Protect Your Trip »

Best day trips from nyc.

New York City offers endless things to do for travelers, but it's also a good home base for exploring other spots along the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you're looking for a quiet small town or a day at the beach, you'll find a variety of options within a few hours of the city. U.S. News considered activities, transportation options and distance to come up with the best day trips from NYC. Got a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's list.

Philadelphia

The catskills, fire island, atlantic city, rockaway beach, ny, governors island.

day tours from new york

About 100 miles south of NYC, the nation's first capital city is rife with activities for all types of travelers. Culture hounds can wander the Philadelphia Museum of Art, history buffs can sightsee at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center and everyone will enjoy the food at Reading Terminal Market. Philly can easily be reached by bus, train or car.

day tours from new york

Situated about 140 miles north of New York City, this mountain region is perfect for exploring the great outdoors year-round. During the warmer months, travelers can camp, hike and fish around the various towns and lakes, while autumn is perfect for taking scenic drives to admire the fall foliage and covered bridges. Come winter, this vacation spot is a convenient option for skiing and snowboarding.

day tours from new york

About 180 miles northeast of NYC, Providence is a slightly farther trip, but it can be reached by car, bus or train. This city offers a walkable downtown and a mix of historic and cultural attractions. You could spend a full day exploring the RISD Museum, but save time to admire the colonial homes along Benefit Street before dining on Italian cuisine in Federal Hill.

day tours from new york

A drive of about 160 miles down the Garden State Parkway will land you in this delightful Jersey Shore town. You can spend the day lounging on the clean beaches or meandering through the National Historic Landmark District (the only entire U.S. city to be designated as such) to see the grand, colorful Victorian homes.

day tours from new york

This seaport village at the mouth of the Mystic River has been around since the 17th century. Today, it's home to two of Connecticut's most-visited attractions: The Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium. After a day of sightseeing, head to Mystic Pizza, the restaurant that inspired the 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, before driving the 130 miles back to NYC.

day tours from new york

The capital of Connecticut sits less than 120 miles north of NYC and is accessible via train, bus or car. The city is home to a range of historical attractions that literary fans will love, including the Mark Twain House & Museum, which dates back to 1874. If literary history doesn't interest you, you can also take your pick of golf courses in the area.

day tours from new york

Sitting about 60 miles east of the heart of New York City, this barrier island is an ideal summertime retreat for those who don't want to splurge on a Hamptons vacation. You can easily spend the day lounging along the Fire Island National Seashore or Robert Moses State Park. Once the sun sets, head to Ocean Beach to enjoy the island's famous nightlife.

day tours from new york

The famous Atlantic City boardwalk is only about 120 miles south of NYC, meaning it’s possible to spend the day at the beach without having to spend the night. If you do want to make a weekend out of it, though, you’ll have plenty of hotels to choose from, as well as casinos, restaurants and spas.

day tours from new york

For a quick jaunt to the beach, head to this stretch of sand in Queens. This family-friendly beach is home to the city's only surfing areas as well as a boardwalk, several playgrounds and plenty of affordable eats. You can reach Rockaway Beach via the A train or take the scenic ferry for only $2.75 one-way.

day tours from new york

Located a stone’s throw from Manhattan (800 yards) and from Brooklyn (400 yards), this 172-acre island is accessible via ferry from either the Battery Maritime Building (Manhattan) or Pier 6 (Brooklyn) for $2 round-trip fare. The island is a great place to spend the day biking, walking, zip lining or attending a festival, but keep in mind it’s only open May through October.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

day tours from new york

Wilmington, DE

day tours from new york

Sleepy Hollow

day tours from new york

The Berkshires

day tours from new york

The Hamptons

You may be interested in.

day tours from new york

Best Weekend Getaways

day tours from new york

Best Day Trips from London

day tours from new york

Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023

day tours from new york

Best New Jersey Beaches

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

day tours from new york

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

day tours from new york

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

day tours from new york

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

day tours from new york

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

day tours from new york

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

day tours from new york

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

day tours from new york

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

day tours from new york

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

day tours from new york

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

day tours from new york

The 6 best day trips from New York City

Sep 21, 2023 • 6 min read

day tours from new york

Go beyond New York City with these great day trips, all under two hours away © Steve Prezant / Getty Images

If there's one thing New York City does better than most other US destinations, it's overloading the senses.

Should you want to escape the Big Apple to unplug from the noise and disconnect from the constant activity, you only need a full tank of gas or a ride on  the city’s public transportation . Within two hours of the city, you can find a complete change of scenery: step away from technology in the forests, soothe your serotonin levels in the sand or get cultured in upstate museums. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from NYC.

1. Free your spirit in Woodstock, New York

Travel time: 2 hours

Although the infamous 1969 music festival took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, tie-dye is still found in Woodstock, a New York town filled with independent art and the bounteous nature of Catskill Park. It's the perfect destination for getting into the great outdoors by taking a hike up  Overlook Mountain and enjoying expansive vistas of red spruce, balsam fir trees and red oak.

A ban on chain stores keeps this town feeling free-spirited and Tinker St, Woodstock’s main drag, entices travelers with unique gift stores and cafes. The town has a plethora of restaurant choices, but for an extra special breakfast, take a 20-minute drive to  Phoenicia Diner , an elevated restaurant known for its unbelievable pancakes. It even has its own cookbook and take-home pancake mix should you miss them when you return to NYC.

