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Are you trying to find the best day trips from Manhattan? I have the 15 best ones below!
When it comes to day trips from NYC, there are more options than the Big Apple has skyscrapers! Luckily, we’ve been to New York several times and have sorted out all of the details from transportation to costs for the day trips that rank highest in our books.
All you need to do is read about a destination below that catches your eye. From experiencing the history and food of Brooklyn to taking in the natural beauty of Niagara Falls, this list is as diverse as New York City itself. So let’s get to it!
Day Trips from Manhattan
1. Long Island
The first time we visited Long Island, I was completely taken aback by the contrast to nearby NYC. I loved watching the skyscrapers and busy sidewalks fade away as we went further and further east. There are incredible beaches, quaint towns, vineyards, and my favorite – antique lighthouses. However, it might be most well known for the Hamptons – seaside communities that are home to the rich and famous.
While the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are technically considered a part of Long Island, you won’t find a single person in New York who considers them the same thing. Culturally, Long Island consists of two counties, Nassau and Suffolk, and it’s in these areas that you find the true Long Island experience.
What I really like about Long Island is the range of things it has to do and how close it is to Manhattan. Even its farthest point, Montauk Point Lighthouse, only takes about 2.5 – 3 hours to drive to, and it has some beautiful scenery along the way. This makes it an ideal destination to drive to if you can manage the infamous NYC traffic. If you decide to drive, I recommend leaving early to avoid the 7-10 am rush hour and coming back after 7 pm when the evening rush hour is finished.
While we didn’t use the rail system that goes across all of Long Island, I can vouch for its convenience. There’s a handy app where you can find a map of stations and book tickets. It’s a fantastic option if you want to save some money and have a stress-free visit. I will leave a link to the website so you can check it out.
Another excellent and popular way to visit Long Island is with an organized tour. We did a couple of these since we’ve found tours to be the best way to experience a lot in just a little bit of time, and when in New York City time is money! Really though, a guided tour of Long Island is the best way to see everything this area has to offer in an entirely stress-free way.
If wine, sightseeing, and budget-friendly are three words you like to hear, this full-day wine tour is for you. I love that this tour visits three amazing wineries and includes a delicious lunch. It’s available every Sunday and with round-trip transportation from Manhattan, you can enjoy all the wine you want without having to worry about driving back. On top of all that, the scenery at each stop is gorgeous and shows off Long Island’s unique beauty. Read the reviews for this popular tour here and book online!
If you’re traveling in a group, I highly recommend this private day trip to the Hamptons since it has a flat rate for up to 6 people and stops at tons of incredible places. Since this is a VIP experience, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included and it’s a personalized experience from the start. Some highlights include visiting Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Sag Harbor, and Montauk Lighthouse. I love how much variety there is in this tour and you get to learn so much with your own private guide! Tours are limited, so it’s best to book in advance.
Explore Long Island in style by booking our favorite wine tour or go VIP with this private day trip here!
2. Brooklyn
What I love about visiting Brooklyn is that it’s easy to get to from Manhattan and has more than enough unique activities to keep you busy for the day. I recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes and getting here early because there’s a lot to see!
To get to Brooklyn, I suggest taking the Line 5 subway from 86th Street in Manhattan to Church Avenue in Brooklyn since the trip takes about 40 minutes and only costs $3 USD one way. Of course, this isn’t your only option, and depending on where you’re staying in Manhattan, a different subway line might work better. I prefer taking the subway whenever I can in New York City because it’s almost always quicker.
If you make the trip to Brooklyn, I think you should consider checking out Coney Island and walking the waterfront. Coney Island has some great rides and is home to the legendary Coney Island hot dog, and the waterfront is a great place to see the Manhattan skyline. There are also countless places to stop and try local eats, take a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge, see the art museum, and more.
I’ll warn you that Brooklyn is really big and it can be easy to spend all day wandering around and not actually see a whole lot. The first couple of times we visited, we took tours to get a feel for the area and make the most of our time.
