8 Perfect Day Trips From NYC That You Can Take Without A Car
New York City is like stepping into a whole another world. There’s absolutely no doubt about it. There’s so much to do in the city – including soooo many things that don’t even cost a dime!
But, sometimes you just need to get out of the city. I get that. There are so many beautiful places just a few hours from NYC that are worth checking out – even if you don’t have a car! In this post, I’m rounding up 8 day trips from NYC that you can take without a car!
All of these places are around 2 hours from NYC and are accessible by train or bus. Most of them are also family-friendly and feature many fun things to do for both kids and adults.
Although I usually recommend getting a rental car so you can make the most of your trip, all of the destinations on this list are worth checking out even if you don’t have a car.
PS: In case you are driving, don’t forget to grab my free road trip packing list before you head out! And let’s not forget the snacks – aka the most important part of any trip. I also have a handy dandy list of 101 road trip snacks that includes ideas for toddlers, kids, and adults!
🍁 Looking for more get outta NYC travel inspo? See my list of my top 8 lake getaways from NYC →
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.
1. Sleepy Hollow, NY (1 hour)
Top left: Sleepy Hollow welcome sign
Top right: Fall decorations along Main Street
Middle: Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Bottom: Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
The first place on this roundup just happens to be my favorite! It’s just 1 hour from NYC, easily accessible by train, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the Hudson Valley especially during the fall.
Sleepy Hollow is a must-visit for those who love Halloween and spooky stuff! The town is famous for being the setting for Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow. So naturally, this is a very popular tourist destination during fall and Halloween.
My favorite thing to do here is taking a walk through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It’s free, peaceful, and surrounded by lots of foliage that looks beautiful during autumn. There’s also the nearby village of Tarrytown, which also has a lot to see and do, including the famous Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze which I’ve attended every single year for the past 3 years!
But even if you’re not a fan of spooky stuff, there’s still many fall activities to check out for the whole family! I couldn’t possibly list every single one, but check out the list below for some of the most popular attractions in the area.
📝 Book a guided tour of Hudson Valley starting at just $100! Visit Sleepy Hollow, Poughkeepsie, Beacon, and other top-rated fall destinations in the Hudson Valley by train →
🚃 Getting to Sleepy Hollow by Public Transportation: Take the Metro-North Hudson line from Grand Central to either the Tarrytown or Phillipse Manor station. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the train station to the town center
🏠 Staying the night? Book the Courtyard Tarrytown Westchester County (rated 4.3/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
This would be my pick for staying the night around Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown. It’s a clean, modern hotel with spacious rooms. They also feature an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and free parking
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Sleepy Coffee Too has a nice selection of coffee and espresso drinks – perfect for grabbing a latte while you walk through town. It also employs people with disabilities as part of an inclusive cafe workplace, so I highly recommend checking it out and supporting their mission!
🍁 Things to Do in Sleepy Hollow:
- Welcome to Sleepy Hollow Sign: The iconic sign that’s decorated for the fall! Totally Insta-worthy and free to snap all the photos you want
- Headless Horseman Statue: Iconic statue of the legendary Headless Horseman from Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- Philipsburg Manor: 1700s mill and trading complex. You can take a tour to learn about the lives of the enslaved individuals who worked on this property. They also have a Legend of Sleepy Hollow-themed event on fall weekends!
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery: The final resting place for many famous figures like Washington Irving, Andrew Carnegie, William Rockefeller, and more. You can stroll around the cemetery for free – along the way, you’ll find many historic headstones and mausoleums – some even dating back to the 1700s! It’s also surrounded by beautiful fall foliage and a very peaceful, quiet place to take a walk.
- Old Dutch Church: Located right next to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It was built in 1685 and formally organized as Dutch Reformed in 1697. It’s still an active place of worship to this day and was also featured in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Some of the oldest gravestones in the cemetery can be found next to this church.
- Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: A family-friendly event during fall with thousands of carved pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns arranged in really cool and unique displays that glow at night. My friends and I have been going to the Blaze every year for the past 3 years as part of our Halloween tradition. Tickets sell fast, so book early!
