With its bright lights and buzzing nightlife, New York can be an intense place to visit – luckily respite is at hand thanks to several nearby places of interest that make for ideal excursions.
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If you’re planning to visit New York and would like to organise some day trips during your stay, we’ve picked out 10 of the best currently available that are within easy reach and offer a breather from the all-consuming urban mayhem of the Big Apple.
Delaware River Kayak and Wine Day Trip
About an hour’s drive west of New York City, Delaware River offers some of the region’s finest kayaking conditions. This full-day trip not only invites you to experience this for yourself but also to sample some of the area’s exceptional wine as well – but don’t worry, the wine will definitely come last. After being picked up from central Manhattan and driven west, you’ll get to enjoy 2 to 2.5 hours of kayaking in either a single or tandem kayak before tucking into a picnic lunch prepared by a local deli. Next you’ll move onto the delectable vino as you try out five wines during a tour of a local vineyard. Round-trip transportation from NYC, all kayaking equipment and the vineyard tour and tastings are included in the price. From $131 per person.
Book at Viator.com
Highlights of New Jersey Day Trip
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If you’re keen to veer off the well-trodden tourist path in NYC then a trip to the neighbouring state of New Jersey promises an array of enticing attractions. This one-day trip from the Big Apple starts with a morning minivan pick up before you journey across the river to the Garden State ,where you’ll explore several landmarks and places of interest including Buddy’s bakery from the TV show ‘Cake Shop,’ Frank Sinatra’s childhood home, and stunning vistas back across Manhattan’s Financial District from over the river. The trip culminates with a sombre but must-see visit to the memorial created in tribute to the victims of 9/11, before your return journey. From $59 per person.
Book at Viator.com
Washington DC Day Trip
The beating heart of America’s political life, Washington DC makes for a fascinating day-trip from New York. With all transportation and entrance fees included, you’ll start with an early morning drive south from Manhattan, passing through the states of Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland before arriving in DC. Here, your first port of call will be Arlington Cemetery, home to the graveyard of former President John F. Kennedy. Next you’ll drive through the city centre to admire landmarks including the domed Capitol building, the White House, the National Air and Space Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Korean War Veterans Memorial. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities before your return journey to New York. From $172 per person.
Book at Viator.com
The Hamptons, Sag Harbor & Outlet Shopping Day Trip
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Leave the hustle and bustle of NYC behind on this full-day tour. Discover why so many of the rich and famous make Long Island their home, and indulge in a spot of your own retail therapy. The tour starts with breakfast in the town of Riverhead(additional cost) before moving on to celebrity-laden Southampton, home to luminaries including Jerry Seinfeld and Steven Spielberg. After visiting yet another quaint town, the tour culminates with a chance to browse the myriad shops of Sag Harbor and Tanger Outlets before returning to the Big Apple. From $169 per person.
Book at GetYourGuide.com
Hunter Mountain Ski Package with Transportation
New York State isn’t necessarily the first place to spring to mind when thinking of a great skiing destination in the US, but the ski resorts found in the Hunter and Windham mountains – about 2.5 hours’ drive from NYC – certainly offer plenty of great on- and off-piste action. Ski and snow-boarding enthusiasts can book packages that include transportation to and from New York, as well as varied options for purchasing lift tickets, rentals, and lessons, plus family packages too. Transport is via luxury motor coach and trips can be booked for anything from one to several days. From $49 per person.
Book at Viator.com
Exclusive Spanish-Language Day Trip to Boston
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
Tailored to Spanish speakers with the presence of a multi-lingual guide, this day trip invites you to get under the skin of the largest city in Massachusetts and one of the oldest cities in the US. After pick up in Manhattan you’ll head north to Boston, stopping halfway for breakfast. On arrival in Boston, your first port of call will be Copley Square, where you can appreciate the architectural contrasts of the city. Over the subsequent hours you’ll get to take in many of the city’s other famous landmarks and places of interest before your last stop at Quincy Market, where you’ll have free time to enjoy a well-earned lunch before your return journey to NYC. From $108 per person.
Book at GetYourGuide.com
Niagara Falls Day Trip by Helicopter
For a trip of maximum convenience and indulgence, this tour from Manhattan lets you avoid the bustling traffic by propelling you through the air aboard a private helicopter. Your destination? The iconic landmark of Niagara Falls, but before that you’ll get to savour the scenic views on your journey, taking in Upstate New York before reaching the majestic Falls. Here you’ll get to enjoy several hours of free time to take in the Falls at close quarters, as well as to sightsee, shop and dine at your leisure. The return journey will include a short skyline tour of Manhattan. The tour price includes all transportation. From $3,511 per person (max groups of 3).
Book at Viator.com
3-Day Zip Lining & Waterfall Hike in the Catskill Mountains
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Lying in southeastern New York State, the Catskill Mountains are known for their rich wildlife, hiking trails and ski resorts. They are also home to what is said to be North America’s highest, fastest and longest zip lines, which can be experienced via this magical 3-day guided trip from New York. The tour also includes a self-guided hike over an awe-inspiring waterfall, including great photo opportunities from a viewing platform. Two nights in a local hotel, zip lining equipment and your experienced guide are all included in the price. From $671 per person.
Book at Viator.com
Private Philadelphia and Amish Country Day Trip
This tour begins with an early morning meet and greet with your own private driver and guide at a Manhattan location of your choice. You’ll then be transported to the city of Philadelphia, considered the birthplace of the United States, a couple of hours’ drive from New York. Here’ll your visit fascinating landmarks including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as stroll through America’s oldest neighbourhood, Elfreth Ally. You’ll enjoy lunch at the vibrant Reading Terminal Market before embarking on a tour of an Amish town, chaperoned by a private Amish/Mennonite guide. Dinner will be held at all-you-can-eat, family-style restaurant where you’ll sample an authentic Amish meal. After dinner you’ll return to New York to conclude your tour. From $899 per person.
Book at Viator.com
Private New York to Boston Day Trip and Tour
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Catering for groups of up to 6 people, this one-day private tour is an intimate and personalised way to discover the delights of Boston. Among the tourist sites and landmarks you’ll visit along the way include the quaint shopping district around Charles Street, the scenic environs of Boston Public Garden and the picturesque neighbourhood of Beacon Hill. The tour also includes the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail, which comprises a leisurely stroll through downtown Boston that passes several places of historical significance. Your return transportation is included in the price. From $1,192 per person.
Book at Viator.com