island stops.

During the summer, there’s one direct Cannonball train that zips you from Penn Station Friday evening and stops first in Westhampton , then Southampton , Bridgehampton , East Hampton and Montauk , and departs from Montauk on Sunday night. It’s a little pricier, but it shaves off a decent amount of time.

How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC By Air

Finally for good measure, we give you ultimate transit pipe dream: hopping in a chopper and landing directly in the Hamptons. If you have the means, you can book a seat on one of Blade’s copters for $695 or charter your own ride for more than $4,000. But the price comes with some perks — before takeoff, you can take a moment to catch your breath in the Blade lounge. Once airborne, the ride only lasts 30 minutes, leaving all the Midtown Tunnel traffic in the dust. Obviously this mode is for a specific clientele with… resources, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s an unforgettable way to kick or cap off a summer trip.

A Note About Boats to the Hamptons

There are no direct ferry services to the Hamptons from NYC. Although this may seem inconvenient and inefficient for many travelers, it is likely intentional. Not only are  Hamptons communities are against  ferry service, but it also would present some challenges for the already congested New York City ferry patterns. Even though you can’t get to the Hamptons from NYC via ferry, you can pick up a ferry in  New London, CT to Sag Harbor. If you are traveling from Boston, Connecticut and even Westchester, there’s no need to come all the way into NYC just to drive out — you can take the New London ferry. Or, you know, you could just buy a yacht and sail across the Sound.

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12 Best Things to Do in the Hamptons, New York

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 12 Best Things to Do in the Hamptons, New York

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There are so many fun things to do in the Hamptons , so if you haven’t been here yet, it’s time to start planning a trip. One of the coolest things about New York City is that it’s close to all kinds of different places, including the Hamptons, which make up several coastal communities on Long Island ’s South Fork.

With lots of recreational activities in the Hamptons , as well as natural areas, this is one of the best weekend getaways from NYC . Here, things happen at a slower pace, and the vibe is more laid-back, so you can unwind and treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Of course, there is plenty to do here, from hiking in the Mashomack Preserve and climbing the Montauk Point Lighthouse to swimming and surfing at the beach. There are hidden treasures waiting for you here, and the Hamptons are just a 3.5-hour drive from NYC, so you can easily rent a car and escape the busy city.

To help you make the most of your time here, I’m sharing the 10 best places in the Hamptons to visit. However, if you’re short on time, I highly recommend this day trip from NYC, which will take you to the best towns in the Hamptons .

1. Go to Cooper’s Beach, one of the best things to do in the Hamptons

One of the most obvious things to do in the Hamptons is to go to the beach. If you’re in Southampton, you can’t miss Cooper’s Beach , a quiet beach with long stretches of soft, clean sand. There are very few pebbles and shells here, so you can comfortably stroll along the coastline and take in the large dunes and historic mansions.

Not only is Cooper’s Beach one of the best places in the Hamptons , but it’s also one of the top beaches in NYC , so you’re sure to love it here. Take a swim, and feel free to bring the kiddos along, as there are lifeguards on duty during the high season. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you plan on spending a few hours here.

While this is one of the most pristine beaches in the Hamptons , it has a hefty parking fee of $50. If you want to avoid paying for parking, consider taking a bike or bus here.

2. Wine tasting at W ölffer Estate Vineyard, something to do in the Hamptons with friends

Without a doubt, one of the most romantic things to do in the Hamptons is to do a wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards. W ölffer Estate Vineyard is a gorgeous winery and makes for a fun day out as a couple or with a group of friends.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard is in Sagaponack in the town of Southampton and has a rustic ambiance with rolling hills and lush vineyards. Its beautiful tasting room is available for events and group visits, although Wölffer also has a wine stand, a kitchen, and horse stables.

2. Wine tasting at Wölffer Estate Vineyard, something to do in the Hamptons with friends

So, if you’re looking for a cool thing to do in the Hamptons with your friends or to celebrate a special occasion, you can’t beat wine and charcuterie. Wölffer has everything from reds and whites to ciders, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.

You can also book this private tour for an unforgettable experience. Transportation is included and you’ll depart from NYC, arrive in Southampton, and explore the downtown area. Then, stop in Sag Harbor, enjoy a visit to Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and check out East Hampton and Montauk before returning to Manhattan.

3. Swim at Main Beach, something to do in the Hamptons as a family

Another awesome beach in the Hamptons is Main Beach in East Hampton, which has long been a popular summertime destination for New Yorkers.

A Hamptons trip isn’t complete without a visit to the coast, and Main Beach is a great choice since you can go swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. In addition to being one of the most scenic beaches in the area, Main Beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and a few restaurants, so you can easily spend hours here.

Best of all, the parking is free here, so it’s a cheap thing to do in the Hamptons with family. After enjoying the surf, sun, and sand, take a short walk to Main Street, where you can browse the shops or grab a bite to eat.

4. Visit Montauk Point State Park, an interesting thing to do in the Hamptons

Montauk Point State Park is one of the top attractions in the Hamptons for those who love the outdoors. Here, you can take in 860 acres of coastline, marshes, and forests, as well as waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound.

Located in Montauk, at the eastern end of Long Island, this state park features picnic areas, a playground, and various walking and hiking trails. Along the coast, you can go surf fishing or scan the horizon for seals resting on the nearby rocks.

Another cool thing about this park is the Montauk Point Lighthouse , one of the best things to see in New York state . This lighthouse was built in 1796, making it the oldest one in the state. At 168 feet tall, it’s an imposing landmark and was even used during the American Revolution. You can climb the tower and visit the Lighthouse Museum to learn more about this historic structure.

Also, right next to Montauk Point State Park, you’ll find Camp Hero State Park , another interesting place with recreational activities and historic monuments. Camp Hero has several military landmarks, including a former Air Force Station, as well as a beach, picnic area, and a trail network.

5. Go biking, a fun thing to do in the Hamptons

Besides going to the beach, taking a bike ride is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Hamptons . That means you can easily find bike rentals in each of the towns and enjoy a ride along the coast or through the woods.

One of the best places to go biking around here is Hither Hills State Park in Montauk. The entire park is worth visiting since, in addition to bike trails, it has a picnic area, beach, playground, sports fields, and campground. The scenic route follows Montauk Point State Parkway west, then circles Hither Hills Park, granting you lovely views of Napeague Bay.

If you’re in Southampton, the oceanfront bike trail at Dune Road is a beautiful 13-mile loop, while Meadow Lane is shorter and goes past Cooper’s Beach. Alternatively, Gerard Drive in East Hampton is another short route along the bay, so you have plenty of ways to enjoy this activity in the Hamptons .

6. Go to the LongHouse Reserve, something to do in the Hamptons as a couple

The LongHouse Reserve is a beautiful attraction in the Hamptons that combines art and nature. It spans 16 acres in East Hampton, so you can take your time walking through lush gardens, a beautifully designed landscape, and interesting art pieces.

This place was founded by Jack Lenor Larsen, an artist who lived at LongHouse and specialized in textiles and woven design installations. Along with his work, you can see pieces by Yoko Ono, Willem de Kooning, Ai Weiwei, and other prominent artists.

Throughout the reserve, there are themed outdoor areas like tropical gardens and Peter’s Pond, a scenic spot with water lilies, turtles, and bullfrogs. Coming here is a romantic thing to do in the Hamptons as a couple, especially when the weather is nice.

In addition to the landscaped grounds, you can see some curious conceptual sculptures and art installations. For example, Fly’s Eye Dome is a geodesic dome that resembles an insect’s head, while Yoko Ono’s Play It By Trust is a large-scale monochromatic marble chess set. Willem de Kooning’s Reclining Figure is one of the most famous Abstract Expressionist sculptures, and Dale Chihuly’s blown glass Cobalt Reeds are absolutely stunning.

Admission costs $15 and guided tours are available, although it’s nice to take your time strolling through the different areas.

7. Relax at the Montauk Salt Cave, the best plan for a weekend at the Hamptons

If you’re looking for another couples’ activity in the Hamptons , check out the Montauk Salt Cave . This alternative wellness center is perfect for a romantic spa date or a fun day out with friends.

The Montauk Salt Cave specializes in salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, which is said to help with anxiety, allergies, inflammation, and sleeplessness. All you have to do is sit back and relax, and as you breathe in the salt air, you’ll feel totally at ease. The ambient lighting and soothing music make it a completely immersive experience.

If you prefer to try a different wellness treatment, Montauk Salt Cave offers meditation sessions, reiki, sound healing, and yoga classes. You can also get a deep tissue massage or a beauty treatment like a manicure, pedicure, or facial. Without a doubt, this place has everything you need for a pampered weekend at the Hamptons .

8. Go shopping on Main Street in East Hampton, another thing to do in the Hamptons

No matter the weather or the time of year, it’s a good time to go shopping , and East Hampton is one of the best towns in the Hamptons for a shopping spree. Here, you’ll find Main Street , which is full of village shops where you can find just about anything you’re looking for.

This shopping area has cute independent boutiques and locally owned galleries, so you can find unique items for yourself or for someone back home. The shops range from jewelers and clothing stores to bookstores and home goods retailers. There are also high-end stores like J Crew, Lululemon, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch, so it’s great if you like luxury brands.

After browsing all the different shops, you can slip into one of the nearby day spas or grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes. Overall, it’s something fun to do in the Hamptons with friends, and East Hampton is one of the best places to visit outside NYC , so don’t miss it.

9. Look for windmills, a unique thing to do in the Hamptons, NY

Something that you may not know about the Hamptons is that it’s home to several historic windmills , which were built in the late 18 th and early 19 th centuries. In fact, the Hamptons have the largest collection of wooden windmills in the country. They’re some of the most unique attractions in the Hamptons , so I recommend visiting at least one during your trip.

Back in the day, local farmers used the windmills to mill grain, and while these structures are no longer in use, they’re a cool part of the area’s history and landscape. In addition to grounding up grain, these traditional wooden windmills pumped water and even sawed timber.

There are 11 historic windmills in the Hamptons, but I’ll tell you about a few of them here. First, the Hayground Windmill in East Hampton was built in 1801 and still contains its original machinery. The Wainscott Windmill was built in 1813 and sits next to Georgica Pond in Wainscott, while the Corwith Windmill was built in 1800 and is at the intersection of Halsey Lane and Montauk Highway.

Over in Bridgehampton, the Beebe Windmill is an impressive mill built in 1820 and was one of the first to have cast iron gears. It’s also worth seeing the Hook Windmill in Southampton, which dates back to 1806 and was in use for 100 years.

10. Go surfing at Ditch Plains, an outdoorsy thing to do in the Hamptons

Of course, it goes without saying that you should visit the beaches in the Hamptons , although I specifically recommend Ditch Plains if you like to go surfing . This public beach is over in Montauk and is open year-round for swimming and surfing.

Ditch Plains isn’t the liveliest beach in the Hamptons, but it’s the most popular one among the surfer crowd, so if you want to bring your board here and hit the waves, you’ll be among friends. The waves are also fine for swimming, and when you get tired, you can enjoy the beautiful views.

There are also walking trails in the area as well as a snack bar that serves wraps, salads, and other tasty lunch items. Ditch Plains is open year-round, and during the high season, there are food trucks and lifeguards. So, having a beach day here is one of the best things to do in the Hamptons in the summer .

11. Mashomack Preserve, one of the best places in the Hamptons

The Mashomack Preserve may not be well-known, but it’s one of the best places in the Hamptons to visit. This hidden gem is on Shelter Island, north of Sag Harbor, and is surrounded by Gardiners Bay and Sag Harbor Bay.

The preserve has over 2,000 acres of creeks, forests, marshes, and woodlands, as well as several walking and hiking trails. It’s a good idea to stop by the Visitors Center first to learn more about the area and what to expect. For example, the sphagnum moss in the wetlands can reach up to ten feet thick.

To explore a bit more, take the Joan C. Coles Memorial Trail, a nice and easy one-mile trail. While you admire the scenery, keep an eye out for birds and waterfowl like ospreys, herons, and egrets. There are several walking paths throughout the preserve, and they’re all easy to navigate and well-marked with signposts.

Since the Mashomack Preserve is on Shelter Island, you need to take the ferry to get there. The ferry departs from North Haven, just a five-minute drive from Sag Harbor, and the ferry itself takes 5-10 minutes to get to Shelter Island.

12. Sag Harbor, one of the best towns in the Hamptons, New York

Finally, Sag Harbor is one of the best spots in the Hamptons , thanks to its location and small-town charm. This town is a 25-minute drive from Southampton and just 15 minutes from East Hampton, plus it’s right by the ferry to Shelter Island.

That said, you can easily spend a few hours in Sag Harbor exploring its landmarks, history, and quaint village feel. Many of the structures here date back to the 1800s and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Moreover, Sag Harbor was the first commercial port in the country, and these days, you can take sailing and catamaran cruises here. If you want to learn more about its nautical history, check out the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum.

Despite its quiet, laid-back vibe, Sag Harbor has a lively Main Street with shops and restaurants. This little downtown area is home to artsy boutiques, lovely shops, and independent cafes. If you get hungry, I recommend eating at Dockside Bar & Grill or Estia’s Little Kitchen.

Sag Harbor offers other attractions like the Custom House Museum and the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge. It’s one of the best day trips from NYC , so it’s worth adding to your Hamptons trip itinerary. If you don’t have much time, this day tour will take you from Manhattan to Sag Harbor and Southampton.

Where to stay in the Hamptons

With so many cool things to do in the Hamptons , it makes sense to stay overnight in one of these beach communities. Here are three beautiful accommodation options to consider:

• Southampton Inn – This hotel is close to Cooper’s Beach, one of the best beaches in the Hamptons . It’s a clean and comfortable accommodation with a pool, courtyard, and restaurant.
• East Hampton House Resort – This resort is in one of the best towns in the Hamptons , East Hampton, so you’ll be near Main Beach and several of the historic windmills. The whole family will feel at home with a kitchenette, outdoor pool, and playground.
• Beachcomber Resort – This hotel is over in Montauk, between Hither Hills and Ditch Plains, two beautiful places in the Hamptons . The property includes family rooms, a sauna, and a heated outdoor pool.