How to get to Woodstock from New York City: It takes two hours by car to get to Woodstock. Alternatively, a direct bus runs to Woodstock from Port Authority, which takes two hours and 45 minutes.

2. Take a luxury trip to Bedford-Katonah, New York

Travel time: 1 hour

Hemmed in by the navy waves of Long Island Sound and the blue of the Hudson River, lush Westchester County is the ideal place to recharge. Hone in on Bedford-Katonah, a trio of sleepy hamlets with quaint downtowns that lean back onto a pillow of rolling green hills.

Start at the Katonah Museum of Art , known for showing up-and-coming and established modern artists in a small but innovative setting. Afterward, an eight-minute drive takes you to the  Bedford Post , an eight-room luxury hotel owned by Richard Gere that hosts restorative yoga classes and sound baths in The Loft. 

Finish with a meal at The Barn, one of the on-site restaurants. This casual and charming wood-beamed room has a lovely porch for eating alfresco.

How to get to Bedford-Katonah from New York City: Take the Metro-North Harlem Line to Katonah Station. A short taxi ride gets you to the Katonah Museum of Art. The trip takes about one hour by train.

Two people ride bikes down a boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey

3. Hit the beach in Asbury Park, New Jersey 

Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Synonymous with rocker Bruce Springsteen , the Jersey Shore beach town of Asbury Park is the ideal NYC day trip destination. Its renovated boardwalk crowns a mile-long freeway of golden sand and sparkling blue waters. Add in a slew of trendy restaurants and impeccable independent shopping opportunities and you may not even want to go back to New York.

As well as spending time on the beach, don’t miss the  Wooden Walls Project , a public art initiative started in 2015 consisting of large-scale murals. If you have time, check who's playing at the legendary rock venue  Stone Pony .

The restaurant credited with transforming the Asbury Park food scene is upscale pizza spot,  Porta . Make a reservation in advance.

How to get to Asbury Park from New York City: The quickest way to get to Asbury Park is by car (one hour, 15 minutes). You can also take the NJ Transit train (from Penn Station to Bay Head) or the NJ Transit bus (Port Authority to Asbury Park Transportation Center).

4. Admire the artworks in Beacon, New York

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

A hotbed of creativity in a historical blue-collar town, Beacon has art, fine dining and shopping all along the Hudson River. 

A stop at  Dia Beacon is a must on a day trip to Beacon. The light-filled 300,000-sq-ft gallery space in a converted factory hosts conceptual large-scale art by Gerard Richter, Louise Bourgeois and Richard Serra.  Storm King Art Center , a 500-acre outdoor sculpture garden, is a short drive away, bringing together fine art and fresh air.

The most charming setting to eat is Roundhouse , a farm-to-table restaurant overlooking a waterfall. Inventive favorites like spicy lobster mac and cheese pair nicely with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine. After your meal, stroll up the street to the trendy  HÅKAN Chocolatier for artisanal chocolate that's worth the trip alone.

How to get to Beacon from New York City: By car, take I-87 North to Palisades Pkwy to NY-9D. By train, take Metro-North Hudson Line to Beacon Station. Whichever transportation you use, travel time is about one hour and 30 minutes.

A man relaxes in a wooden chair on a grassy lawn in New Hope, Pennsylvania

5. Float down the river in New Hope, Pennsylvania

New Hope might be one of the most progressive small towns in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a giant yearly LGBTIQ+ festival , late-night bar scene and artistic stores. It is also the perfect relaxing getaway. Find a spot by the Delaware River and let your urban stress melt away.

When it's time to eat, you won’t go wrong with Salt House , a charming gastropub in a historical building constructed in 1751. Eat chowder by the fire in the tavern, steak frites in the upstairs library or oysters on the half-shell alfresco on the stone patio.

How to get to New Hope from New York City: From Port Authority, take a direct bus to New Hope. The trip takes about two hours. By car, take I-78 west and US-202 south. Travel time by car is one hour and 30 minutes.

6. Experience NYC's surf scene at the Rockaways

Travel time: 45 minutes

For a hip surf scene that is reachable by subway, grab your swimsuit and catch the A train to the  Rockaways . Technically still in New York City (it’s in Queens), at Rockaway Beach , you’ll feel like you’re in a seaside town, but without the unbearable traffic.  

For a unique experience in the summer, book a tent at Camp Rockaway , a seasonal “glampground” located mere steps from the ocean, where the sounds of the surf will lull you to sleep. 

The Riis Park Beach Bazaar concession stands have updated seaside fare, including a weekly lobster boil at Rockaway Clam Bar . Grab a picnic table on the boardwalk, crack open a beer and groove to the live music playing most summer nights.

How to get to the Rockaways from New York City: Take the NYC ferry directly to Jacob Riis Beach or the A train to a shuttle bus. The trip takes about 45 minutes. 

This article was first published October 2017 and updated September 2023

Explore related stories

Scenic drive in White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire

Public Transport

Mar 16, 2022 • 8 min read

Explore state parks, historic towns, and artsy outposts on six scenic drives through the Hudson Valley.

