The 8 Best Day Trips from Washington Heights

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

Free day-by-day itinerary in seconds. No account needed to start.

There are 8 good day trips from Washington Heights, United States, led by New York City, Queens, Staten Island. The closest is New York City, 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 8 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Washington Heights

  1. 1

    New York City, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car16 km south of Washington Heights

    Known for Stonewall Inn.

  2. 2

    Queens, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 30 min by car21 km south-east of Washington Heights

    Known for Dr. Alexander J.C. Skene.

  3. 3

    Staten Island, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car36 km south-west of Washington Heights
  4. 4

    Jersey City, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car18 km south-west of Washington Heights
  5. 5

    Paterson, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 30 min by car21 km west of Washington Heights
  6. 6

    Sheepshead Bay, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car29 km south of Washington Heights
  7. 7

    North Stamford, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 55 min by car46 km north-east of Washington Heights
  8. 8

    Waterbury, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 40 min by car108 km north-east of Washington Heights

A sample day: Washington Heights to New York City

  1. 08:30Leave Washington Heights
  2. 08:55Arrive in New York City (25 min drive)
  3. 09:10Stonewall Inn
  4. 11:10Lunch
  5. 12:25Explore the old town, markets and cafes of New York City
  6. 14:55Head back to Washington Heights
  7. 15:20Home in Washington Heights

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Washington Heights?
The best day trips from Washington Heights are New York City, Queens, Staten Island, Jersey City, Paterson. The closest is New York City, about 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Washington Heights?
New York City is the closest, 16 km south of Washington Heights, roughly 25 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Washington Heights?
7 places are within about an hour's drive of Washington Heights: New York City (25 min), Jersey City (25 min), Queens (30 min), Paterson (30 min), Sheepshead Bay (45 min), Staten Island (40 min).
How far is too far for a day trip from Washington Heights?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Waterbury at 108 km, around 1 hr 40 min by car.

Ready to plan your Washington Heights trip?

Free day-by-day itinerary in seconds. No account needed to start.

Keep exploring

Find your next trip

Plan a trip

AI trip planner