The 13 Best Day Trips from New York City

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 13 good day trips from New York City, United States, led by The Bronx, Staten Island, Jamaica. The closest is Washington Heights, about 25 min by car, and 7 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 13 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from New York City

  1. 1

    The Bronx, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 30 min by car19 km north-east of New York City

    Known for Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen.

  2. 2

    Staten Island, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 30 min by car20 km south-west of New York City
  3. 3

    Jamaica, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car17 km east of New York City
  4. 4

    Yonkers, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car26 km north of New York City
  5. 5

    Washington Heights, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car16 km north of New York City
  6. 6

    Paterson, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car26 km north-west of New York City
  7. 7

    North Stamford, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 10 min by car61 km north-east of New York City
  8. 8

    Waterbury, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 55 min by car123 km north-east of New York City
  9. 9

    Toms River, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car86 km south of New York City
  10. 10

    Norwalk, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car67 km north-east of New York City
  11. 11

    Greenburgh, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car38 km north of New York City
  12. 12

    East Norwalk, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car67 km north-east of New York City
  13. 13

    Brick, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car74 km south of New York City

A sample day: New York City to The Bronx

  1. 08:30Leave New York City
  2. 09:00Arrive in The Bronx (30 min drive)
  3. 09:15Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen
  4. 11:15Lunch
  5. 12:30Explore the old town, markets and cafes of The Bronx
  6. 15:00Head back to New York City
  7. 15:30Home in New York City

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from New York City?
The best day trips from New York City are The Bronx, Staten Island, Jamaica, Yonkers, Washington Heights. The closest is Washington Heights, about 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from New York City?
Washington Heights is the closest, 16 km north of New York City, roughly 25 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of New York City?
7 places are within about an hour's drive of New York City: Washington Heights (25 min), Jamaica (25 min), The Bronx (30 min), Staten Island (30 min), Yonkers (40 min), Paterson (40 min).
What is the biggest city near New York City for a day out?
The Bronx is the largest city in day-trip range, 19 km north-east of New York City and about 30 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
How far is too far for a day trip from New York City?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Waterbury at 123 km, around 1 hr 55 min by car.

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