Two black women enjoying a road trip together

Dec 17, 2021 • 9 min read

Features - shutterstock_640557925-aaa5f65cce69

Nov 27, 2019 • 7 min read

day tours from new york

Mar 16, 2024 • 12 min read

day tours from new york

Mar 8, 2024 • 7 min read

day tours from new york

Feb 23, 2024 • 6 min read

A young woman standing on a street in LA holding her phone.

Feb 21, 2024 • 5 min read

day tours from new york

Feb 21, 2024 • 8 min read

Three friends jumping with happiness next to their car with palm trees in the background

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

New York Chevron

5 Best Day Trips from New York City

By Alex Van Buren , Andrea Whittle , and Devra Ferst

Tourists North Adams

New York City has endless allure for residents and visitors, from its cultural attractions to its dining and nightlife scene , but sometimes what you need most from New York is a break. Seated where it is on the northeast corridor, there are plenty of great escapes you can tackle in a day or long weekend. These places that are just a train or car ride away from NYC combine ease of access with a fresh vibe no less full of appeal: from the nearby waterfront to the charming towns upstate. These are the best day trips from NYC.

Click the link to read our complete New York City guide .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

CityGuidesDayTripsPlaceholder1

HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK

A short jaunt on the Metro North from New York City, these two little towns have become popular in spring, summer, and fall. They're beautiful, with DIA: Beacon the star around which a constellation of eating, drinking, and hotel options have sprung up. Since they're a quick car or train ride apart, you could see both in one day, if you like. Consider steak frites, ice cream by the water, drinks overlooking a rumbling waterfall, and a quaint B&B if you can't bear to leave so quickly.

The Patio Grill at The Roundhouse Restaurant New York City Day Trips

The Patio Grill at The Roundhouse Arrow

This former dye mill ( now hotel ) overlooks Beacon Falls, and boy are they gorgeous, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall from the seasonally open Patio Grill. (Mother Nature did good work on both the lighting and the water feature.) The menu changes all the time, and past hits have included a burger with smoked Gouda, fried shrimp with spicy mayo, and a pretty solid salad. Keep it simple and go for wine or beer on tap; cocktails are ambitious but don’t always hit the mark. This food isn’t going to blow your mind, nor will it break the bank: You’re here for that view.

Dogwood bar beacon NYC New York City

Dogwood Arrow

One of a couple neighborhood bars where you can really feel the chill Beacon vibe, this one is studded with locals hunkered in their booths, or tipping back a few local on-tap drafts. You’ve got 16 taps on draft, solid cocktails but nothing fancy, and wine from California, France, and Italy, for the most part (We’d go with a pint). You're wanting a burger, some wings, jumbo stuffed tater tots, a pint, and some gossip. This place has all of it.

Bannerman Island New York day Trips

Hudson River Expeditions Arrow

This rustic kayak tour takes you to the still-beautiful Bannerman Castle , which is in a state of photogenic dishabille . Guides tend to be on the very friendly side, and the folks hosting you at the castle itself are bookish and know their stuff. This late spring to early fall operation is pretty much right on the Hudson, which is perhaps why the folks running the show seem to understand the river itself. You’ll want to book in advance, but if you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to pop by just in case there are openings. They have a Peekskill, NY location, too.

Meet the Retirees Cycling Into Their Golden Years

Erin Gifford

42 Best Hotels in Rome

Maresa Manara

43 Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Type of Ceremony

Meaghan Kenny

A Summer Wellness Getaway in Budapest's Storied Baths

Cold Spring Antiques Center Arrow

Tiny, cluttered, and wonderful, this is one of a clutch of great antiques and vintage shops peppering Main Street. Mix-and-match bakelite flatware (a steal) is packed in right alongside vintage Mister Rogers albums, and a lamp of a white monkey clutching a lightbulb. It’s a hoarder’s fever dream. Remember that half the pleasure of vintage and antique shopping is in The Dig. Spend some time shuffling through old photos, posters and the like, and you might just find a diamond in the rough. (But probably not an actual diamond.)

Image may contain Field Outdoors Grassland Nature Countryside Tree Plant Farm Meadow Rural Grass Fir and Abies

Storm King Art Center Arrow

Forget what you think you know about tiny, manicured sculpture gardens. Storm King Art Center—simply, Storm King to those fleeing the city to see it—is an extraordinary 500-acre outdoor museum, complete with works from Alexander Calder, Zhang Huan, and Sol LeWitt. In autumn, it’s hard to say what’s more striking here: the artwork or the scenery. Strap on your best walking shoes and pack a picnic. You’ll want to spend a day exploring here.

Default

Backbar Arrow

Is this a bar? A vintage shop? A restaurant? Backbar looks a bit like all three. But, at its core, it’s a bar with food worth getting in a car for. Zak Pelaccio, who once operated Fatty Crab in Manhattan , and later decamped to the Hudson Valley, is behind the project. It's geared towards locals but will allow those visiting for the weekend to join in. Pull up a seat at the bar or in the large outside space if the weather’s nice. With a name like Backbar, it’s fair to expect high level drinks. That expectation is certainly met with simple but well executed cocktails like the bee’s knees with citadelle gin, honey, and lemon, and slushies like the Lucy, made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and topped with Prosecco. There’s also a board for local beer offerings and cocktail specials. If you're in the Upper Hudson Valley, you really shouldn't miss Backbar, regardless of whether you're with your partner, parents, or friends.

