Top 6 Day Trips from New York City

Rachel is a contributor to the latest New York City guidebook. Here, she shares her favorite picks for a perfect day away from the city.

New York City is brimming with exciting experiences — yet that relentless pace makes it essential to take occasional day trips from the urban sprawl. Luckily, there are numerous options in all directions for those times when you need to truly unwind.

For a cultural experience, venture north to Beacon, home to a vast modern art museum alongside numerous local galleries and vintage boutiques. If you’re keen on exploring historic landmarks, Sleepy Hollow to the north boasts everything from beautiful estates to famous graveyards. For a more tranquil retreat, you can choose from sandy beaches to the south at the Jersey Shore or eastward to Rockaway. If it's small-town charm you desire, look no further than Cold Spring, and for a pizza adventure, head northeast to New Haven.

Here are six getaways that provide a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.

1. Sleepy Hollow

Ideal for history enthusiasts and food lovers Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes without traffic

Sleepy Hollow may be legendary, having inspired Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 1820, but in reality, it’s a charming riverside village filled with historical attractions. The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, an active 90-acre burial ground, is the final resting place of Irving and other notable figures, including Elizabeth Arden and Andrew Carnegie. The famous story is said to take place at the Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground nearby. The village pays homage to its literary heritage with the Headless Horseman Bridge, marked with a historic plaque, and a towering 18-foot steel statue.

Other notable attractions include Kykuit, a Classical Revival estate built in 1913 that hosted four generations of the Rockefeller family, famous for its art gallery in the basement and its stunning outdoor fountains; Philipsburg Manor, which transports visitors back to 1750 to explore the harsh realities faced by the enslaved community; and, further out from Tarrytown's center, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, the writer’s cherished riverside home that reflects his whimsical spirit.

Make a day of it by securing a sought-after dinner reservation at the nearby Blue Hill at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture—a true New York badge of honor since its opening in 2004. Located on the farm that provides much of its produce, this upscale restaurant offers no menu; instead, diners enjoy a chef-curated selection of exquisite dishes made from fresh local ingredients.

How to reach Sleepy Hollow: Although Metro-North trains service nearby Tarrytown, the attractions are spread out and slightly beyond walking distance, so renting a car is likely the most efficient option. Head north from the city via either Interstate 87 or the Saw Mill Parkway.

Explore further: The top 5 road trips in New York State

2. Beacon

Ideal for art enthusiasts Travel time: Approximately 80 minutes by train; 75 minutes by car in light traffic

Come for the art, stay for the experience! While the Dia Art Foundation has locations in Chelsea and Bridgehampton, its flagship venue is Dia Beacon, established in 2003. Housed in a large former Nabisco printing factory along the Hudson River, the museum offers an immersive experience with contemporary art from the 1960s to the present.

Afterward, explore the town filled with diverse art galleries and studios. Visit Hudson Beach Glass, Analog Diary, or Mother Gallery, browse vintage shops (don’t miss Vintage: Beacon), or grab a coffee at Bank Square Coffeehouse. For the adventurous, consider hiking up Mount Beacon, but be aware of some steep paths.

Getting to Beacon: With much to see—including Dia Beacon—within walking distance from the train station, taking Metro-North is a convenient choice. Board at either Grand Central or Harlem-125 stations, ride the Poughkeepsie line, and disembark after about 80 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive north via Interstate 87 or the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

3. Rockaway, Queens

Perfect for a beach day Travel time: Approximately one hour

It's a contrast of two worlds along America's largest urban beach, celebrated by the Ramones’ 1977 hit 'Rockaway Beach.' On the west side, families flock to Jacob Riis Park, with the historic remnants of Fort Tilden nearby from World War I. The east end, starting around Beach 108th St, features the city's only official surfing beach and a vibrant community of artists and hipsters. The boardwalk boasts various concessions serving everything from lobster rolls to pizza.

For those eager to catch some waves, surf lessons are available at Station Surf Shop near the Beach 90th St subway stop. If you plan to stay overnight, consider the Rockaway Hotel for accommodations, where you can enjoy dinner at the Uzbek eatery Uma’s or the outdoor patio at Sayra’s Wine Bar before grabbing a drink at Rockaway Surf Club.