This history and food tour took us to some dynamite local eateries in Brooklyn. I loved this tour a lot because it only took 3 hours and covered a lot of ground. We visited mom-and-pop shops, chatted with locals, ate some amazing food, and learned about the fascinating history of the area. It’s also nice because it offers both small group and private options depending on your budget and preference!
Alternatively, this award-winning all-day Brooklyn tour initially caught our eye since it had over 1,000 positive reviews (read them here!) and was only $84 USD. And it didn’t disappoint! I was super curious about visiting Coney Island, so getting the opportunity to go with a guide on this tour made it special. It takes you to tons of iconic spots as well as lesser-known ones and the whole thing was a great way to experience Brooklyn like a Brooklyner.
For foodies, book this food tour of Brooklyn or we recommend grabbing a spot on this highly-rated full-day Brooklyn tour!
3. Washington, DC
We absolutely love Washington, DC, and have been many times. Even if you aren’t a history buff, I suggest taking the time to visit because of how fundamentally important it is to both history and politics in the United States. Just make sure to have a government-issued ID with you as one is required to enter some of the more popular destinations.
Much like New York, DC has a mind-boggling amount of things to do both indoors and outdoors. We have a full list of the best things to do in Washington, DC to help you narrow it down. But we think it’s a good place to visit any time of year and it’s easy to find activities everyone will enjoy.
The only problem with a day trip is you have to pick and choose what you want to see. Personally, the United States Capitol, White House, and Arlington National Cemetery top my list. Not only are they all free to visit (although you can’t go inside the Capitol or White House without a tour). If you have your heart set on that, check out our top 5 tours of the US Capitol or find out how to submit a request to tour the White House online here.
While you can drive from NYC to DC, I personally don’t recommend it. It’s difficult to navigate and the traffic can be stressful. If you do want to drive here, make sure to leave early and be ready for at least 8 hours of driving that day. I would also suggest having about $100 USD in small bills for several tolls you’ll have to pay on the way there and back.
An alternative is taking the train from New York to DC. It takes about 4 hours one way and round-trip tickets cost anywhere from $98-$150 USD. The only problem is that you will have to take public transport or taxis around the city and that can be time-consuming and expensive so you won’t see as much in a day.
I think the easiest option overall is an organized tour. It removes the stress of driving, you get to see lots of the best sights, and you have a guide who will teach you about each stop you make.
This full-day tour from New York is a long one, but it’s packed with great stops. I love that it leaves early (6:30 am) and visits the Arlington National Cemetery first because it’s less busy in the morning. You don’t visit the United States Capitol building, but you do make a stop at the White House which is such a cool thing to see! Plus, the guide, Allan, might even make a surprise stop in New Jersey to see the Manhattan skyline at sunset – easily a highlight for us! It’s an incredibly well-rounded experience for $145 USD and a great way to see a lot with limited time.
What I like about this Washington DC and Philadelphia tour is that it makes stops at big-ticket items like the White House in DC and the Liberty Bell and iconic Rocky statue in Philly. I’m also a big fan of the fact that it hits so many historic places and that the guides make the most of each with in-depth commentary. This is another long one (5 am departure), but at only $179 USD, it’s a great way to see a lot!
For the ultimate day trip, book this tour from NYC to Washington, DC or opt for the well-rated combo tour that goes to both DC and Philly!
4. Philadelphia
Ahh Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Birthplace of American democracy, inventor of the cheesesteak, and absolutely packed to the brim with fascinating history. If you’ve never been, it’s hard to explain how cool this city is. Considering how close it is to New York and the range of fun activities (our Philly activities list has 33 ideas!), it’s a day trip I recommend to anyone who loves culture and history.
What I love about Philadelphia is that it has tons of living history. The appropriately named Old City area dates back to 1703 and walking down Elfreth’s Alley will briefly transport you back in time with its cobblestone streets and old-world architecture.