Map of the Hamptons, New York

Now that you know what to do in the Hamptons and where to stay, here is a map with all the attractions and hotels I mentioned.

I hope this guide was helpful and that you found some cool places to visit in the Hamptons, NY . If you have any questions or want to share your favorite things to do in the Hamptons , feel free to leave me a comment below. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Have a wonderful Hamptons vacation!

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4 replies on “ 12 Best Things to Do in the Hamptons, New York ”

Hi, I been to Ny many times, never made it to the Hamptons . I am planning a trip for July and would really like to explore the Hamptons. I am interested in relaxing, a little shopping, and definitely the salt cave. Would like to stay ocean front. What would you suggest? Do I need to drive or can I fly in?

Thanks Maria Suarez [email protected]

Hi Maria, Sag Harbor is a wonderful place where you can relax by the water, and its Main Street district has charming shops and cafes. Check out Baron’s Cove if you want to stay overnight. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can drive to the Hamptons, or you can fly in. The closest airport is the Long Island MacArthur Airport, which is an hour from the Hamptons.

What an amazing article! Planning my weekend getaway to the Hamptons right now!

I’m glad you found it useful 🙂

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• Road Trip Itinerary From New...

Road Trip Itinerary From New York City to the Hamptons

If anything can happen in a New York minute, imagine how much a New Yorker could get done in 195 of them. On a two-day, three-hour and fifteen-minute journey from New York City to the Hamptons, we’ll take road trippers to Brooklyn’s best shops, a country-style B&B, and everywhere in between.

Total distance (approximate): 94.4 miles / km

Total driving time (approximate): 3.25 hours

Recommended number of days traveling: 2

Breakfast at Vinegar Hill House

Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6km)

Travel time: 20 minutes

Savvy travelers skip the Manhattan foot traffic when they fuel up for the drive ahead at one of Brooklyn’s top-rated restaurants. Located in DUMBO’s Vinegar Hill (a location doesn’t get any cooler than a neighborhood within a neighborhood), Vinegar Hill House is a waterfront restaurant serving New American worth writing home about. Order the sourdough pancake with seasonal fruit, eggs Benedict, cheddar grits, and bottomless La Colombe coffee.

Shopping in Williamsburg

Distance: 2.1 miles (3.3 km)

Travel time: 13 minutes

A rare thrift find or antique piece sure beats your standard souvenir. Vacationers looking to not come home empty-handed can take care of their souvenir shopping early in New York City’s trendiest neighborhood. Snag original gifts at the Brooklyn’s hipster haven’ s cult shops, including Artists and Fleas (handmade products plus vintage clothing), Brooklyn Reclamation (home furnishings made from repurposed materials), and Bird (indie fashion and accessories).

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km)

Travel time: 30 minutes

It’s a long way to the Hamptons – stretch your legs one last time at Queens’ Flushing Meadows-Corona Park . There’s plenty to see and do in the borough’s largest park, including Citi Field, the Flushing Bay Promenade, and the famous Unisphere landmark.

A Victorian On the Bay B & B

Distance: 67.2 miles (108.1 km)

Travel time: 1 hour 26 minutes

Once travelers have arrived in Long Island, it’s time for another break. Check in to A Victorian On the Bay B & B for a true LI experience complete with water views and outdoor recreation, such as cycling and kayaking. Rooms here come equipped with electric fireplaces, and some feature semi-private decks, making leaving the next morning a challenge.

Farm Country Kitchen

Distance: 9.6 miles (15.4 km)

Travel time: 14 minutes

After waking up feeling refreshed, the North Fork-inspired cuisine and Peconic River views at Farm Country Kitchen will hit the spot. Located in Long Island’s wine country (a hint of things to come), this 1800s-era colonial home serves up salads with marinated duck and peaches, crab cake and cheddar cheese sandwiches, and shrimp pasta. Tip: grab one of the restaurant’s convenient “Box Lunches” on the way out – trust us.

Coopers Beach

Distance: 18.9 miles (30.4 km)

Travel time: 27 minutes

Finally: the reason one comes to the Hamptons – it’s time to hit the beach. Coopers Beach in Southampton is consistently ranked one of America’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to its white quartz sand and mansion views. With amenities like chairs and umbrellas, concessions, and on-site restrooms, Coopers Beach could easily occupy most of the day.

Channing Daughters Winery

Distance: 9.4 miles (15.1 km)

Travel time: 21 minutes

After traveling from one New York City island to another, vacationers deserve a drink. Bridgehampton’s Channing Daughters Winery is about as “Hamptons” as it gets, with the multiple vineyards (six so far) and wine varieties to prove it. This winery is the perfect spot to end a road trip and to begin planning one’s next move.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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How Far Is The Hamptons From New York City? Mileage And Travel Options

Known for their beautiful beaches and upscale resort towns, the Hamptons offer a quintessential New York summer getaway. But just how far away are the Hamptons from the hustle and bustle of New York City?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Hamptons are approximately 100 miles east of New York City by car .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling between New York City and the Hamptons, including:

– Driving times and mileage to popular Hamptons destinations

– Directions by car, bus and train options

– Best times to travel to avoid traffic

– Insider tips to optimize your commute

Driving Distance to Major Hamptons Towns

Southampton – 100 miles from nyc.

Located on the South Fork of Long Island, Southampton is a popular destination for New Yorkers seeking a beach getaway. With its picturesque beaches, charming villages, and luxurious estates, it’s no wonder why Southampton is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The distance from New York City to Southampton is approximately 100 miles, making it an easily accessible destination for a weekend trip or longer vacation.

East Hampton – 115 miles from NYC

Known for its upscale shops, art galleries, and stunning beaches, East Hampton is another sought-after destination in the Hamptons. Situated just a short drive away from New York City, East Hampton is approximately 115 miles away.

With its beautiful landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, East Hampton offers a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment for visitors.

Montauk – 125 miles from NYC

If you’re looking for a more laid-back and scenic experience in the Hamptons, Montauk is the place to be. Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk offers breathtaking ocean views, hiking trails, and world-class fishing opportunities.

The distance from New York City to Montauk is approximately 125 miles, but the journey is well worth it for those seeking a tranquil beachside retreat.

Sag Harbor – 105 miles from NYC

Sag Harbor, a historic village known for its maritime charm and quaint atmosphere, is located just 105 miles away from New York City. With its picturesque harbor, charming shops, and award-winning restaurants, Sag Harbor offers a unique blend of history and modern-day appeal.

Whether you’re strolling along Main Street or enjoying a sunset cruise on the bay, Sag Harbor is a must-visit destination in the Hamptons.

Travel Tip: If you’re planning a trip to the Hamptons and prefer not to drive, there are other travel options available. You can take the train from New York City to various Hamptons towns, or you can opt for a private helicopter charter for a quick and convenient journey.

Additionally, there are bus services and car rental options for those who prefer to have more flexibility during their stay.

For more information about the Hamptons and travel options, you can visit websites such as Discover Long Island or Hamptons.com .

Navigating by Car and Other Transport

When it comes to traveling from New York City to the Hamptons, there are several transportation options to choose from. Whether you prefer the convenience of driving or the ease of public transportation, you have plenty of choices to make your journey a smooth one.

Car – Take LIE East to exit 70

If you decide to drive to the Hamptons, the Long Island Expressway (LIE) is the most common route. From New York City, you can take the LIE East and follow it until you reach exit 70, which will lead you to the Hamptons.

The distance between New York City and the Hamptons varies depending on which part of the Hamptons you are heading to, but on average, it takes about 2-3 hours to drive there.

Pro tip: Be sure to check for traffic updates before hitting the road, especially during peak travel times. The Hamptons can get quite busy, especially during the summer months, so it’s always a good idea to plan your trip accordingly.

Hampton Jitney bus – Pickup midtown NYC

If you prefer not to drive, the Hampton Jitney bus is a popular option for traveling to the Hamptons. The bus service offers convenient pickup locations in midtown NYC, making it easy for city dwellers to hop on board and relax during the journey.

The Hampton Jitney bus provides a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets for charging your devices.

Pro tip: It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times, as the Hampton Jitney bus can fill up quickly.

LIRR train – Transfer in Jamaica, NY

Another option for getting to the Hamptons is the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train. You can catch the train from Penn Station in Manhattan and transfer at Jamaica, NY, to a train that will take you directly to the Hamptons.

The LIRR train offers a scenic and comfortable journey, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Pro tip: Check the LIRR schedule ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss your train. The train frequency may vary, so it’s essential to plan your trip accordingly.

Consider hiring a car service for door-to-door ease

If you’re looking for a hassle-free and convenient travel option, consider hiring a car service for a door-to-door experience. A car service can pick you up from your location in New York City and take you directly to your destination in the Hamptons.

This option provides the utmost convenience and eliminates the need for parking or coordinating multiple modes of transportation.

Pro tip: Research and compare different car service providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Reading reviews and checking their reputation is always a good idea.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, rest assured that there are plenty of options available to make your journey from New York City to the Hamptons a seamless and enjoyable one.

Best Times to Avoid Traffic

Early morning or late night drives.

If you want to avoid the notorious traffic in and around New York City, consider taking an early morning or late night drive to the Hamptons. During these off-peak hours, the roads are generally less congested, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

Not only will you avoid the frustration of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but you’ll also have the opportunity to witness some stunning sunrise or sunset views along the way. Just make sure to plan your departure and arrival times accordingly, as some establishments and services may have limited operating hours during these times.

Avoid peak commute times

To minimize the chances of getting stuck in heavy traffic, it’s advisable to avoid peak commute times when traveling to the Hamptons. Weekday mornings and evenings, especially during rush hour, tend to be the busiest on the roads.

If you have the flexibility to plan your trip outside of these peak times, you’ll likely have a more relaxing and efficient journey. Consider adjusting your schedule to leave earlier or later in the day, and you’ll be rewarded with a smoother and less stressful drive.

Travel mid-week instead of weekends if possible

If your schedule allows for it, consider planning your trip to the Hamptons during the mid-week rather than on weekends. Weekends tend to attract a larger number of visitors, resulting in increased traffic congestion on the roads leading to the Hamptons.

By opting for a mid-week getaway, you can enjoy a more peaceful drive and have a better chance of finding available parking or accommodations. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of avoiding the crowds and potentially getting better deals on accommodations and activities.

Allow extra time on summer Fridays

Summer Fridays are notorious for heavy traffic as city dwellers head out to the Hamptons for a weekend getaway. If you must travel to the Hamptons on a Friday during the summer months, be prepared for increased congestion on the roads.

To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s advisable to allow extra time for your journey. Consider leaving earlier in the day or even adjusting your travel plans to a Thursday or Saturday. By giving yourself some buffer time, you can make the most of your trip and avoid the frustration of being stuck in traffic for hours.

Insider Tips for an Easy Commute

Take an earlier hamptons jitney to avoid lines.

If you’re planning to travel to the Hamptons from New York City, taking the Hamptons Jitney is a popular and convenient option. However, during peak travel times, the Jitney can get quite crowded and lines can be long. To avoid this hassle, consider taking an earlier Jitney.

By getting an early start, you can beat the rush and secure a seat without having to wait in line for too long. This will make your commute much more pleasant and stress-free, allowing you to start your weekend getaway on a positive note.

Pack snacks and entertainment for the drive

When traveling to the Hamptons from New York City by car, it’s important to be prepared for the journey. The drive can take a couple of hours, depending on traffic conditions, so it’s a good idea to pack some snacks and entertainment to keep you occupied along the way.

Bringing along some healthy snacks and refreshing drinks will not only save you from hunger pangs but also help you avoid unnecessary stops. Additionally, having some entertainment options like music, podcasts, or audiobooks will make the time fly by and make the commute more enjoyable.

Get dropped off at train station to skip parking

If you prefer to take the train to the Hamptons, a useful tip is to get dropped off at the train station instead of dealing with parking. Parking near train stations in New York City can be expensive and hard to find, especially during peak travel times.

By arranging for a drop-off at the train station, you can avoid the hassle of finding parking and potentially save some money. This will allow you to start your journey stress-free and make the most of your time in the Hamptons.

Consider renting a Hamptons home for the summer

If you frequently travel to the Hamptons from New York City or plan to spend an extended period there, renting a Hamptons home for the summer can be a great option. Renting a home offers several advantages, including the convenience of having a place to stay whenever you visit and the ability to personalize your space.

Additionally, renting a home can often be more cost-effective than booking hotels or other accommodations for multiple trips. There are many reputable websites where you can find listings for Hamptons rentals, so take some time to explore your options and find the perfect home away from home.

Enjoying the Hamptons Once You Arrive

Now that you’ve made the journey from New York City to the Hamptons, it’s time to explore all that this beautiful destination has to offer. From relaxing on the beach to experiencing the vibrant nightlife, the Hamptons has something for everyone.

Relax on the beach in Montauk

One of the highlights of visiting the Hamptons is spending time on the stunning beaches of Montauk. Whether you prefer sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking a leisurely walk along the shore, the beaches of Montauk offer a serene and picturesque setting.

Don’t forget to pack your beach towel and sunscreen for a day of pure relaxation.

Check out trendy shops and dining

The Hamptons is known for its upscale shops and trendy dining options. From designer boutiques to local art galleries, there is something for every fashion and art enthusiast. When it comes to dining, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants offering delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to farm-to-table fare.

Indulge in the local flavors and enjoy a memorable dining experience.

Tour the lavish mansions and estates

One of the must-see attractions in the Hamptons is the stunning mansions and estates that dot the landscape. Take a tour of these opulent properties and marvel at their grandeur and architectural beauty. Learn about the history of these homes and the prominent families who have called them their own.

It’s a glimpse into a world of luxury and elegance.

Experience the nightlife and entertainment

The Hamptons is not just a destination for relaxation; it also offers a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. From lively bars and clubs to live music venues, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.

Dance the night away, catch a live performance, or simply enjoy a cocktail with friends. The Hamptons knows how to have a good time.

So, whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, indulge in gourmet dining, explore magnificent estates, or dance the night away, the Hamptons offers a plethora of options to make your visit unforgettable.

Thanks to beautiful beaches and charming towns, the Hamptons are a perfect escape from New York City, located about 100 scenic miles away. With some planning around drive times, transport and insider local tips, you can easily enjoy a fabulous Hamptons getaway from the city.

