Day Trips from NYC are a fun way to see some pretty spectacular destinations outside of the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple. Whether you are interested in beaches, wineries, or gambling, these 11 best day trips will offer you a glimpse of the beauty and fun that surround the city within a relatively short distance.

Here are eleven of the best day trips from New York City:

Atlantic City, NJ

AC is about a two-hour car ride away and is an awesome day trip from NYC. It offers an incredible amount of things to see and do. Besides gambling, it is a mecca for fun, entertainment, and food. The boardwalk which runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean has rides, food, and infamous saltwater taffy. Make sure to stop for a cute umbrella drink at one of the many restaurants located right on the beach.

The casinos have amazing live entertainment, world-class dining, and shops, not to mention complimentary cocktails when gambling.

Weather permitting, head on down to the marina and hop on a boat for a scenic ride around the area.

Cape May, NJ

Cape May is a simply charming Victorian waterfront town the exudes hospitality with a laid-back vibe. Take a trolley ride to check out some of the beautiful homes in the area and get a history of the quaint little town. Rent some bikes and meander down by the lighthouse and stroll down the streets lined with inviting beds and breakfasts.

You’ll find unique stores for shopping that caters to all your needs. Scattered throughout the area you’ll find some tasty restaurants and delicious ice cream shops.

The beaches at Cape May are wonderful. Grab a towel and a good book and enjoy the ocean breeze and warm sunshine, weather permitting.

Cape May is also home to an amazing zoo!

Located 158 miles from NYC, it is a bit of a hike for a day trip, but very worthwhile.

The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park, NY

Overlooking the Hudson River,  the Met Cloisters is the only American museum dedicated to medieval art and architecture. Take a step back in time and discover tapestries,  medieval art, exquisite stained glass and beautiful gardens depicting medieval Europe are yours to be seen on these beautifully landscaped grounds. 

Statue of Liberty, NY/Ellis Island 

Boats depart daily from Battery Park in NYC and Liberty State Park in NJ.

Recognized as a symbol of democracy and freedom, the Statue of Liberty was a beautiful gift from France. This colossal woman stands at over 150 feet tall land, wears some enormously large shoes, and is a sight to be seen up close.

Located close by and operated by the same ferry service, is Ellis Island. Make a day of it and see both.

Once back in the city, check out these fun and free things to do in NYC.

Bethlehem, Pa.

No other city I know embraces the holidays quite like Bethlem, Pa.  The adorably decorated downtown comes alive in the winter.

Explore the area by trolley or take it down to their huge annual Christmas market, Christkindmarkt.

Walkthrough the streets and embrace the warmth and charm of this city.

Other fun things to do include going to SteelStacks and the Hoover Mason Trestle.

Hudson Valley Wineries, Hudson, NY

Within an hour and a half of driving, you can be at some amazing, award-winning wineries in the Hudson Valley Area.  This a fun and scenic day trip from NYC and is one of the best!

With impressive wineries such as Benmarl, Brotherhood, and Warwick Valley, you can spend the day sipping some fabulous wines and enjoying the incredible views of the Hudson Valley. 

Mystic Seaport, Mystic Connecticut

About two and a half-hour drive away, a beautiful and historic Mystic Seaport awaits. Spend the day checking out the Mystic Seaport Museum, learn about the history of Mystic, and explore Old Mystic Village. Grab some food at the infamous Mystic Pizza and head down to Mystic Downtown Marina.

Coney Island, New York

Nothing screams excitement like a fun day on rides! Coney Island is one of the eleven best day trips from NYC for a good reason. It’s super fun!

In just a little over an hour by car or train, you can be at one of the most iconic amusement parks of New York. While the area has changed in recent years, the boardwalk festivities and beaches remain. Hop on Deno’s Wonder Wheel and be whisked away with beautiful views and the warm ocean breeze. This Ferris wheel was built in 1920 and continues to operate every summer. No visit would be complete with a ride on Coney Island’s wooden roller coaster. The Cyclone reaches speeds up to 60 mph and is a real treat for roller coaster enthusiasts.

Asbury Park, NJ

Accessible by car or train in a little over an hour, Asbury Park offers something for everyone. Pristine beaches, miles of boardwalk, cute shops, world-class restaurants and more, await you. Asbury is a nice mix of casual and fancy, depending on what you are in the mood for.

For nighttime enjoyment, check out the infamous Stone Pony and The Wonder Bar.

Asbury Park, NJ is an excellent choice for a great day trip from NYC.

Sandy Hook State Park

Hop on the ferry and arrive at one of the prettiest beaches in under 45 minutes.  Officially called Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers a plethora of outdoor activities on the bay and ocean side. Whether hiking, biking, surfing, or fishing is your preference, Sandy Hook has it all. With seven miles of beaches, and one of them being clothing optional, a day of fun in the sun can be yours.

New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx NY

Within twenty minutes by car, you can be at an oasis of beauty and nature. The New York Botanical Gardens is beautiful year-round with stunning gardens, waterfalls, rainforests, and more on 250 lush acres.

The Holiday Train show is simply amazing and should not be missed.

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