- Rockefeller State Park Preserve: Another beautiful place to walk around, go leaf peeping, and admire the fall foliage
- Kykuit (The Rockefeller Estate): Home to four generations of the Rockefeller family that’s now a historic landmark. You can take a tour of the mansion if you have some extra time on your trip!
- Scenic Hudson Riverwalk Park: A scenic waterfront park located along the Hudson River in Tarrytown. It’s about a 10 minute drive south of Sleepy Hollow. Tarrytown also has a Main Street that has a lot of cute cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops that are worth checking out to
2. Princeton, NJ (1.5 hours)
Princeton, NJ is known for being home to the prestigious Princeton University. The town and university campus is gorgeous, and it’s a great place to walk around on a sunny afternoon.
Beyond the campus, downtown Princeton has cozy bookshops, historic places, and lots of yummy places to eat. There’s also so much history to soak in while you’re here. Just outside town, you’ll find lots of farms for purchasing seasonal produce, locally made items, and more!
📝 Book a walking tour of Princeton University! Learn about the history of Princeton University, explore must-visit sites on the campus, and see former homes of famous historical figures like Albert Einstein on this highly rated tour! →
🚃 Getting to Princeton, NJ by Public Transportation: Take the NJ Transit from Penn Station to Princeton Junction. From there, it’s a 10-15 minute drive to the university and town center. You can take a taxi/rideshare or the NJ Transit Rail to get from the Princeton Junction stop to the university or town center
🏠 Staying the night? Book the Graduate by Hilton Princeton (rated 4.2/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
Located right on the Princeton campus, this is a stylish modern hotel with a beautiful lobby, bar, and cafe. The rooms are also beautifully decorated!
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Farm-fresh treats from Terhune Orchards. Also make sure to grab all the yummy treats at Small World Coffee or The Bent Spoon
🍁 Things to Do in Princeton, NJ:
- Princeton University campus: The campus is beautiful and there’s so much history here. For first time visitors, I highly recommend booking a walking tour of Princeton University so you can learn about the campus and its history from local guides!
- Princeton University Art Museum: A large art museum with free admission! It was recently renovated and will be open to the public October 31, 2025
- Explore Downtown Princeton: So many cute bookshops, boutique shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and more!
- Terhune Orchards: Family-owned farm with lots to do for the whole family. They have a farm store that sells local seasonal produce, a winery, Pick Your Own offerings, farm animals, cider donuts, fresh cider and, more! They also have a fall festival with wagon rides, pumpkin picking, kids’ games, live music and more!
- Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail: Great place to take a fall stroll or go on a family bike ride
3. Beacon, NY (1.5 hours)
Beacon, NY is a really cute town located along the Hudson River. I had no idea it existed until I stopped here on a winter road trip a few years ago!
It’s an artsy town with lots to do for the whole family. I loved walking along the main street and checking out all of the shops and cafes. I highly recommend grabbing some breakfast or lunch at the Beacon Bread Company. They also have lots of yummy pastries and espresso drinks if you’re in the mood for something a little lighter!
Beacon is located right along the Hudson River, and has a riverfront area where you can sit and relax. They also have a huge art museum here, which is a must-visit for all art lovers. You’ll also find breweries to sample some local cider and beer. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone here in Beacon!
📝 Book a guided tour of the Hudson Valley starting at just $100! Visit Sleepy Hollow, Poughkeepsie, Beacon, and other top-rated fall destinations in the Hudson Valley by train →
🚃 Getting Here by Public Transportation: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to the Beacon station. The train stop is right along the scenic riverfront area and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the village center
🏠 Staying the night? Book The Dutchess Inn & Spa (rated 4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
Cozy hotel located right along Main Street featuring a rooftop lounge, hot tub, and even an on-site spa for a truly relaxing getaway!
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee from the Beacon Bread Company. I got their grilled cheese and tomato soup which was delicious!
🍁 Things to Do in Beacon, NY:
- Explore DIA Beacon Museum: Large museum featuring modern & contemporary art
- Mount Beacon: A great place to go hiking!
