12 Amazing New York Day Trips That Are Worth the Drive
Explore the vibrant area surrounding one of the most populous cities in the world, New York City. With countless opportunities for unforgettable day trips, perfect for families seeking adventure and fun, travelers can discover lush parks, historical landmarks, and world-renowned museums. From the stunning landscapes of Minnewaska State Park Preserve with its picturesque waterfalls to the iconic Coney Island, there’s something for everyone in the state of New York.
Dive into the rich history at Sagamore Hill, home of President Theodore Roosevelt, or marvel at modern masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). These excursions promise lasting memories, many just a stone's throw from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)—one of the busiest international airports in the United States.
Central Park - NYC
Imagine exploring an 843-acre backyard, which sums up a fantastic day trip to Central Park in the heart of Manhattan. It is a bird-watchers paradise, especially during fall migration season, as the park is a key stop on the Atlantic Flyway, used by millions of birds each year as they travel along the eastern coast of North America, from the Arctic tundra in Canada down to the Caribbean and South America.
The Central Park Conservancy offers numerous tours, but if day trippers want to discover the park on their own, a few landmarks to seek out include the iconic Bethesda Terrace and Fountain with the well-known Angel of the Waters statue, the Mall and Literary Walk lined with statues of famous writers, the miniature Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields—a landscaped garden dedicated to John Lennon featuring the “Imagine” mosaic. Pack a picnic and eat on the Great Lawn, a sprawling 55-acre green space. The park is about 30 minutes from John F. Kennedy International Airport, depending on NYC’s famous traffic.
Sagamore Hill - Oyster Bay
Located in picturesque Oyster Bay, about 90 minutes from the airport, presidential historians and potusphiles will enjoy visiting the home of President Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until he died in 1919. Coined his “Summer White House,” this historic site offers guided tours of the house and nature trails through the 83 acres of natural surrounding grounds, giving families a glimpse into the beloved president’s life and legacy.
Visitors to Sagamore Hill will immediately notice Roosevelt’s passion for hunting as trophies and artifacts of his expeditions line walls, including a ram’s head, the head of a water buffalo, elephant tusks, lion and zebra skins, and more. An avid reader, there are books on shelves in every room and paintings of his greatest heroes, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and his father. The grounds of Sagamore Hill also reflect the president’s love of the great outdoors, and visitors are welcome to take a hike in the park and explore the nature trail that leads to scenic views of Eel Creek and a beach at Cold Spring Harbor.
Sleepy Hollow - Hudson Valley
There’s no better time of year than autumn and the month of October to visit the historic town of Sleepy Hollow, famous for the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with family-friendly walks through historic estates, spooky hayrides, or guided tours. Wander through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to see the ornate mausoleums belonging to members of the Rockefeller, Chrysler, and Helmsley families, or sign up for a 2-hour Lantern Tour to learn about why Sleepy Hollow is so famous.
Be sure to visit the Old Dutch Church and Burying Grounds near the cemetery. Founded in 1685, the church and graveyard are the fabled haunt of the Headless Horseman in Irving Washington’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Sleepy Hollow is about an hour from John F. Kennedy Airport.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - NYC
MoMA is a must-visit destination for art lovers who can easily fill an entire day with an immersive, thought-provoking experience about an hour from JFK. It is one of the most famous and influential modern art museums in the world, featuring an incredible collection of contemporary and modern art, including iconic works like “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh, “Les Demoiselles d'Avignon” by Pablo Picasso, “Water Lilies” by Claude Money, and the popular “Campbell’s Soup Cans” by Andy Warhol.
In addition to being a world-class museum, MoMA has also curated itineraries designed to give art enthusiasts tips on how to get the most out of a visit, like “The Unmissables” for visitors short on time, “For Families,” and a “Slow Looking” itinerary for to slow down in a fast-moving world. Beyond the permanent collection, MoMA regularly features rotating art, design, photography, and film exhibitions. There are also hands-on workshops, a beautiful sculpture garden, and multiple dining options like a full-service restaurant, several cafés, terraces, and bars for visitors to enjoy throughout the day.
Bear Mountain State Park - Bear Mountain
Ninety minutes from JFK, Bear Mountain State Park is in the rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River, which is perfect for hiking, from challenging, steep climbs to peaceful walking paths. The 4.2-mile Bear Mountain Loop is the park's main attraction and the most popular trail. Depending on fitness levels, hikers should complete the loop in 2-3 hours. The final ascent is a 1.5-mile steep climb, but hikers will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views from the top. On the way down, take a pit stop at the Perkins Memorial Tower.
An ideal destination for kids to explore wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities, the Trailside Museums and Zoo is a self-guided nature trail in Bear Mountain State Park along the Appalachian Trail, where visitors can see coyotes, black bears, several different species of raptors, and reptiles in the Herpetology House. The Merry-Go-Round is a must-see inside the park, featuring 42 hand-carved seats of native animals, including black bears, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, skunks, Canada geese, and more.
