Beyond the Big Apple: 9 Best Road Trips from NYC

Although New York’s electric atmosphere is infectious, it’s nice to escape the city from time to time. The Big Apple lies within easy reach of several scenic Northeastern locales, from quaint seaside villages to picture-perfect mountain towns.

Whether you’re a stressed-out local seeking a weekend getaway or a cross-country nomad exploring the area in-depth, give these nine road trips from New York a go.

Road Trip Ideas from NYC

Strapped for time? We’ve organized our New York road trip list by travel time.

1. Philadelphia, PA

As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is a must for any road-tripping history buff. Make Independence Hall your first point of call, where our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and Constitution in the late 18th century. Opposite this landmark Georgian-style hall lies the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of freedom and justice.

Modern-day Philly is better known for its hip eateries, vibrant street art, and eclectic galleries. The artistic epicenter is the Philadelphia Museum of Art—you’ll recognize its steps from the hit 1976 flick Rocky.

Drive time: around 1 hour and 40 minutes

2. Pocono Mountains, PA

Outdoorsy types will adore Pennsylvania’s Poconos, a wooded mountain range famed for its pretty peaks and lakes. The nearby Delaware Water Gap is the adventure playground of choice, chock full of scenic hikes, gushing falls, and canoe-friendly rivers. Further north, fishing is popular. You can launch a boat and cast a line in Lake Wallenpaupack where smallmouth bass breed.

Drive time: around 2 hours

3. Long Island, NY

Stretching from Brooklyn to Montauk Point, this densely populated island has a plethora of places to visit. Long Island is ideal for a quick road trip from New York. Natural highlights include Jones Beach State Park and Fire Island National Seashore, known for their scenic beaches and meandering native wildlife.

If you’re into wine, the North Fork produces some of the top labels in the Northeast. And don’t miss the Hamptons, a string of upmarket seaside towns that draws scores of affluent crowds each summer.

Drive time: up to 2 hours and 30 minutes

4. Catskills, NY

Wondering where to go on a road trip in Upstate New York? Consider the Catskills, a thickly forested region home to gorgeous mountains, gushing waterfalls, and pristine lakes. The 200,000-acre Catskill Forest Preserve is a hit among hikers, fishers, and boaters in the warmer months, while ski bums flock to Hunter Mountain in winter.

Road trippers can visit an array of quaint country towns that punctuate the pristine landscape. Cooperstown boasts nostalgic 19th-century architecture and proximity to the stunning Glimmerglass State Park. Alternatively, tiny Roxbury (population 2,500) feels world’s away from NYC and the former regional capital, Kingston, blends 17th-century Dutch influence with a contemporary bohemian flair.

Drive time: up to 4 hours

5. Alexandria, VA

Alexandria is a blast from the past, complete with charming 18th-century architecture and cobblestone streets. King Street, the main drag, cuts through the heart of its Old Town, hosting a slew of boho boutiques and cute sidewalk cafes.

If you dig art, don’t miss Torpedo Factory, an Alexandria institution where creatives display their work. Other attractions include Carlyle House Historic Park, a gorgeous Georgian-era mansion with a leafy garden, and the Gadsby’s Tavern, which once fed the Founding Fathers (it’s now a museum).

Drive time: around 4 hours

6. Finger Lakes, NY

The Finger Lakes are a series of long, spindly lakes in northern New York State, making for an unforgettable summer escape. The laidback, low-key area hosts an array of pretty vineyards (try the Riesling) and farm-to-table restaurants for gourmet dining. 

After a lunch of top-notch wine and food, hit the area’s stunning hiking and biking trails. Of course, Finger Lakes’ kayaking, boating, and fishing are equally sublime.

Drive time: around 4 hours and 15 minutes

7. Keene, NY

As the most extensive protected area in the contiguous U.S., the Adirondacks are an outdoor adventure playground. Nestled up high among towering peaks, the tiny town of Keene is a brilliant base for exploring the area’s numerous natural assets. In the warmer months, hikers come to explore the magnificent massif. Try the Giant Mountain Trail, which begins at the bottom of Roaring Brook Falls. Winter is all about snow sports, with stacks of locations offering downhill and cross-country runs.

Drive time: around 4 hours and 45 minutes

8. Lake Placid, NY

Close to Keene, the suitably named Lake Placid makes for a more serene, easy-going getaway. Although it’s a bit of a drive, it's still one of the best road trips from NYC. The town’s glistening Mirror Lake and stunning conifer-strewn mountains make the drive worthwhile.

High altitude keeps the climate mild in summer, so many come here to seek refuge from the heat. In winter, New York State’s Whiteface Mountain attracts scores of snow lovers. Plus, don’t miss the 1980 Winter Olympic site. It’s got a ski jump, bobsled, luge, and museum.

Drive time: around 4 hours and 45 minutes

9. Niagara Falls, NY

North America’s biggest waterfall (by volume) is a sight to behold. Its three gushing monsters pump out a whopping 99,000 cubic feet per second. The aptly named Horseshoe Falls is the highlight, a thunderous cascade shrouded in a thick sea of mist. The more petite American and Bridal Veil Falls aren’t quite as overwhelming, but still make for an impressive view.

Situated near Buffalo on the Canadian border, you’ll need to drive 400 miles north to admire this natural wonder. Is it worth the trip? Absolutely. 

Drive time: around 7 hours

Planning a Road Trip in New York? Book Your Hotel Today

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has an impressive selection of comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations throughout New York state and around the Northeast. From cozy roadside hotels to charming lakefront resorts, book one of our properties today to make the most of your road trip from NYC.