Plus, one word – cheesesteak. We did the hard (but delicious!) task of finding out where the best Philly cheesesteak in the city is, to save you time!
Philly is about 2 hours away from Manhattan and if you have a rental car, it’s fairly easy to visit if you don’t mind navigating traffic and paying about $60 USD in toll road costs. There is also a train that runs between the two with a ticket costing anywhere from $22-$70 USD one way. Personally, I recommend an organized tour since it costs less overall and you get to see more during the day.
This full-day tour is fantastic for history buffs who want to check off some of the must-see spots on their American history bucket list. It not only visits some of Philadelphia’s most important historic sites but also takes you to DC to take in iconic landmarks like the White House, US Capitol, and Lincoln Memorial.
What I love most about this tour is that you get to go to Old City Hall in Philadelphia which is located in the amazingly preserved historic part of the city. For only $179 USD, it’s easy to understand why over 1,000 people have given this tour a 5-star review!
Read the glowing reviews and book our FAVORITE tour to Philly here!
Related Read: For more ideas on how to explore Philly with limited time, our guide on spending one day in Philadelphia has you covered!
5. Jersey
Just a hop and a skip over the Hudson River and you will find yourself in Jersey. Now I have to admit that as a non-American, I didn’t know much about this place outside of a couple of episodes of Jersey Shore. Reality TV shows aside, this small, but culturally significant city offers a full range of fun activities for anyone who makes the quick trip over.
Similar to New York, Jersey has attracted new immigrants and has many multicultural neighborhoods and cuisines. In fact, it has been recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States.
What I like about Jersey as a day trip is that it’s so close! If you’re just going to Jersey City, an Uber or taxi from Manhattan is an easy way to make the trip. I like using Uber in this area, but the downside is that depending on the time of day, it can get pricey even for a short trip (around $60 USD).
If you want to save money, catch a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and take it directly to one of several Jersey stops. I would recommend visiting the NJ Transit website and taking a look at the stops to see which one drops you closest to the things you want to see.
But what is there to see in Jersey? I’m personally a big fan of its many fantastic parks that dot the waterfront and offer stunning views of New York City. J Owen Grundy Park and Liberty State Park are both great places to spend a relaxing afternoon. I especially enjoyed Liberty State Park because of the Liberty Walkway which has fantastic views of Ellis Island and an overlook of the Statue of Liberty.
And once you’re finished enjoying the views of NYC, why not learn a little science? The Liberty Science Center is located in the upper part of Liberty State Park making it easy to get to and a fun follow-up activity. General admission is $31 USD in advance and $33 USD at the door.
Jersey is also the home of the oddly iconic Colgate Clock. Do you know the toothpaste brand Colgate? Well, this clock is from their old headquarters in Jersey! It’s close to Liberty State Park and free to see, so if you’re looking for something else to do, this is a fun little trip to add to your day.
Money Saving Tip – Some of NYC’s best attractions unfortunately aren’t free. But that doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget to see them! We purchased a New York City attraction pass during our visit and it helped us save 30-40% on admission fees to top attractions like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. There are a few different options, but the top three are the New York CityPASS®, the New York Pass, and the New York Explorer Pass by Go City.
6. Woodbury Common
I love shopping, but it can be an expensive thing to do in New York. Luckily, just outside of the city is Woodbury Common, a premium outlet mall with top-end brands for much cheaper than you’ll find in the Big Apple. If you’re looking to purchase the trendiest items, clothing, shoes, watches, you name it, this is the place to do it.
With over 250 stores, I think it’s safe to say that it’s easy to spend a day here even if you’re just window shopping. Open from 10 am to 9 pm, I recommend bringing comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking in and out of stores you never even knew existed. I appreciate that it also has lots of restaurants so when you do need a break, you can get some good food (I loved Bareburger) before continuing the shopping spree.
I feel like every day there is some sort of sale or event happening, so make sure to check out the website to see what the current deals are.