Hi there, I'm Jessica, the solo traveler behind the travel blog Eye & Pen. I launched my site in 2020 to share over a decade of adventurous stories and vivid photography from my expeditions across 30+ countries. When I'm not wandering, you can find me freelance writing from my home base in Denver, hiking Colorado's peaks with my rescue pup Belle, or enjoying local craft beers with friends.

I specialize in budget tips, unique lodging spotlights, road trip routes, travel hacking guides, and female solo travel for publications like Travel+Leisure and Matador Network. Through my photography and writing, I hope to immerse readers in new cultures and compelling destinations not found in most guidebooks. I'd love for you to join me on my lifelong journey of visual storytelling!

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10 Of The Best Weekend Getaways From New York City

• Unwind and recharge with a weekend getaway from New York City to destinations like the Hamptons, Cornwall-On-Hudson, and Woodstock. Experience nature, delicious cuisine, and cultural scenes.
• Escape to charming destinations like Cape May, Mystic, and Newport for picturesque beaches, historic streets, and delightful dining experiences.
• Explore nearby cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Montreal for rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable attractions. Relax in beautiful parks and indulge in diverse cuisines.

New York City is one of the world's most vibrant cities, with many things to do . However, planning a weekend getaway from the Big Apple is also a tempting idea, as it can be a refreshing way to recharge and unwind.

Whether seeking tranquility in scenic landscapes, exploring historic landmarks, or immersing in cultural experiences, these short escapes are opportunities to unwind and recharge. Travelers can slow down while embracing the serenity of nature, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply taking walks through charming towns.

Travelers can choose among coastal retreats, such as discovering an affordable side of the Hamptons, a mountain hideaway, or a cultural city experience.

RELATED: 10 Outer Banks Beach Towns That Are Perfect For A Quick Weekend Getaway

The Hamptons

The Hamptons, a group of upscale beach towns in New York, makes for a perfect weekend getaway from the city. Its beautiful beaches, elegant homes, and serene ambiance offer relaxation at its finest.

There are many things people can do in the Hamptons , including lounging on the sandy shores or exploring charming boutiques and art galleries. Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts.

The city has various gourmet restaurants and farm-to-table eateries. The area's highlights include visiting wineries, taking in the scenic beauty, and experiencing the vibrant cultural scene.

• Hotel: Aria & Mare Hamptons
• Distance from New York: Approximately 94 miles

Cornwall-On-Hudson

Hudson Valley, New York, offers a perfect weekend getaway with its picturesque landscapes and many charming towns . Cornwall-On-Hudson is an ideal weekend getaway with its idyllic riverside setting.

Visitors can relax by the scenic Hudson River, explore charming streets, and enjoy outdoor activities at the Storm King Art Center nearby. Regarding accommodation, the town has cozy bed and breakfasts and historic inns for accommodations.

For travelers planning to discover the town, the highlights include visiting the Cornwall Landing Historic District, kayaking on the river, and hiking in Black Rock Forest.

• Hotel: Beacon Bed and Breakfast
• Distance from New York: Approximately 154 miles

Catskills has various charming towns perfect for summer vacations. Woodstock is an excellent example, thanks to its natural beauty, local boutiques, and live music performances.

When visiting the city, travelers can enjoy the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, hike in Overlook Mountain, and explore the Byrdcliffe Art Colony. The town has a casual vibe, which helps to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Travelers can stay on bed and breakfasts, boutique inns, and rustic cabins. When it comes to food, Woodstock has something for everyone, from cozy cafés to fancy dining.

• Hotel: Hotel Woodstock
• Distance from New York: 106 miles

Cape May, New Jersey, is a perfect weekend getaway with its Victorian charm and stunning beaches. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, stroll through historic streets, and enjoy picturesque sunsets. There are endless things to do in Cape May.

The town offers a variety of accommodations, from elegant seaside resorts to affordable bed and breakfasts. Cape May's restaurants serve delectable seafood and farm-to-table dishes, offering delightful dining experiences.

Highlights include visiting Cape May Lighthouse, exploring Cape May Point State Park, and taking horse-drawn carriage tours through the charming streets.

• Hotel: Lokal Hotel
• Distance from New York: 160 miles

RELATED: Here Are 10 Fun Things You Can Do In Brooklyn With Kids

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is another perfect weekend getaway with its rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, stroll along picturesque streets, and enjoy world-class museums.

The city's beautiful parks, such as Fairmount Park, provide relaxing green spaces for leisure. The food scene is also impressive, with renowned restaurants serving diverse cuisines.

Highlights include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Reading Terminal Market, and the charming neighborhood of Old City. Philadelphia guarantees an enriching and enjoyable weekend escape.

• Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Washington - Philadelphia, an IHG Hotel
• Distance from New York: 97 miles

Travelers looking to slow down should consider Mystic, Connecticut, with its charming waterfront, where they can go for a relaxing walk. Exploring historic streets and a handful of museums in the city is also possible.

Despite its small size, visitors won't be bored as they can choose among many activities , such as a sunset cruise and walking along the mystic river bascule drawbridge.

Mystic's seafood restaurants and cafes offer delightful dining experiences. Highlights include visiting Mystic Seaport, the nation's leading maritime museum, and exploring the Mystic Aquarium, known for its fascinating marine life exhibits.

• Hotel: Hyatt Place Uncasville / Casino Area
• Distance from New York: 138 miles

Newport, Rhode Island, combines coastal beauty and historical charm. Visitors can relax on the stunning beaches, explore the picturesque Cliff Walk, and enjoy the calming ocean breeze.

Newport's highlights include the magnificent Gilded Age mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, and the historic Fort Adams. Newport's mix of coastal allure and cultural riches ensures a delightful and enriching weekend escape.

The city offers a variety of accommodations suitable for different budgets. The town has many restaurants, wineries, breweries, bars, and farmers' markets.

• Hotel: Castle Hill Inn
• Distance from New York: 179 miles

Boston, Massachusetts, is home to charming streets full of history . Discovering spots such as Marlborough Street and Beacon Street can be a relaxing activity for the weekend. Spending a weekend in Boston is perfect for exploring the Freedom Trail, strolling through charming neighborhoods, and enjoying serene parks like the Boston Common and Public Garden.

Cultural highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Visitors can also relax at waterfront areas like the Seaport District and the Charles River Esplanade.

Boston's blend of historic landmarks and modern attractions guarantees an unforgettable and fulfilling weekend escape.

• Hotel: Winthrop Arms Hotel & Restaurant
• Distance from New York: 215 miles

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is famous for its rich history and cultural attractions. Travelers can discover the most relaxing side of the city by visiting beautiful parks and gardens, like the National Mall and Tidal Basin.

The city offers diverse accommodations, from upscale hotels to charming boutique inns. People can explore iconic landmarks like the Capitol Building, White House, and Smithsonian museums when visiting.

Cultural highlights include the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With its historical significance and cultural allure blend, Washington, D.C., promises an enriching and enjoyable weekend escape.

• Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City
• Distance from New York: 228 miles

RELATED: Best Kayaking In New York: 10 Spots That Are Paddle-Ready For The Avid Adventurer

Montreal, Canada

Montreal, Canada, is a vibrant and multicultural city located approximately 330 miles from New York City. It is an excellent weekend getaway with its European ambiance and diverse attractions. People can relax at beautiful parks like Mount Royal Park and along the scenic Old Port.

Visitors can explore historic sites like Notre Dame Basilica, discover art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and indulge in the city's renowned culinary scene. Montreal's blend of culture, history, and entertainment ensures an unforgettable weekend escape.

• Hotel: Auberge Saintlo Montréal
• Distance from New York: 370 miles

These are some of the best weekend getaways from NYC, but there is so much to explore outside the big city, no matter which direction travelers go.

The 27 Absolute Best Day Trips from NYC in 2024

If you are looking for day trips from NYC, then we’ve got you covered! You can find anything from city breaks to shopping trips. Thanks to the fact that New York City is located in a convenient region, you have many choices when it comes to getaways from NYC!

You'll also love this:

• FREE TOOL: Which Day Trip from New York is the Best?
• The 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York
• The 9 Road Trips from New York

So if your schedule allows, you should definitely take a day trip from New York City. You have a wide choice of destinations and a variety of ways to get there. I’ve tried many guided tours (you’ll only find the best guided day trips on my list), I’ve traveled by train, by rental car, and even in an RV.

Table of Contents

27 Amazing Day Trips from New York

Here are my personal recommendations if you’re looking for the best weekend getaways and day trips from New York City!

Day Trip from NYC to Boston

This day trip to Boston takes you through one of Americas most interesting historical cities. Everything from architecture to monuments and historically significant spots make this tour a great choice for all history lovers. Boston is a beautiful city and a nice contrast to NYC, making it the perfect getaway for a day!

Distance: 220 Miles (4 hours by car)

If you decide to take a day trip to Boston, don’t forget to check out these sights:

Things to do in Boston on your day trip from New York

• stroll along Charles River Esplanade
• explore the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• visit the famous Fenway Park ( this is the best tour )
• enjoy a coffee in Boston Common (I love this park!)
• enjoy a historical adventure and travel back in time to 1773 to be part of the famous Boston Tea Party

Places To See in Boston

• Museum of African American History
• New England Aquarium (perfect for families!)
• Museum of Fine Art
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Helpful links

If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site .

Day Trip from New York to Washington D.C.

The American capital Washington D.C. is a good four hours’ drive from New York City. This guided bus tour starts at the Gray Line Visitors Center in Manhattan and the bus will take you south through the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland until you reach Capitol Hill. With so many things to learn and see this is one of the most interesting day trips you can take from NYC.

Distance: 230 Miles (4 hours by car)

If you decide to take a day trip to Washington D.C., don’t forget to check out these sights:

Things to do in Washington D.C. on your day trip from New York

• check out the Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour (500+ reviews!)
• Stroll through the neighborhood of Georgetown
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• visit the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial

Places To See in Washington D.C.

• Lincoln Memorial
• The White House
• National Mall
• United States Capitol
• Washington National Cathedral
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Day Trip from NYC to Philadelphia

Another worthwhile place to visit that’s close to NYC is Philadelphia. At just an hour and a half by train, it’s close enough that many Philadelphians commute to New York City for work daily. Though they are close, these two cities couldn’t have different ambiances; where New York is mainly made from concrete and is a large city, Philly has more green spaces and gives more of a small-town vibe.  

The main draw to this city is its importance in American history, which is evident in many areas of the city – especially the Old City district, which is a small section of the downtown area. Yet, Philadelphia is also home to more than historical landmarks, as you’ll also find exceptional art museums, Chinatown, a primarily Italian neighborhood in South Philly, and lots of gray skyscrapers mixed with industrial warehouses in the downtown section.  

Distance: 100 Miles (2 hours by car)

If you decide to take a day trip to Philadelphia, don’t forget to check out these sights:

Things to do in Philadelphia on your day trip from New York

• Hop over to Lancaster and take a horse-drawn buggy ride through Amish farm country.
• Visit Independence Hall, where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
• Tour the Museum of the American Revolution or the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
• Walk down Elfreth’s Alley. This road is America’s first residential street, dating back to 1702, and is home to many art galleries, shops, and restaurants today.  
• View the art collections at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts or the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  

Places To See in Philadelphia

• The Liberty Bell
• Betsy Ross House
• Franklin Square
• The Rocky Statue and the Rocky steps
• Eastern State Penitentiary

Want to see both?

You could also combine visiting these two amazing cities with this Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day .

Check Availability

Weekend getaway to Philadelphia & Amish Country

This tour combines several destinations at once: you will visit the most important sights of D.C. and Philadelphia and afterwards the interesting Amish Country. Departure is at the Gray Line Visitors Center.

This is what you can expect on this guided day trip from New York

• Philadelphia: Visit Constitution Hall and Independence Square
• Philadelphia: See the world-famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
• Philadelphia: Run up the “Rocky Steps”
• Washington D.C.: visit National Mall and Lincoln Memorial
• Take an authentic Amish buggy ride and visit a traditional market

Day Trips from NYC to Niagara Falls

If you are in New York and are thinking about planning a day trip, then I can recommend a trip to Niagara Falls. I myself have been to Niagara Falls several times from New York and was always impressed by this natural spectacle.

My tip: These are the 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York .

Day Trip from NYC to Albany

Albany is New York’s capital city and is not just the oldest city in the state, but it’s one of the oldest in the nation. English immigrants took control of Albany, NY, in 1664 and named it after the Duke of Albany. By the early 1800s, the city was the 10th largest in the country, which is a title that San Jose, CA, took. The area’s growth was fueled by the creation of the Erie Canal and the railroad, and it continued to serve as a vital transportation hub until the early 1900s.

Hence, as you can see, this area has an extensive history, and there are many local attractions that help provide excellent learning experiences for newbies. Today, this capital city and college town is home to about 100,000 people and has something for everyone.

Distance: 150 Miles (2,5 hours by car) 

Things to do in Albany on your day trip from New York

• Enjoy local flavors such as Chicken Joe’s, Pint-Sized, and Madison Pour House.  
• Stroll through the Albany Institute of Art & History.
• Ride a bike at the historic Washington Park.
• See a show at the Capital Repertory Theater.
• Hike Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Places to see in Albany on your day trip from New York.

• John Boyd Thacher State Park
• The Capitol Building
• Empire State Plaza
• Schuyler Mansion
• Corning Tower Observation Deck

If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site .

Day Trip from NYC to Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a 5,067-acre park that’s located just one hour away from New York City. It’s home to many sights such as Bear Mountain, Dunderberg Mountain, West Mountain, and the Iona Island Bird Sanctuary. This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from city life for a day and enjoy nature and the outdoors instead.

Here you’ll enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, boating, biking, fishing, and bird watching. You’ll find many state-of-the-art recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, playfield, biking and hiking trails, fishing access, the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and much more. This is a great place to go sledding, ice skating, or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Distance: 50 Miles (1 hour by car)

Day Trip from NYC to the Hamptons

A really great day trip is this trip to the famous Hamptons on Long Island. We have already done this tour and were thrilled. What is so great about this day trip to the Hamptons? You experience a completely different side of New York and can go shopping in the Tangier Outlets!

