When I’m not traveling the world, I find the next best way to explore is by planning day trips from NYC. And one of my favorite seasons for exploring is in the fall.
Why?
Well for one, the weather is spectacular. Plus, the leaves are turning a golden hue.
Really, it’s just a magical time of year!
Pro Travel Tip: The best time to visit NYC weather-wise is September and October!
Do you feel the same? Do you love exploring once the season of fall is upon us?
I hope so because, in this post, I have recommendations for 5 great fall day trips from NYC.
Whether you live in the area and just want – or let’s be honest, NEED – a change of scenery or you’re an intrepid tourist who is visiting New York and want to see more than the concrete jungle, there’s something on this list for everyone.
And regarding COVID-19 restrictions, I’ve got you covered! I did my homework and have updates for you on how you can still enjoy all of these activities safely while still having fun.
So let’s get started!
Related: 5 Easy Weekend Road Trips From NYC
5 Day Trips From NYC
Storm King Arts Center in Cornwall, New York
One of my favorite day trips from NYC is a visit to the Storm King Arts Center. Located in Cornwall, New York, Storm King is a spectacular outdoor museum. Covering 500 acres in the Hudson Valley, visitors experience incredible, large scale sculptures and artwork that involves the topography itself.
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the fall foliage than walking the grounds at Storm King. Not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of nature, but you also get to see incredible works of art up close. Plus, it’s an ideal place to visit during COVID-19 because you can easily socially distance yourself from other people while exploring the grounds.
Because of COVID-19, there are new protocols in place. Timed-entry tickets are required for all visitors. Tickets must be reserved and purchased in advance. Head to the Storm King website for more information.
You can bring a picnic lunch that can be eaten in designated areas or you can purchase a small selection of items from their outdoor café.
Getting There:
The center is about 70 miles from the city. You can either drive or you take the Metro-North Train to Beacon and then jump in a taxi or Uber from there.
If you’re visiting on Saturday or Sunday via Metro-North, you can now book a ticket package that includes admission to Storm King and round-trip shuttle transportation from the Beacon train station.
Visiting the Dia Beacon (before COVID-19)
Beacon, New York
This former industrial town located on the east side of the Hudson River across from Newburgh has gone through a recent revitalization and is a great destination for a day trip from New York City.
It’s perfect for both outdoorsy and artsy folk alike and has plenty of options of things to do, plus a buzzing Main Street full of shops, restaurants, and bars.
One of the most well-known sites in Beacon is the world-renowned Dia Beacon art museum. Located in a former Nabisco Box Printing factory, the building is almost as impressive as the art.
Visitor guidelines for the museum have changed due to the pandemic. You now must make reservations in advance and pick a designated time slot. Head to the Dia Beacon website for more information.
If you prefer the outdoors to art, check out Mount Beacon Park for some great hiking or book a kayak and head out to Bannerman Island, which is home to the Bannerman castle ruins.
Once you’re done exploring, finish off the day with a stroll down Main Street, or pick up some local brew at the Hudson Valley Brewery. Due to COVID-19, their tasting room is closed but you can order their locally brewed beers to go.
Getting There:
Beacon is also about 70 miles from New York City. It’s an easy drive or train ride on Metro-North.
Apple Picking at Harvest Moon Orchard in North Salem, NY
Have you really experienced fall if you haven’t gone apple picking? There are so many great orchards in the tri-state area to choose from including Harvest Moon Orchard, and it’s an easy day trip from NYC.
I’m partial to Harvest Moon Orchard because it’s one-stop shopping for a bunch of fun, fall activities. You can pick apples in the orchard, enjoy a cider and apple cider donuts while listening to live music and explore their pumpkin patch for Instagram worthy pumpkins. (This orchard is great for couples, groups of friends, and families.)
The Orchard has made changes due to COVID-19. Masks are required when you can’t socially distance yourself from others and you need to make a reservation in advance to visit. Apple picking is only available on the weekends. Head to the Harvest Moon Orchard website for more info.
Getting There
Located about 50 miles from the city in Northern Westchester, it’s also a quick drive or you can hop on a Metro-North train from Grand Central for a 90-minute ride.
The beautiful Willowemoc Creek in Livingston Manor, NY
Hiking in the Catskills
One of the best ways to really enjoy the fall foliage is to go for a hike. And I’m pretty sure that we could all benefit from more time in nature right now.
Not only is it an activity that’s safe to do during this pandemic, but I would argue it’s also an activity that is good for our soul.
The good news is that there are plenty of hiking trails in the area that can be enjoyed on a day trip from NYC.
Below is a list of some great hiking trails north of the city that are ideal for a day trip:
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson, NY
- Catskill Scenic Trail in Stamford, NY
- Breakneck Ridge between Beacon and Cold Spring, NY
- Overlook Mountain Trail, just outside of Woodstock, NY
- Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty, NY
For more in-depth information about NY’s hiking trails and directions, check out the website I Love NY.
Related: Our Weekend Itinerary for Livingston Manor, in the Catskills
Related: Our Weekend Road Trip to the Catskill Mountains
The North Fork Vineyards
Another easy day trip from NYC is the North Fork of Long Island, one of my favorite places, and a destination I visit every year.
The North Fork is a great area to explore because it has a bit of everything. There are historic harbor towns, wineries, and vineyards, plus outstanding restaurants that serve truly local farm to table food.
My recommendation for a day trip from NYC to the North Fork is to hit up a few vineyards, explore the charming harbor town of Greenport and then eat dinner at one of the area’s many fabulous restaurants.
For more info, check out both of these posts which give in-depth information and recommendations about where to eat, drink wine, and explore the North Fork.
Related: Visiting the North Fork Vineyards During COVID-19
Related: The North Fork, An Easy Weekend Getaway
Which of These Day Trips from NYC Will You Take?
I hope you found this post helpful and it inspires you to take a day trip from NYC!
I also want to reassure you that we can still get out and explore the world, as long as you are doing it safely and following all of the COVID-19 guidelines. (Wear that mask!)
The only difference is that right now, we’re exploring closer to home.
Maybe that’s not a bad thing, right?
Please leave a comment below with any questions you might have and let me know if you have recommendations for other great day trips from NYC that you’ve taken.
Let’s share all of our tips with each other so we can make it a great fall, full of exploring and living!
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