Where might a road trip from the Big Apple take you?
New York is one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities. There is so much art, music, culture, shopping and nightlife to discover you may never want to leave.
However, New York is also well placed for getting out on the road to discover this corner of the United States. From beautiful landscapes that feel a million miles away from the city, the charming towns and historical centres, combining a visit to New York with a road trip from NYC is a recipe for the adventure of a lifetime.
With convenient, affordable car hire from Cheaper Than Cars, your next adventure might be closer than you imagined.
Here are ten of the top road trips from NYC to spark your imagination!
Cold Spring, NY
If you’re looking for quintessential America, then look no further than Cold Spring, NY. Located a mere 50 miles from NYC along the eastern bank of the Hudson River, it’s famous as the place where Don McLean wrote ‘American Pie’.
Despite its proximity to the city this sleepy small town couldn’t be more removed from downtown New York. Its Main Street is lined with picture-perfect 19th-century buildings housing an array of antique shops, cafes and restaurants. The waterfront provides panoramic views of the Hudson River and the surrounding hills. The riverside park is the perfect place for a picnic, and if you’re feeling energetic several hiking routes begin here.
Cold Spring is a popular first stop on an exploration of the Hudson Valley and a classic among road trips from New York in its own right.
- Distance from NYC: 50 Miles (80km)
- Total Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Hudson Valley, NY
Stretching along the Hudson River, the picturesque Hudson Valley is a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways for New Yorkers. As you leave the city, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Hudson River and its surrounding landscapes, dotted with orchards and vineyards. Classic small-town American settlements like Beacon and Cold Spring are great to explore for their laid-back charm. In the former, you’ll find Dia Beacon, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former industrial building.
Further north up the Hudson Valley in Sleepy Hollow, you’ll find Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate, This grand estate, once the home of the Rockefeller family, boasts impressive gardens, art collections, and panoramic views of the Hudson River.
Throughout the valley there are opportunities for outdoor recreation, culture and history to explore, and great places to eat and drink. A drive up the Hudson Valley is a favourite among road trips from NYC.
- Distance from NYC: 100 Miles (160km)
- Driving Time: 1 to 2 Hours
The Catskills, NY
The Catskills are a scenic mountain range located about 100 miles north of NYC, and a popular retreat for jaded New Yorkers. It offers a serene, compelling escape that feels far from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Known for its charming settlements and a plethora of outdoor activities, it’s a perfect place for an active break. Alternatively, relax at one of the countless boutique hotels and give yourself a chance to recuperate.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails like Overlook Mountain, Slide Mountain, and Devil’s Path, each offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the winter, the Catskills transform into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors for skiing, snowboarding and other winter spots.
Woodstock is synonymous with the 1969 music festival and is still a haven for artists, musicians and free spirits. Phoenicia is a quaint village situated along Esopus Creek, where you can enjoy fishing trips, or explore the unique shops and local restaurants.
- Distance from NYC: 100 Miles (160km)
- Total Driving Time: 2.5 to 4 Hours
The Pocono Mountains, PA
Nestled in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains are not the largest or most dramatic mountains in North America, but they are some of the most charming. A well-kept secret, they give you the chance to enjoy a beautiful retreat in natural surroundings that aren’t completely overrun by visitors.
There’s a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy here from hiking to mountain biking, kayaking and camping. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at various resorts. The Delaware Water Gap, a picturesque area where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, provides stunning views. Laid-back towns like Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe provide places to eat drink and shop. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway takes passengers into Lehigh Gorge State Park on old diesel trains.
- Distance from NYC: 90 Miles (145km)
- Total Driving Time: 2 Hours
Cape Cod, MA
Cape Cod has always been popular with America’s elite, and you too can enjoy its turquoise waters, rocky shore and gentle dunes on a road trip from New York. This picturesque peninsula is located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, and its appeal stretches beyond its stunning landscape.
Driving along Route 6A, known as the Old King’s Highway, is a scenic adventure passing historic historical settlements with colonial architecture and individual character. There are places to shop, eat and relax in towns like Provincetown and Chatham. In Hyannis, you’ll find the John F. Kennedy Museum and the Kennedy Compound. Ferries will take you to the upmarket idyll of Martha’s Vineyard. The Cape Cod National Seashore, with 40 miles of pristine coastline, offers visitors the chance to explore dunes, salt marshes, and scenic trails.
