Get ready to get out from the everyday bustling work. Chill out with your family where you can find all ages activities in various alluring attractions. New York City is a vibrant and exciting metropolis, with endless attractions and activities.
But if you have a short time to explore, this blog will help you to touch the exciting places which beyond the city limits, there are plenty of great destinations that will make your one-day trip from New York City more perfect.
Scroll down to check out the popular places for your amusing one day trips with thrilling things to do with your friends or family.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City, with its shimmering nightlife and bustling casinos, is excellent for all the party people out there. There are tons of casinos, nightclubs, and comedy clubs keeping the nightlife in Atlantic city well and alive. This is the most popular one day tour destination which is called as the resort capital of the East coast.
This vibrant seaside attraction, which covers over 20 million visitors per year. This remarkable tourist spot which is packed with heavenly beaches, cozy accommodations, fresh sea breeze, relishing restaurants and etc.,
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Atlantic city is just 126 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 2 hrs.
Things to Do
- Atlantic City Boardwalk – Visit this promenade which became an American icon in the 1870s and it is proudly known for being the first and longest boardwalk in the world.
- Steel Pier – This 1,000 foot longest and oldest theme park which is built on the pier of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. In this historic landmark spot with entertainment, you can delight in the great view of the Atlantic Ocean and fun in the thrilling rides.
- Casinos – Try your luck in some of the popular casinos in Atlantic cities: Caesars Atlantic City Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino and Ocean Casino Resort.
Philadelphia
If you’re planning for a one day tour from New York, go for this first world heritage city in the United States. It is also proudly known as the birthplace of the United States and one of the most visited cities in the US.
This attraction is also known as Philly, and is packed with lots of richness in history where you can also find modern culture and relishing foods. Here you can also find the iconic artworks, this architectural city is filled with the pure artistic treasures.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Philadelphia is just 97.6 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 1hr and 30 min.
Things to Do
- Philadelphia City Hall – Visit this attraction which is home to 88 million bricks and find out the iconic art pieces of Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia Zoo – Delight in this America’s first zoo which is home to almost 1,300 animals including rare species.
- Museum of the American Revolution – Get into the recreated historical environments, theatrical experience, american revolution and immersive galleries.
Fire Island
This one day getaway from New York is prominent for its miles of breathtaking beaches and maritime forests. If you’re a nature enthusiast, then it is the perfect destination for you in New York where you can enjoy a vibrant night.
Along with this, you can also enjoy the historic landmarks and wildlife. This 32 mile long island is the favorite spot for both locals and visitors. So, don’t miss out on this nature spot to get out from the everyday bustling life.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Fire Island is just 69.1 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 1 hr and 46 min.
Things to Do
- Fire Island Lighthouse – Add this tallest lighthouse on Long Island into your bucket list, which is the home for more than 20 lighthouses.
- Robert Moses State Park – Visit this 875 acre popular attraction where you can amuse in surfing along with the fishing.
- Kismet Beach Work – This is the best family spot, nearby you can find playgrounds for your kids and you can amuse with the tennis courts which are close to this mesmerizing beach.
Catskill Mountains
The Catskills are the perfect mountain getaway and best one day getaways from NYC. The tranquil forests which give a breath of fresh air, away from the city. This region is also popular for some mountain bicycling trails like the Catskill Scenic Trail, Headwaters Trails, and the Roundtopia Trail Network.
This great mountain is popular for its sprawling 98 peaks over an altitude of 3000 feet. You can delve into the scenic trail and delight in this beautiful landscape along with the falls and trails. Along with hiking, you can also enjoy camping and fishing in this scenic spot.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Catskill Mountains is just 138 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 2 hrs and 30 min.
Things to Do
- Thomas Cole national historic site – Visit this 19th century historical spot which preserves Thomas Colehome’s home and studios.
- Kaaterskill falls – Amuse in this two drop waterfall which is located in the Eastern Catskill Mountains, Greene County and it is one of the highest waterfalls in New York.
- Karma Triyana Dharmachakra – This spiritual spot which showcases Tibetan art, literature, philosophy along with the Tibetan language classes.
Ocean City
The string of beaches along Ocean City is a great place to get away from the city and feel the sand beneath your feet. There’s an elaborate system of beaches and bays for you to explore here. Water activities like jet skiing, surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing available on the bay will appeal to adrenaline junkies.
If you are looking for a more relaxing vacation try fishing, golfing, tennis, and paddle boarding. Don’t miss out on this spot for all ages, where you can find thrilling activities to create memories with your family. Get out from everyday bustling life and feel the breeze which makes you feel light where you can experience the beaches.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Ocean City is just 129 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 2 hrs and 10 min.
Things to Do
- Ocean City Boardwalk – This is the most popular amusement place where you can find many attractions along with the exciting activities.
- Ocean City Beach – This beach was proudly honored as 2005 best family beach and No. 1 family beach community in the country by the Travel channel.
