Exploring New York is like going through an all-you-can-eat buffet. You may get full without tasting the best it has to offer. And if you don’t even know where to begin, you’ll waste your time standing with an empty plate. Lucky for us, many tour providers are offering the best day trip from NYC to make sure we cover everything without being overwhelmed. Some of these best day trips New York City provides cover famous landmarks within the city itself. While some others will take you as far as the border of Canada.
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Circle Line Landmarks
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Before you take the best day trip from NYC, we recommend exploring the city first. Take the Circle Line Landmarks Cruise to sightsee in style. The ship or boat will take you on the Hudson River, passing the bustling Lower Manhattan.
Then, you’ll pass the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge. The view of the Manhattan skyline from the water is spectacular!
The iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are among the landmarks you’ll see. Moreover, the tour also takes you to the UN building before returning to the dock. One and a half hours well spent.
- Tour duration: 1.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A – the tour is within NYC
- Transportation: cruise ship or ferry
The Landmarks on Sunset
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If our previous recommendation does not convince you, up the ante by cruising through the landmarks during sunset! With Sunset Yacht Cruise, the ride itself is something to look forward to. The yacht you’ll board is a retro wooden yacht built in a 1920 style. You’ll be accompanied by friendly staff to accommodate your needs throughout the trip.
Embrace the view of the New York skyline from afar as the sun goes down. The tour starts from Chelsea Piers at Pier 62. First, you’ll see the South Street Seaport and Battery Park as you cruise to Lower Manhattan.
The wooden yacht will cruise past the Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. In fact, she will stop for quite a while in from of the Statue. So, you’ll have more than enough chance to take photos and enjoy the view.
- Tour duration: 1.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A – the tour is within NYC
- Transportation: cruise ship or ferry
1000 Islands
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In St. Lawrence River, there’s a group of more than 1,800 islands. Known as Thousand Islands, this area has been attracting not just ordinary tourists but the elites. You’ll find castles sitting on some of the islands, making it even more picturesque!
With so many islands to explore, it’s best to join a tour. This way, you won’t miss the important sites around the islands. We recommend the 3-day New York City Tour, which includes a trip to Niagara Falls onboard the Maid of the Mist.
The tour will take you to the center of the Finger Lakes, passing through the Watkins Glen Canyon and Seneca Lake to get to Niagara Falls. Can’t get enough of the view? No worries, you’ll be spending the night there!
The next day, you’ll be taken to Toronto to see famous places like HTO Park dan Brookfield Place before finally heading to Lake Ontario. The night will be well spent at the 1000 Islands.
- Tour duration: 3 days
- Distance from nearest city/town: 6-7 hours from New York; 4 hours from Niagara Falls (the US side)
- Transportation: air-conditioned van or bus
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
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This iconic attraction is a must-visit while in New York. But getting in there is a chore by itself, thanks to the queue of visitors flocking regardless of the season. Avoid the long line by joining the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Ticket Options with Ferry Tour.
Hop on the ferry without having to wait. It will take you to Ellis Island, where you can explore the Immigration Museum. See how busy the office that handles millions of people entering New York to pursue their American dreams.
Hop back on the ferry to get to the final destination, the Statue of Liberty. Besides learning about its history, you can see it up close and keep the memory digitally, as much as you’d like. Take advantage of the special audio guide available for all tour members, including kids.
- Tour duration: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A – the tour is within NYC
- Transportation: ferry
Manhattan Island
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You’re probably wondering what’s so special about Manhattan Island that it’s one of the best day trips NYC offers. The thing is, it’s not about the destination, but the trip itself! We’re talking about Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour.
Enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience in New York. See the Big Apple from above, through the helicopter’s window. It’s a view like no others. You’ll see the Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Hudson River, New York Port, Liberty Statue, and many other famous landmarks unobstructed.
On the helicopter tour, you’ll pass some of the popular skyscrapers that make New York’s skyline. Among them are Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, World Financial Center, and Chrysler Building. Depending on the tour duration you choose, you get to see some or all of them.
- Tour duration: 12-15 minutes, 17-20 minutes, and 25-30 minutes
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A – the tour is within NYC
- Transportation: chartered helicopter
NYC Boroughs and Coney Island
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Many travelers agree that visiting popular NYC Boroughs and Coney Island is one of the best day trips New York City offers. Among the boroughs are Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, and Queens. Start from the Manhattan area through Harlem in Upper Manhattan.
Since traffic can be a pain in the bum, it’s best to join a tour. We recommend Full-Day NYC Boroughs and Coney Island Tour as it covers the important parts. First, take as many photos as you can at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Then the tour will take you to the home of The New York Yankees.
Cruise the East River to Queens, the cultural melting pot of New York. This is where you’ll be taken to Flushing Meadows Park and New York Mets.
The next stop is Coney Island. This is a popular spot to get away from the chaos, even among the locals. If the weather permits, you can walk on the famous boardwalk before ending the tour with a delicious meal at Nathan Restaurant.
- Tour duration: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A – the tour is within NYC
- Transportation: air-conditioned van or bus
Woodbury
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Woodbury is popular among shopaholics, thanks to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley. At this complex of more than 250 luxury outlets, you can shop ‘till you drop. If you’re looking for high-end designer products, this is the place to get them. From Armani, Burberry, to Michael Kors, you name it, they have it!
Since there are hundreds of outlets, it’s best to join the Woodbury Shopping Tour to make sure you cover the most important spots and where to get the best deals. All of these make Woodbury the best day trip from NYC for shopaholics!
