Five Amazing Day Trips: New York

The state of New York offers visitors a truly endless list of things to do from the North and South Forks of Long Island to the Buffalo/Niagara travel region. Millions of tourists only visit the five boroughs of New York City to experience the boutique luxury hotels, culinary masterpieces, and world-class entertainment while exploring eclectic shops and inviting cafes across the many neighborhoods. The further you venture in any direction from “The Big Apple,” expect to discover more amazing destinations, many of which are weekend escapes for the locals. Our day trips start in New York City and showcase a few of the best points of interest.

Here are five great day trips across The Empire State:

Hudson (Museums & Attractions)

The Hudson Valley region of New York is packed with day trip opportunities— many of the towns and villages along the rivers have charming downtowns lined with boutique shops, historic sites, and award-winning restaurants. This day trip destination takes you slightly more than two hours north of New York. We highly recommend taking scenic Route 9 from Tarrytown to Hudson to get to Olana State Historic Site. Olana consists of the former home of Frederic Erwin Church, a member of the Hudson River School art movement, as well as 250 acres of woodlands that are accessible on miles of carriage roads. The site has tour options that change throughout the year, but typically, you can choose a tour of the historic home and studio and also incorporate a short walk to see the natural landscape of the property. After the tour, drive a few miles further north to downtown Hudson where you will find dozens of cool boutique stores and a selection of cafés and restaurants. On your next trip, you’ll definitely be inclined to book a room at one of the boutique hotels and spend a long weekend exploring the area.

Old Westbury (Museums & Attractions)

Collectively, the small towns and villages of the North Shore of Long Island are nicknamed the “Gold Coast”, once home to a thousand estates belonging to the wealthiest families in the United States. Today, many of the estates have disappeared, but a few operate as historic house museums and provide guided tours of the exquisite interiors and magnificent gardens. This day trip is to the famous Old Westbury Gardens, the former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, and their four children. Tours of the home and gardens are available from April to October, offering a unique glimpse into life just beyond New York City at the turn of 19th Century. Spend some time walking around the gardens on your own and pop into the outdoor café for a delicious sandwich and treats. During their operating season, join a small group for one of the many classes and demonstrations from the monthly calendar of events.

Pocantico Hills (Tours & Experiences)

One of New York’s hidden gems is Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, located just 30 miles north of the city in the town of Pocantico Hills. Originally the farm was part of the nearby Rockefeller Estate, and today the non-profit farm and educational center welcomes guests with programs teaching healthy farming and sustainable growing practices. The farm is open year-round and offers a range of programs to the public, including guided farm tours. The 60-minute tours vary by season and provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes view of the farm. After the tour, explore the farm on your own, visiting the greenhouses and livestock areas or taking a longer walk through the scenic trails that meander through the pastures and wooded areas. During your visit, stop in the Grain Bar, a café offering à la carte small bites and baked goods as well as fresh fruit, healthy drinks, and caffeinated beverages. For an extra special experience, make a reservation at the award-winning Blue Hill at Stone Barns. This culinary experience isn’t defined by a menu, instead, guests enjoy a multi-course feast featuring the best seasonal offerings from the field and market.

Wantaugh (The Outdoors)

Just 45 miles east of New York City, the barrier island of Jones Beach State Park attracts thousands of beachgoers every summer weekend to the southern shores of Long Island. Being one of the most popular beaches on the east coast, the 6.5-mile stretch of white sand and adjacent two-mile boardwalk can get busy during the peak summer months. Unlike many of the mid-Atlantic beaches, you won’t find an amusement park and carnival games— the main attraction has always been the soft white sand and refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Outdoor amenities include food concessions serving boardwalk style food and drink, miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball, and the Jones Beach Nature Center. Throughout the summer the state park hosts concerts featuring well-known artists at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and the Bethpage Air Show, drawing one of the largest crowds in the United States.

West Point (Tours & Experiences)

Once a strategic military location on the Hudson River, West Point is best known as the home to the United States Military Academy. Founded in 1802, West Point Academy is one of five American Service Academies and also houses the oldest military museum in the country. Located about 60 miles north of New York City, the beautiful grounds are accessible through Thayer Gate. Tours are offered year-round, departing on small buses from the Malek West Point Visitor Center. At each stop, the guides provide insightful stories that connect many significant historic events back to this very place. A few of the highlights on the tour include Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, Battle Monument, and the Plain. After the tour, the West Point Museum is a short walk from the visitor center and is worth a visit to browse the many unique artifacts on display. Make it a goal to check all five U.S. Service Academies off your list!!

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!