If you happen to have a car, you can get to Woodbury Common in about an hour to an hour and a half from Manhattan. However, I’m guessing most people won’t have their own transportation, so in that case, I suggest taking a shared or private shuttle.
I like this private shuttle because it offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, and has a flat rate of $695 USD (for up to 6 people). It’s a VIP way to do some VIP shopping!
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, there is a shared shuttle for $47 USD per person that boards in Midtown Manhattan with various departure and return times throughout the day. What I love about this option is that they give you bonus coupons for even more savings!
Book the VIP private shuttle here or the affordable shuttle (with bonus coupon book!) here.
7. Bear Mountain State Park
We love the outdoors and the farther north you go in New York State, the more incredible the nature is. One area in particular that is not all that far from the city is Bear Mountain State Park. Grab your hiking boots and backpack because we’re going on an adventure!
An hour from Manhattan and just off the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park is a sprawling example of just how beautiful New York State is. Picnic areas along the river, hikes, lookouts, and even an outdoor skating rink open from October through mid-March. And if you’re traveling with kids don’t miss out on the Trailside Museums and Zoo!
With over 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of forest, this park gets quite a bit of foot traffic yearly since part of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through it. But there are lots of other trails to explore for a range of hiking abilities.
One of the most popular is the Torne Loop Trail which is a short 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) but offers amazing views of the area and involves some rock scrambles along the way. If you’re not interested in scrambling rocks or long hikes, you’ll be happy to know that the scenic Bear Mountain can be driven up for an easy alternative with stunning views.
I recommend getting to Bear Mountain State Park via the Palisades Interstate Parkway since there are no tolls along the way – score! Just avoid driving in and out of Manhattan during rush hour which is from 7-10 am and 4-7 pm. Prices for a full-day parking pass vary by season, but on average you can expect to pay $10 USD.
Related Read: Don’t have the best weather in NYC? Prepare for the rain with our list of the best rainy day activities in New York City!
8. Niagara Falls
It goes without saying that Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It’s stunning to see up close and even as someone who has seen their fair share of waterfalls, I was blown away. If you’ve ever been curious about this natural wonder, it is absolutely worth the trip, albeit a little out of the way.
What I found interesting about Niagara Falls is that the name is used to talk about three separate waterfalls. Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls collectively make up the Niagara Falls we know and love.
The American side of Niagara Falls is best experienced from Niagara Falls State Park which offers many amazing viewpoints. Yes, you can see all of the falls from the state park! My favorite viewpoint there is Terrapin Point, which offers unbeatable views of the area. Be ready for water to mist your way if there’s a breeze though!
I’ll be honest, from Manhattan, Niagara Falls is not what I’d call an easy place to get to. That is unless you consider a 6.5-7 hour journey one way easy. Now I don’t want to discourage you from making the trip because it’s absolutely worth it, but it’s worth doing your research on how to get here first – and that’s what I’ll help with!
Driving is not recommended especially if you want to do it in one day, but I’m guessing you’ve already come to the same conclusion. In my opinion, the best way to get to and experience Niagara Falls from Manhattan is on a tour. You can sleep there and back and the only real downside is an early start and a long day. But like I said, it’s worth it!
This Niagara Falls day tour is the best option out there and I recommend it to anyone who wants a comfy trip there and back. You can book it with or without the boat tour, but I think the boat tour is such a blast! You’ll also have tons of time in the park to take in the views and learn about the history of the area.
It does start early (4 am), but you’ll probably sleep most of the way there! With how well-organized this tour is, I think it’s a great option for anyone who wants to see the falls, especially for only $297 USD.
Book our top pick for a tour from NYC to Niagara Falls with FREE cancellation here!
Related Read: For more tour options, check out our blog on the best Niagara Falls tours from NYC!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
9. Boston
Culturally, Boston and New York couldn’t be more different. The food, accents, people, history, all of it, different! Heck, a person from New York going to Boston is probably a lot like visiting another country. Ask any local from either city how they feel about the other and you will most likely get a very colorful answer.
