27 Fun & Easy Winter Day Trips from NYC 

Winter in New York City is full of exciting things to do, but sometimes we also need a break from our city living. From NYC, you can easily embark on several day trips ranging from 30 minutes to a few hour’s train or car ride to some winter wonderland getaways. From small towns in the Catskills to the outdoor wonders in Pennsylvania, here are some of my favorite winter day trips from NYC. 

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Transportation Tips Out of NYC 

• TRAINS: Many of these destinations are accessible via Metro North, Amtrak, LIRR, or NJ Transit trains. This is my favorite way to do a getaway from NYC.
• BUSES: The biggest drawback to buses is the traffic and slower pace. But buses are great for smaller towns that are far from the train lines. Here are a few bus companies leaving out NYC:
  • Trailways: Great for small towns in Upstate New York like New Paltz, Woodstock, or other towns in the Catskills. 
  • Megabus: Megabus travels around the country, including larger cities like Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C., and is cheaper than taking the Amtrak train to these places.
  • Greyhound: These buses typically only go to larger cities but check the map to see if your day trip is on the route. 
  • Martz Bus: Offers rides to parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and even Florida. 
• CAR RENTAL: Driving is typically the best way to get around upstate New York and to have the most control over your trip. You don’t have to stick to a strict schedule and can be more spontaneous. Discover Cars, Budget, and Enterprise are popular in New York. Consider renting it from North White Plains (arriving there by Metro North train), so it’s cheaper and you don’t have to deal with the traffic getting back into the city.

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Winter Day Trips from NYC 

1. Wolf Watch Tour at Lakota Wolf Preserve 

You can explore some of the most majestic creatures of the forest on an educational Wolf Watch Tour at Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, New Jersey. All tours are led by the owners who have raised and cared for the wolves, with four different packs to view. A shuttle is available from the parking area, and you’ll also get to see bobcats, lynxes, and foxes. Photographs are encouraged, and all tours last about 75 minutes. Reservations are required. 

• Location: Columbia, New Jersey 
• Cost: $15 for adults; $7 for children 
• Distance: 1.5 hours from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Bus (Martzbus)

2. Long Island Seal and Whale Watching Cruise

Enjoy viewing winter-loving seals from a heated cabin on a Long Island Watch Cruise. New York harbor seal boats leave from Freeport, Long Island, aboard The Captain Lou Fleet and last about two hours. A naturalist on the cruise will teach you all about the seals, share fun facts and explain the behavior of the seals and other wildlife you encounter (including the possible whale sighting!) The onboard galley serves food, drinks, hot cocoa, coffee, and more. You can use a promo code of SEAL10 to get $10 off each ticket. Make sure to dress warmly to view the animals from the deck. 

• Location: Freeport, Long Island 
• Cost: $39 for adults; $34 for children and seniors 
• Distance: 1 hour 15 mins from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Train (LIRR)

3. Belleayre Mountain Tour (Transportation from NYC)

This guided tour from NYC takes you to the highest point in the Catskills. Belleayre has 63 trails ranging in difficulty levels and 9.2km of cross-country trails. The basic package includes a lift ticket and return transport from NYC to Belleayre Mountain. But you can also upgrade the package to include ski/snowboard rentals if you need to hire equipment. And if you’re new to skiing/snowboarding, definitely book the Learnt-Ski/Ride package for a 60-minute lesson. Book your skiing/snowboarding package here.

4. Beacon, New York 

Beacon is one of our favorite places to visit and makes for a great day trip from NYC. The Dia Beacon is a huge draw for visitors (within walking distance of the train station), full of contemporary art to explore, and built in the old Nabisco Factory. This is a great town to shop, with amazing boutiques such as the Last Outpost Store (Beacon and NY paraphernalia) and Hyperbole for artisan crafts and clothes. I highly recommend stopping at Hudson Beach Glass, one of my favorite stores in the world, with a beautiful studio and store built within a restored firehouse. If you love to brewery hop, Beacon is the perfect place to have a few drinks and safely hop on the train home; try Hudson Valley Brewery, Two Way Brewing Company, and Draught Industries, all close by. 

• Location: New Paltz, NY 
• Distance: 1hr 30 minutes from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Train (Metro North)

5. Mountain Creek Tour (Departing from NYC)

Don’t have a car? Then book this guided tour to Mountain Creek, which departs from NYC. This is perfect for either seasoned skiers or beginners because the resort offers four mountain peaks and 46 trails/slopes for all levels. If you’re new to skiing/snowboarding, I highly recommend the 60-minute beginner lesson package. Book your tour package here.

6. Mohonk Mountain House

Purchase a Day Pass to the Mohonk Mountain House for a fun day trip from NYC in the winter. Mohonk Mountain is nestled in the cute mountain town of New Paltz at the base of the Shawangunk Mountain Range. A day pass includes services from the Spa at Mohonk, fine dining, hiking trails, and outdoor activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, microspikes, and cross-country skis. You can also purchase a Winter Sports Pass that just includes outdoor activities. This is one of the best weekend winter getaways from NYC if you have more time, with all-inclusive meals and activities included in your lodging rate. 