Which Road Trip or Day Trip from New York is the Best?

Check out my free road trip advisor that will help you choose from over 30 road trips and day trips to suit your needs!

Day Trip from NYC to Rockaway Beach

Located just over 20 miles from Manhattan, you’ll find Rockaway Beach tucked away in Queens. Though it’s known as Rockaway Beach, this destination encompasses several beaches between 3rd Street and 153rd Street. It is renowned for being the best beach destination close to New York City, so it merits the hour-long subway ride from downtown Manhattan.

If you visit this area in the high season from the end of May through Labor Day, then you can expect to find many surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers enjoying the water and sun. While it’s most popular in the summer, Rockaway Beach makes for a refreshing place to visit any time of the year.

Distance: 25 Miles (1 hour by car | 1,5 hour by subway lines A S to “Beach 105 St”)

Things To Do at Rockaway Beach

• Take in the invigorating ocean smells as you walk along the sandy beaches.  
• Stop for a drink or snacks at one of the numerous food stands or casual eateries on the Beach Boardwalk.  
• Go on an expedition and explore some abandoned buildings.
• Tan and swim at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

Places To See at Rockaway Beach

• Jacob Riis Park
• Rockaway Community Park
• Bayswater Park

Weekend Getaway from NYC to the Finger Lakes

New York’s Finger Lakes region spans an area that encompasses 11 lakes in an area that was once covered by glaciers. In addition to the lakes, this region is also home to many natural pools, gorges, waterfalls, wineries, and state parks. The two most popular lakes are the deepest and largest: Cayuga Lake is 435 feet deep and is in Ithaca, while Seneca Lake is 618 feet deep and is found in the Watkins Glen State Park.

Many consider this the most underrated part of New York and makes for a great day trip away from New York City. It’s perfect for nearly everyone as the region has plenty of things to see and do.

Distance: 260 Miles (5 hours by car)

Things to do in the Finger Lakes Region on your day trip from New York

• Go on a wine tasting tour.  
• Take in a game at NBT Bank Stadium.
• Enjoy dinner and sunset on a boat cruise.

Places To See on your Day Trip from New York

• Watkins Glen State Park (the trail is amazing!)
• Robert Treman State Park
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo
• Corning Museum of Glass

Day Trip from NYC to Baltimore

Baltimore is the capital of the US state of Maryland with a long and important history. It is somewhat comparable to Boston and yet it has its own charm.

During my roadtrip along the east coast of the USA, Baltimore landed on my itinerary for the first time. Due to its location by the ocean, it has its very own charm and is especially interesting for those who already know Boston and Washington. From New York you can reach Baltimore in about 3 to 4 hours. In terms of time, it makes no difference whether you travel by rental car or train.

Distance: 200 Miles (3 – 4 hours by car) 

If you decide to visit Baltimore, here are some things to see and do:

Things to do in Baltimore on your day trip from New York

• Do a craft-beer brewery tour or whiskey tasting tour (Baltimore is famous for both!)
• Enjoy beautiful river views at the Inner Harbor …
• … or from high above when visiting Top of the World Observation Level
• Take photos of Historic Ships in Baltimore

Places To See

• National Aquarium
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum
• Port Discovery Children’s Museum
• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Day Trip from NYC to Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley

Cold Spring is renowned for being one of the best-preserved towns from the 19th Century and is just a 90-minute train ride from New York City. Once here, you’re greeted by a charming country village that was once a picturesque historic center created along the banks of the Hudson River.

Visitors enjoy spending the day in Cold Spring because the small downtown area is lined with antique stores, boutiques, and restaurants. During the summer, it’s common to find residents lining the streets enjoying coffee at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes or enjoying drinks and live music at one of many riverfront restaurants with an outdoor patio. Yet, this area is also home to many parks and hiking and biking trails.

Distance: 65 Miles (1,5 hour by car)

Things to do in Cold Spring on your Day Trip from New York

• In the fall, sign up for a foliage cruise.
• In the summer, go paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and more.
• Tour the Boscobel House and Gardens.
• Hudson Highlands State Park
• Bannerman Castle
• Little Stony Point

Shopping Day Trip to the American Dream Mall

Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall. After many years of waiting and constant delays, the massive shopping and entertainment complex are already open.

The American Dream complex is much more than just a mall. Besides hundreds of shops, you will also find an unbelievable number of entertainment facilities here. As a matter of fact, the complex is almost split evenly amongst shopping and entertainment.

Day Trip from NYC to Mohonk Preserve

Located in the town of New Paltz, New York, you’ll find a private 8,000-acre nature preserve that’s highly popular among tourists and residents alike. The Mohonk Preserve is located on the slopes of the Shawangunk Mountains, which are part of the Appalachians. At just over 90-miles from New York City, Mohonk Preserve is close and well worth the visit.

Here you’ll find a diverse environment of cliffs, ponds, streams, and old forests. The Mohonk Preserve is home to over 70 miles of carriage road and nearly 40 miles of trailers for skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking.

Distance: 90 Miles (2 hours by car)

Things to do in Mohonk Preserve on your day trip from New York

• Hike one of the many trails and watch for various species of the over 1,400 animal and plant varieties that call the preserve home.  
• Follow the Lost City Loop Trail.
• Explore Split Rock swimming hole
• Mohonk Mountain House
• Labyrinth Trail
• Skytop Tower

Day Trip from NYC to New Haven

New Haven is a quaint community located in Connecticut in the Long Island Sound and is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from NYC for a day. In fact, New Haven is only about two hours from Manhattan, so the trip is relatively easy and painless. And the best part is that this area has a lot to offer! From imaginative art and delicious cuisine to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll appreciate that New Haven offers a much calmer feeling than that of the hustle and bustle found in New York City.

Distance: 80 Miles (2 hours by car)

If you decide to visit New Haven, here are some things to see and do:

Things to do in New Haven on your day trip from New York

• Tour the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
• Ride the carousel at Lighthouse Point Park.
• Enjoy a show at Shubert Theater.
• Yale University
• East Rock Park
• Five Mile Point Light

Day Trip from NYC to Hamilton Township

Hamilton Township is the 9th largest town in New Jersey, but the area is comfortably spread out over 40 square miles. This region is home to more than 64 state parks, playgrounds, and acres of preserved land. Within just one hour of NYC, Hamilton is a great place to take a day trip.

Hamilton, New Jersey, is fun for anyone looking to visit historical parks or attend local community events such as the yearly Oktoberfest. This town enjoys a bustling and local economy with large retail centers and small retail shops alike; Hamilton is one town that caters to just about everyone’s wallet.

Distance: 60 Miles (1,5 hours by car)

Things to do in Hamilton Township on your day trip from New York

• Explore the Sayan House and Gardens.  
• Take a ride on the New Hope Railroad.
• Spend an hour or two meandering around the Art Museum at Princeton University.

Places To See in Hamilton Township

• Grounds for Sculpture
• Shaky Bridge
• Tulpehaking Nature Center

Day Trip from NYC to The Palisades

The Palisades is located in Bergen County and overlooks the Hudson River. The park is roughly 12 miles long, covers 2,500 acres, and is a half-mile wide. Inside this park, you’ll find over 30 miles of ski and hiking trails, boat launching ramps, a scenic overlook, and riverside drive, waterfront picnic areas, historic sites, and much more.

The Palisades Interstate Park is a National Historical and National Natural Landmark, so this is one place that should be on your bucket list!

Distance: 16 Miles (1/2 to 1 hour by car | 40 minutes by train)

Things to do in the Palisades on your day trip from New York

• Enjoy the views at the State Line Lookout.
• Take a tour of the Kearney House.
• Hike through the Closter Nature Center.
• Alpine Lookout
• Women’s Federation Monument
• Untermyer Gardens

Day Trip from NYC to Phoenicia

Phoenicia, New York, is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. This Catskills town is an off-the-beaten-path and home to a collection of natural attractions and acclaimed dining establishments. Located just two and a half hours from New York City, this area has more than enough corners to explore during a day trip.

Between the close proximity to Manhattan and gorgeous scenery, this is a popular area in the summer months. Yet, Phoenicia is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, as there are always activities such as shopping, dining, and exploring the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains.

Distance: 130 Miles (2 – 2,5 hours by car)

Things to do in Phoenicia on your day trip from New York

• Enjoy a meal at the Phoenicia Diner.  
• Tube down the Esopus.
• Take a hike through the Mount Tobias forest.

Places To See in Phoenicia

• World’s largest kaleidoscope
• Catskills scenic drive
• Downtown Phoenicia

Shopping Day Trip to the Woodbury Common Outlet

Less than 1 hour from Manhattan you will find the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. With over 220 designer stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland and more, this is definitely the place to go on a shooping spree. You will leave from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street at 8th Avenue) and take the bus for a swift ride there and back.

Distance: 55 Miles (1 hour by car / by bus)

Day Trip from NYC to Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie is known by many as the “Queen City of the Hudson,” as it is located on the banks of the Hudson River in the scenic Hudson Valley. This area was established during the 17th century by Dutch settlers, but today it’s a bustling college town that’s also popular with tourists.

Located just an hour and forty-five minutes from NYC, Poughkeepsie is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and fine dining spots. Additionally, the area is home to 22 parks, so there are lots of green spaces to spend the day.

Distance: 85 Miles (2 hours by car)

Things to do in Poughkeepsie on your day trip from New York

• Experience the walkway over the Hudson River.
• Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants before heading to the Bardavon Opera House to enjoy a show.  
• Take a tour of Samuel Morse Locust Grove Estate.

Places to see in Poughkeepsie on your day trip from New York

• Historic Huguenot Street
• Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
• Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

Day Trip from NYC to Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is situated just 30 miles north of New York City and makes for a great day trip away from the stress of the city. This famed town inspired one of America’s most famous books, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” by Washington Irving. Located in the gorgeous Hudson Valley in Westchester County, this is one of the nation’s cutest towns and makes for an unforgettable experience.

This is a great destination for anyone looking to take in some nature, view historical sites, or even go on a ghost tour. After all, Sleepy Hollow is known as one of the most haunted towns in America, with legends dating back to the original Dutch settlement in the 1600s!

Distance: 35 Miles (1 hour by car) 

Things to do in Sleepy Hollow on your day trip from New York

• Take photos at the Headless Horseman’s Bridge.
• Visit the Dutch Reform Church.
• Experience history at Philipsburg Manor.

Places To See in Sleepy Hollow

• Headless Horseman statue
• Sunnyside Estate
• Kykuit – Former Rockefeller home

Day Trip from NYC to Ithaca

Ithaca is the largest city found in New York’s Finger Lakes region. This is a lovely town and is an excellent place to visit with many things to do. Set along the southern end of Cayuga Lake, this location is famed as the home of Cornell University, countless gorges, and more than 150 waterfalls.

Though Ithaca is home to a sizable portion of college students and the city conveys more of a youthful feel, it’s also steeped in history and full of fascinating historic sites and buildings. This is an excellent destination for outdoor activities as it’s home to a plethora of state parks, but it’s also a great place to relax, shop, and dine.

Distance: 230 Miles (4 hours by car) 

Things to do in Ithaca on your day trip from New York

• Explore the city, and don’t be afraid to try local flavors such as Gimme Coffee, One Ring Donuts, and the Ithaca Farmers Market.  
• “Ithaca is gorges,” so be sure to take a hike at one of the many state parks.  
• Enjoy your evening hours at Firelight Campfire Lounge.

Places To See in Ithaca

• Cornell University Campus
• Taughannock Falls
• West End District

Weekend Getaway from NYC to Martha's Vineyard

If you’re looking to venture a bit further from NYC, then you should consider going to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. Martha’s Vineyard is an island that rests seven miles off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts’ southern coast. At a little over five hours, getting there is half the adventure.

The island is just 100 square miles and is a famous summer colony, but it also has a year-round population of around 17,000 residents. The island consists of six towns: Edgartown, Aquinnah, Tisbury, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Chilmark.

Distance: 270 Miles (6 hours by car and ferry) 

Things to do at Martha’s Vineyard on your day trip from New York

• Keep an eye out for celebrities – everyone from Meg Ryan and Seth Meyers to the Obamas are known to frequent the area.  
• Spend a few hours exploring Oak Bluffs.  
• Take a walking tour of Edgartown.  
• Gingerbread Houses
• The Island’s five lighthouses
• Alley’s General Store

Shopping Day Trip to the Garden State Plaza Mall

This mall is the largest in the state of New Jersey. In the small town of Paramus, New Jersey you will find the answer to your shopping cravings. Due to the mall being in New Jersey you don’t need to pay any taxes on clothing and shoes making this mall a bargain hunters dream.

Weekend Getaway from NYC to the White Mountain National Forrest

If you’re looking for a day trip that puts you in the middle of nature, then you’ve found it in this region! The White Mountain National Forest spans from western Maine into eastern New Hampshire and is just a short five-hour drive from Manhattan. Here you’ll marvel at the majestic alpine peaks and mountainous hardwood forests.

Visitors can expect to experience breathtaking scenery, wildlife, clear mountain streams, and lakes, as well as take part in outdoor recreational activities all year.

Distance: 300 Miles (5 – 6 hours by car) 

Things to do in the White Mountains on your day trip from New York

• Hike to Arethusa Falls, which is New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall.  
• Go skiing during the winter down Cannon Mountain.
• Rent a rustic cabin at one of the many sites throughout the forest.  
• Conway scenic railway
• Polar Caves Park
• Cranmore Mountain Resort

Day Trip from NYC to Atlantic City

Since gambling was legalized in the 1970s, Atlantic City has claimed its place in the industry. The city attracts many visitors yearly who want to try their luck at the slots and tables, but it’s also popular among tourists looking to sunbathe on the beach. If you can imagine combining a Jersey Shore beach vacation with a bit of Las Vegas, then you can imagine what Atlantic City is like.

Today, you’ll find many upscale boutiques, luxury hotels, and trendy nightclubs. And while Atlantic City isn’t as crazy as Vegas and you won’t find Florida’s white-sand beaches, it’s still a worthwhile day trip.

