It’s indisputable—New York City is one of the greatest cities on earth. But sometimes even its shiniest qualities are overshadowed by its flaws—ones that can wear even the most ardent New Yorker out. That’s why skipping town for a breath of fresh air, even for a day, is a self-care strategy everyone should adopt. Conveniently, there’s an abundance of things to do just beyond the city limits, from nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts to vintage shops well-suited for the antique hunter.
Before curating the day’s itinerary, determine whether you’ll be traveling via public transportation or picking up a car as this will inform the destinations most accessible to you. (Zipcar, Kyte, and Turo are car rental companies that are useful for quick trips like these.) Then, pick a destination that aligns with your interests. In desperate need of green space? Hoping to bring back a new decor accent for the apartment? On the hunt for the best farm-to-table meal of your life? The best day trips from NYC deliver in spades. Ahead, our guide to making your great escape.
Taste Fresh Ciders in the Catskills
A natural wilderness beloved by just about every New Yorker, the Catskill Mountains are vast and beautiful. And while some regions are farther to reach than others, the Sullivan County Catskills are only 90 minutes from the city. Here you’ll find Callicoon, a charming hamlet that’s home to Seminary Hill—a hotel, restaurant, and working cider that offers tours and tastings. On your tour, you’ll explore the 12-acre organic orchard with 1,500 trees that produce over 60 varieties of apples and Perry pears, and end with a guided tasting of eight ciders. While in town, be sure to swing by Callicoon’s downtown historic district to pick up handmade homeware at the newly-opened Black Walnut (it turns into a cocktail bar at night). You’ll also be within driving distance of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts as well as locations for kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
Approximate distance from NYC: 90-minute drive
Take An Architecture Tour in New Canaan
American architect Philip Cortelyou Johnson was an early proponent of modern architecture and had a career that spanned nearly 75 years (including running the architecture department at MoMA). Visit one of his masterpieces—Glass House—in Canaan, Connecticut, which was designed and constructed in the 1940s. Today, visitors can explore the original mid century structures as well as several others, including a unique subterranean painting gallery. Additionally, 2024 marked the Glass House’s 75th anniversary and includes the opening of the Brick House to the public (just 80 feet from the main site) after an extensive restoration. Join a tour or guide yourself, there’s much to be appreciated at this historic campus.
Approximate distance from NYC: 2-hour train ride
Attend a Day Retreat in the Hudson Valley
When Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection opened in 2022, it was unlike any other hospitality concept in the area. Set on a sprawling farm surrounded by hiking trails and tranquil mountainsides, the luxury resort is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you live in a city at all. And even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, day trippers can experience Wildflower Farm’s diverse programming, such as their fitness retreat with celebrity trainer, health coach, and yoga instructor Kim Strother, where she’ll lead fitness classes, restorative wind-down sessions, a group hike, and nourishing family-style meals. (Day passes available.) And even if you’re not partaking in a workshop or retreat, a reservation at Wildflower Farm’s on-property restaurant Clay is a must.
Approximate distance from NYC: 2-hour drive
Sail the Hudson River Aboard a Private Boat
If your driver s license is defunct but you don’t feel like getting on a train, why not hop aboard a beautiful boat? Through Classic Harbor Line, you can charter a private yacht or classic motor boat for a peaceful day on the water. The cruise departs from Pier 62 and the skipper can help you chart your very own course (contingent on weather). Depending on the mood, one can glide up the Hudson River to see the Palisades or cruise out to New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty up close—all with the iconic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop.
Approximate distance from NYC: Depart from Chelsea Piers
Shop For Antiques in Hudson
Many New Yorkers relocated to Hudson, New York en masse during the pandemic, and for good reason. This quiet, charming town is surrounded by nature and offers a slower pace of life, while still feeling connected to a vibrant community. For visitors making the trip up here for the day (perhaps even to scope out some real estate?) one of the best things to do is antique hunting. Begin your day at The Antique Warehouse. Inside, you’ll discover 40,000 square feet of incredible vintage and antique finds spanning across all styles and periods of furniture, lighting, architectural salvage, and decorative accessories. If there’s time left, you can pop into other shops on the main drag like Theron Ware, and refuel for the ride back home at the cafe inside The Maker hotel.