Pig Hill Inn Beacon New York City NYC Hotel

Pig Hill Inn Arrow

This 1825-era B&B is adorable, right on Main Street, and comes with a fabulous breakfast. Rooms have four-poster beds, canopies, and lacy coverlets—all the details are spot-on, right down to the clawfoot tubs. There's a cute little "conservatory" for dining with other guests after a night of sleep, and you can sip wine in front of a wood-burning fire. Of all the older options downtown, this is the best by a longshot.

Brunette Arrow

New to natural wine? The staff here is happy to help guide you. Don’t be shy, just ask. The wine offerings change daily, but expect at least 10 or so wines to be available by the glass like an orange chardonnay from Marche, Italy, and a sparkling red. There are also beers including those from Hudson Valley’s Suarez Family Brewery. Just like the wine offerings, the team says the food menu can change with abandon and without notice, but that’s part of the fun. You might find hot dogs with pickled carrots, shrimp cocktail, and burrata with fennel. Don’t skip the trout roe nachos.

Image may contain Restaurant Cafe and Shop

Moo Moo's Creamery Arrow

Small and quaint, with all the hallmarks you’ve come to expect of an ice cream shop—barely legible signs denoting ice cream flavors scrawled in every color, cute black-and-white tiled floors, teenage scoopers whose moods vary by the day—this is a great place for a to-go cone. Even New England ice cream snobs should be able to get behind the relatively creamy texture and straightforward flavors proffered here. (Think: coffee chip and chocolate Oreo.) The fanciest, Mexican chocolate, is good and punchy with the requisite cinnamon. The mouthfeel is what matters—buttery, luxe, and creamy, not icy—and Moo Moo’s usually nails it.

CityGuidesDayTripsPlaceholder5.jpg

GREENPORT, LONG ISLAND

Keep driving East and North from New York City. Let the last Burger King and Friendly's drop off in the rearview mirror. Observe as apple orchards, breweries, cows and Canadian geese pop into view. Marvel at how the vineyards seem to stretch right to the horizon. You're in the North Fork, baby. Shuck some oysters, hit the beach, have some wine, and most importantly, slow your roll.

Aldo's GREENPORT NORTH FORK LONG ISLAND New York NYC Restaurant

Aldo's Arrow

Locals have been coming to this cozy café since it opened in 1987 to sip espresso drinks and chat over the day's news. It's such a neighborhood institution, even Starbucks closed after four years when it opened across the street. The coffee runs strong and we’d recommend it in latte or mocha form, to balance its intensity. Chocolate-dipped biscotti—which you can buy to go—croissants, and scones are the things to snack with your drink.

Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market Arrow

This nautical oyster hideout by the docks is tiny, popular, and fun, known for its slogan, “Shuck Your Self.” New Englanders and anyone else who grew up shucking their own oysters will delight that it’s half-price here ($20 versus $36 for a pre-shucked dozen) if you do so. If you don’t know where to start, someone will teach you. Oysters here are divine, since this restaurant is part of a local collective working with dozens of individual farmers and harvesters. If you’re here from The City, the wine prices by the bottle might make you a little weak-kneed. Pull yourself together and order a classic oyster pairing: Muscadet, Champagne, or—yes, it works—chocolatey Oyster Stout from Greenport Brewing.

1943 Pizza Bar GREENPORT NORTH FORK LONG ISLAND New York NYC Restaurant

1943 Pizza Bar Arrow

Intimate and simple, with burnt-orange walls and a wood-fired brick oven, crowds come to clamor over the attractive pizzas they're slinging. Even Ina Garten is a fan of these 14-inch thin-crust pies, with their prettily bubbled crusts. The options vary: You could do a margherita simply dressed with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, or you could order the innovative clams casino (fresh clams, bacon, green peppers, and garlic on a white pie). This place can be a nice change from the hustling, bustling pizzerias of Manhattan .

Croteaux Vineyards Arrow

This is off the beaten path of the vineyards lining the North Fork, and it makes for a nice change of pace, with a wonderful garden and tasting barn, and delicious rosé. Everyone’s got a glass of rosé or bubbly rosé, and most folks will order a flight—they’re cheap by Manhattan standards. We love the selection of rosé sparklers, of which you can order a trio at a time, including the deep, juicy Cabernet Franc sparkler (if they have it). Do know that the bar is a warm-weather operation and will reopen before April.

White Flower Farmhouse

White Flower Farmhouse Arrow

Farmhouse antiques are the specialties at this downtown Southold shop—as far as the eye can see—with home decor, kitchenware, and other finds in the mix. Maybe you need a mirror framed in distressed wood? An antique table? Hand-thrown ceramics or a few yard sale items just purchased in the French countryside? These are the vintage and “vintage-inspired” housewares and linens you dream about. If you're a New Yorker trying like hell to make your Brooklyn home into a tiny little country cottage, this is your place.  We’re not gonna say we’d fight you for the matched sets of Bakelite flatware or the cool blue-and-red vintage sailboat rental signs, but…

Brix  Rye GREENPORT NORTH FORK LONG ISLAND New York NYC Restaurant Bar

Brix & Rye Arrow

Cocktail obsessives have one daydream: to find a bar with excellent drinks for about a third of what they’d pay in New York or San Francisco . This is that bar. Order The Last Word if you’ve never had one, a Sazerac, or maybe something made with sherry, a fortified wine that drinks master Evan Bucholz understands how to wield wisely. Use those cocktails to wash down pizza from 1943 Pizza Bar next door. Whether you go for a white pie decked out with clams or a classic margherita, the food here—including some killer wood-fired meatballs—is better than most people expect.