Distance: 125 Miles (2 hours by car) 

Things to do in Atlantic City on your day trip from New York

• Take a stroll along the famed boardwalk.
• Hop on some rides at the Steel Pier.
• Spend a few hours at the Atlantic City Aquarium, or try your luck at one of the numerous casinos.  

Places To See in Atlantic City

• Lucy the Margate Elephant
• War memorials
• Absecon Lighthouse

Day Trip from NYC to Ocean City

Ocean City is not only affordable, but it’s also more kid-friendly than other comparable destinations and is known for specializing in American family beach vacations. There are so many things to do in this city that you’ll have difficulty narrowing down an itinerary.

From the boardwalk and its amusement rides to the powdery beaches and delicious seafood eateries, there is no shortage of establishments in Ocean City.

Here are some things you’ll want to check out during your stay:  

Things to do in Ocean City on your day trip from New York

• Grab a snack and ride some amusement park rides at the boardwalk.
• Eat breakfast at Fractured Prune Donuts.
• Spend a day having fun on the water with Paradise Watersports.

Places To See in Ocean City

• Jolly Roger Amusement Park
• Art League of Ocean City
• Northside Park

Our Favorite City Breaks

Of course, New York made it to the top of your list, but considering the size of the country, other big cities are not too far away. Whether you’d like to take a day trip from NYC to the nation’s capital Washington D.C. , explore the history of the beginning of the nation in Philadelphia or want to head up North to go to Boston – all those can be conquered in a single day! Other popular day trips from NYC that are easily accessible include Atlantic City.

Day Trip to Washington D.C.

The American capital Washington D.C. is a good four hours’ drive from New York City. The bus tour starts at the Gray Line Visitors Center in Manhattan and the bus will take you south through the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland until you reach Capitol Hill. With so many things to learn and see this is one of the most interesting day trips you can take from NYC.

Day Trip to Boston

This day trip to Boston takes you through one of Americas most interesting historical cities. Everything from architecture to monuments and historically significant spots make this tour a great choice for all history lovers. Boston is a beautiful city and a nice contrast to NYC, making it the perfect getaway for a day! The bus will leave from the Gray Line Visitors Center and take approximately 4 hours.

Philadelphia Day Trip from New York

This day trip will take you from New York to Philadelphia. In the heart of the historic city, the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution Square and Constitution Hall are waiting to be discovered. Of course, the famous steps from the movie “Rocky” and the Parque del Amor and City Hall are not missing. In short, you will definitely see all the highlights that Philadelphia has to offer.

Looking for an even more luxurious tour? Check out this Private Day Trip to the Hamptons here .

Atlantic City

Since gambling was legalized in the 1970s, Atlantic City has claimed its place in the industry. The city attracts many visitors yearly who want to try their luck at the slots and tables, but it’s also popular among tourists looking to sunbathe on the beach. If you can imagine combining a Jersey Shore beach vacation with a bit of Las Vegas, then you can imagine what Atlantic City is like. 

Today, you’ll find many upscale boutiques, luxury hotels, and trendy nightclubs. And while Atlantic City isn’t as crazy as Vegas and you won’t find Florida’s white-sand beaches, it’s still a worthwhile day trip. 

Ocean City is not only affordable, but it’s also more kid-friendly than other comparable destinations and is known for specializing in American family beach vacations. There are so many things to do in this city that you’ll have difficulty narrowing down an itinerary. 

From the boardwalk and its amusement rides to the powdery beaches and delicious seafood eateries, there is no shortage of establishments in Ocean City. 

During my roadtrip along the east coast of the USA, Baltimore landed on my itinerary for the first time. Due to its location by the ocean, it has its very own charm and is especially interesting for those who already know Boston and Washington. From New York you can reach Baltimore in about 3 hours. In terms of time, it makes no difference whether you travel by rental car or train.

Albany is New York’s capital city and is not just the oldest city in the state, but it’s one of the oldest in the nation. English immigrants took control of Albany, NY, in 1664 and named it after the Duke of Albany. By the early 1800s, the city was the 10th largest in the country, which is a title that San Jose, CA, took. The area’s growth was fueled by the creation of the Erie Canal and the railroad, and it continued to serve as a vital transportation hub until the early 1900s. 

Hence, as you can see, this area has an extensive history, and there are many local attractions that help provide excellent learning experiences for newbies. Today, this capital city and college town is home to about 100,000 people and has something for everyone. 

Distance: 150 Miles (2,5 hours by car)

New Haven is a quaint community located in Connecticut in the Long Island Sound and is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from NYC for a day. In fact, New Haven is only about two hours from Manhattan, so the trip is relatively easy and painless. And the best part is that this area has a lot to offer! From imaginative art and delicious cuisine to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone. 

You’ll appreciate that New Haven offers a much calmer feeling than that of the hustle and bustle found in New York City. 

Phoenicia, New York, is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. This Catskills town is an off-the-beaten-path and home to a collection of natural attractions and acclaimed dining establishments. Located just two and a half hours from New York City, this area has more than enough corners to explore during a day trip. 

Between the close proximity to Manhattan and gorgeous scenery, this is a popular area in the summer months. Yet, Phoenicia is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, as there are always activities such as shopping, dining, and exploring the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains. 

Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie is known by many as the “Queen City of the Hudson,” as it is located on the banks of the Hudson River in the scenic Hudson Valley. This area was established during the 17th century by Dutch settlers, but today it’s a bustling college town that’s also popular with tourists. 

For Nature Lovers

As you know, we like to refer to New York as the concrete jungle but even though you can find lots of green spaces in the city, you may have the desire to experience more nature during your trip. So why not take a day trip from NYC and head to the Niagara Falls or Bear Mountain ? Depending on how much time you have, you can choose from 1-day or 2-day getaways from NYC.

01 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: White Mountains

If you’re looking for a day trip that puts you in the middle of nature, then you’ve found it in this region! The White Mountain…

02 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a 5,067-acre park that’s located just one hour away from New York City. It’s home to many sights such as…

03 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Martha's Vineyard

If you’re looking to venture a bit further from NYC, then you should consider going to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. Martha’s Vineyard is an…

04 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Niagara Falls

The tour to Niagara Falls is super beautiful: you will not only see the famous falls themselves, but also Watkins Glen National Park!

05 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Finger Lakes Region

New York’s Finger Lakes region spans an area that encompasses 11 lakes in an area that was once covered by glaciers. In addition to the…

06 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: The Palisades, NJ

The Palisades is located in Bergen County and overlooks the Hudson River. The park is roughly 12 miles long, covers 2,500 acres, and is a…

07 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Cold Spring

Cold Spring is renowned for being one of the best-preserved towns from the 19th Century and is just a 90-minute train ride from New York…

08 Day Trip from NYC for Nature Lovers: Mohonk Preserve

Located in the town of New Paltz, New York, you’ll find a private 8,000-acre nature preserve that’s highly popular among tourists and residents alike. The…

Shopping Trips

New York is home to the world’s most famous stores and you’ll probably find everything you need. However, there is an incentive to take a day trip from New York to go shopping: saving money if you’re thinking about serious shopping! The most popular outlets in the area are the Woodbury Common Outlet in Central Valley, New York, and the Jersey Gardens Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey. You’ll also find the Garden State Plaza Mall  nearby as well as the soon (fingers crossed!) to be finished American Dream Mega Mall .

01 Woodbury Outlet Shopping Trip

Less than 1 hour from Manhattan you will find the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. With over 220 designer stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Gap Outlet,…

02 American Dream

Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall.…

03 The Hamptons, Sag Harbor & Outlet Shopping Day Trip from NYC

A really great day trip is this trip to the famous Hamptons on Long Island. We have already done this tour and were thrilled. What…

04 Jersey Gardens Outlet Center

Not far from New York City is the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall with over 200 shops, a large food court, restaurants and a cinema. The…

The 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York by Bus

The 9 Best All-Season Road Trips From New York

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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18 most romantic getaways in new york state.

Some of the most romantic destinations in the U.S. can be found in New York State.

Romantic Getaways in New York

Courtesy of The Otesaga Resort Hotel

From relaxing at a lake to exploring the city, New York offers plenty of options for a romantic vacation.

It's nearly impossible not to find love in a state that's served as the backdrop for so many romantic films, from "Dirty Dancing" in the Catskills to the countless classics – think "Annie Hall," "When Harry Met Sally," "You've Got Mail" – set in New York City . In popular sitcom "The Office," Pam and Jim tie the knot beneath Niagara Falls , otherwise known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World."

Even off-screen, romance abounds in New York state's top destinations , from the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks . Though the options for a couples vacation in the Empire State may actually be endless, these are some of the best places to spend a romantic weekend (or longer) in New York – including several ideal weekend getaways from New York City .

Most Romantic Getaways in New York State

• Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
• Mirbeau Inn & Spa
• Belhurst Castle and Winery
• The Lake House on Canandaigua

Cooperstown

• Glenmere Mansion
• Mohonk Mountain House

The Catskills

Niagara falls.

• Hutton Brickyards

New York City

• Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club
• Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

Westchester County

• Whiteface Lodge
• The Sagamore Resort

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa: Aurora

Courtesy of Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa

The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa comprises five historic inns and a cottage, each with their own distinctive vibe. The Aurora Inn (the site's original hotel), built in 1833, blends vintage furnishings with modern amenities, while the Rowland House, built in 1903, is a more eclectic option. All guest rooms are equipped with plush bathrobes; some even feature fireplaces and views of Cayuga Lake, perfect for cuddling up to admire the spectacular sunsets.

Lovebirds can enjoy complimentary coffee and homemade granola bars each morning, a glass of local wine in the evenings, and seasonal s'mores by the lakefront fire pit. You'll also find candlelit dining at the 1833 Kitchen & Bar and culinary classes just down the street from the Aurora Inn. Explore the beauty of the Finger Lakes with complimentary gear such as kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards; bicycles; telescopes for stargazing; bird-watching binoculars; and more.

The highlight of any stay at the Inns of Aurora is its spa, a 15,000-square-foot healing and wellness center less than a mile from the main hotel property. Opened in 2021, the state-of-the-art facility features 10 treatment rooms where you can enjoy a variety of signature and customized treatments, as well as a full-service salon. All spa services come with a seasonal menu of fare at the on-site cafe, six jetted spa pools with optional hydrotherapy circuits, steam rooms, a sauna and fire pits.

Address: 391 Main St., Aurora, NY 13026

Read: The Best Wellness Retreats in the U.S.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa: Skaneateles

Courtesy of Mirbeau Inn & Spa

The sweet town of Skaneateles – brimming with boutique shops, art galleries and lakefront restaurants – merits a trip to the Finger Lakes. But for the ultimate in romance, book a stay at Mirbeau Inn & Spa . This French-inspired spa resort features an elegant spa, overnight accommodations and on-site dining.

Guests have the option to stay in a traditional guest room or private cottage, all of which come with fireplaces and large bathrooms with soaking tubs. Book the Mirbeau Signature Couples Massage or Art of Living couples experience and enjoy use of a heated foot pool, steam rooms and the outdoor Aqua Terrace – which features a heated spa pool with massage jets and a waterfall, a cozy fireplace, and a private bar where you can order beverages and light fare. Afterward, enjoy lunch or dinner at The Bistro & Wine Bar, where breakfast and Sunday brunch are also served. Previous guests rave about this resort, calling it serene and magical.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa also has locations in Rhinebeck, New York (Hudson River Valley), and Plymouth, Massachusetts ( Cape Cod ).

Address: 851 W. Genesee Street Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Belhurst Castle and Winery: Geneva

Courtesy of Belhurst Castle and Winery

In the Finger Lakes, not only can you taste some of the world's best rieslings, but you can also spend the night in a castle – with a winery. Located on the shores of Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle and Winery provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway in New York.

While the property consists of three hotels, the Chambers in the Castle is the most romantic option for couples. Here, 11 Victorian-era guest rooms – each architecturally and stylistically distinct – feature antique furnishings, some with four-poster beds. There are also three cottages available to rent. Guests of the Chambers enjoy cozy fireplaces and complimentary wine from a self-serve wine spigot.

In addition to wine, Belhurst makes its own craft beer and hard cider, which patrons can enjoy at the winery tasting room or two on-site restaurants. The hotel also offers a spa and salon. The hotel reviews of Belhurst Castle are mixed, but most recent guests agree the staff is wonderful and the property is beautiful.

Address: 4069 W. Lake Road, Geneva, NY 14456

Read: The Top Finger Lakes Wineries to Visit

The Lake House on Canandaigua: Canandaigua

Courtesy of The Lake House on Canandaigua

The Lake House is the first hotel of its kind to open on Canandaigua Lake, the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes. The eco-conscious hotel uses its natural environment to provide holistic luxury to guests – from creekside barrel saunas at the on-site Willowbrook Spa to meals made with local ingredients at the Rose Tavern and Sand Bar. Of course, guests can enjoy Canandaigua Lake via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, private boat charter or even a morning coffee cruise. Light and airy guest rooms and suites feature handcarved furniture, rain showers, and plush robes and slippers; some first-floor rooms are pet-friendly.

When booking your stay, consider the "Romance at The Lake" package, which includes overnight accommodations, a spa credit and a Rose Tavern credit for a candlelit dinner, as well as wine and chocolate upon arrival.

If you can peel yourself from the property, take time to enjoy the award-winning wines and delicious food on the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail.

Address: 770 S. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424

Courtesy of The Otesaga

Cooperstown is undeniably family-friendly – it's home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and Cooperstown Dreams Park, after all. But this central New York village is also ideal for a romantic weekend getaway, whether you and your beau are baseball fans or not.

Nicknamed "America's Most Perfect Village," Cooperstown boasts plenty of boutiques, breweries and art galleries, such as the Fenimore Art Museum, located on a property once owned by James Fenimore Cooper, author of "The Last of the Mohicans." In the winter, you and your partner can also try cross-country skiing or showshoeing at Glimmerglass State Park.

The village's grand dame, The Otesaga Resort Hotel, features romantic accommodations in which couples can wake up to the sun rising over Otsego Lake. Seasonally, hotel guests can enjoy water sports on the lake and cocktails at the outdoor Fire Bar overlooking the water. The luxury resort also features the Hawkeye Spa and fine dining at 1909 on Friday evenings. Other romantic dining options in Cooperstown include Brewery Ommegang (once famous for its limited-edition "Game of Thrones"-inspired beers); Nicoletta's Italian Café; and Origins Cafe, a farm-to-table restaurant inside of a greenhouse.

