Travel Discovery

Day Trips from New York Without a Car

Destination: New York

    1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
    2. Overview: Begin your adventure by hopping on the Statue Cruise from Battery Park. This iconic journey takes you up close to Lady Liberty, symbolizing freedom and hope since 1886. After admiring the statue, continue to Ellis Island, where over 12 million immigrants entered the United States between 1892 and 1954. Immerse yourself in their stories at the Immigration Museum.
    3. Duration: Approximately 4 hours

    4. Next Stop: Enjoy lunch at one of the many diverse eateries in Lower Manhattan before strolling along the Brooklyn Bridge for scenic views of the city skyline.

    5. Bear Mountain State Park

    6. Overview: Take the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal to a nature-filled escape at Bear Mountain State Park. Hike the well-marked trails, enjoy a picnic by Hessian Lake, or visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo. The park offers a tranquil respite with panoramic vistas of the Hudson Valley.
    7. Duration: Full Day

    8. Must Try: Grab a snack at the park’s café known for its hearty soups and sandwiches.

    9. Hudson River Valley - Beacon

    10. Overview: Catch a train to Beacon, a charming town nestled in the Hudson River Valley. Visit Dia:Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco factory, showcasing large-scale installations. Stroll Main Street for antique shops, galleries, and the famous Beacon Falls.
    11. Duration: Approximately 5 hours

    12. Don't Miss: End your day with a craft beer at one of Beacon's microbreweries.

    13. Philadelphia Historic Tour

    14. Overview: Board an Amtrak train to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence. Visit Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Continue to the Liberty Bell Center and stroll through the historic streets of Old City Philadelphia.
    15. Duration: Full Day

    16. Lunch Recommendation: Indulge in a classic Philly cheesesteak at Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks.

    17. Sandy Hook Beach & Lighthouse

    18. Overview: Take a ferry from Manhattan to explore Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Relax on the pristine beaches, cycle along the shore, and visit the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, dating back to 1764.
    19. Duration: Approximately 6 hours
    20. Evening Tip: Catch the sunset from the beach before returning to the city refreshed.