American Beech Hotel

American Beech Hotel Arrow

The design at American Beech fits somewhere between LA , Miami Beach, and Greenport . There are whitewashed suites, an Instagrammable bar, and large plants outside. Somehow, the three styles all come together to make one of the chicest places on the North Fork. There are only 11 rooms at this boutique hotel, so book in advance during peak season. Note that some are located over the bustling restaurant, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, opt for one of the other rooms located around Stirling Square. This spot is as much about the restaurant and bar as it is the hotel. The roomy restaurant, which is closed during the winter, can accommodate large parties, so if you’re visiting the North Fork for, say, a bachelorette, this is a great choice. The menu hops around from cumin-cured duck wings to spaghetti squash latkes and a smash burger with cheddar. 

Default

Eagle's Neck Paddling Arrow

The employees of this kayak outfitter are locals, and they want you to relax—Orient Beach State Park is a national landmark, thanks to its unusual maritime forest and its plethora of great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, and crowned night herons. Guides can point out beautiful vistas, but you could also do that on your own. (Costs are similar whether you take the tour or not.) Outdoorsy types will love seeing how far they can get in two hours, and the lazy dabblers among us will enjoy just how chill kayaking can be.

Shelter Island GREENPORT NORTH FORK LONG ISLAND New York NYC park

North Ferry Company Arrow

This is a daily ferry leaving every 10, 20 or 30 minutes to take you to Shelter Island . You came all the way to Greenport. You want to see more of the water. For $2 each way, this is how you do it. This is the best way to get some beach time in—and truly escape the city—without paying much. Rent or bring a bike; the island is totally easy to get around on one. Then go to the beach with a bottle of something delicious.

Orvieto

NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS

Mass MoCA is a behemoth hub of the arts for many miles in every direction, playing host to artists as varied and marvelous as David Byrne, Wilco, Xu Bing, and Katharina Grosse. It's definitely a can't-miss, but as you drive here, marveling at the rolling hills and sprawling natural beauty, you'll want to know where to eat and sleep, too. One of our favorite boutique hotels is here, featuring a hot tub where you can sip bourbon under the stars, after a day at the museum. A trip to this part of the world is like hitting a reset button.

Mass MOCA Day trips New York New York City NYC North Adams MA

MASS MoCA Arrow

This sprawling museum lures history buffs and art fans alike. The 16-acre complex of 19th-century mill buildings occupies almost a third of the North Adams downtown business region. It is a mind-bending museum. James Turrell, Xu Bing, and Katharina Grosse are among the artists who revel in just how much space is here. The curation is smart, using the gargantuan ceilings and old trappings of the place to make you feel dwarfed, but not diminished. When you need a break, there is a brewpub here, a good café, ice cream, and a fine dining restaurant.

This image may contain Building Housing Roof House Porch and Cottage

The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA Arrow

A string of 19th century Victorian row houses, lined by porches with slightly ominous identical rocking chairs. This place is dwarfed by Mass MoCA just across the street, but you notice the hotel owner’s attention to detail as soon as you park and see the lobby. The tub in your room will be so gorgeous you’ll want to pull it from the floorboards and take it home. And if you miss out on the hot tub, at night, under the stars and foliage, with a bourbon, neat, in your hand (they’re fine with that at the front desk), you are not doing it right. So long as you're not a diva needing to count threads in the sheets, Porches' style and attention to detail may just ruin you for other boutique hotels.

Image may contain River Water Outdoors Nature Waterfall Animal and Bird

Cascade Waterfall Arrow

At the end of this hike is a picturesque, cold waterfall. The air is crisp and clean here, and it feels a bit like you fell off the map, in the best way. Relatively easy for beginning hikers, sometimes with a bit of mud at the end of the trail, this is a slightly tricky-to-find spot with unfortunately few easements. But if you don't mind muddying your boots a bit, and just want to stretch your legs without going all out, this one's for you.

Image may contain Human Person Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car Wheel Machine Postal Office and Spoke

Pedrin's Dairy Bar Arrow

The words on the awning say it all: “Pedrin’s Dairy Bar: Home of the Fish Fry.” Brace for MASS MoCA tourists and locals wishing they lived a little closer to the beach, all happily digging into sundaes and deeply fried fish ‘n chips. This is a quick fix for a few New England greats, all to be spread out over a white or red picnic table and—as they say—housed. Fried fish, clam strips, cheap burgers, and bountiful ice cream: This isn’t a place you walk away from feeling light on your feet, but some of us like to get all our indulgences in at one go.