Glenmere Mansion: Chester

Courtesy of Glenmere Mansion

You'd never guess that this 150-acre estate is located in the U.S., let alone that it's only around 70 miles from New York City. Constructed in 1911, the mansion – then the summer home of industrialist Robert Goet – sits in the countryside of the Hudson Valley, intended to resemble the villas of Tuscany at the time. Now a Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel , Glenmere Mansion features more than a dozen guest rooms, each one thoughtfully redesigned and unique. Most rooms have fireplaces, and many offer terraces.

Romantic retreats can (and should) include indulging at the Glenmere spa, which features a tandem suite with side-by-side soaking tubs and treatment tables. Guests of the spa enjoy pre- or post-treatment tapas and access to a variety of amenities, including an herbal steam room, dry heat sauna and a Swiss shower.

Visitors at Glenmere also have access to four fine dining venues and local activities such as historic sightseeing and wine tasting at the award-winning Brotherhood Winery, widely considered the oldest winery in the U.S. Note that Glenmere Mansion is an adults-only resort . Many previous guests praise Glenmere, noting that the food is exceptionally good.

Address: 634 Pine Hill Road, Chester, NY 10918

Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz

Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

Perhaps the grandest of all the mansions and castles in New York (and the U.S.) is Mohonk Mountain House. Founded in 1869, the resort can be found tucked into the Hudson Valley, less than 100 miles from New York City.

Another major draw? It's one of few all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. Rates include three farm-to-table meals daily plus afternoon tea and cookies; a roster of activities, spanning water sports on Lake Mohonk to 85 scenic miles of hiking trails; wellness offerings such as a spa and fitness classes; nightly entertainment including live music and seasonal campfires; and, for families, additional kid-specific activities. Couples can choose Victorian-style guest room or suite accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces in the Mountain House, or opt to stay in the more private Grove Lodge.

While this National Historic Landmark resort is pricey, previous guests agree the cost is well worth the experience.

Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561

Courtesy of Urban Cowboy Lodge

While the Catskills may always be synonymous with "Dirty Dancing," the region looks a bit different than it did when Frances "Baby" Houseman and Johnny Castle fell in love here. A boom in boutique lodging options is once again attracting travelers to an area that saw a period of decline from the 1970s until recent years.

Modern-day Babys and Johnnys can now go glamping at AutoCamp Catskills; spend the night at Wylder Windham, a full-service boutique hotel next to Windham Mountain Resort; relax in rustic-luxe rooms with soaking tubs at Urban Cowboy Lodge; tuck into cozy cabins at Eastwind Windham, which also features standalone saunas in the woods; or even spend the night at a revamped retro motel such as the Starlite Motel, with its outdoor pool. Throughout the region couples will also find breweries and cideries, U-pick farms, and (of course) the outdoor adventures that first put the Catskills on the map: skiing, hiking, biking and more.

Read: The Top Catskills Resorts

Courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

Known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World," Niagara Falls is the original romantic getaway in New York. Couples in search of romance have been visiting the region since the 1800s, particularly after the Erie Canal opened. Connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, the canal – along with railroad expansions – made Niagara Falls a more accessible vacation destination for honeymooners.

Today, couples who want to experience the beauty of this natural wonder can hike or bike scenic trails at Niagara Falls State Park. You and your sweetheart can also watch a nightly illumination of the falls from a cozy blanket in the park, which is an especially colorful spectacle during Pride Month. Of course, there are plenty of guided tours in Niagara Falls , including the iconic Maid of the Mist (where Pam and Jim said their vows).

The New York side of Niagara Falls is home to a large wine region, with the Niagara Wine Trail offering more than a dozen wineries. For romantic accommodations, look to The Giacomo in the heart of downtown. Built in 1929 as the United Office Building, The Giacomo is now a luxury boutique hotel with architecture that blends art deco and Mayan Revival styles. In-room amenities include a nightly cookie delivery and panoramic views; select rooms have whirlpool baths and fireplaces. Duos can grab cocktails at the Giacomo Lounge before taking advantage of the "Sweetheart Package," complete with a bottle of Champagne, souvenir glasses, chocolate truffles and a rose petal display.

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Hutton Brickyards: Kingston

Jane Beiles | Courtesy of Hutton Brickyards

The Hudson Valley's last architecturally intact brick manufactory, Hutton Brickyards, sits on more than 70 lush acres overlooking the Hudson River. Here, lovebirds can hide out in waterfront cabins and luxurious suites designed to optimize privacy, then enjoy on-site activities such as spa treatments, yoga, sip-and-paint sessions, archery, kayaking and nature walks. The property's alfresco waterfront restaurant, The River Pavilion, serves elevated wood-fired cuisine alongside the fireplaces. Other upscale eateries as well as boutiques can be found in downtown Kingston.

Within view of the Rhinecliff Amtrak station, Hutton Brickyards is an easy trip for New Yorkers seeking some respite from the busy city. Previous guests can't say enough good things about this seemingly hidden gem, noting that the cabins are especially cozy.

Address: 200 North St., Kingston, NY 12401

Courtesy of The High Line Hotel

Reenact your favorite rom-com moment in New York City, where there are endless places to fall in love – from world-class museums and award-winning restaurants to studio tours, skyline views and some of the country's best Pride events . In the architecturally awe-inspiring Hudson Yards neighborhood, which officially opened in 2019, lovers will find shopping, dining, special events and an on-site hotel.

Speaking of hotels, while the city may never sleep, you probably will, and there's no shortage of romantic lodging options in New York City. At The James New York – NoMad , which sits just steps from the Museum of Sex, curious couples can participate in intimacy workshops that teach you and your partner how to connect breath, emotions and sensations. Another potential accommodation choice is The High Line Hotel , a Parisian-style property whose Remote View garden serves extrasensory cocktails inspired by Ingo Swann, known as a pioneering psychic. At the TWA Hotel, meanwhile, guests enjoy the glamour of 1960s travel (think "Mad Men") as you sip martinis by a rooftop pool that overlooks the runways of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Read: The Top Statue of Liberty Cruises

Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club: Sloatsburg

Jean Francois-Jaussaud | Courtesy of Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club

A fitness-focused resort, the Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club is ideal for active couples in search of a romantic weekend getaway in New York. The sprawling resort – a popular destination for weddings and other events – is surrounded by 70,000 scenic acres that afford myriad activities, including guided hiking, biking and kayaking tours. The resort also features an expansive fitness center, a variety of fitness and wellness programs, and a 75-foot outdoor swimming pool. Romantic activities include browsing the hotel's organic market and art gallery with its bookstore, cozying up by the outdoor fire pits, enjoying in-room spa treatments and dining at farm-to-table restaurants.

The four historic guesthouses are each equipped with three to five luxurious bedrooms and porches – perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. The Farm House and Twin Peaks allow you to book only one bedroom and enjoy exclusive use of the home during your stay, making them ideal for a couples weekend.

The Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club is about an hour's ride from New York City via the ShortLine Hudson bus from Manhattan; the resort is conveniently located next to the bus stop and train station in Sloatsburg.

Address: 27 Mill St., Sloatsburg, NY 10974

Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa: Montauk

Courtesy of Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

An icon in the Hamptons, Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is situated on Montauk's picturesque stretch of oceanfront real estate. Hotel patrons enjoy access to a private beach and ocean views from luxury rooms, suites and beachfront cottages. In-room amenities include wet bars, Nespresso machines, and cozy robes and slippers. Couples can also take in the ocean vistas hand in hand from the Firepit outdoor lounge or relax at The Beach Club. Following a $20 million renovation, the resort's Seawater Spa features new indoor-outdoor spa suites with private soaking tubs, perfect for couples.

While many local hotels close for the winter, Gurney's Montauk is open year-round, so lovebirds can visit whenever the mood strikes. Reviewers say the resort is top-notch, with some noting it's just as good – and less crowded – in the offseason.

Address: 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

Read: The Top Things to Do in Long Island

Courtesy of Discover Long Island

While the Hamptons remains an elite vacation spot on Long Island, the North Fork has been giving that resort destination a run for its money – especially in recent years. Thanks to an ideal terroir for growing grapes, Long Island has an established wine scene, with most of the vineyards and wineries located on the North Fork. You'll find many of the region's wineries along Route 25 (the main thoroughfare); guided wine tours with a personal driver are a popular way to taste the region's signature wines, which include merlot, cabernet franc and chardonnay. In June, many of the wineries celebrate Pride Month.

The area is also dotted with U-pick farms and farmers markets, some of which sell another local delicacy: oysters. For an essential North Fork experience, pair your oysters with wine at places such as Terra Vite North Fork Winery & Vineyard and Peconic Bay Vineyards – the latter offers oyster happy hours seasonally.

Couples can relax by the seaside in Orient Beach State Park, where beachgoers enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and other opportunities for outdoor recreation. Round out your romantic getaway in Long Island with a game of golf and some upscale dining, then check into one of the North Fork's boutique hotels or bed-and-breakfasts .

Courtesy of Abbey Inn & Spa

Often considered New York City's sixth borough, Westchester County is perfect for a weekend getaway with your partner. Just north of Manhattan, set between the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, Westchester County offers a little bit of everything: quaint river towns (including the legendary Sleepy Hollow), beaches, historic landmarks, seasonal events, and hiking and biking trails galore. You can also traverse the Westchester Farm Trail, which encompasses 13 farms and orchards with markets, U-pick options and more.

Romantic accommodations in Westchester County include the Bedford Post Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property with just eight rooms (many with fireplaces) and two highly rated farm-to-table restaurants. The Abbey Inn and Spa, which overlooks the Hudson River, is another lovely lodging option: Once a convent, the stunning building now houses luxurious guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, and a full-service spa where you and your lover can unwind with a lava stone couples massage.

Whiteface Lodge: Lake Placid

Courtesy of Whiteface Lodge

It doesn't get more romantic than Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid. The AAA Four Diamond resort boasts a variety of rustic-luxe suites (including one-bedroom options), most with cast-iron fireplaces, jetted tubs, and patios or balconies. Romantic on-site amenities and activities include evening drinks under the stars in a private lean-to; a spa with hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas; ice skating in the winter; and fine dining at Kanu, where guests say the atmosphere alone is worth a dinner reservation.

A two-time host of the Winter Olympics, Lake Placid offers a variety of Olympics-inspired museums and experiences, with unique winter activities including bobsledding at Mount Van Hoevenberg and dog-sledding on frozen Mirror Lake. Of course, there's also skiing, snowboarding and the like at Whiteface Mountain, one of the best ski resorts in New York . While you're visiting, take time for a romantic stroll along Lake Placid's Main Street, which looks like a Norman Rockwell painting. Previous guests adore Whiteface Lodge, noting that it's ideal for both couples and families.

Address: 7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946

The Sagamore Resort: Bolton Landing

Courtesy of The Sagamore Resort

There are plenty of vacation rentals on Lake George, but if you're looking for the ultimate escape with your partner, book a stay at The Sagamore Resort (part of the Opal Collection). Located on a 70-acre private island in the Adirondacks, the hotel features award-winning dining, an 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Especially unique is the annual Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge, where 18,000 pounds of crystal-clear ice are transformed to create an Antarctic setting overlooking Lake George.

If you're seeking a private outdoor space and/or fireplace, a spacious option is a two-bedroom condo (or perhaps a four-room condo or house if you're traveling with other couples). Otherwise, you'll be perfectly comfortable in a lodge room or suite, some of which also come with fireplaces or balconies. Previous guests say this historic resort – first opened in 1883 and even considered by some to be a haunted hotel – is absolutely majestic.

Address: 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Troutbeck: Amenia

Courtesy of Troutbeck

Tuck into Troutbeck, a historic estate hotel whose most famous guests include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Located in the Hudson Valley, the hotel features field-to-fork dining led by Michelin-starred chef Gabe McMackin, as well as The Barns, a wellness facility featuring yoga, meditation and Kinesoma classes (dance-based movement). The wellness offerings also include services such as acupuncture and massages. An outdoor swimming pool and grill, hammock and picnic sites, tennis courts, and free bike rentals complement the serene setting.

For an especially romantic lodging option, book the Dunham Suite, named for its lovely view of the nearby creek. The suite features a king-size, four-poster bed; a gas fireplace; a wet bar with a minifridge; heated bathroom flooring; and a standalone soaking tub and separate rain shower. Recent guests say they enjoyed the beauty and history of this hotel from the 1700s.

Address: 515 Leedsville Road, Amenia, NY 12501

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross has traveled to New York countless times, most recently for a stay at the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa. Of all the places she's visited, she maintains that upstate New York is one of the most romantic destinations in the U.S .

You might also be interested in:

• The Most Romantic Getaways in Ohio
• The Most Romantic Getaways in New Jersey
• The Most Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania

Tags: Travel , New York Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations , US Vacations , Couples Vacations

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The exterior of Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton commands your attention.

If you don’t know Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton by name, chances are you’d recognize its facade—especially if you live in the New York Metropolitan Area and have cruised up north via I-95. Prominently planted in an Ikea parking lot in New Haven’s Long Wharf District, the 1968 brutalist concrete masterpiece by the Hungarian-American modernist architect Marcel Breuer commands your attention.

First known as the Armstrong Rubber Company Building then the Pirelli Tire Building, the iconic structure stood vacant for nearly two decades before architect and developer Bruce Redman Becker of Becker + Becker purchased the landmarked building in late 2019. His ambition? To create a climate-conscious and aesthetically pleasing hotel that remained true to Bauhaus’s functional and minimalist roots.

Hotel Marcel New Haven carefully restored many of its building's unique elements.

After years of careful planning (during the pandemic, no less), Hotel Marcel New Haven opened in May of 2022 as the country’s first Passive House-certified hotel. For this distinction, the 165-room property had to meet rigorous standards by demonstrating high energy efficency, resiliency, and exemplary comfort year round.