What I like about Boston is that it’s easy to get around with good public transportation. Compared to New York, it’s a substantially smaller city. The total population sits around 675,000 people while in contrast, New York City is 8.5 million. This makes exploring places like the Boston Common, a massive park in the heart of the city, much more enjoyable.
The city itself boasts heaps of living history with the Freedom Trail taking you through the heart of it all. The Freedom Trail is a self-guided walk that takes you to historic buildings and sites all around the city like the Old State Building and the house of Paul Revere. Faneuil Hall is another one of the many stops on the trail and this almost 300-year-old market is still in use to this day. It’s also the best place to get a famous Boston chowder bread bowl so don’t miss out!
From Manhattan, Boston takes about 3.5 – 4 hours to drive to one way. Like driving anywhere on the East Coast of the United States, toll roads are expensive and you can expect to pay about $60-$80 USD depending on your route. And while Boston is a smaller city, the traffic is just as insane, so be ready for lots of honking and traffic jams. The trip is doable, but I recommend avoiding rush hour.
If you don’t have a vehicle or you would like to avoid a stressful drive, tours are a great option. My pick is this full-day tour of Boston for history lovers and foodies. You spend most of your day with a guide on the Freedom Trail and end it with a chance to grab a meal at Quincy Market, famous for its fresh seafood chowder. Plus there’s a stop at Harvard!
What I love about this tour in particular is that it picks up from several hotels in Manhattan or at two locations in Midtown making the 6 am departure much easier to work around. This is a long day, but having it all planned out took the stress out of our trip. Food and drinks aren’t included in the $130 USD price tag, so if you want a bowl of that delicious chowder bring some extra cash!
Book our recommended tour to Boston for a stress-free day trip!
10. Bronx
Just north of Manhattan, The Bronx is a borough of New York City that’s easy to reach and has some great things to do. I especially recommend this day trip for travelers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of covering large distances in one day. It’s also great for families with tons of kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained!
The Bronx’s unusual name comes from Swedish settler Jonas Bronck who built a farm at what is now the corner of Willis Avenue and 132nd Street in Mott Haven. Walking in this neighborhood now it’s wild to think of how much has changed in almost 400 years!
Some of the most notable attractions in the area are the Yankee Stadium, New York Botanical Garden, and The Bronx Zoo. All of these make for great stops, but I personally think the garden is the coolest (especially the Mertz Library)! If you’re after something more unusual, The Bronx is home to Edgar Allen Poe’s cottage (which is now a museum) and West 230th Step Street, the longest step street in the city.
Getting to The Bronx can be done in a variety of ways from the bus, taxi, subway, or even walking if you don’t mind a 3-hour urban hike. But if I were to recommend a way to get there, it would be the subway, since the trip only takes about 30 minutes and costs around $3 USD. If you’d like to get to the heart of The Bronx, take line 2 from 96th Street Station to Bronx Park East Station and you’ll be right next to the Bronx Zoo.
The Bronx has a lot to see from the Yankee Stadium to lesser-known things such as its amazing graffiti murals. If you don’t want to plan out seeing them all, I recommend checking out this guided tour of The Bronx (and the surrounding boroughs!) that takes care of the planning and transportation for you.
The fact that it’s only $84 USD is crazy for how much you see over 6 hours and with over 1,400 5-star reviews I understand why it’s loved so much. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and I love that you never spend more than 30 minutes on a bus. This is a perfect way to experience what makes this city so special!
Secure your spot on this highly-rated tour of the Bronx here!
11. Queens
What makes Queens special is that it is the most culturally diverse county in the U.S. It’s argued to be the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world with a stunning 47% of residents born outside of the United States. For me, I loved exploring this area and experiencing all of the amazing things (especially food) it had to offer.