Williams College Museum o fArt

Williams College Museum of Art Arrow

Dedicated art lovers know that there’s more to see in this corner of the Berkshires than the large-scale installations at MASS MoCA . Just down the road sits William College Museum of Art, or WCMA, a small but mighty museum that’s home to 15,000 pieces that range from ancient Egyptian and Assyrian to works from living American artists. The collection here has a bit of everything. There are outdoor sculptures, an archive dedicated to brothers Maurice and Charles Prendergast, and pieces from contemporary artists. Students at Williams College are lucky enough to be able to loan select pieces from the collection for a semester.

Tourists North Adams

Tourists Arrow

Inspired by the American roadside motor lodge of yore, Tourists is built for contemporary design lovers with lots of light wood on the banks of the Hoosic River. Many of the large windows in guest rooms look straight into nature, helping blur the line between the outdoors and indoors. Opened in 2018, Tourists still feels like the cool new kid on the block with the clientele to match. For those exploring Williamstown and North Adams, Tourists is perfectly situated. It’s approximately three miles from the Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA , and Bright Ideas Brewing . If you’re visiting this corner of the Berkshires, there’s nowhere more stylish to stay.

The Distillery at Greylock WORKS Arrow

The historic Greylock Works mill has been converted into a stylish home for this distillery from Colorado that relocated to the Berkshires and opened here in 2019. Inside the distilling room sits a 20 person bar that makes drinks exclusively from housemade liquors and is open on Friday and Saturday evenings—perfect for folks visiting from out of town. Take a bottle for your friends back home and know that for each bottle you buy, you’ll get a complimentary cocktail or flight.

CityGuidesDayTripsPlaceholder3.jpg

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

The City of Brotherly Love has been luring lovers of art and dining from NYC and Washington, D.C., in recent years, and can compete on the national level on both fronts. With arguably the best Israeli cuisine in America, a trio of knockout museums, and even a Four Seasons, it's a destination town. Here's where to sleep, drink, eat, and play in Philly right now.

Zahav Restaurant Philadelphia

Zahav Arrow

When James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov opened Zahav over a decade ago, it was one of only a handful of Israeli restaurants in the U.S. that served dishes other than hummus and shakshuka. Since then, upscale Israeli restaurants have sprouted in major cities across the country, and Americans have learned how to say "tehina." But despite the competition it's created, Zahav remains one of the best (if not the very best). Every meal here should start with Solomonov's silken hummus and laffa, a just-barely singed Iraqi flat bread, and salatim, a selection of Israeli salads and dips you can plunge that laffa into. From there, there's no wrong turn: Choose plates like chicken shishlik with plum, fennel, and sumac, or black sea bass tartare with bulgur and preserved orange. And save room for the restaurant’s iconic pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder.

If you can’t score a table at Zahav, try Laser Wolf, which serves several salatim (Middle Eastern salads) and skewers like Yemenite beef kebabs and mushroom shishlik, which are kissed with charcoal.

United States Pennsylvania Philadelphia Market Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market Arrow

All of humanity seems to have come together in a happy hubbub at Reading Terminal Market. The sprawling space has been around since 1893, though now, its vegetable, fish, and meat vendors are compounded by dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Look for old-timey neon signs to help you make sense of the dozens of options—or just head straight for DiNic's, where the roast pork sandwich, topped with a frenzy of broccoli rabe, is practically the beating heart of the place. Follow it up with a scoop (or three) of Bassett's silky ice cream.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art Arrow

Classic, grand, and impressive, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a cultural institution. It is Philadelphia's answer to the Louvre, and houses one of the country's finest collections of art and sculpture. Tourists, locals, the stroller set…the gang's all here and they're all taking in the art at their own pace. Some skip entire galleries based on interests, while others read every placard. It's a choose your own adventure kind of place. And if all of this culture makes you hungry, you're in luck. The Cafe is bright and welcoming and features a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more. Prefer to cool your heels in a more formal setting? The Stir is an elegant spot designed by Frank Gehry that's perfect for lingering and lunching.

Briar Vintage Philadelphia

Briar Vintage Arrow

Vintage for gentlemen! This extraordinary place is one of a bevy of great vintage shops sprinkled around Philly, though it has some of the best men’s gear. Silk ascots, waistcoats, bowties, jackets, and an attentive owner who knows your size on site? It’s like stepping into a Gary Cooper vehicle. Don't leave without a smart vintage watch and, if you're feeling especially adventurous, a full tuxedo with tails.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center Arrow

This is a Four Seasons, so you can expect seamless service and a lot of greige carpeting. However, this particular outpost is somewhat unique in that so many big names were tapped for its creation: floral designer Jeff Leatham, composer Brian Eno, architect Norman Foster, and chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Greg Vernick. Their contributions along with expansive skyline views from every vantage point on the property and passionate, genuine service could make this the beginning of a transformation of Philadelphia's hotel scene . 

La Colombe Fishtown Philadelphia

La Colombe Arrow

La Colombe’s Fishtown location is unlike any of its many other outposts. The sprawling space is home to a roastery, a coffee laboratory, an open kitchen, a shop, and lots of seating. To call it a coffee shop would be to miss the point. There are fresh baked goods and other cafe standards aplenty here, but you’re really here for the coffee like pour overs, nitro lattes, and of course all of the espresso standards perfectly prepared. For coffee nerds or those with coffee lovers at home, there’s also a shop where you can pick up bags of La Colombe’s coffee to take home. Curious diners should consider stopping in for coffee and heading over to nearby Suraya for a Lebanese brunch.