Making all this happen was no easy task—especially since the hotel is the first of its kind—but from day one Becker was set on having Hotel Marcel operate solely on energy generated on-site without fossil fuels. To that end: Over 1,000 solar panels laid across the buiding’s roof and parking lot source all of the hotel’s electricity. In addition to the guest rooms and common spaces, the electricity runs the laundry facilities, the all-day eatery BLDG —where Chef Megan Gill just launched an enticing happy hour of New England squash hummus, local grass-fed beef sliders, and eco-friendly cocktails—and most interestingly, a backup system allowing Hotel Marcel to operate seamlessly during power outages. Other sustainable measures include 24 EV charging stations and a complimentary EV shuttle for hotel guests. Since opening, Hotel Marcel also gained LEED Platinum status—it’s only the tenth property in the U.S. to have this elite title—and is well on track to be net zero by 2025.

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Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton historic suites

Beyond accomplishing far more than what most hotels claim in the name of sustainability, Hotel Marcel’s pared-back aesthetic has also caught the eyes of design lovers from all over. The former executive offices and meeting spaces on the eighth floor have been transformed into spacious suites balancing beautifully-restored original details like ceilings and wood panels with muted tones and clean-lined furnishings including Marcel Breuer’s Cesca chair—they’re sublime examples of quiet confidence and timeless style. Even the event spaces impress: Unlike the drab subterranean dens found in most hotels, the ones here are perched on the top floor, lofty, and sport striking elements like concrete floors and exposed steel trusses.

Note this stunning Marcel Breuer granite desk in the lobby adjacent to the main elevators.

Another reason to book a stay at Hotel Marcel? Location. Without traffic, it’s just a 90-minute drive from New York City and offers an unexpected kind of weekend getaway: one that’s chic, truly kind to our planet, and convenient as well. Plus: if you need to stock up on affordable home goods or Swedish snacks, Ikea is right across the parking lot.

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7 Places To Live On The Water In New York For Under $600k

While much of New York's coastal and lakeside shoreline remains expensive, these scenic waterside towns offer homes under $600,000.

• Affordable waterfront homes in NY under $600k are a reality in towns like Baiting Hollow, Freeport, and Bellport.
• Enjoy beach living in NY at places like Sound Beach and Mastic Beach, where average home prices are under $500k.
• Oswego offers some of the cheapest waterfront property in NY, with homes averaging $218,925 on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Moving to New York State is a dream for many. With mountains, forests, lakes, bustling metropolises, and miles of ocean shoreline, New York can feel like a paradise. For those who want to buy real estate along one of New York's many lakes or stretches of shoreline, prices can be initially daunting.

Places like the Hamptons, New York's luxe oceanside vacation spot , can make moving to New York's picturesque waterfront towns and cities seem impossible with sky-high prices. However, moving to a waterfront property in New York is indeed a reality for those with a budget of $600,000 or less! There are plenty of great spots by the water to settle in that won't break the bank, whether one is a retiree, a young or middle-aged working person looking to start life in a new area, or a family searching for a scenic place to raise the children.

In this list, you'll find some of the slightly more affordable places to live in New York by the water with home prices under $600k. While this figure is still quite expensive compared to the USA's median home price of around $420,000, according to RedFin's data , and the average home cost in New York of around $460,800 (per Zillow ) , it's still somewhat of a modest figure for New York's lake towns and oceanfront communities, where property typically comes at a premium due to demand and desirability.

7 Small Towns In New York With The Lowest Crime Rates

7 baiting hollow, average home price: $579,391.

The little seaside community of Baiting Hollow might just be one of the best small beach towns on Long Island to live in or retire. At a fraction of the cost compared to the Hamptons, only $579,391 on average for a home, moving to this charming spot on the Long Island Sound is plausible for many people looking to live in New York by the ocean.

This town is known for its golf clubs, its vineyard , and its quiet, upscale atmosphere. Residents here will soon forget all about the Hamptons!

Average home price: $564,325

The seaside village of Freeport on New York's Long Island Sound is a relatively affordable place to live on the water near New York City. With an average home price of $564,325, moving here is a real possibility for many New York enthusiasts.

This village has many parks, such as Sea Breeze Park or Cow Meadow Park , and is right near the Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve . Known for its many restaurants and coffee shops, there's always something new to try in Freeport!

From The Hamptons To Montauk: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure Along New York's South Shore

Average home cost: $530,403.

This quaint village on the South Shore of Long Island is perhaps one of the most affordable places to live on New York's ocean coast. With an average home costing $530,403 , this area is on budget for many people, be they retirees or working people, who want to find affordable waterfront property in New York.

With the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge nearby, tourists and retirees will be able to enjoy New York's natural environment. Residents of this town will also know that one of the best things to do here is to visit the Gateway Playhouse, a theater that has been open every summer since 1950.

For historically-minded residents, the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society is a great place to go for historical blacksmith demonstrations.

4 Lake George

Average home cost: $491,541.

Located in New York's Adirondacks, the beautiful lakeside town of Lake George in Upstate New York offers plenty to do for residents and visitors alike and is a great place to settle without breaking the bank.

With an average home price of $491,541 , this town is much more affordable than other towns in the area. Local activities include visiting the historic Fort William Henry , Shepard Park , and the Lake George Steamboat Company.

Savvy hikers and outdoorsy people will know that the Adirondacks are one of the hottest hiking spots of the decade, meaning there are plenty of adventurous activities for locals to participate in here. Thanks to its prime location in the Adirondack mountains, Lake George is among the perfect towns for hikers to live in .

7 Small Towns To Retire To Outside Of New York City

3 sound beach, average home price: $462,604.

Located on New York's Long Island Sound, the town of Sound Beach is an adorable and affordable place to find waterfront property in New York. The average home price here is only $462,604 .

This beach town is known for its nearby state parks and public beaches, namely Robert Moses State Park, Cedar Beach , and Orient Beach State Park .

2 Mastic Beach

Average home price: $400,029.

Another affordable beach town on Long Island Sound that those on a budget could move to is Mastic Beach. A house here only costs around $400,029 on average , making it much more affordable than the rest of Long Island.

This beautiful seaside village offers residents access to the historic William Floyd Estate , Fire Island National Seashore , Smith Point County Park , and Terrell River County Park .

10 Affordable Small Towns To Retire in Upstate New York

Average house price: $218,925.

The waterfront town of Oswego is one of the cheapest places to own waterfront property in New York State. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this colorful, historic town is full of charm and character. A house here costs around $218,925 on average , potentially making it one of the most affordable towns in New York to buy a home on the water.

Local things to do here include visiting some of the town's many museums, such as Fort Ontario State Historic Site , the Richardson Bates House Museum , and the H. Lee White Maritime Museum . Plus, the nearby town of Syracuse is considered to be one of the most livable cities in New York , so residents will surely have a blast living in this area!

18 Beautiful Places To Live In New York State

Whether one moves to the tranquil waters of Lake Ontario or Lake George or decides to settle along the crashing shoreline of the Long Island Sound, New York has plenty of places where owning waterfront property isn't just a dream, but an affordable reality!

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• In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

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In 2024, The MICHELIN Guide is announcing the first ever MICHELIN Keys — a brand new distinction that recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world. Head here for everything you need to know about the new Key distinction, and visit this page to explore the full list of Key hotels in the United States.

The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (33 properties) is difficult enough, but only 11 hotels earned Three Keys in the United States. Of those, four can be found in New York City. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. But in this series , we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our four Three Key hotels in New York City.

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A Martini Tour of New York City

By Gary Shteyngart

Three years ago, as the pandemic was loosening its grip on the world, and as I started to recover from the aftereffects of a botched childhood circumcision that had returned to haunt me in middle age, I rediscovered the bottomless pleasure of a cold dry Martini. My emergence from both a global and personal health crisis plunged me into a daily Saturnalia. As restaurants reopened, I unhinged my jaw and left it open: suadero tacos dripping with lard; twisted knobs of dough crowning gigantic Georgian khinkali dumplings; the mutton chop at Keens Steakhouse that is made for sharing in theory, but not in practice—all fell victim to my appetites. And to help the food go down easy, I also consumed gallons of Willamette Valley pinot noir and hyper-local artisanal ales. Soon enough, my A1C levels were in the prediabetic range and I knew that action had to be taken.

Sugar was the problem, and while I have always been an aficionado of the blood-sugar-lowering wonder drug metformin I decided to make a life-style change as well. I decided to start drinking lots of Martinis. Martinis, I reasoned, contain far less sugar than beer or wine. Also, Martinis make you happier faster and so you do not need to drink as many of them. There is a point in my writing day when a Martini appears before my eyes and I have to resist putting it in the hands of my characters. In my last published novel, many Gibsons, a relative of the Martini, were enjoyed by nearly all my protagonists as they faced lifetimes of regrets and bouts of late-fortysomething ennui. Martinis often appear in other forms of art as symbols of joy and closure. The last scene of “ Poor Things ,” a stylized and sybaritic film if ever there was one, ends with the sumptuously dressed characters drinking a bevy of Martinis.

But not all has been well in Martini land. For years, doctors have been telling us that a glass or two of wine at dinner is good for our health. So how bad could two relatively sugar-free Martinis be? Recently, however, doctors changed their minds. A flurry of articles descended from Mount Hippocrates declaring that the healthiest choice was zero alcohol.

Zero alcohol! A glass of water with our salad. A splash of cucumber juice after our workout. The more articles I read, the angrier I became. Modern Americans are supposed to submit to all the indignities of late capitalism: the endless work hours, the 9 P.M. e-mails from our superiors, software that monitors our every keystroke. And then we’re not even supposed to have a drink in the middle of this psychic carnage? (Perhaps that drink would interfere with our productivity.) I understand that most doctors want us only to stay healthy, but the Rx on their prescription pads seems to read “Endless suffering endured daily; refill until death.” No, I, for one, would not submit. Let the younger folks medicate with their Adderall to stay up and their benzos to come down. In the meantime, I would reach for my gin and my vermouth and one V-shaped glass to contain them all. I would dedicate myself to the cult of the Martini.

But which Martini? I divide my time between upstate New York and New York City, and both have bars and restaurants that make formidable versions of the drink. Perhaps the best Martini one can enjoy is on the porch of my home in the country, but not all readers will find themselves there. Instead, with the so-called end user in mind, I decided to find some of the best Martinis in the city and to do so with some of my favorite Martini devotees: writers, actors, critics, and other assorted dipsos.

My Martini journey began on a chilly February with my friend the writer Amor Towles. I had asked Amor, with whom I share a neighborhood and a penchant for high-quality drinking, for his favorite Martini in the city and he had mentioned the Chelsea, which was once a semi-seedy artist’s paradise and now is not. The Martini of the Lobby Bar there is beloved because it pays homage to the Dukes Martini—named for the eponymous bar and hotel in London’s St. James’s neighborhood—which is famed for its frostiness, its purity, and, not least importantly, its size. (Legend has it that patrons at the original establishment were only allowed two per evening.)

The Lobby Bar is sumptuous, with a bar top that accommodates a Parthenon’s worth of marble, and banquettes that are cozy and velvety. Amor came properly dressed in a vest for the occasion, while I had hastened off the Amtrak in my county garb. The Dukes Martini was assembled tableside—the ingredients presented on a foldout stand—by a young server skilled in the pouring arts. When it comes to the purist’s dry Martini, there are two things to remember. First, there is a mantra that Amor himself has coined: “Crisp, clear, and cold.” The Lobby Bar follows these directives by freezing the glasses, as well as the gin or vodka. The second is the “vermouth rinse.” In this maneuver, the composition I usually turn to for a dry Martini—one part vermouth to five parts gin—is almost entirely done away with. The vermouth is conscripted only to coat a rather enormous glass and is then tossed away before the gin or vodka, which has been primed with a dash of salt-water solution, is poured. (I have been told that at the original Dukes the vermouth was ignominiously tossed onto the carpet, whereas at the Chelsea it is merely splashed into a tiny glass of olives, perhaps later to be lapped up by an alcoholic dog.) Notably, no ice or shakers are used and the alcohol is neither shaken nor stirred, creating a ninety-five-per-cent undiluted Martini, which, at this volume, functions as a kind of uncontrolled insanity.

The drinking began. The first Martini, essentially a vermouth-coated container for what I eyeballed to be two and a half to three shots of juniper-noted, grapefruit-evoking Tanqueray No. Ten gin, immediately put us in a mood. The mood was a good one. I cannot remember whether it was Amor or I who said “I’m feeling very chummy.” Perhaps we both said it. The Dukes Martini came with an array of garnishes, of which I found the lemon peel most conducive to the juniper crispness of the Tanqueray.

By this point, there was no other choice but to try the Dukes Martini with Ketel One vodka. Purists insist on gin, of course, but given my national background growing up in a famous autocracy high up by the Gulf of Finland, my constitution prefers vodka for the recovery process the morning after. Nevertheless, this was a hell of a lot of vodka. Here, I plopped an olive into the oversized glass for a hint of brininess. Although my thumbs were ceasing to work, I managed to type “This is friendship juice” into my phone as Amor and I chattered away on topics both alcoholic and literary. We ordered a very decent shrimp cocktail and split a B.L.T. sandwich to fortify ourselves for our third drink, the so-called 1884 Martini. This beast is premade with two types of gin—Boatyard Double Gin, from Northern Ireland, and the New York Distilling Company’s Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin—which clocks in at a ridiculous 114 proof. This dangerous concoction is then fat-washed with Spanish Arbequina olive oil, after which it is frozen and the olive oil’s fat removed, while vermouth, lemon liqueur, a house-made vetiver tincture, and a few dashes of lemon-pepper bitters are added. A lemon peel is then showily expressed over the glass tableside and a very briny Gordal olive and a cocktail-onion skewer are plopped in. Although more sizable quantities of vermouth and other pollutants are at play than in the classic Dukes Martini, the over-proofed gin does a lot of the talking and one is soon very convincingly drunk.

Three Martinis in, spirits high, voices loud, we stormed down Broadway to our native Gramercy, where, in the pursuit of further bar eating and to descend from our Martini highs, we split a duo of frankfurters at the Old Town Bar & Restaurant, along with a pair of Negronis. That night, my stomach padded with beef and bun, I descended into the sleep of the righteous, dreaming of further drunken friendship still.

