Manhattan alone has several attractions to engross the visitors in its beauty. However, setting your foot outside New York City can bring you an altogether different experience as you observe its diverse cultures and landscapes, away from the urban life. Soaking in the sandy beaches, sailing and surfing meccas, majestic mountains and the artsy towns are some of the amazing sites settled only at a few hours’ distance from the city of New York. Read on to know the day trips from New York City in store for you.
Governors Island
Located 800 yards away from the southern end of Manhattan, Governors Island is a green oasis considered one of the best day trips in New York City. You will find ferries running throughout summer from Battery Maritime Building to this carefree region away from the city where New Yorkers reach to find peace. Locals and visitors explore Governors Island on a picnic and enjoy cycling across the unparalleled views of Lady Liberty. The mesmerizing island is usually packed with plenty of activities and events like art fairs, Jazz party, poetry fests, etc. but its specialty is you can still find a ‘ME’ space to stretch out under the sun.
Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center is an epitome of human creativity stretched out to an area of 500 acres. This sculpture park has almost 100 installations – landscape of fields, woodlands and ponds. It was here that Richard Serra built his brilliant work of huge steel plants that still remains to be a site of attraction for tourists. The art center sends an influential and eco-friendly message through the creative recycled tire work by Chakaia Booker – right use of rejected objects and places. Another peculiar piece is Roy Lichtenstein’s popular pop art rendering hilarity through the soaring canoe of Young America. You can visit Storm King Art Center anytime between Spring and Fall or on some selective winter weekends. You can either drive to the place or choose to board the Coach USA bus.
Philadelphia, PA
One of the best day trips from New York City in winter is the 90 minute drive or train ride to the historic Philadelphia. Situated only at a distance of 100 miles from the main city, Philadelphia has some of the main attractions to be allured in peace such as the Liberty Bell, Constitution Square and Independence Hall. Don’t leave the place empty stomach! Have a bite of Pat’s or Geno’s cheesesteak – get them both. Go on a boat ride in the boathouse Row and witness the ancient boathouses of the 19th century lining by the river. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, its rocky-style architecture and dare not forget to stop by the oldest Farmer’s market of America at Reading Terminal.
Montauk, NY
Situated at a distance of 100 miles from Ney York City, Montauk is a chilled out spot on the eastern edge of Long Island. Also called ‘The End’, the place gives vibes similar to the blend of a surf town and fishing village. You have multiple options to spend time in leisure – rent a wetsuit or board to surf in the waters or get a day off lying by the beach indulged in people-watching. You can also go for hiking at the Montauk Point State Park and plan a tour to the lighthouse standing since last 200 years or even more. If you are a sea food lover, make sure to relish the cold lobster roll from Lobster Roll, a popular beach shack in Montauk. What are you waiting for? Get your last minute flights to USA booked right away!
If you plan to visit the surrounding Hamptons villages, rent a car from NYC or board Hampton Jitney bus, Hampton Ambassador Luxury bus or take Long Island Railroad for direct trips.
Sleepy Hollow
The name itself brings in spooky thoughts and to some extent, they are all true! Settled almost 30 miles north of NYC, this village celebrates Washington Irving’s tale at each step. Built in the year 1640, the village is home to a cemetery in the Old Dutch Church which is also a gateway to Kykuit, a Rockefeller mansion. You can be there on a day trip to explore the mansion, underground galleries, sculpture garden, the extensive Picasso tapestries collection and remember to take a peek into vintage cars in the garage. Even if you have booked business class flights for a meeting, chuck the work plan and be off to a day trip in the USA. Trust us, you will never regret.
There are other significant homes that can be a part of your spooky historic tour like the Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s favorite and Lyndhurst, a Gothic masterpiece. The best time to be there is in the fall when the air is filled with the spirits of Halloween