Cadence Philadelphia

Cadence Arrow

Food & Wine named this South Kensington restaurant the best new one in the U.S. in 2019. Note though, you're not here for the aesthetics; you’re here for the food. The $68 four-course prix-fixe menu offers a handful of choices of thoughtful and creative dishes for each course. In the winter, you might find wagyu beef tartar with smoked cheddar, herb dumplings with seafood ragu, or n’duja stuffed quail. Each course also contains a vegan dish, or one that could easily be prepared that way. If both you and your date enjoy meat, call ahead to see if the Keiser duck for two with mushrooms, sunchoke, sichuan, and sunflower will be available that evening. While BYOB, Cadence does have seasonal vinegar sodas, kombucha, and mate from Pennsylvania producers on offer. It strikes that rare balance of special and creative but still welcoming and comfortable. The space is cozy, so bring a date or a small gathering of food-loving friends.

United States Pennsylvania Philadelphia Restaurant Jim's South Street

Jim's South Street Arrow

Most cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia focus so closely on the rolls, onions, steak, and wiz, not to mention claiming the title of the best cheesesteak in the city, that a comfortable place in which to eat the sandwich is often overlooked. The team at Jim’s, which has been making cheesesteaks in Philly for almost 80 years, thankfully doesn't fall into that camp. Located on the corner of Fourth and South Streets, you can typically spot Jim’s before you arrive from the line snaking outside, down Fourth Street towards tattoo shops and piercing parlors. Once you’re inside, split up your team. While one person waits in line to place orders for cheesesteaks "wit whiz" (Cheese Whiz, that is), provolone, or American, or an Italian hoagie, the rest of the crew can head upstairs to stake out a table. It’s a bit of a production, but well worth it for a cheesesteak that never disappoints—and a place that lets you enjoy.

United States Pennsylvania Philadelphia Museum Independence National Historic Park

Independence National Historic Park Arrow

Philadelphia is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States precisely because of the historical events that transpired right here, and it’s not just one museum or historic landmark. Rather, it’s a collection of buildings that played host to events that shaped American independence or honor that hard-won heritage. Begin at the Visitor Center to get your bearings and start your tour—visitors can enter with timed entry tickets—at Independence Hall, then stop by the Liberty Bell Center for a look at ostensibly the most famous broken item in the world. Afterwards, wander past the park’s other historic buildings including Carpenters Hall, the meeting site of the first Continental Congress, then make your way to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Just note the airport-style security (and subsequent foot traffic) you're bound to encounter, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking.

CityGuidesDayTripsPlaceholder4.jpg

THE HAMPTONS, NEW YORK

It's famous on so many fronts: as a tony playground for celebrities and the Manhattan elite, but also for its earthier roots—lush farms, beaches, and quaint villages. Do as the locals do, and hit the bakeries, sandwich spots, farm stands, and under-the-radar museums and galleries that really make it stand out. Then, you'll understand why the crowds beeline for it as soon as the weekend hits.

Carissa's THE HAMPTONS NY New York City day Trip Bakery Restaurant

Carissa's The Bakery Arrow

The most Williamsburg-ified place in the Hamptons, Carissa’s started as a tiny walk-in-closet-sized space but has graduated and expanded to a second, larger two-building space on Pantigo Road. At the new location, the house is still stocked with artful pastries that would impress at that dinner party your Hamptons host is throwing. But, there’s also a more fleshed out café menu and dinner offerings like fried Montauk monkfish and spaghetti al limone. You can (and should) still load up sourdough and pie though.

Breadzilla Hamptons Bakery

Breadzilla Arrow

This unfussy family-run bakery churns out the best loaves of bread, sandwiches, and pastries on the East End of Long Island. It draws a mix of locals and "summer people," lots of families stocking up on sandwiches for the beach, people buying loaves of cinnamon brioche and seven grain boules for their houseguests. The lobster roll, served on a pillowy soft round of brioche, is superb, but so are most of the turkey-and-cheddar kinds of classics (this isn't haute cuisine, but it's exactly what you want for a beach picnic).

PollockKrasner House and Study Center

Pollock-Krasner House Arrow

This 19th-century shingle-style farmhouse in the Springs was home to the abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner, until the late '80s. It's been left pretty much intact: the shelves are filled with books, Krasner's necklaces still hang on hooks in the bedroom, and, most fascinatingly, the drips from Pollock's most famous paintings still cover the wooden floor in his studio. It's a seasonal site, open May through October.

Round Swamp Farm  Hamptons

Round Swamp Farm Arrow

The Hamptons are filled with "farm stands" that are really specialty food boutiques. This is one of them, and it's the absolute best. Fresh peaches, white corn, and blackberries from local farms, eggs from the neighboring Iacono chicken coop, and tasty prepared salads and pasta, but the real draw are the baked goods: lemon pound cake, mini chocolate chip cookies, and crumble-topped pies oozing with fruit. There aren't any prices on anything. You'll wince when they start ringing you up at the register, but the baked goods and fresh produce are as good as the people-watching.