My research continued. I conscripted my friend the actor J. Smith-Cameron, known lately for her role as Gerri on “Succession,” into taking me to one of her favorite Martini joints, Gotham Restaurant, in the Village. One can love a bar for the drinks, or one can love a bar for the bartender. For J., it is the latter, and the Gotham bartender’s name is Billy. Gotham, which opened in 1984, has been a fixture of the downtown dining scene for decades, and Billy is a lifer in that world, having worked at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill for twenty years, before spending ten years at Gotham. (The restaurant closed during COVID and reëmerged under new ownership.) J. and I are besotted by the man, by the excellent floral skinny tie, by the black vest, by the rolled-up bartender’s sleeves. There is a bookshelf to the left of the bar and the corporatized but still-interesting urban ballet of Twelfth Street beyond the restaurant’s tall windows, and then there is the potent drink before us.

When it comes to Martinis, Billy is a rebel against the general anti-vermouth vibe that pervades our city, but he knows his patrons prefer their libations dry. “ ’Cause most people,” he told us, “if you put vermouth in nowadays, they send it back.” He mixed us a Vesper, a drink that de-Balkanizes the conflict between vodka and gin by combining both, with a splash of Lillet Blanc serving as the Holy Spirit. “I use more Lillet to make it sweeter, to add more body,” Billy told us. The drink, while still crisp, was more toothsome than a standard dry Martini.

As we tried on a pair of Gibsons for size (here, a cocktail onion serves as the garnish), J. and I discussed child rearing. When her daughter was a child, J. taught her the rudiments of life: making a good pot of coffee and a good Martini. In a year or two, my ten-year-old son should be taught the same. J. tells me that while on the set of “Succession” she insisted that her character, Gerri, should be drinking gin Martinis with an olive, even while the other characters were drinking trendy “blue drinks” during scenes that called for alcohol. She also once threw a drink at her fellow cast member and friend Kieran Culkin because “Oh, we were very, very rude.”

Billy next presented us with a tribute to the supposed origin of the Martini, the Martinez, developed in the eponymous town northeast of San Francisco during the mid-nineteenth century. The cocktails are related, but after the crisp minimalism of a Gibson, the Martinez is akin to encountering a violent early hominid in a downtown bar. Sweet vermouth and maraschino are conscripted alongside the usual gin. Billy uses Carpano sweet vermouth, which, to my palate, provides hints of bitterness instead of overwhelming sweetness. It went down as easy as a Martinez can, and J. and I were now thoroughly drunk. Gotham’s kitchen was closed, so we headed across the street to get burgers at the Strip House to buffer our stomachs. When we left, an hour later, Billy had also crossed the street to get a drink at the bar. There he was, with his sleeves still rolled up, saying goodbye to the evening.

Over the years, I have had many Vespers with the food critic Adam Platt, and he remains, in my mind, as close as it comes to a philosopher-gourmand. “E. B. White called the Martini the elixir of quietude,” Platty, as he’s known, told me while we were sipping a vodka Martini at Tigre, on Rivington Street, on the Lower East Side. Platty’s father was a high-ranking diplomat in Asia and elsewhere when the future food critic was still a child, and he would come home and make himself a Martini. “My dad didn’t talk a lot when he had a Martini,” Platty said. But when he drank after a long day’s work, “there was a sense of slow-seeping well being.”

The dry Martini may be a powerful “friendship juice,” but a V-shaped glass is also a perfect container above which to hang one’s solitary perplexed punim at the end of a tough week or day or hour. Platty put it slightly differently: “A good Wasp just likes a big-ass Martini.”

Tigre is one of the most beautiful bars of recent vintage that I have seen. Windowless, it glows like a jewel box, and the striking semicircle of the bar is not unlike that of the U.N. Security Council, though studded with booze. Platty remarked that “all these bartenders look like Jesus,” and our handsome open-shirted server so resembled the Lord that I couldn’t help but hum, “Oh, come, let us adore him,” under my breath. The highlight of Tigre’s Martini menu is the vodka-based Cigarette, which Platty immediately qualified as “smoky as fuck.” “It’s old-fashioned, like if you smoked a cigarette while having a Martini,” Jesus told us, which is absolutely on point. Austria’s Truman vodka is shot into flaming orbit by an inventive liquor made by Empirical, the Danish distillery, and named after Stephen King’s pyrokinetic character Charlene McGee, which presents on the tongue as a flavorful burst of smoked juniper, hence the feeling that a draw of nicotine and tar can’t be far.

Platty approved. While he used to drink solely gin Martinis “colder than Margaret Thatcher’s heart,” he cited, as an inspiration for his own switch, the late Roger Angell, a writer for this magazine, who shifted during his later years “ from gin to vodka , which was less argumentative.” Platty’s A1C levels, however, have also driven him in search of other pleasures. “As an older diabetic boomer,” he said, “I like to get high.”

Despite our age and lack of hair, we decided to try our luck in Brooklyn. We headed to Maison Premiere, on Bedford Avenue, which is, oddly enough, owned by the same folks as Tigre. But in contrast to our cordial reception at Tigre, we were kept waiting for almost an hour, promised a Martini, then a seat, while all around us young professionals posed with and then demolished skyscrapers of plateau de fruits de mer. “It’s age discrimination!” Platty hollered, literally shaking his fist above the din. “Where’s my fucking Martini?”

We stomped out of the Maison and angrily scarfed down some street-side tacos as we recovered from this macro aggression. We decided that while Brooklyn was, pace Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men, we would give the borough one more try at Sunken Harbor Club, the recent but already renowned tiki bar above the steak house Gage & Tollner, on a dejected stretch of downtown. Sunken Harbor’s nautical theme and far more low-key clientele quickly warmed our bitter hearts as we were presented with the Immortal Martini. Here I will keep my descriptive powder dry and instead quote from the menu: “This gin Martini intrigues the senses with sesame oil, red pepper, and a cooling hint of cucumber. Not as briny as the sea, but enough to evoke the ocean’s mist.” Precisely. “It’s not bad,” Platty said. “It’s quite smooth,” he added. “I mean, it’s some weird shit. It tastes like a cucumber salad.”

We slurped in contemplation, enjoying the strangest take on the “elixir of quietude” yet, when an urgent message came over the intercom: “We’re taking on water! We’re all going down! This is your last call for alcohol!” Mist rolled into the bar, and a kind of laser-light show erupted all around us to the tune of ABBA ’s “S.O.S.” Satisfied that we had seen the best Brooklyn has to offer, Platty and I departed for our home island.

But a few days later I was back in Brooklyn to visit my friend Matt Hranek, author of the brilliantly concise and altogether helpful volume “ The Martini: Perfection In a Glass .” (Fans of Negronis might want to take a look at the accompanying volume, “ The Negroni: A Love Affair with a Classic Cocktail .”)

The dapper herringbone-jacket-attired Matt—he is also the editor of WM Brown , a life-style magazine—prepared me a few Martinis using coupe glasses and CAP gin, from the Côte d’Azur (“Far more herbaceous than that kind of classic London dry”). Matt is an evangelist for the “vermouth rinse” and the chilled-gin-and-glasses technique (he pointed out “the mouth feel of gin just out of the freezer” and allowed that gin-freezer storage was a “Dukes bar hack”). I want to draw attention to the joys of drinking from a coupe rather than a large V-shaped glass. A server at the venerable Death & Co., in the East Village (which makes a very effective ume-and-yuzu-aided Martini called the Parasol Dance), told me that drinking from a V-shaped glass “calls for an elegance of motion,” an elegance my shaky hands no longer have. Matt’s collection of diminutive coupes creates a different, more measured approach to the intake of vermouth-rinsed, premier-quality gin, and one with zero spillage of the precious liquid.

We crossed back into Manhattan and a six-hour marathon of Martini drinking began, one that should only be attempted by professionals like ourselves. The first stop was the new outpost of the storied Dante, this one on Hudson Street, in the West Village, which specializes in Martinis. On a Friday night, the room tinkled with the sound of voices just a decade out of summer camp and maybe five years out of the Midwest. “New York is so expensive,” a young woman from Ohio seated at the table next to us bemoaned. “But we want to pay for it!” The eponymous Dante Martini may well be worth the price: it is a heady combination of Ketel One, Fords Gin, Noilly Prat vermouth (Matt’s favorite), grappa-esque Nardini Acqua di Cedro liqueur, and lemon and olive bitters. “This is not for the home bartender,” Matt said, as he toasted with the complicated drink. “This is why you go out.” We both took a long sip. “That’s wet ,” he said with appreciation.

I was most interested in the garnish, a tri-color of black, green, and red olives, and was told by the proprietor, Linden Barton Pride (a name as suitable for the protagonist of a novel as for a Martini-bar owner), that these were Cerignola olives, from the Puglia region of Italy. Matt and I followed up our drinks with some shishito peppers and one of the best Martini accompaniments I have had so far, a simple fluffy piece of bread with a side of smoked butter. The bread, Pride told me, is made in a charcoal oven and is a cross between sourdough and Turkish pide. Dante also churns and smokes its own butter. This elemental combination of butter, bread, and colorful olives allowed me to enjoy at least three more Martinis before we shoved off across town.

Our next stop would be a nostalgic one for many New Yorkers, the newly reopened Temple Bar, on Lafayette. While Dante was ablaze with light, the Temple Bar, true to its name, was dark and muted, verging on the sacred. In the old days, I recalled, this is where many affairs were kindled or allowed to slowly burn out. Matt, who has long worked in media, remembered it as a gathering spot. “A lot of finance journalists used to come here,” Matt told me, “I would walk in here and I would see the editors I knew from Vanity Fair , GQ .” He reminisced about a hostess with “Groucho Marx eyebrows” and said that the room was the setting of many of his dates. “It is what I imagined travelling on a yacht would be.”

The Temple Bar closed in 2017, after the death of its owner, and reopened in 2021 under the cocktail stewardship of the team behind the Lower East Side bar Attaboy. The décor is much the same sultry darkened Deco; even the payphone by the entrance remains. Matt insisted that we needed a protein layer to accompany our latest foray, and we chose devils on horseback to go with the “Two Plymouth Martinis very dry up with a twist,” which would serve as a foil to Dante’s eponymous drink. “Plymouth is a much sharper gin than most,” Matt mused as we sipped. The bacon of the devils on horseback set off a long Proustian moment as we recalled the Martini-accompanying bar snacks of yore, the pigs in a blanket, for example, that went so well with the Polo Bar’s Gibsons.

Duty called for us to travel above Fourteenth Street as we visited perhaps the most classic of the city’s Martini destinations, Bemelmans Bar, at the Carlyle Hotel. I would be remiss here if I didn’t mention that by this point my recollections are as blurry as the pictures I tried to take with my phone. With at least six Martinis inside me and searching for a bathroom, I spent a great deal of time wandering in and out of the Bemelmans’s brilliantly glowing maze of rooms, bumping into tourists and trying to engage in conversation the murals of Ludwig Bemelmans’s Madeline and the portrait of Bobby Short, as if they were alive and imbibing alongside me. “Tanqueray Ten,” Matt said to the server when I rejoined him. “One olive, super dry.” Although it was uncalled for, it was still sublime.

Our marathon ended at Aretsky’s Patroon, a restaurant run by the amiable father-and-son team of Ken and Gene Aretsky, who greeted us like heroes returning from a long battle, a battle we had both won and lost. Ken was the manager of the “21” Club during the booze-soaked mid-eighties, and the clubby Patroon is known for its Martinis, its enormous steaks, and the incredible photographs on the walls, including one of Andreas Feininger’s moody shots of lower Manhattan that may be the most Martini-friendly work of art imaginable.

As midnight approached, Matt and I buttressed our stomachs with a côte de boeuf for two, perfectly charred on the outside, and our last (and possibly tenth) Martini, composed mostly of perfectly dry London gin. Matt thought we should end the evening “with a bit of hydration,” and I was picturing some sort of exotic Catalan water to give the côte de boeuf a nice mineral bath, but what he actually meant was a gin-and-tonic. A cab ride home followed, about which I remember nothing.

My final Martini marathon took place at one of the few places in midtown that can make me very happy, Le Rock, the Rockefeller Center restaurant whose bar radiates warmth and civilization to a neighborhood known for neither. I was joined by the journalist and Russia specialist Michael Weiss. There have been many Wasp protagonists in this story thus far, but Jews drink Martinis as well. I once consoled a Jewish friend over the loss of his mother with help from the Smoked Martini (the Laphroaig rinse helps cut through grief) at Russ & Daughters Café, on the Lower East Side.

Perhaps my favorite bartender in the city, Connor Piazza, mixes at Le Rock. Despite her relative youth, she knows her booze and is a whiz with the cocktail shaker. Michael and I were presented with every Martini on the menu. The Au Poivre introduces vodka to the excitement of green peppercorn, and the Super Sec fixes most mortal problems with over-proofed gin and extra-dry and white vermouth. The L’Alaska is perhaps the most interesting, almost a take on the Martinez, with a sweet-but-not-too-sweet combination of dry gin, yellow Chartreuse, and a dash of the Carthusian monks’ Élixir Végétal de la Grande Chartreuse. “Without Martinis, Anglo culture would have never happened,” Michael concluded at the end of this taste-testing as I munched on soft sweetbreads with black truffle and an excellent leeks vinaigrette whose enclosure of leek greens was circumcised tableside so that the roasted white parts within could be exposed by one of the servers. “Four Martinis in an hour,” he added. “I’m bombed.”

As Connor made an In and Out, her version of a “not quite straight up, extra dry, but not dry” Martini, I recalled the first Martini I ever had. I was a sophomore at Oberlin College and my roommate’s father had taken us out to a restaurant called Presti’s, which served hard booze in a partially dry county and was popular with the faculty for that reason alone. The gin Martini tasted strange to my vodka-conditioned tongue, but the olives were nearly winking at me, and after a few of the libations my teen-aged self felt slightly less scared of the world in front of him. I remember staggering to the bathroom and endeavoring to chat up a professor of modernist American literature. I remember seeing myself in the bathroom mirror and wondering if I could somehow prove myself to be at least a little bit suave. I remember lifting up my V-shaped glass back at the table and knowing that it would accompany me through the rest of my life. ♦

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