The tour starts early, though. You should be ready at 4 in the morning. But you can go back to sleep in the comfortable air-conditioned bus on your way to Woodbury.
This tour will also take you to Boston and some of its popular attractions. Included is a lunch break at Quincy Market.
- Tour duration: 18 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 4.5-5 hours from New York City; 20 minutes from Cambridge and Chelsea
- Transportation: air-conditioned van or bus
Amish Country
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If you’ve only heard of the Amish community, it’s time to observe it closely. Take your chance for the best day trip from NYC to the Amish Country in Lancaster County, Philadelphia. While you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, don’t miss out on visiting Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Rocky Steps.
Philly & Amish Country Day Trip covers all of the above destinations. It takes you through the Amish market, tasting the local cuisine for lunch. Only tour members are allowed to get on the authentic Amish wagon.
Do keep in mind that the Amish live their lives without modern technology. So, expect no electricity, running water, telephone, and other electronic appliances.
- Tour duration: 14 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2 jam from New York City; 1.5 hours from Jersey City
- Transportation: air-conditioned van or bus
Boston
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Curious about the famous Harvard and MIT? Take a road trip along the Freedom Trail, along the East Coast, all the way to Boston, Massachusetts. Join the Boston and Freedom Trail Tour to visit Cambridge, the home of the two universities. On your way there, stop by the City Hall.
After crossing the Charles River, the tour will take you to Copley Square, where you’ll find the beautiful Trinity Church. A quick stop at the Common Park marks the start of your trip to the Freedom Trail.
Enjoy lunch while exploring the Quincy Market. Don’t miss the lobster roll and clam chowder here. They’re so delicious! And finally, the tour concludes at the Tea Party site. All in all, it’s the best day trip from NYC for those who love to sample all the top things to do in Boston.
- Tour duration: 14 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 4.5-5 jam from New York City; 20 minutes from Cambridge and Chelsea
- Transportation: air-conditioned van or bus
Long Island
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Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City? Make a one-day trip to Long Island and enjoy the tranquil vibe of Riverhead. Then, explore Sag Harbour and the history of this place. Don’t miss Southampton and its beautiful views before spending your dollar bills at Tanger Outlets, a popular shopping-spree spot on Long Island.
Join the Sag Harbour & Shopping Outlet Tour to cover the above destinations in one day. The tour starts with a tasty breakfast in Riverhead (food prices not included). Then, get your camera ready as you go through Southampton as the guide points out which houses belong to Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, and David Letterman!
- Tour duration: 14 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2-3 hours from New York City
- Transportation: air-conditioned van or bus
Philadelphia
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Explore the charm of Philadelphia on your best day trip from NYC. This is one of the oldest cities in the US. As a result, the city’s history is worth exploring.
Philadelphia Day Trip will first take you to Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Wall through Congress Hall and visit the Christ Church graveyard where Benjamin Franklin is buried. Also included in the day trip is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This is where Rocky was shot.
Next, all tour members will be taken to tour the State Penitentiary. One of the focal points of this attraction is where Al Capone was held. Then, visit Betsy Ross’s house, the lady behind the US flag’s design.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2 hours from NYC; 1.5 hours from Newark, New Jersey
- Transportation: a road trip in a car is recommended, or take public transportation (bus or train)
Washington D.C.
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On your way to Washington DC from NYC, you’ll pass New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. This means you can have exciting stops along the way, making it the best day trip from NYC for those who like to visit more than one city in one go. Or perhaps you’d like to make it a multi-day trip? But note that packing all the things to do in DC alone can be a chore, let alone making stops in other cities.
So, why not keep yourself on schedule by joining a pre-arranged tour? With Washington DC Day Trip, you won’t miss the important stuff while still making your way back to NYC on time. The stops include the White House, Smithsonian Museum, and Air & Space Museum.
After the must-visits, the tour will take you – on an air-conditioned bus – to Lincoln Memorial and other important memorials in the city. To conclude the tour, you’ll be taken to the best spot to enjoy the view of Washington DC before returning to NYC.
- Tour duration: 14 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 4-5 hours from NYC; 1 hour from Baltimore
- Transportation: air-conditioned bus
Niagara Falls
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Who hasn’t heard of this popular destination? Niagara Falls is a world-renowned waterfall on the southern end of the canyon. This waterfall spans the border of Ontario, Canada and New York, USA, making it a must-visit from both sides.
Without a doubt, visiting Niagara Falls is the best day trip from NYC. It only takes seven hours to get there from the city and even shorter from Buffalo (less than 30 minutes away!). To better enjoy the trip, we recommend joining Niagara Falls One Day Tour which includes return trips on an air-conditioned bus.
With the tour, you get to hop on board the Maid of the Mist and cruise as close as possible to the waterfall. See the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls up close. So, make sure you have your camera always ready!
Don’t forget to walk on the Rainbow Bridge that crosses a part of Niagara Falls to have the best photos. Can’t get enough of the view? Why not spend the night at one of the best hotels with fantastic views of Niagara Falls?
- Tour duration: 22 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 7 hours from NYC; 25 minutes from Buffalo
- Transportation: air-conditioned bus
Just So You Know
- Central Park was the first public landscaped park in the United States. It is larger than the principality of Monaco.
- Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, Union Square Park, and Bryant Park used to be cemeteries.
- There’s more to New York City other than the Statue of Liberty and other famous landmarks. Read our list of Top 25 Things to do in New York City to find out what this city offers.
- NYC is also known for its spa treatments. Consider staying at one of the best spa hotels in New York City! But for those seeking a more lovey-dovey vacation, pick one of the 11 Most Romantic Hotels in NYC instead.
