Top 5 Day Trips From NYC

When you think of NYC, top attractions like the Empire State Building or Times Square probably come to mind. However, you can find some real hidden gems just a short drive away. Whether you're a visitor on vacation or a local wanting to explore new places, there are several NYC day trips that can expand your horizons.  

If you're worried about transportation, Zipcar is a great way to get around the city and sightsee. Check out these best day trips from NYC to add to your travel itinerary.  

Rockaway Beach, NY 

Relax in the sand or catch some waves at Rockaway Beach, the city's only legal surfing beach. Located in Queens, this beach offers a 5.5-mile boardwalk, seasonal vendors, and a beautiful display of pastel houses and condos.  

Rockaway Beach offers a great escape from the bustle of the city, making it the ideal location for rounding up a group of friends for a fun-filled day of swimming, surfing, and playing beach volleyball.  

Cold Spring, NY 

This New York day trip takes you about an hour and a half from the city to Cold Spring, a historic village located on the Hudson River. Home to biking trails and a busy Main Street with antique shops, restaurants, and live entertainment, Cold Spring makes for an idyllic small-town retreat.  

Check out West Point Foundry Preserve, a former ironworking and machine shop site transformed into an outdoor museum documenting the town's rich history. Hudson Highlands State Park is a haven for nature lovers who enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking.  

Cornwall, NY 

Located an hour and a half outside the city, Cornwall sits along the western shore of the Hudson River and is home to several historic buildings, taverns, and gift shops. The Storm King Art Center, named after Storm King Mountain, is an open-air museum and one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country.  

If you're looking for something a bit more exhilarating, check out Storm King Adventure Tours. These guided kayak tours take you along the Hudson to experience the river in a new way.  

Sleepy Hollow, NY 

After a little more than an hour of a scenic drive, you'll end up in Sleepy Hollow, a town made famous by Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The author is now buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, a historic burial ground offering guided walking tours.  

Of course, you can't visit Sleepy Hollow without checking out Headless Horseman Bridge. Although it's been rebuilt since the fictionalized story was published, it's still a cultural landmark worth seeing.  

Bear Mountain State Park 

For an outdoorsy adventure, visit Bear Mountain State Park, a 5,205-acre site located just an hour and a half from NYC. Featuring shaded picnic groves, trails, and a swimming pool, the park is nestled on the Hudson River's west bank in Rockland and Orange counties.  

Take the whole family and check out the park's Trailside Museums and Zoo. This paved trail explores native wildlife exhibits and four themed museums.  

There's so much to explore just a short drive from the Big Apple, and Zipcar can help you get there. Become a member today and start planning your next adventure.