New York City Hampton Chutney Co.

Hampton Chutney Co. Arrow

A counter service Indian-ish café, it's known for its massive, delicious dosas served on big plastic lunch trays and filled with grilled curried chicken, jack cheese, fresh veggies and plenty of avocado. Skip the sandwiches. You're here for the crispy, light-as-air, longer-than-your-arm dosas that you'll think are too big for one person to finish alone (you'll be wrong). One bite and you'll wonder why every order isn't served on this crepe-like wonder. The breakfast dosa is a Sunday morning home run, and the curry chutney chicken is like a chicken salad sandwich that just came back from a semester abroad in New Delhi. Everything comes with your choice of chutney for dipping and spreading—they're all tasty, but you can't go wrong with the herby cilantro.

Default

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen Arrow

On-the-nose classic 1950's luncheonette. There's a striped awning and neon lettering out front, leather-covered stools at the counter, booths lining the wall, paper menus-slash-placemats. They're known for their homemade ice cream: the flavors are listed on a board above the counter, where waitresses have been blending milkshakes in old-school machines for years, and there's a case where you can buy gallon containers of the stuff by the door. Stick to the classics and don't pass up a milkshake or malt.

THE HAMPTONS NY Tacos NYC Day Trip Restaurant

La Fondita Arrow

It's a seasonally-open taco shack (albeit one brought to you by the restaurateurs behind the chic Nick and Toni's ) off the highway in Amagansett, with reggaeton on the stereo, technicolor picnic tables on the grass outside, and guacamole served in little plastic tubs. There's a full menu of tortas, burrito bowls, salads, and tostadas, but tacos are the way to go. Get some chips and guac to start, then a few Baja-style fish tacos, chicken tingas, and al pastors. Wash it down with Jarritos or a Modelo.

Hither Hills State Park

Hither Hills State Park Arrow

Hither Hills is a network of trails that stretches across the narrow Montauk peninsula from the Long Island Sound to the Atlantic. Parts of it are heavily forested, best for mountain bikers or trail runners looking to get their miles in; the rest are open sand dunes that stretch onto a skinny, quiet beach on the sound, perfect for an adventurous walk or a picnic. Don't miss the Walking Dunes trail for its dramatic sandy bowls. In all, it's a respite from the rest of the Hamptons and a cool, totally unspoiled landscape to explore.

Image may contain Restaurant Cafeteria Wood Flooring Furniture Chair Cafe Food Court and Food

Baron's Cove Arrow

Baron’s Cove leans into the Hamptons lifestyle hard. If you don’t want to drop several million on a mansion, Baron’s Cove will give you a taste for the weekend. Located right along Sag Harbor cove, there’s a salt water pool in the summer, lounge chairs aplenty by said pool, and a preppy interior that looks like Ralph Lauren gave the decorator some tips. Guests can opt for a room that looks out onto the garden or the water. No matter where you stay, there will be nods to nautical design. With a full restaurant that services both guests and other visitors to Sag Harbor, you’ll never have to travel far for a meal here. But, this is the Hamptons, so prepare to shell out $25 for a breakfast sandwich or $26 for a lobster omelet at brunch. At dinner, opt for seafood options like the local catch of the day and a lobster caesar.

Parrish Art Museum

Parrish Art Museum Arrow

Driving down Route 27, you'll see what looks like a hyper-elongated modernist barn in an open field with two giant Roy Lichtenstein sculptures out front. This Herzog and de Meuron designed building is home to more than 2,600 works of art, many of them made by artists who lived and worked on the East End during their lifetimes, including Lichtenstein, Fairfield Porter, Willem de Kooning, and Dan Flavin. It's usually an older, quieter crowd—people are here to see the architecture and spend some time contemplating the art in the galleries. It never gets too crowded, unless it's a rainy day on a summer weekend.

Aman New York

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

VIDEO

  1. New York

  2. New York City Tour 🇺🇸

COMMENTS

  1. THE TOP 10 Full-day Tours

    The best Full-day Tours in New York City according to Viator travelers are: Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket; Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island; Washington DC Day Trip from New York City; Washington DC Day Tour from New York City; Niagara Falls in One Day from New York ...

  2. 10 Best Day Trips from NYC

    Best Day Trips from NYC. Last updated on March 3, 2022. New York City offers endless things to do for travelers, but it's also a good home base for exploring other spots along the Eastern...

  3. 6 best day trips from New York City

    Here’s our pick of the best day trips from NYC. 1. Free your spirit in Woodstock, New York. Travel time: 2 hours. Although the infamous 1969 music festival took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, tie-dye is still found in Woodstock, a New York town filled with independent art and the bounteous nature of Catskill Park.

  4. 20 Best Day Trips from New York City, NY

    8. Bear Mountain State Park, New York. What better way to balance out the hustle and bustle of New York City than with a trip out to the peace and quiet of Bear Mountain State Park. The park is another destination north of the city on the Hudson River, but this time nature and the outdoors are the focus.

  5. 5 Best Day Trips from New York City

    1943 Pizza Bar. $. Intimate and simple, with burnt-orange walls and a wood-fired brick oven, crowds come to clamor over the attractive pizzas they're slinging. Even Ina Garten is a fan of these 14 ...