12 Unforgettable New York Day Trips, One for Each Month of the Year

If there's anything that's proven to be a consistent part of life, it's the fact that time is always flying. In an effort to make sure that you get the most out of your time before the year's over and flies right before your eyes, we here at Only In Your State put together a list of the best day trips in New York that are worth taking. Take a look!

1. Albany

As the oldest place in New York, the city of Albany should already be on your radar, but in case it somehow isn't, let us explain why it should be! As our state's capital, you can enjoy free tours of the Capitol or go and dine in historic spots like the Olde English Pub or the Common Roots Albany Outpost, which will leave you feeling full and fascinated.

2. Beacon

A great day trip to take by train, Beacon is one of our favorite places to visit in the Hudson Valley. When it comes to finding a place to eat, you'll find an array of mouthwatering options. For starters, you can head to The Pandorica, a Doctor Who-themed restaurant in town, or you can head on over to The Roundhouse to enjoy dining with the view of scenic waterfalls! With plenty to keep you busy on Main Street and beyond, Beacon is ready to keep you entertained with art all day long. There are plenty of ways to spend the day enjoying the charming city of Beacon.

3. Wilmington

Any one of the towns or villages within New York's Adirondack Park makes for an unforgettable day trip, but we certainly have quite the sweet spot for Wilmington. Situated at the base of Whiteface Mountain, the village of Wilmington offers incredible attractions, including our very own North Pole and amazing natural wonders inside private parks like High Falls Gorge. If you're looking for a scenic day trip in New York to take, this is for you!

4. Cooperstown

Most people will make their way out to Cooperstown at one point or another to discover the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but if you're wondering what else there is to keep you busy within this town, let us tell you! In town, you'll find mouthwatering eats like the Cooperstown Diner, which has some of the best and biggest burgers around Central New York. Those who are looking to explore hidden gems of the Empire State can seek out Cooperstown's very own Glimmerglass Queen Boat Tours to enjoy the sights of a little-known castle or even visit Glimmerglass State Park to go for a stroll across the oldest covered bridge in New York State.

5. Rochester

Feeling ready to explore more of Western New York? Then start your explorations off in the city of Rochester! Families and anyone looking to have some fun can head on over to the Strong Museum, which has more games and activities than you'll know what to do with. Plus, the museum even has its own Butterfly Garden. For those who are ready to spend some time outdoors while in Rochester, you can go for a walk out on the water with Turning Point Park's endless boardwalks.

6. Cape Vincent

Up along New York's Thousand Islands, you can find some of the most charming lighthouses that you'll ever lay your eyes on. If you're looking for unique things to do around New York, this is a great one. Set up along the St. Lawrence River, the local French Festival in Cape Vincent takes place each July and brings out an exciting side of our state. Cape Vincent is definitely one of the best day trips in New York. If you happen to be visiting during another time of year, you can also experience things like the award-winning Cape Winery, the historic Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, and plenty of other waterfront attractions that will sweep you off your feet.

7. Watkins Glen

Out in New York's Finger Lakes region, you can find all sorts of lakefront towns that will have you longing to take a day trip. One of our most beautiful towns, the village of Watkins Glen, has more to offer than just its famous state park. The breathtaking town along Seneca Lake is home to noteworthy attractions, including one of our state's only harbor hotels, the Watkins Glen International racetrack, and a fantastic yarn shop worth checking out.

8. Montauk

One of the most beautiful towns along New York's coast, Montauk is among the best day trips in New York. Taking you all the way out onto Long Island, you can keep yourself busy for the day by visiting amazing places like Gurney's Resort, which has its own set of heated igloos, or even the country's oldest working ranch at Deep Hollow Ranch.

9. Phoenicia

Considered to be one of the coolest small towns in the country, Phoenicia is one of our favorite places to visit when we're craving some time in the Catskill Mountains. For a true mountain adventure, explorers can extend their day trip into an entire overnight outing by booking a stay at Kate's Lazy Meadow, while others may plan a trip here during the summer to enjoy Town Tinker Tube Rental's whitewater tubing adventure. How neat?

10. Ithaca

Whether you know Ithaca as one of the most hippie towns in all of New York or you know it as our City of Waterfalls, it's a small-town city that has everything you could possibly long for. Make a day trip out to Ithaca and take the time to shop through spots like Found In Ithaca, go for a walk across the Fall Creek Suspension Bridge, or go for a dip in a natural pool at Robert H. Treman State Park to get a taste of all that Ithaca has to offer. Sounds incredible, right?

11. Binghamton

An underrated area of New York State, our Southern Tier is full of exciting places to visit, including Binghamton. On State Street, you can look for secret doors that lead to amazing speakeasies like 205 Dry, while if you make your way over to East Front Street, you can enjoy one of New York State's most iconic sandwiches at Spiedie & Rib Pit for a seriously unforgettable day out in the Empire State.

12. New York City

Last but not least, it's time to spend a day exploring all that's inside of New York's Big Apple. If you were searching for a reason to make your way down to this area of our state, how about the fact that Manhattan is now home to the Museum of Ice Cream? After taking a stroll through Central Park, visitors can make their way over to the museum to dive into pools full of sprinkles and of course, purchase some tasty ice cream.

Are you planning on taking one of these day trips in New York? Share this article with someone you want to embark on one (or more) of these epic day trips in New York with. Don't forget the road trip snacks... they're the best part!

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