- Trimper rides – Go for this premier theme park on the boardwalk in Ocean City where you can enjoy the classic rides.
Mystic
This village was once known for its shipbuilding yards. Now, Mystic is famous for being the filming location of the movie Mystic Pizza. Mystic holds one of the largest maritime museums in the United States. It is also home to the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, which runs several notable research and marine life rehabilitation efforts, like beluga whales.
Mystic Seaport which is the United States’ largest maritime museum where you can find the number of ships sailing, for instance whaling ship Charles W. Morgan. This is also home for the aquarium where you can find various marine life.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Mystic is just 134 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 2 hrs and 20 min.
Things to Do
- Mystic Seaport Museum – Visit to this 19th century museum which is home to more than 500 historic watercraft which includes four National Historic Landmark Vessels.
- Olde Mistick Village – Find out the quality stores and releasing restaurants and this spot is home for your shopping.
- Mystic Museum of Art – If you’re an art enthusiast, then it is the perfect spot for you which displays you with American art.
Beacon
This lovely town is an easy trip because of its easy accessibility through the metro, so we know New Yorkers already love it. Some things to do in Beacon are hiking Mount Beacon, the highest peak in Hudson valley. Also, try climbing the fire tower close by, which offers beautiful views of the NYC skyline.
Distance from NYC
This one day road trip from NYC and Beacon is just 67.7 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 1hr and 20 min.
Things to Do
- Bannerman Castle – A tour of Bannerman castle offers lessons of the American Revolution, back when it operated as an ammunition store.
- Dia Museum – If you are fond of arts and culture, then for this museum where you can also find indoor and outdoor exhibitions.
- Take a Stroll – Enjoy the architectural slow and quiet town.
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Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State park is on the west bank of the Hudson River in Rockland and Orange counties in New York. This park is a great place to go hiking, the bear mountain hike trail, and the Major Welch trail are the most popular hiking trails here. Biking, boating, picnicking, and running are other popular activities here, while cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating are popular during the winter.
Distance from NYC
This one day trip near New York, Bear Mountain State Park is just 52 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 1 hr.
Things to Do
- Drive to Perkins Memorial tower – In this nature spot, you can enjoy the scenic view of great hills and greenery forest.
- Bear Mountain zoo – This is the favorite family spot, which is perfect for the kids vacation spot where you can find various species.
- Fort Montgomery Museum – Gain the knowledge about the American revolution and which is dedicated to the American revolutionary war.
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Coldspring
Coldspring is a definite visit, if you want to explore Hudson valley. This quaint town is simple and charming and has a lot of cultures. Peruse main street is the heart of Coldspring, this street stretches along the Hudson river, and is home to many restaurants, cafes, and antique stores.
Peruse main street is the heart of Coldspring, this street stretches along the Hudson river which is home to many restaurants, cafes, and antique stores. This is one of the best one day trips from NYC which you must go for.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and ColdSpring is just 60.7 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 1hr and 10 min.
Things to Do
- Breakneck ridge – Charge yourself in this mountain spot and get ready for the thrilling hike with your friends.
- Magazzino art museum – Gain different knowledge about Italian art and enjoy the different arts and cultures.
- Antiquities Shopping – If you want to shop antiquities, then it is the ideal place which offers you exciting antiquities.
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Poconos
The alluring Poconos mountains are one of the best places to vacation for New Yorkers because of how close it is. Based on the season you choose to visit, it can be either a winter wonderland or a summer getaway. It is also a place with great resorts and vacation rentals which is one of the best places for a one day trip from NYC in winter.
Distance from NYC
The distance between New York City and Poconos is just 107 miles and if you’re planning for the drive it takes just 1 hr and 50 min.
Things to Do
- Boulder Field – Enjoy this rocky landscape which is the National Natural landmark where the boulder is 26 feet long.
- East Stroudsburg – You can enjoy the many popular attractions like museums and planetarium.
- Jim Thorpe – This is the amazing spot where you can find unique shops, historical museums and relishing restaurants.
Know Before Your One Day Trip
- Considering all those things before you go on that one day tour from nyc, you should check out the best time to visit for your destination
- Choose the perfect accommodation before you go and advance booking is preferable. Select the ideal place to stay which is nearby to your planned spot.
- Don’t forget to pack your backpack with the essential things for your vacation. Pack your regular tablets, energy powder and first aid with you because safety is first.
- Pack food and pack the clothes according to the season and don’t isolate yourself in dangerous places. Be aware of the dangerous places where you’re going and plan before you go.
Wrap Up
This blog will guide you to the amazing one day trip around NYC where you can discover the stunning attractions along with the thrilling activities. Choose out one of the favorite or perfect places for you to go with your friends or family and create memorable memories.
After your exciting vacation in those spots for a one day trip out of NYC, have a peaceful stay in HolidayKeepers. Who provides you with different properties in the popular nearby attractions with luxury and essential amenities.
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Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