- Distance from NYC: 280 Miles (450km)
- Total Driving Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, known as the “City of Brotherly Love” is an accessible destination on road trips from New York. More than just another US city, it combines a more relaxed vibe than NYC, with national history and a vibrant culture. The city was pivotal to the founding of the United States and is home to the Independence National Historical Park, where you can explore iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
As well as history, the city boasts a thriving arts scene and world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, no visit to Philly is complete without sampling the cheesesteak. Neighbourhoods like Old City and Rittenhouse Square are fascinating to explore, and there’s a plethora of festivals and pop-up events throughout the year. With a vibrant music scene to discover, Philly is a city for people who enjoy the urban experience at a more relaxed and friendly pace.
- Distance from NYC: 95 Miles (153km)
- Total Driving Time: 1.5 to 2.5 Hours
Princeton, NJ
Princeton is world famous for its Ivy-League university, and the presence of this intellectual powerhouse gives the town a serene and rarified atmosphere. Princeton University dominates the town and a stroll through the campus allows you to appreciate its stunning architecture, including the iconic Nassau Hall and the beautiful Gothic-style chapel. The Princeton University Art Museum houses an extensive collection of art spanning various periods and regions.
Downtown Princeton buzzes with students and locals, with Palmer Square being a great place to drink coffee and people-watch. The Albert Einstein House gives you a glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century’s greatest minds. Surrounded by beautiful countryside you can go for a stroll along the canal towpath in the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
- Distance from NYC: 50 Miles (80km)
- Total Driving Time: 1 to 1.5 Hours
The Skyline Drive, VA
Skyline Drive, located in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is a scenic highway renowned for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Regarded as one of the most scenic roads in North America, the Skyline Drive is growing in popularity on road trips from New York.
The drive extends for 105 miles along the crest of the mountains, providing road trippers with unparalleled views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont to the east. This isn’t a trip to be taken in a hurry, and the speed limit on Skyline Drive is set deliberately low to allow drivers the opportunity to take in the view.
The Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge offer accommodations for those looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.
- Distance from NYC: 280 Miles (450km)
- Total Driving Time: 5 to 6 Hours
Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls in upstate New York, right on the Canadian border, is a truly awe-inspriing spectacle. An incredible 6 million cubic feet of water drops 50 metres every minute, and with viewing platforms on both sides of the border you can get close up to the spectacle. From the US side, you can take the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour, which takes you close enough to the falls to get wet. If you bring your passport you can walk across Rainbow Bridge that links the two countries.
A favourite among road trips from NYC, it’s not just about the destination with the journey taking in the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen State Park, the Hudson Valley and the Adirondack Mountains along the way. There’s plenty to see and do, and road trippers will often make a weekend of their visit, staying in one of the many hotels at or around the falls.
- Distance from NYC: 400 Miles (644km)
- Total Driving Time: 7 to 8 Hours
Montreal, Canada
Pack your passport for this cross-border trip to the heart of Quebec. Montreal is a fascinating city blending French and North American cultures. Known for its culinary scene, historic architecture, and year-round arts and music festivals, a visit to Montreal is a cosmopolitan experience.
Take time to explore Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and French-influenced architecture,
Explore Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and visit iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Basilica. The Old Port situated along the St.Lawrence River was a trading post for fur traders but has now been regenerated to create a lively district combining history with recreation. Adjacent to the Clock Tower you’ll find an urban beach, called the Plage de l’Horloge. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art are a haven for art lovers.
French-influenced food and drink make Montreal a foodie’s delight, and the mixture of Old World Charm with North American energy makes Montreal a fascinating city to explore.
- Distance from NYC: 330 Miles (531km)
- Total Driving Time: 5 to 6 Hours
Ready To Start Your Road Trip From NYC?
These are just a fraction of the amazing road trips from NYC that you could embark upon. With so much natural beauty, culture and history on its doorstep, New York is a great jumping-off point for a classic American road trip whatever your passion.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for your road trip adventure. With affordable prices and convenient pick-up, you can start planning your NYC road trip today!
