The 13 Best Day Trips From New York City

The capital of New York state, Albany, is just a 2.5-hour drive from the Big Apple. This historic city was designated as state capital in 1797 thanks to its important position on the banks of the Hudson River. These days it’s a cultural hub, and its proximity to the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley have made it a favorite with hikers and skiers. If you’re looking for more than just a day trip we recommend booking one of these impressive Albany hotels.

Explore the mighty Hudson River, a historically important strip of water that flows for more than 500km (300mi) through the state. Hop aboard the nostalgic Dutch Apple II for a 90-minute cruise – the boat was once a ferry running between Albany and NYC, and is crafted in the popular Hudson River Dayliners style of yesteryear. Your host will talk you through the cultural and historical significance of the landmarks you pass, and point out wildlife that resides in the area. This is a great way to get another perspective on an often overlooked city.

The first seaside resort in America, Cape May sits at the southernmost point of the New Jersey coast. While, yes, its stretches of golden sand beaches and myriad options for wildlife spotting are a huge drawcard, it’s arguably the town itself that makes this place so special. Its brightly painted clapboard houses with their feature turrets look made for a beachside Rapunzel, and a day here can be well spent wandering through the quaint Victorian architecture, with pit stops to feast on fresh lobster.

Take a break from the beach and hop on this cruise to visit some of the area’s marine-dwelling residents. Cape May is popular for whale watching, and this cruise will take you around the coast to spots popular with the animals, so you’re likely to catch sight of dolphins, porpoises and a number of different whale breeds. Meanwhile, your certified naturalist guide offers live commentary about the ocean life and habitat. This is the perfect chance to learn more about these magnificent creatures and see them flourishing in their natural habitat.

Located on Long Island, this town is technically identified as a hamlet that’s best known for its annual strawberry festival. Sleepy and seaside, Mattituck is made up of cutesy clapboard houses surrounded by bucolic countryside – the ultimate relaxing escape. If that sounds like the perfect home away from home to you, there are plenty of stylish hotels nearby.

This five-hour bike tour winds through the countryside around Mattituck, visiting beaches, farms, wineries and vineyards. The trip is fully customizable, so you can choose whether to browse jams, pies, fruits and vegetables at a local farm stand, sip award-winning wines (with special access to vineyards) or enjoy an extra-virgin olive oil and fine vinegar tasting. Whichever stops you choose, you’ll enjoy a well-fed, well-drunk and peaceful day that acts as the ultimate rural reset.

Home of Ivy League Yale University, New Haven is everything you’d expect from a town best known for its higher educational institution. Yet for all its academic sheen, there’s actually a lot more to New Haven than meets the eye. Think red-brick buildings lined with climbing ivy, numerous galleries and museums and a calendar filled with lively cultural events. You’ll also find a flourishing culinary scene and plenty of open leafy spaces for scenic strolls and picnics.

The quieter antidote to the bustling Hamptons and Montauk of the South Fork, Southold is a laid-back, vineyard-lined idyll on the North Fork. It’s the sort of magical area where you can be wine tasting in rolling fields at lunchtime and beachside to catch the sunset. Be wary of coming for a day trip – you’ll likely find it difficult to leave.

Get a behind-the-scenes peek at a working oyster farm during this guided visit to Southold Bay. Learn about the different stages of oyster farming at all levels of growth, from conception in the hatchery to the grow-out stage when the mollusks swell to a market-ready size. Put your newfound knowledge to the test with a waterfront tasting of freshly shucked Southold Shindig Oysters, paired with local North Fork wine.

Hop on an air-conditioned mini-van or coach and head southwest to the electric city of Philadelphia, before experiencing the minimalism of rural Pennsylvania. See the oldest, continuously inhabited residential street in America, before stopping at some of Philadelphia’s most important landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and the famed city hall. Next up is an important lesson on how the Amish live in rural Pennsylvania; swap the subway for a horse-drawn carriage and immerse yourself in the simplicity of this welcoming, and often misunderstood, culture. Recommended by Jessica Dellow

Get up close with one of the greatest wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, on this easy tour from the city. Transportation on an overnight bus is included, which means you won’t waste valuable time in transit and can make the most of your time admiring this spectacular natural landmark. You’ll arrive around dawn, so you can beat the crowds and watch the waterfall light up with rainbows as the sun rises. You’ll also have free time to explore, with the option to hop aboard the Maid of Mist boat ride to get up close to the pounding water, before heading up to Terrapin Point to marvel at the sheer scale of the falls with sweeping views. Recommended by Jessica Dellow

This star-studded Hamptons tour will give you a taste of the finer side of life. Get picked up in an air-conditioned minivan and head east to the land of the rich and the famous. Passing through Manhattan and Queens you can take in the city sights before reaching the quaint Hamptons town of Southampton, home to the likes of Paris Hilton and David Letterman. Ogle at the marina at Sag Harbor – jam-packed with million-dollar yachts – and stop for lunch in its affluent setting. Finish up with a trip to Tanger Outlets, a sprawling complex where you can splurge on discounted high-end brands. Recommended by Jessica Dellow

From manic Midtown Manhattan to New York’s resplendent wine country, this tour shows off the best of the city’s artisan fare. Depending on which day you book, you’ll head to either the Hudson Valley or Long Island and visit two local wineries. Your drinks will be paired with delectable nibbles and snacks, such as fresh cheeses and olives, and you’ll hear about the backstory of each winery as well as the production methods used to go from grape to bottle. Get dropped back in Manhattan after a satisfying day of sipping and snacking. Recommended by Jessica Dellow