- Walk through Main Street: Lots of cafes, shops, and art galleries
- Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park: Riverfront park where you can launch kayaks, do fishing, go biking, or have a picnic
- Hudson Valley Brewery: A fun place to try local beer and cider, and take some back home with you!
- Beacon Farmers Market: Year-round farmer’s market that’s open on Sundays
- Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site: Cross the bridge into Newburgh, NY to visit the house that served as George Washington’s headquarters from 1782-1783
4. Poughkeepsie, NY (2 hours)
Every time I think of Poughkeepsie, I think of that Something Corporate song (any millenials know what I’m talking about?!).
Poughkeepsie is a small town in the Hudson Valley known for the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. It’s beautiful during the entire year, but it’s particularly gorgeous during the fall. During peak fall foliage, you’ll see stunning fall colors from the bridge – needless to say, they make for some pretty amazing photos!
Make sure to also check out the town center while you’re up here. There’s lots of family-friendly activities here and lots of places to discover both art and history.
📝 Book a guided tour of the Hudson Valley starting at just $100! Visit Sleepy Hollow, Poughkeepsie, Beacon, and other top-rated fall destinations in the Hudson Valley by train →
🚃 Getting Here by Public Transportation: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to the Poughkeepsie station. From there, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the town center and riverfront area
🏠 Staying the night? Book The Inn at Bellefield/Hyde Park (rated 4.7/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
About 10 minutes north of Poughkeepsie, this hotel is a cozy yet modern and features spacious rooms and suites equipped with a kitchen. They also offer free breakfast!
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Seasonal treats at The Poughkeepsie Grind
🍁 Things to Do in Poughkeepsie:
- Walkway Over the Hudson: The world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge that literally crosses over the Hudson River featuring stunning views!
- Walk along Downtown Poughkeepsie: Visit antique shops, breweries, cafes, and restaurants
- Locust Grove Historic Site: Italian-style villa designed in 1850 for artist and inventor Samuel Morse. Now a historic home and museum that you can tour
- Mid Hudson Discovery Museum: A children’s museum with many fun activities and interactive exhibits for kids
- Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center: Free museum affiliated with Vassar College featuring over 22,000 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, textiles, and glass and ceramic wares
- Overlook Drive-In Theater: Classic old-school drive-in theater!
5. North Fork, Long Island (2 hours)
Top Left: Farm fresh sunflowers
Top right: Lavender by the Bay
Bottom: Orient Point Lighthouse
We’re going to get away from Upstate New York for a bit and talk about some day trip destinations on Long Island!
Long Island is split into two ends – the North Fork and the South Fork. The south is known for the Hamptons while the north is known for vineyards and farms. I’ve been to both and I feel like The North Fork is more laid-back compared to the Hamptons and is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a peaceful, costal countryside vibe.
There’s a few cities worth checking out along the North Fork. My favorites are Riverhead, Mattituck, Greenport, and Orient. The North Fork is known for wineries, so make sure to sample some wine while you’re here! Book this top-rated Sommelier-guided wine tasting tour that includes round-trip bus transportation to and from NYC, tastings at 2 award-winning vineyards, and lunch!
Since the North Fork encompasses a 30-mile stretch, I highly recommend driving here and making stops along the way. It actually makes a pretty nice road trip in the summer and fall months! But don’t worry, you can still see the best of the North Fork even without a car!
📝 Did you know the North Fork is home to over 40 vineyards?! Book this Sommelier-guided winery tour that includes round-trip bus transportation from NYC, tastings at 2 award-winning vineyards in the North Fork, and lunch sourced from local farms! →
🚃 Getting Here by Public Transportation: Take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma, then transfer to the Greenport line. The Greenport line stops at various stations along the North Fork
🏠 Staying the night? Book The Harbor Front Inn (rated 4.2/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
There’s a lot of hotels along the North Fork but this would be my pick because of its amazing location. It’s steps away from the LIRR Greenport station, right next to the water, and next to the Greenport village. There’s also free breakfast included in your hotel stay!
