Taking the greatest road trips from New York City will take you to charming cottage towns, scenic fishing locations, and European-style cities that are perfect for romantic getaways. Because, let’s face it, no matter how much we adore our city, sometimes the best thing to do is to get the hell out of Dodge. You will be happy to know that NYC has countless fascinating and fun nighttime activities.
When it comes to road trips in New York, all of the sites we recommend are less than six hours away, but if you are really in the mood to get out on the open road, consider taking a cross-country route.
1. Cold Spring, NY
Distance : 54 miles from NYC
As a New Yorker, it’s impossible to conceive the Hudson River as a town’s western limit. Cold Spring, on the other hand, is a riverbank village with an overtly nationalistic aesthetic.
“American Pie” was written by Don McLean, therefore it’s definitely patriotic. A trolley and a country store are also available.
Nearby Pit Stop (Serves locally sourced food right on the river) :
RiverMarket Bar and Kitchen
Location : 127 W Main St, Tarrytown, NY
Phone : 914-631-3100
2. Philadelphia, PA
Distance : 97 miles from NYC
From wall-crawling mosaic art exhibits to an all-star showcase for local artists’ electric-colored (and unapproved) graffiti, Philadelphia is the place to be to witness street art.
Rittenhouse Square is a well-kept park that provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle, and you shouldn’t be too cool to visit Independence Hall, where America began. It is the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the home of the Liberty Bell.
Nearby Pit Stop (Fluffy-AF French toast and Colonial Diner) :
Colonial Diner
Location : 560 State Rt 18, East Brunswick, NJ
Phone : 732-254-4858
3. Berkshires, MA
Distance : 152 miles from NYC
This idyllic region in Western Massachusetts is defined by dense, verdant trees and rural New England charm. You should have a picnic near Berry Lake and possibly observe black bears eating blackberries while sipping specialty brews and foreign whiskies on a comfortable wooden stool in Moe’s Tavern (Location : 10 Railroad St, Lee, MA; Phone : 413-243-6697).
Nearby Pit Stop (A wide variety of fruits and veggies, including apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and pumpkins) :
Barton Orchards
Location : 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Phone : 845-227-2306
4. Narragansett, RI
Distance : 168 miles from NYC
This beachfront community is nestled between the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River and the mouth of Narragansett Bay. It features three gorgeous beaches: Scarborough State Beach, Narragansett Town Beach, and Roger Wheeler State Beach. If the barren coastline bores you, visit the Point Judith Lighthouse (1470 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, RI; Phone: 401-789-0444), which dates all the way back to 1816.
Nearby Pit Stop (Including Munch Succulent Seafood) :
Liv’s Oyster Bar
Location : 166 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT
Phone : 860-395-5577
5. Saratoga Springs, NY
Distance : 190 miles from NYC
The abundance of mineral springs (there are 18 in total) that have drawn spa-goers to this town since the 19th century gives the town its name. The springs are almost all naturally carbonated, so a complementary glass of Saratoga Sparkling Rosé would go nicely with your soak. You can legally place bets at the Saratoga Race Course, which is located at 267 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York (518-584-6200).
Nearby Pit Stop :
Hudson River Valley
Location : 335 Meads Mountain Rd, Woodstock, NY
6. Alexandria, VA
Distance : 238 miles from NYC
This small city exudes romance thanks to cobblestone walkways, sidewalk cafés, and a generally dreamy atmosphere. Explore the pastel-colored buildings along King Street, Alexandria’s main thoroughfare, for unusual shopping at (mainly) non-franchise boutiques. Then go to the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA; Phone: 703-838-4565), which has 82 artist studios and six galleries that are all available to the public.
Nearby Pit Stop :
The Coffee Station
Location : 3518 Foulk Rd, Garnet Valley, PA
Phone : 484-816-8146
7. Cape Cod, MA
Distance : 246 miles from NYC
The allure of this sea-worn hamlet is well known—where it’s gentle green dunes meet a rocky shore, the beach is weathered by waves, and the sunsets over a royal-blue Atlantic are tangerine in color. There is no better place to fish if you enjoy it: Bluefin tuna, striped bass, flounder, and fluke inhabit the seas, which are guarded by salty curmudgeons in yellow slickers steering wooden skiffs.
Nearby Pit Stop :
BYOB Cambodian Angkor Restaurant
Location : 10 Traverse St, Providence, RI
Phone : 401-383-2227
8. Lake Placid, NY
Distance : 290 miles from NYC
Lake Placid, properly named, is a little community that serves as a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The 122-acre Mirror Lake is the focal point of the town, which is surrounded by coniferous mountains. Even in the sweltering heat of July, you’ll be able to stay cool because to the area’s high altitude.
Nearby Pit Stop :
New York State Capitol in Albany
Location : State St and Washington Ave, Albany, NY
Phone : 518-474-2418
9. Stowe, VT
Distance : 334 miles from NYC
This tranquil retreat is excellent for outdoor adventure—thickets of sugar maple, beech, and yellow birch trees surround the town center, which is dominated by a high white church steeple, as is typical of Vermont.
Take a canoe or kayak out on Lake Elmore, the Green River Reservoir, or up the Lamoille and Winooski rivers to get a sense of the surroundings. Every summer, the Stowe Theater Guild (Location : 67 S Main St, Stowe, VT; Phone: 802-253-3961) puts on productions to keep you entertained in the evenings.
Nearby Pit Stop :
Dalem’s Chalet
Location : 78 South St, Brattleboro, VT
Phone : 802-254-4323
10. Bar Harbor, ME
Distance : 487 miles from NYC
The Atlantic Ocean meets the granite cliffs of this city, where Colonial Revival houses line the calm streets. The Shore Path, which stretches from the Town Pier to Mountain Desert Island, skirts the chocolate-box shoreline. Look for a seat painted a Victorian-like shade of purple at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (7 Firefly Ln, Bar Harbor, ME; 207-801-4007).
Nearby Pit Stop :
Portsmouth Brewery
Location : 56 Market St, Portsmouth, NH
Phone : 603-431-1115