With how many people immigrated to the United States through New York City, it’s easy to see how Queens became so diverse. Through talking to locals and guides, what I found most interesting about this area is that most people identify with their neighborhood, more than their borough or city. Each area of Queens is distinct with local culture that reflects the nationality of the people who live there.
There is a lot to see here, but two places stood out most to me. Flushing Meadows Corona Park was the site of the 1964 World’s Fair and I found the Unisphere built for the fair very fitting for such a multicultural area. About 2 miles (3.2 km) away is Flushing Chinatown, the city’s largest Chinatown and a delight for the senses. With incredible food and plenty of shopping, I absolutely loved exploring this area.
If you want to get to Queens from Manhattan, you’re in luck, it’s an easy trip! The two most popular ways to get here are by taxi and subway. The taxi will cost anywhere from $60-$80 USD and the subway is about $3 USD. I recommended the subway since it’s cheap and all you need to do is take Line A from 59th Street Columbus Circle Subway Station to the 104 Street Station in Queens.
If you’re trying to eat the best of the best and learn about the culture of Queens, I highly recommend working in a tour while you’re here. Guides make sure you get the most bang for your buck and you get to try food most tourists miss on their visit.
I think this Flushing Chinatown tour is perfect for anyone who wants to indulge their inner foodie and get a taste for the local history. I like that it’s only 5.5 hours and has a late start of 10:30 am. Having all food tastings included the $150 USD price tag is a steal and the small group setting makes it easy to ask questions and get the most from your guide. Check out all the ratings for this 5-star tour here!
12. Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan that has been culturally significant to the African American community and the greater art scene of the United States since the 1920s. If you love art, history, and beautiful architecture, I can’t recommend Harlem enough. With its close proximity to Manhattan, this is a great place to visit for the day.
Between 1910 and 1970, six million African Americans migrated out of the South in hopes of finding better economic and social conditions. This is known as the Great Migration and it’s because of this that so many African Americans settled in Harlem.
But it was through the 1920s and 1930s that the “Harlem Renaissance” kicked off. Jazz clubs, theatres, and dance halls were everywhere as black artists like Duke Ellington came to make their name in Harlem. One of the highlight destinations from that time, the Apollo Theatre, is still in use today.
There were a lot of things in Harlem I enjoyed seeing and I have a couple I would recommend on your visit. First up, I love checking out what art is on display at the Studio Museum. Next, the Abyssinian Baptist Church serves as the religious center for the community and is a stunning building. The architecture in Harlem is a highlight for me – including the iconic brownstone apartment buildings.
Getting to Harlem is easy and I recommend taking the subway or walking for an hour to get here. For the subway, get on at the 81st Street – Museum of Natural History Station and get off at 125 Street. It only costs $3 USD and conveniently drops you off near the Apollo Theatre!
Something to keep in mind about Harlem is the amount of history everywhere. If you want to visit for this purpose I recommend taking a guided tour of the area to get the most out of your time.
I like this private Harlem tour because it hits all of my favorite spots (and more!) over 3 hours with an extremely knowledgeable guide. Since it’s private, you get hotel pick-up and drop-off and can start whenever you want, super flexible! Besides visiting all of the historically significant places, you end the day with a delicious meal at the famous Sylvia’s Soul Food (at your own cost). Price varies by group size so this is perfect for families or if you’re traveling with friends!
Book a guided tour of Harlem here for FREE cancellation!
Related Read: Only in NYC for a short time? We have 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day New York itineraries to maximize your time!
13. Atlantic City
What makes Atlantic City unique is that it was originally developed as a resort town for people from New York and Philadelphia. If you like amusement parks, restaurants, shopping malls, and casinos, Atlantic City has you covered. While there are things for a family to do here (like amusement parks) the city is definitely more catered towards adults. And if you’re looking for more fun like this during your USA travels, check out our 1-day Las Vegas itinerary here!