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Grab seasonal treats at Harbes Family Farm. There’s also a lot of farm stands along the North Fork that you can stop at for fresh produce
🍁 Things to Do in The North Fork:
- Wine tasting: The North Fork is home to many amazing vineyards – it’s hard to choose just one! If you have extra time, take a winery tour to sample the best of each place!
- Drive the North Fork: It’s a really calming road trip and there’s many roadside farmstands to check out along the way to buy fresh seasonal produce, pies, and more
- Harbes Family Farm: Family-friendly farm with seasonal activities and fresh local produce to buy
- Wander through Love Lane in Mattituck: This is one of my favorite places in the North Fork! There are many cute shops and cafes to check out here. We got brunch at Love Lane Kitchen and it was incredibly delicious!
- Greenport, NY: Waterfront village where you can get fresh seafood at dockside restaurants. It’s also a great place to talk a walk on crisp fall days
- Visit “The Point” at Orient Point: Located on the eastern tip of the North Fork where you can get a glimpse of the Orient Point Lighthouse. It’s a great place to take photos as well!
- Ride the vintage Greenport Carousel: A fun activity for kids and adults!
6. Woodstock, NY (2 hours)
Alright we’re back to the Hudson Valley to talk about Woodstock! FYI – we’re talking about Woodstock, New York here not Woodstock in Vermont!
Woodstock, NY is a quaint, artsy little town that’s nestled in the Catskills Mountains. I was surprised by how cozy and rustic this town felt. You’ll find lots of art galleries, quirky shops, and cute cafes to check out here.
You’re also going to find seasonal events here, from craft fairs to music festivals. Nature lovers are also going to love coming up here since there’s many hiking trails and paths to explore around Woodstock. The village is surrounded by mountains and lush greens, making it the perfect place to snap some photos.
📝 Take the Woodstock Rock & Roll Tour! Learn about all the music legends that made this place great. It’s the perfect half-day tour for music lovers and history buffs! →
🚃 Getting Here by Public Transportation: Catch a Trailways bus from Port Authority (NYC) to Woodstock. It’s about a 2.5-3 hour bus ride. Make sure to book a non-stop bus, since some of the fares may require a transfer in Kingston.
🏠 Staying the night? Book The Woodstock Inn on the Millstream (rated 4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
Cute, cozy bed & breakfast that’s walking distance to the Woodstock town center. Features a beautiful patio space that’s right next to a stream – perfect for rest and relaxation!
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Chai latte at Bread Alone Bakery – they also make delicious sourdough bread here!
🍁 Things to Do in Woodstock, NY:
- Hike Overlook Mountain: Perfect for hiking and leaf-peeping!
- Explore Woodstock’s local art galleries and studios: Woodstock has a really vibrant arts scene. There’s many art galleries where you can check out local talent!
- Go shopping along Tinker Street: Lots of quirky boutiques and vintage shops as well as places to buy gifts and get a bite to eat
- Ashokan Rail Trail: An 11.5-mile recreational trail that runs along Ashokan Reservoir. It’s a great place to walk, jog, or bike
7. Mystic, CT (2.5 hours)
My mom and I stopped by Mystic, CT on our way to Newport, Rhode Island a few years ago and we still talk about our time at Mystic even to this day!
It’s a charming New England seaport town that’s a popular summer destination, but it’s also stunning during autumn! Even though we stopped by for just a few hours, there’s so much to see and do here! If you’re able to spend a whole weekend in Mystic, I would highly recommend it since there’s so much to explore here.
🚃 Getting Here by Public Transportation: Take the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train from Penn Station to Mystic. It’s about a 3 hour train ride. 👇🏽 Find cheap train tickets here or use the form below!
🏠 Staying the night? Book The Whaler’s Inn (rated 4.4/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
A boutique hotel with a nautical vibe located in the heart of Mystic. The rooms have been recently renovated, and there’s many different room styles to pick from. Some of the rooms even have a fireplace and jacuzzi tubs!
