We’ve all been there; wanting to plan a getaway without having to travel too far. If you’re like us, you’ve likely searched “day trips near me in New York” many a time. It’s true that for most of us New Yorkers, whenever we have a considerable amount of free time, we like to spend it traveling to somewhere new within our state, an area we’ve yet to explore. There’s just no better feeling than having an entire day that you can dedicate to taking an unforgettable trip! So, where should you head off to next? Try one of these 10 unique day trips in New York that are worth checking out.

1. Spend the day outside at one of our nature preserves, like the Huyck Preserve!
Eldridge Research Center, The Huyck Preserve, 284 Pond Hill Rd, Rensselaerville, NY 12147, USA
Edward Smathers/YouTube
Captured by YouTube user Edward Smathers, this shot offers a glimpse of the beautiful waterfalls you'll find at Huyck Preserve. Located out in Rensselaerville, the preserve is open all year long from dawn until dusk. Twelve miles of hiking trails wait for you here as well as Lake Myosotis that's open to the public all year! There's plenty to see and keep you busy, it doesn't get much better than this. Learn more about what makes Huyck Preserve one of the most beautiful overlooks in New York.

Check out Edward Smathers' awesome video here:
2. Go somewhere you've yet to explore like the Mackenzie-Childs store in Aurora.
MacKenzie-Childs Aurora, 3260 NY-90, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
Brenda M./Yelp
Overlooking Cayuga Lake, this store feels mostly like a picture perfect farm pulled out of your dreams. The property is the perfect way to spend a warm day outside; you'll find gardens and also a farmhouse that's the most charming thing you'll ever lay your eyes on. Moreover, the town of Aurora is one of the most charming destinations in New York, so be sure to spend some time exploring!
3. Love animals? Take an entire day to hang out with all kinds of them at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center!
Long Island Aquarium, 431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901, USA
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center/Yelp
Featuring one of the largest all-living coral displays in the Western Hemisphere inside of their 20,000-gallon tank, there's more than enough reasons why you should make a point to visit this particular aquarium. The aquarium is well known for all of their interactive experiences that you can have during your visits here and of course, their adorable and fascinating creatures. Learn all about what adventures await when you visit the Long Island Aquarium website.
4. Never visited our High Peaks? Then take a drive up to Whiteface Mountain.
Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
There's nothing more beautiful than being able to climb up to the top of any of our 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks. But without stating the obvious, these hikes can be tremendously strenuous and not an adventure all of us can tackle. So how you can get to the top of one our tallest mountains without turning your legs into mashed potatoes? You can drive up Whiteface Mountain. The five-mile stretch of the highway that features many designated overlook areas along the way, elevates you more than 2,000 feet. Once you reach the end of the road all you'll have to do is figure out if you want to walk up the rocky staircase to the top or simply take the elevator! From there, the hardest part is over and you'll be able to enjoy the top of the mountain, giving you unforgettable views worth a lifetime.

How to get here: Check out the official Whiteface website to find out the best way for you to get to the Whiteface Mountain Highway!
5. Looking to explore a new attraction out in Western New York? Ditch the daylight and explore a new world with the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride!
Lockport Cave & Under Ground Boat Ride, 5 Gooding St, Lockport, NY 14094, USA
sk/Flickr
The biggest attraction you'll find out in this area of New York is obviously Niagara Falls, but considering most of us have already visited there it's time to try something new! Most people think of Howe Caverns when it comes to exploring the underground areas of New York, but the Lockport Cave is something that shouldn't go unnoticed. Here you'll be able to enjoy a roughly hour-long tour that takes you through caves and on an exciting underground boat ride. Would you ever embark on this magical underground boat tour in New York?

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6. Plan a trip to the magical city of Saratoga Springs!
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
Matt Jiggins/Flickr
A city so charming and compact, people often mistake it for being one of our small towns, there's so much to enjoy in Saratoga. From our historic race track that draws in seasonal crowds to our incredible Saratoga Spa State Park that alone, could keep you busy for an entire weekend, there's something for everyone to enjoy. On Broadway Street you'll find an assortment of shops and restaurants that will grab your attention and you'll also be able to stroll through Congress Park. In our humble opinion, Saratoga Springs might just be one of the best cities in the U.S.
7. Enjoy the perfect mixture of art and fresh air at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia.
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, Stone Quarry Hill Art Pk, Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
Glenda Popielarski/Flickr
In New York, we're spoiled when it comes to art and sculpture parks. With so many to choose from, our more well-known parks can often overshadow some of our hidden treasures. The small village sits right on the shores of Cazenovia Lake and is home to an art park that will make you feel like you've been dropped right into a fairy tale! A spiraling wooden bookcase rests in the 104-acre park, something you'll discover while exploring the four miles of trails that are here. Learn more about all that the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in New York has to offer.
8. Visit one of our more vibrant museums and take a trip back in time at The Museum at Bethel Woods.
Museum At Bethel Woods, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720, USA
Chipper M/TripAdvisor
Relive old memories or learn about an interesting part of New York's history at Bethel Wood's Museum dedicated to celebrating the 1969 Woodstock music festival. The museum features pieces of the past like electric school buses and old Volkswagen Beetles.
9. Enjoy the day and take it easy on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Michele O/TripAdvisor
No matter the time of year, it's always fun to look forward to a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. You can hop aboard this scenic railroad in any season at one of their several stops! During New York's annual foliage, taking a ride from the Utica Station is always a local favorite but you could also enjoy this train from Saranac Lake or Lake Placid.

To find out where and how you can enjoy a train ride, visit the Adirondack Scenic Railroad website.
10. Enjoy one of the few areas of New York City where you can find wide open spaces at Central Park!
Central Park, New York, NY, USA
ykyangmd/Flickr
If you've ever taken a trip down to the Big Apple, you'll know just how difficult it is to actually see all of Central Park. Practically an entire city itself, this park is over 800 acres in size. Featuring historic bridges, gardens and even a lake, dedicating an entire day to exploring this area of New York is something all of our residents should do at least once.

Did we help provide some answers to your question, “What are some unique day trips near me in New York?” We sure hope so! What are some of your favorite day trip destinations in the Empire State? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! If you’re still looking for inspiration for your next big adventure, check out these day trips in the Catskills you can do on just one tank of gas!

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More to Explore

Unique Day Trips Near Me

Beth C. | August 13, 2021

What are the very best day trips in New York?

Day trips in New York are as varied and impressive as the state's different regions. No matter your location, you'll be thrilled to discover there are countless adventures waiting just beyond your doorstep. One of our favorite recommendations is a beautiful destination known as Buttermilk Falls State Park. Tucked away in Ithaca, this beloved spot features a positively picturesque waterfall. Plus, you can even go swimming at the base of Buttermilk Falls if the weather allows for it. On a hot summer day, it's hard to imagine a better spot to cool off! Is it any wonder why Buttermilk Falls State Park is considered one of the best state parks in New York?

What are some fun attractions in New York?

Calling all adrenaline junkies! One of the most fun attractions in New York is a zip line that will have your heart racing. Head to Hunter Mountain and you'll experience one of the longest and highest ziplines in the entire state. After leaping off the platform -- attached securely with a harness and helmet, of course -- visitors will soar 600 feet above the ground! As you're zipping through the air, you'll also get to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. And now that you've worked up an appetite, how about heading to the Next Pizza Capital of America, Lake George? The main street of this charming town is lined with pizza shops, giving you the option of eating pizza for all three meals of the day. Learn more about some other fun attractions in New York you won't want to miss.

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