Coney Island - Brooklyn
Coney Island is an amusement and residential area in Brooklyn and was once one of the best-known amusement parks in the United States. Romanticized in movies, music, and pop culture, Coney Island was beloved for its quirky amusement park rides, boardwalk, and Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest—a competitive contest held every Fourth of July, which began in 1916.
Coney Island experienced a revitalization with the arrival of Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel, two amusement parks with a retro carnival vibe where thrill seekers can ride the iconic Cyclone Roller Coaster, visit the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, the Freak Bar, and still enjoy eating a hot dog in under ten minutes at Nathan’s Famous. Brooklyn is about an hour’s drive from JFK Airport.
Robert Moses State Park - Long Island
Located on Fire Island, just off the coast of Long Island, Robert Moses State Park is a perfect day trip for kids of all ages, about 90 minutes from the airport. There are numerous trails to discover in the park, from the wheelchair-stroller-accessible 1.5-mile Robert Moses Boardwalk Trail to the moderate, 6-hour, 21-mile Fire Island Beach Walk, and plenty of opportunities for birding, hiking, fishing, and solitude.
The Fire Island Lighthouse nearby is fun to explore, too. With more than 20 lighthouses on Long Island, the 168-foot-tall Fire Island Lighthouse is the tallest. Completed in 1858 near the site of the original Light, the current Fire Island Light is still a beacon that attracts thousands of people each year. At the top of its 182 steps, climbers are rewarded with a stunning view of the New York City skyline. Pack a picnic and enjoy this active beach day trip.
Storm King Art Center - New Windsor
The Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre art park about an hour’s drive from the airport. It is a must-see for photographers, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Originally opened to the public in 1960 as an art museum, today, the center is among the world’s leading sculpture parks and features a vast collection of contemporary sculptures and large-scale installations set amidst rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands. Storm King explores the relationship between art and nature with works by more than 100 artists, including Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Maya Lin. Younger visitors can even climb inside a select number of works. Smaller works and supporting materials are shown in Storm King’s Museum Building.
Bronx Zoo - Bronx
The 265-acre Bronx Zoo is one of the world's largest and most famous zoos. Opened in 1899, the zoo is home to over 11,000 animals, more than 640 species. One of the five parks that make up the Wildlife Conservation Society, the zoo strives to protect the future of all species with its conservation efforts and its ability to deliver this message to more than 4 million visitors to its facilities annually.
Animal lovers, families, and kids of all ages can easily spend a whole day exploring the zoo’s exhibits, including the Butterfly Garden, the Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungleworld, and Madagascar, or by taking a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail into the heart of the Asian wilderness. Visitors can also experience up-close encounters watching the penguin and sea lion feedings, budgie landings, or riding on the Bug Carousel. During the month of October, families can enjoy Boo at the Zoo or Pumpkin Nights after a 40-minute drive from the airport.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t regret the two-hour drive from JFK to upstate New York to spend time in one of the best state parks—Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Even the drive up the steep mountain road to Minnewaska Lake is an adventure filled with twists and turns and a dramatic, sweeping view of the Hudson Valley. The preserve is located in the dramatic Shawangunk Mountains (known as the “Gunks” by the locals), which rise more than 2,000 feet above sea level.
Surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain and known for its waterfalls, five sky lakes, and hiking trails, the 22,000-acre preserve has 50 miles of hiking trails, a rock-climbing spot at the Dickie Barre cliffs, as well as 35 miles of old carriage roads for mountain biking. Some popular trails in the park include the 1.4-mile Awoting Falls Carriage Road, the 0.8-mile Sunset Carriage Road, and the 2-mile Lake Minnewaska Loop.
American Museum of Natural History - NYC
Founded in 1869 as a place for research and education about the natural world, the American Museum of Natural History opened to the public in 1877. Today, it is one of the world’s most popular museums, attracting 5 million visitors annually. It is renowned for its lifelike dioramas, giant dinosaur skeletons, and a 94-foot-long blue whale model, and was famously featured in the movie Night at the Museum series. Free guided tours of the museum are available during visiting hours, or visitors can download the museum’s app and take a self-guided tour.
Any museum tour should include exhibits like the Giant Sequoia Tree, African Elephants, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the Galápagos Giant Tortoise, and the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs. There are also special ticketed exhibits like Turtle Odyssey, a film that follows an Australian green sea turtle on her first journey from her rookery on the Great Barrier Reef across the open ocean. This day trip is a not-to-be-missed visit for museum lovers, history buffs, and kids of all ages.
So many amazing day trips from JFK Airport offer a mix of culture, history, fun, and outdoor activities. From Central Park's iconic landmarks and peaceful green spaces in Manhattan to historic Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, each location provides a unique experience. Visitors can enjoy art at MoMA, marvel at the outdoor sculptures in Storm King, or explore the spooky charm of Sleepy Hollow, known for its autumn allure and historical tales. Outdoor enthusiasts can find adventure in places like Bear Mountain State Park or Minnewaska State Park Preserve, combining scenic beauty with hiking and wildlife experiences. Fall is the perfect time of year to pack up and head out on a day trip.