🍎 Must-Try Treats: A cup of clam chowder at The Mariner and baked goods at Sift Bake Shop Mystic. Make sure to also try the famous Mystic Pizza while you’re here!
🍁 Things to Do in Mystic, CT:
- Mystic Seaport Museum: The largest maritime museum in the US which includes a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and more! It’s a family-friendly activity that everyone will enjoy.
🎟️ Book your tickets here before they sell out! - Mystic Aquarium: Another family-friendly activity that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s a large, interactive aquarium that’s home to thousands of species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates and reptiles
- Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of Mystic from the waters
- Olde Mistick Village: Large outdoor venue with shops, boutiques, restaurants & seasonal events all housed with a cozy village vibe!
- Try the famous Mystic Pizza: When you’re in Mystic, you have to try the movie-famous pizza!
- B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill: The oldest steam-powered mill in the US! It’s a great place to learn about the process and buy some fresh cider, wine, cider donuts, and other local goods!
📝 Book a Mystic Downtown ghost tour! Learn about New England’s colonial & revolutionary history and hear ghost stories & haunted tales about Mystic! Perfect for those who love spooky adventures! →
8. Jim Thorpe, PA (2.5 hours)
Top left: Main Street in Jim Thorpe, PA
Top right: Muggles Mug coffee shop
Bottom: The Inn at Jim Thorpe
If you’re looking for a cozy little town that gives off storybook vibes, you have to check out Jim Thorpe, PA. It’s a small town in the Poconos that’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway from NYC.
I grew up in PA and never knew about this place until last year when I saw it on Instagram. When I was driving back home from NY to PA last fall, I stopped by and just fell in love with this place.
It’s called the “Switzerland of America,” and for good reason! Jim Thorpe is truly beautiful, especially in the fall as the leaves change color. There’s also a scenic train ride, craft fairs, and seasonal festivals which make it a perfect family-friendly getaway.
There is a bus that goes here, but I really recommend renting a car to visit Jim Thorpe if you can. Having a car is also a great way to explore other attractions within the Pocono Mountains!
🚃 Getting Here by Public Transportation: Take the Fullington Tours Trailways bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Jim Thorpe. It’s about a 4.5 hour bus ride each way.
🏠 Staying the night? Book The Inn at Jim Thorpe (rated 4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor)
Located right in the center of Jim Thorpe and just steps away from all of the shops and restaurants (see the picture above). This hotel offers cozy and comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and spa services to help you relax on your getaway.
🍎 Must-Try Treats: Visit the Muggles Mug, a Harry Potter themed coffee shop! They make delicious espresso drinks and offer some seasonal specials as well. The picture above shows just how cozy and cute this coffee shop is!
🍁 Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA:
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Take a ride on this scenic train for beautiful fall foliage views!
- Lehigh Gorge Trail: Perfect place for walking, jogging, or biking
- Visit the shops & restaurants located along Broadway
- Old Jail Museum: Jailhouse from the 1870s that offers tours – including haunted tours!
- Mauch Chunk Opera House: Victorian opera house from the 1800s that hosts a variety of performances including live music, comedy, dance, and more
- Attend the Fall Foliage Festival: Family-friendly event that occurs during several weekends during the fall featuring music, crafts, food, and more
📓 Here are all of my FREE printable itineraries!
🍁 Looking for more fall travel inspiration? Check out these posts!
- 10 Unforgettable Fall Weekend Getaways in the Northeast
- 75 Fall Bucket List Ideas for Autumn Weekends (+Free Printable)
- 25 Free Things to Do in New York City This Fall
☀️ Looking for more summer travel inspiration? Check out these posts!
📓 Here are all of my FREE printable itineraries!
☀️ Looking for more summer travel inspiration? Check out these posts!
✅ Don’t leave home without these packing lists!
- Weekend Getaway Packing Checklist (+Free Printable)
- Road Trip Packing Checklist (+Free Printable)
- Family Beach Vacation Packing Checklist (+ Free Printable)
🧳 Looking for more packing tips & essentials?