Atlantic City has been a tourist hotspot since the mid-1800s, but it was in 1976 when they legalized gambling that it became an international attraction. Something to keep in mind is that if you aren’t a U.S. citizen, you will need your passport if you win anything over $1,200 USD for tax purposes, so make sure to bring that along just in case. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
If casinos aren’t your idea of fun, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of other things to do. The Steel Pier Amusement Park has tons of rides from Ferris Wheels to roller coasters. I also highly recommend you check out the boardwalk while you’re here and grab a meal at LandShark Bar and Grill. They’re right on the water and have great views of the ocean.
Getting to Atlantic City is best by either driving or taking a shuttle. The drive takes a little over 2 hours and depending on your route, tolls will cost anywhere from $13-$20 USD. I prefer taking a shuttle so I don’t have to worry about paying tolls, the cost of gas, or navigating the crazy traffic of either city.
This day-trip shuttle is my recommendation for anyone who wants to go to Atlantic City without planning any of the logistics. I like that it isn’t a guided tour, so you can spend 8 hours doing whatever you want. As a bonus, they even give you $20 USD free credit to use at Caesars Casino! What’s even better is that it picks up and drops off in Manhattan, so you won’t have to go too far for its 7:45 am departure time.
Easily get to Atlantic City with this shuttle from Manhattan!
14. Minnewaska State Park Preserve
If the hustle and bustle of the big city is becoming a little too much or you just want to get out and enjoy some beautiful natural scenery, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a short 2-hour drive away. Simply put, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Sitting at 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level, Minnewaska State Park is one of the most diverse and unique state parks in New York. If you enjoy hiking, the Millbrook Mountain Footpath is only 5 miles (8 kilometers) and takes you by Lake Minnewaska and several scenic overlooks. Bring some good hiking boots since there are a couple of small stream crossings involved!
If you’re looking for a more relaxing day, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery or have a picnic. I recommend Lake Awosting if you want to do a little swimming and take in breathtaking views of the area. It does get popular, especially in the summer months, so you’ll want to head there early.
Which brings me to my next point, getting here. Really, the best and only way to visit Minnewaska State Park Preserve is by car. All of the lakes, hikes, and day areas are far apart and buses will only take you past the park and to a city farther north. You will need a parking pass for the day which is $10 USD (cash only) and if you take this route here you can avoid tolls – hooray!
If you’d like more information on trails, amenities, and park regulations you can check the website here.
15. Rockaway Beach
If you’re in New York and itching to put your toes in the sand Rockaway Beach is the perfect place to do it. It’s a great spot for families, couples, or even solo travelers to kick back and relax. However, I really only recommend visiting in spring or summer since you’ll have better weather and more to do.
Even since the early 1900s, Rockaway Beach has been a popular getaway for locals and tourists alike. Situated on the Queens coastline, this small stretch of land has a surprising amount of things to do!
Surfing is super popular here and even if you don’t know how Locals Surf School will teach you the basics at any time of the year. And if you need a bite to eat, I recommend Rippers for a fantastic burger! But you’ll find beach parties, bars, restaurants, and shops everywhere you look so there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.
If you do make a trip out to Rockaway Beach, be ready for large crowds and wait times during the summer, especially on the weekends. We specifically planned to go on a weekday to beat the crowds! Pack sunscreen and extra water too, because buying it there is expensive!
To get to Rockaway Beach, I suggest taking the A train since it’s cheap and reliable. You’ll board at 81st Street – Museum of Natural History Station and take it all the way to Beach 90 Street Station. The trip is a little over an hour long, but you don’t have to make any transfers so I like that. It will cost you $3 USD one way and to get back you’ll do the same thing, but in reverse!
Other Activities to do While You’re in New York City
There’s so much to do in New York, it’s impossible to get bored here – it’s not known as the “City that Never Sleeps” for nothing! New York City is full of exciting experiences you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for activities to fill up your NYC itinerary, these are a few of our favorites.
