Best day trips from New York

From NYC, the Hudson Valley, North Jersey beaches, and DC/Philadelphia are accessible day trips by train.

6 best day trips from New York

Storm King Art Center (Hudson Valley)

How: 1h 30m train + bus Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Apr-Nov (closed in winter)

500-acre outdoor sculpture park with Calder, Serra, Goldsworthy

Beacon (Dia + walking tour)

How: 1h 30m Metro-North train Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Apr-Nov

Dia:Beacon modern art museum + Hudson river walks

Cold Spring + Bear Mountain

How: 1h Metro-North to Cold Spring + hike Travel time: 1h When to go: Apr-Nov; fall foliage Oct

Hudson Valley village + hike to Bull Hill / Mt. Beacon

Philadelphia

How: 1h 15m Amtrak Acela Travel time: 1h 15m When to go: Year-round

Independence Hall + Liberty Bell + Reading Terminal Market

Sandy Hook beach (NJ)

How: 1h NY Waterway ferry from Wall St Travel time: 1h When to go: Memorial Day-Labor Day

Atlantic beach with NYC skyline views

Washington, D.C.

How: 3h 30m Amtrak Acela Travel time: 3h 30m When to go: Year-round; Apr cherry blossoms

Long but doable — Smithsonian museums all free, walk the Mall

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