Approximate distance from NYC: 2-hour drive or train ride
Sample Wines on the North Fork
If your idea of a day well spent includes meandering between farm stands, sampling local wine, and soaking in fresh air, head out to the North Fork on Long Island. This sleepy wine country has been around since 1973 and is ideal for those who want a pleasant day among the vineyards, perhaps enjoying a casual meal or taking a coffee down to the water. There are over 50 wineries in the region, each producing a variety of styles. Need a few suggestions? Bedell, Lenz, Macari, McCall, and Paumanok are all top-notch spots to add to your list. (And bubbly lovers take note: there’s a robust assortment of sparkling wines to sample, from Lieb Cellars and Chronicle Wines to RGNY and Sparkling Pointe.)
Approximate distance from NYC: 2-hour train ride
Hike the Delaware Water Gap
Need to touch some grass? Lace up your hiking boots and head for the picturesque Delaware Water Gap. Here, you can explore a network of beautiful nature trails at a range of difficulty levels. If you’re a sucker for a waterfall, head for Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls (located 15 minutes away from each other by car). The three-tiered Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania and is reached by a quick out-and-back loop. Similarly, the trail to Dingmans Falls is only a mile-and-a-half, making it easy to knock both out in the same day.
Approximate distance from NYC: 1.5-hour drive
Take an Art Walk in Nyack
A quaint village that oozes charm and is rooted in history, Nyack (set along the west bank of the Hudson River) is the birthplace of painter Edward Hopper. Visitors can savor the small-town feel, popping in and out of art galleries and exploring the Edward Hopper House Museum Study Center, which is housed in his childhood home. The museum even offers a walking tour that examines the influences that shaped Hopper’s work. While in Nyack, be sure to spot the bench that novelist Toni Morrison brought to town as part of her Bench by the Road project. (Nyack’s is dedicated to Cynthia Hesdra, a ‘conductor’ on the Underground Railroad who resided in Nyack around the mid-to-late 19th century.)
Approximate distance from NYC: 1-hour drive
Explore the Rivertowns by Train
The Rivertowns are a collection of historic villages dotted along the Hudson River in Westchester County. These postcard-worthy destinations make for a scenic day trip from the city by train on the MTA Metro-North Railroad Hudson line and include places like Tarrytown, Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, and Briarcliff Manor. Visit historic mansions, dine at farm-to-table restaurants, sip coffee while strolling the North-South County Trailway—there’s nature, cuisine, art, shopping, and much more, all on offer in these distinctly East Coast locales.
Approximate distance from NYC: 30-40 minutes by train
Pamper Yourself in Litchfield Hills
This scenic area in the northwestern corner of Connecticut is a day-tripper’s paradise with its network of charming small towns and landscapes that feel plucked from a Nancy Meyers film. If you’re hankering for a day of pampering, head to Mayflower Inn Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection in the town of Washington—more specifically, to The Well at Mayflower Inn. Here, you can untangle the stress of NYC living with a restorative treatment from the East-meets-West spa menu.
Approximate distance from NYC: 2-hour drive
Take the Trolley in Cold Spring
Idyllic in every sense of the term, Cold Spring is one of those magical destinations that, despite its popularity, retains its small town charm. It’s a quick train ride from Grand Central Station and feels worlds away from city living with its storybook streets and surrounding nature. While here, hop on the Cold Spring Trolley for just $2 to tour the area. If you’re interested in hiking to the Cornish Estate ruins, get off at the Breakneck Ridge stop. You can also ride the trolley to the Manitoga stop to visit The Russel Wright Design Center, or simply get off and explore along the extensive route.
Approximate distance from NYC: 1 hour and 20 minutes by train