How to reach Rockaway: You can't beat this deal: get to the beach for just a $2.90 subway fare. Catch the A train heading for Far Rockaway or the S train to Rockaway Park. If you prefer the Long Island Railroad, ride to Far Rockaway station and transfer to the Q114 bus, but the most picturesque route is via the NYC Ferry's Rockaway route.

Discover more: The 12 best beaches in New York State, ranging from tranquil getaways to lively party spots

4. Cold Spring

Ideal car-free small-town escape Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by train; 90 minutes by car without traffic

The charming village of Cold Spring in Putnam County offers everything you need for a delightful getaway: a historic downtown brimming with boutiques, antique stores, and cafes; a waterfront park with views of the Hudson River; and hiking trails in the West Point Foundry Preserve. Best of all, it’s compact and just a short walk from the Metro-North train station.

For those with a car eager to explore further, a quick -mile drive will take you to the Magazzino Italian Art museum. Nearby, Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison offers stunning views of Constitution Marsh, West Point, and the Hudson River.

Getting to Cold Spring: Take the MTA’s Metro-North train on the Poughkeepsie line from Grand Central Station, and just six stops later—about 75 minutes—you’ll arrive in the center of Cold Spring. Alternatively, you can board at the Harlem-125 St station, which is one stop closer. For drivers, the route includes the Palisades Interstate Parkway north to US-202 East/US-6 East in Highlands, then follow NY Route 9D to Cold Spring’s Main Street.

5. New Haven

Perfect for pizza lovers Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by train or car without traffic

Embarking on a pizza pilgrimage from NYC might sound unusual, but this Connecticut college town boasts its own unique take: a thin crust Neapolitan style baked in a coal oven, known locally as apizza, deriving its name from the Neapolitan dialect.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria, established in 1925 by Italian immigrant Pepe, is the oldest pizzeria around. He gave a unique twist to the dish from his hometown of Naples by using tomatoes sourced from the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius and pecorino cheese from Sardinia. Just a short walk away, Sally’s Apizza opened its doors in 1938, founded by Salvatore 'Sally' Consiglio. This cozy 15-booth eatery is renowned for its custom ovens, which create an 'iconic oven-kissed char.'

Located on State Street, Modern Apizza was founded in 1934 by Tony Tolli and has maintained its classic appeal. In 1991, Bar entered the pizza scene, offering thicker-crust options topped with creative ingredients like mashed potatoes, eggs, and brisket.

Getting to New Haven: Trains on the New Haven Line operated by Metro-North run frequently from Grand Central. You can also catch a train at Harlem-125 St, which is just one stop away. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. If you're driving, take Interstate 95 north, but be ready for possible traffic during peak hours; consider the parallel Merritt Parkway to avoid delays.

Read more: Extend your visit and plan a pizza-themed weekend in New Haven

6. Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Ideal for a ferry adventure Travel time: Approximately one hour by ferry or car

Experience the Jersey Shore at its northern tip in Sandy Hook. This 1,665-acre peninsula boasts seven miles of beautiful beaches and is easily accessible from Manhattan via ferry service during the summer, with pickups in both midtown and downtown.

These beaches are part of the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes views of the Statue of Liberty (you can catch a glimpse on the ferry!). Guests can join complimentary ranger-led tours to ascend the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S. since 1764, and visit the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and History House. Don’t miss exploring the nation’s first mortar battery, established in 1894.

Getting to Sandy Hook: The fast Seastreak ferry operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, taking about an hour from midtown, with a bus shuttle service available for beachgoers to reach Beach D, Beach E, Gunnison, or North Beach. Alternatively, you can ride New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line train to Red Bank, then catch the 834 bus to Highlands, which drops you off near the park entrance, allowing access to Beaches B, C, or D. For drivers, take the New Jersey Turnpike south to Exit 11, then onto the Garden State Parkway South to Exit 117, and follow Route 36 east.