This post is all about day trips out of NYC.
Living in NYC is a sensory overload. Honking taxis, crowds of people, crazy subway performances – it’s overstimulating in every way, and some days you just think, “I really need to breathe.”
Thankfully, when you find yourself wanting a reset from the busyness of life in a big city, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of NYC for a bit of space.
Keep reading for 7 relaxing day trips out of NYC.
How to Escape NYC Without Leaving NYC
Before we start, if you find yourself in NYC and can’t spare an entire day for a day trip or prefer to stay within the city, there are some lovely peaceful spots within the city.
My favorites are:
- The Met Cloisters and Fort Tyron Park
- Central Park’s North Woods
- Governor’s Island (a quiet, car-less island that is just a 5-minute ferry ride away)
7 Day Trips Out of NYC
1. Dia Beacon (1 hour away from NYC)
Dia Beacon is just an hour outside of the city, but the journey and the visit are completely zen. If you don’t have a car, this is easily accessible through the Metro North train you can catch from Grand Central.
The ride will take you along the scenic Hudson River, and you’ll disembark in the charming town of Beacon.
Dia Beacon is a contemporary art gallery housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory. At 160,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country for modern and contemporary art. Fun fact: it’s larger than the Whitney, Guggenheim, and MoMA combined!
You might be thinking, “Wow, it must be chock full of art,” but it’s actually quite the opposite. The gallery rooms are open and spacious, featuring only a handful of pieces in a large space. You’ll find the famous Richard Serra installations, wall-to-wall Andy Warhol paintings, and much more.
2. Storm King Art Center (1 hour away from NYC)
Storm King Art Center is one of the most popular day trips out of NYC. You can spend an entire day exploring the 500-acre outdoor museum and visiting the sculptures spread across rolling hills and open fields with nary a honking car or siren to be heard.
There are a few options for getting to Storm King Art Center. If you prefer not to have a strict departure time, you can take the Metro-North to Beacon and then catch an Uber to the art center (which is about a 20-minute ride). Or you can book a round-trip bus ride that departs from Manhattan and takes you straight to the park.
If you really want to make the most out of your time, you can rent bikes to travel through the property (sadly, personal bikes are not allowed).
3. Magazzino Italian Art (1.5 hours away from NYC)
Discover the best of contemporary art at Magazzino Italian Art. It’s the only American museum dedicated to Italian Art and highlights some of the most talented Italian artists. Even if art isn’t your thing, the building alone is worth a visit.
After your art stroll, head to the cafe and visit the Sardinian donkeys nearby. I promise you’ll feel closer to Italy than NYC on this day trip.
4. The Glass House (1.5 hours away from NYC)
image courtesy of The Glass House
Head to New Canaan, Connecticut, and pay a visit to the architectural marvel that is The Glass House. Designed by Philip Johnson, the house features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, making you feel completely immersed in the surrounding landscape.
The 49-acre property is perfect for a peaceful day of exploring its gardens, sculptures, and additional structures. Be sure to book a guided tour in advance, as this iconic site is a popular destination for architecture and nature lovers alike.
5. Grace Farms (1.5 hours away from NYC)
image courtesy of Grace Farms
Just a short drive from The Glass House, Grace Farms offers a serene escape in the countryside of Connecticut. Spanning 80 acres, this community center and cultural hub is a haven for those seeking peace and inspiration.
You can stroll along winding walking trails, relax in the stunning River building with its curving architecture, or join one of the center’s workshops and events. Don’t forget to enjoy a coffee at their café, which overlooks the grounds.
6. Manitoga / Russel Wright Design Center (1.5 hours away from NYC)
image courtesy of Manitoga
I’m a sucker for any experience that combines architecture and nature, and Manitoga checks both boxes. Visit the former home and studio of industrial designer Russel Wright located on a 75-acre property in Garrison, New York. This peaceful retreat showcases Wright’s philosophy of living in harmony with the environment.
Take a guided tour to learn about Wright’s innovative designs and enjoy a relaxing walk through the woodland trails, complete with waterfalls and scenic overlooks. It’s the perfect dose of calm that every New Yorker needs from time to time.
7. Art Omi (2.5 hours away from NYC)
Last but certainly not least is one of my favorite day trips out of NYC – Art Omi, a sprawling 120-acre outdoor sculpture park. It’s a perfect day trip for art enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy some fresh air. The contemporary sculptures will get you thinking outside of the box. I especially love the interactive sculptures!
I’ve only visited in the winter, which was a really enjoyable experience, but I dream of going back in the summer with a picnic and a book and spending a day wandering, relaxing, and recharging.
That concludes this list of 7 peaceful day trips out of NYC.
Whether you’re in the mood for art, architecture, or a quiet walk through nature, these day trips will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the city again.
Which destination are you adding to your list? Let me know in the comments!