New York Day Trips

The southern end of the park is a short drive north of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90). Go from shopping in the city to hiking past sugar maples in the Adirondacks within the hour.

The 6-million-acre wilderness area has a breathtaking amount to explore, and you can do so by plane, boat or hot air balloon. If you go in the autumn, take advantage of seasonal events, including Oktoberfest and a Cream Cheese Festival.

Located at the junction of Interstates 91 and 95, New Haven offers everything from designer shopping to hiking trails to sandy beaches. For the latter, pack a picnic and spend the day at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

New Haven has been described as an architect’s hidden mecca and has a strong art scene. The Yale Center for British Art and the Yale University Art Gallery are both world-renowned for their collections.

Situated in the Catskills, Woodstock is a charming town steeped in history and folklore. A haven for the alternative arts community, it even has the Artists Cemetery reserved for creative people and luminaries.

While Woodstock is known for the famous festival, the high point of the counterculture movement of the 1960s actually took place over 40 miles away in Bethel.

Plenty of entertainment and excitement can be found along the famous 4-mile-long seaside promenade in Atlantic City.

For something different, make your way to the top of the Absecon Lighthouse, the third tallest in the United States, for a stunning view of the Atlantic City skyline. Or sample a local delicacy, saltwater taffy, while taking a tour of the James Candy Company. 

To pick up bargains, head inland to the city’s outlet stores and take advantage of no sales tax on clothing purchased in New Jersey.

The oldest lighthouse in New York State, authorized by the Second Congress under President George Washington, Montauk Point burned whale oil when it was first lit in 1797. And it still helps ships navigate the waters.

Guided tours are offered around the lighthouse, which was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2012. Climb the 137 steps for spectacular views, and visit the adjacent museum for displays about whaling and Montauk Native Americans.