4 Day Trips from NYC for When You Need a City Escape

Subway halts, screaming sirens, and overcrowded streets abound in the city that never sleeps. Although inhabitants know they live in the “city so nice they named it twice,” there is nothing like a quick day trip for you to clear your head, relax, and catch some sights in nature that you could never find in the concrete jungle. These four day trips from NYC provide adventure, and culture that will allow you to return to the city refreshed and renewed.

Beacon, NY

Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 20 minutes by train

A quick train ride on the Metro-North transports you to the quaint town of Beacon, NY. Most well-known for its sprawling art museum, Dia: Beacon, the town also boasts a picturesque main street complete with antique stores, ice cream parlors, and a mouth-watering donut shop. If that’s not enough to get you beelining towards Beacon, then you should check out the abandoned castle that lies just a short ferry ride away. The breathtaking Bannerman Castle can be seen from the windows of the train, but guests can also book tours to get up-close and personal with this beautiful slice of history.

Sleepy Hollow, NY

Distance from NYC: 30-45 minutes by train or car

Spooky season lovers unite! This small town is most well-known for being the setting for Washington Irving’s tales of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. As you might expect, the town really finds its stride during October with cemetery tours, haunted houses and, one of the most Instagrammable places for Halloween fanatics, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. However, the town is open year-round for tours of nearby manors and art galleries.

Bethlehem, PA

Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 44 minutes by car

When you think of playing the slots, your mind probably goes to Vegas or Atlantic City. But right in your backyard is Central Pennsylvania’s Sands Casino. Go to shake the dice, and stay for a day spent wandering the streets of this historic town. Take a hike up to their famed Christmas star (which has shone from the South Mountain since the 1930s); visit the old Steel Plant, which has been converted into an open-air location for drinks, bites, and the ten-day annual Musikfest; or indulge your inner child with the Crayola Experience.

Fairfield County, CT

Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 10 minutes by train

Fairfield is a county surrounded by water, allowing visitors to spend their days at a beach and evenings at a gorgeous waterfront. Animal lovers can pay a visit to the Maritime Aquarium or Beardsley Zoo; and nearby Westport is home to the historical summer theatre, Westport Country Playhouse, which has hosted the likes of Paul Newman and Gene Wilder. Finally, take in some nature as you hike the Lillinonah Trail; or some culture with the Bruce Museum or National Helicopter Museum.

While there will always be so much to do within New York City, try to leave the five famed boroughs for a day to see some incredible towns that lie just an easy train or car ride away. There’s so much of this world left to see, but you can make strides every day by taking steps off the beaten path and exploring somewhere new. Your spirit of adventure with thank you.