- Take a food tour – New York has a world-renowned food scene. The question is how can you try as much of it as possible? We took this famous Chelsea Market Food Tour, which is a historic market that boasts the best food in the city. We loved taking a food tour and found it to be a helpful way to experience the booming food culture and find spots we wanted to come back to!
- Visit the Empire State Building – As the most iconic building in the city, visiting the Empire State Building is a must-do for every traveler! Not only is it impressive to see from a distance, but you catch the best views of NYC from the top. Tickets to the main observation deck on the 86th floor are $52 USD.
- Go on a helicopter tour – Seeing New York from above is an experience most people only dream about. While this is a costly excursion, we can wholeheartedly say it is WORTH IT! This 15-minute Helicopter tour over NYC offers incredible views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge – just to name a few!
- Walk Central Park – Central Park is a quintessential New York stop and a giant outdoor haven right in the middle of the city. It has been featured in tons of movies and is still a spot where locals like to hang out. There’s a lot to see here, so I recommend a few hours to stroll along its historic paths or booking a tour of Central Park. There’s a walking tour if you’re keen on learning its history or book a bike tour for a fun afternoon of exploring!
- Experience a dinner cruise – For an upscale and elegant way to see the city, taking a dinner cruise is an amazing experience! Not only do you sail right past the Statue of Liberty and catch stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the NYC skyline, but the whole experience feels luxurious. We took this Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise and enjoyed a delicious dinner, live jazz music, and a beautiful evening cruising on the Hudson River.
Where to Stay in New York City
New York City is huge – there is just no other way to put it! Even Manhattan (the area you’ll want to base yourself in – especially for these day trips!) is a lot bigger than you think. That’s why choosing the right hotel in the right location is so important during your stay in New York.
Below, we’ve simplified it all for you by choosing a couple of the very best hotels available in the city. All three of these options have ideal locations close to attractions and the subway system. They all have amazing reviews, too, so just choose the one in your budget category and you’ll be ready to pack your bags!
Motto by Hilton – $$$
Motto by Hilton is a gorgeous hotel located in the Chelsea neighborhood only 600 meters from the Flatiron Building and close to the Chelsea Market. The hotel features modern decor that has “speakeasy vibes.” In fact, they have a beautiful bar onsite that looks like the perfect place to sip an Old Fashioned. There are a variety of rooms on offer including some that are a little more budget-friendly, and some that are pure luxury with city views! Prices start from about $400 USD per night plus tax.
You can check prices and availability for Motto by Hilton online here!
Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square – $$
Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square is where we stayed the last time we visited New York, and honestly, we loved it! This hotel is the perfect combination of comfort and value for money. It was clean, modern, and our room had all of the amenities we needed for an enjoyable stay (air conditioning, k-cup coffee maker, steamer, large shower, big windows, etc). Plus, the location is ideal – it’s only a couple blocks from Times Square!
Prices do range, but they do go as low as $200 USD per night plus tax depending on the time of year and day of the week. You can check prices and book online here!
Nap York Central Park Sleep Station – $
For those traveling on a tight budget, Nap York is a budget hostel that’s an ideal choice. Although affordable, this property is immaculate and offers a ton of amenities for a great stay including air conditioning and a shared kitchen. The rooms are modern and the location is about as central as it gets! This property only offers dorm rooms, but they are affordable at as little as $100 USD per night.
You can check prices and book Nap York online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
While NYC has a ton to discover, getting out of Manhattan on a day trip or two is a must! Whether you’re after a relaxing getaway, want to discover a new neighborhood, or looking to leave the state completely, I hope our guide on the best day trips from Manhattan has given you plenty of ideas!
For more help planning the best visit to NYC including all the tips we wish we knew before we went the first time, check out all our blogs on New York City. And if you have any questions, leave us a comment below!
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10 BEST Sightseeing Tours in New York City
BEST New York City Attraction Pass – Comparison of the Best NYC Passes