10 Best Road Trips from NYC

      Pack your bag, fuel up, and start your adventure beyond NYC!

NYC is indeed a dream for many, but beyond this modern urban playground lies something fun, thrilling, and adventurous! Yes, we are talking about fun road trips from NYC where you can exchange honking cars, huge skyscrapers, and food trucks with beautiful nature and landscapes. Whether you are looking for beachy vibes, mountain scenery, national parks, or countryside charm, New York has got you covered! So, without wasting much time, fill up your car tank, pack some snacks, and hit the road with a good playlist! Sometimes, the best way to appreciate a city is to leave it behind for a bit.

As you drive 3 hours away from NYC, you'll end up in Westerly, a gorgeous coastal area by the Atlantic Ocean. Among many other fun activities, visitors can check out the Ocean House, a property where guests can access a private beach with white sand. If cooking is something that excites you, then the Center for Wine and Culinary Arts offers fun cooking classes for people of all ages!

 Distance: 142 miles

With a distinct artsy and retro vibe, Cold Spring will surely impress Art and music enthusiasts! It’s among the best road trips from NYC, offering a riverside small-town, a country store to buy essentials, vintage antique shops, and if you want something raw, there is always a trolley to move around. Another amazing fun fact about this road trip is that the famous singer Don McLean wrote the lyrics of his famous song American Pie, right in this town.

Distance: 54 miles

With its architectural treasures like Congress Hall, which opened in the 18^th century, and a windy beachfront promenade ideal for a walk, Cape May is the epitome of natural beauty by the Jersey Shore. If you are a seafood lover, the seafood at The Lobster House is so fresh that you might feel bad about looking out to sea afterward. Don't miss it. After devouring your food, visit the Rusty Nail, where fire pits and positive energy make bidding farewell to the sun surprisingly enjoyable. You may round off your day with a sunset cocktail.

Distance: 158 miles

There might be many places to drive from NYC, but only very few come to Alexandria. Reason? The beautiful cobblestone alleys, romantic vibe, and roadside cafes! Visitors would love to walk around the architectural marvels of King Street and Alexandria's old town filled with gorgeous boutiques. At the end, pay a brief visit to the Torpedo Factory of Art Center, home to 82 studios owned by different artists, showcasing 6 galleries.

Distance: 31.9 miles

Finger Lakes is an epic road trip destination with almost everything to offer! This region is home to historic attractions, huge wineries, beautiful hiking trails, landscapes, and almost 11 gorgeous lakes. If you happen to fall in love with this place (you surely would!) and want to extend your stay, go to the Inns Aurora by Cayuga Lake for a comfortable stay. 1833 Kitchen and Bar serves delicious cocktails and a wine collection for nightlife and fun.

Distance: 271.4 miles

By Lake Champlain, Burlington’s City Hall Park virtually begs for strolling. It is the epitome of a New England charmer with a mix of hip stores, cafes, and a well-crafted beer scene that will make you reevaluate your sober objectives. Waving colorful flags, this city is the most populated in Vermont and is a melting pot of residents, students, and positive energy.

Distance: 300 miles

Located a four-hour drive from New York City, Cooperstown is an interesting town surrounded by the beautiful Catskills Mountains. Stay in award-winning motels and inns built in 1874, which feature 18 beautiful bedrooms. Moreover, another Catskills town called Roxbury is also an amazing spot perfect for stargazing at night, offering glass-roof cottages to stay in that work as an amazing observation deck as you fall asleep.

Distance: 124 miles

Reaching the Pocono Mountains from NYC takes less than two hours of driving. Consider a vacation at Cranberry Run Campground if you wish to immerse yourself in the natural landscapes of this place. Campers can enjoy the outdoor pool on the property or indulge in activities like hiking, kayaking, and rafting in the neighboring Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is encircled by 65 acres of woodlands.

Distance: 108 miles

Escape the loud noises of the city and drive towards Lake Placid. It is a small village surrounded by mountains covered in tall conifer trees by Mirror Lake. The weather in this village is always mild and calm, thanks to the high altitude, so even in scorching summers, you can stay chill. If you happen to be a sports enthusiast, the Olympic Center offers great insights into the history of sports.

Distance: 290 miles

If your road trip fever is high and 7 hours of driving doesn’t seem that bad, head out to Niagara Falls in New York. This road trip is scenic and beautiful on another level, with plenty of other opportunities like picnic areas, hiking, boat rides, and more. Try not to get overwhelmed by the vibrant rainbow that covers the area, the mist, and the constant roaring sound generated by Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe.

Distance: 423 miles