• Location: New Paltz, NY 
• Distance: 2hr from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Bus to New Paltz, with 15-minute taxi ride to Mohonk

7. Go Ice Climbing with Alpine Endeavors 

Ice climbing is the perfect winter activity for thrill seekers and those who miss rock climbing in the colder months. Through Alpine Endeavors, you can join a guided ice climb in the Shawangunks, Catskills, or Adirondacks Mountain regions. Climbs are operated on a 4:1 ratio of climbers to guides (6:1 under special circumstances) to ensure everyone’s safety, and rental equipment is available. Ice climbing season runs from November through mid-April and is very weather dependent. If climbing is too advanced for you, Alpine Endeavors also offers snowshoeing and guided hikes. 

• Location: Shawangunks, Catskills, and Adirondacks Regions (office in Rosendale, NY)
• Cost: Rates per group
• Distance: 1.5 hours from NYC (Shawangunks), 2 hours from NYC (Catskills) or 5 hours from NYC (Adirondacks)
• Transportation: Car, bus, train

8. Tannersville, Pennsylvania 

Tucked away in the Poconos, Tannersville is a great winter day trip, only 1 ½ hours from NYC. The village is home to Camelback Mountain Resort, an exciting ski location featuring skiing and snow tubing. Camelback also has an awesome indoor arcade and an indoor waterpark if you’d rather swim than ski. Outside of the resort, there’s a huge outlet mall to visit for some retail therapy and an indoor go-kart track open on the weekends only. Tannersville has an awesome antique store called the Olde Engine Works, with over 125 dealers selling antiques, vintage finds, and collectibles. 

• Location: Poconos Mountain Region 
• Distance: 1hr 30 minutes from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Bus with a 15-minute taxi ride 

9. Go on a Winter Hike 

Hiking will get you out and about during your winter slump while seeing some of the most breathtaking sights of New York State. There are plenty of easy trails near NYC that are still open for exploring. It’s best to go on a not-so-cold winter day to avoid your face freezing (above 32 degrees) and to always hike with a partner. In the winter, it’s also important to stay dry, wear gloves, hats, and winter boots, and always check the weather forecast before heading out. Crampons, spikes, and trekking poles can help avoid icy and slippery parts of the trail. 

• Silver Mine Loop Harriman State: This Hudson Valley hike is only 30 minutes from NYC in the gorgeous Harriman State Park. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails here, but the Silver Mine Loop is an easy hike up an abandoned ski area with amazing views at the end of Black Mountain. (3.8 miles, loop)
• Jockey Hollow Grand Loop: Set in Morristown, New Jersey, this trail lets you explore buildings dating back to the Revolutionary War. It’s well-marked for beginners and is part of the Morristown National Park. (7.4 miles, loop)
• Walkway Over the Hudson: The trail leading to the Walkway can be accessed from multiple points on the Dutchess Country Rail System (on the east and west sides of the river), depending on how far you want to go. Once you hit the bridge, You have stunning views of the Hudson River from 212 feet up. It’s the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, and you can at the start of the bridge for the shortest hike in Poughkeepsie or Highland. (1.28 miles bridge, out and back)
• Gorge Trail, Letchworth State Park: Considered one of the best hikes in upstate New York, this trail has three different waterfalls that look even more beautiful when frozen. The entire trail is really long, but you can drive along part of the trail to shorten the walk to your liking. (14 miles, out-and-back)
• Artist’s Rock Trail Loop: This is a short and easy hike by the Catskills in North-South Lake State. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to be outdoors and see the beautiful winter scenery of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Also great for cross-country skiing. (4.6 miles, loop).  
• Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway: A quiet hike in Croton-on-Hudson, only about an hour from NYC. There’s a beautiful bridge over the dam that’s perfect for hikers of all ages, with no mud or ice on the trail. (6.5 miles, out-and-back)

10. Jim Thorpe, Poconos, Pennsylvania

Jim Thorpe, PA (named after the famous American athlete) is a must-visit attraction offering both a charming small-town experience plus opportunities for outdoor mountain sports. The town itself is a European-style village once home to industrial millionaires with a ton of history to explore. The Mauch Chunk Museum has the largest collection of local history in the town, and the Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation features one of the most historically pertinent collections of abstract art in the country. You could spend all day exploring the shops downtown and dining at unique stops such as Broadway Grille and Pub located at the historic Inn. Jim Thorpe is also close to multiple slopes to ski and snowboard, including Camelback Mountain, Jack Frost Mountain, and Blue Mountain Resort, which also offers snow tubing. 

• Location: Jim Thorpe, PA
• Distance: 2 hours 15 minutes from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Bus 

11. Visit a New York Brewery 

Looking for a way to warm up from the winter cold on your day trip? Stop at a local brewery! New York breweries are some of the best in the country, and many offer winter brews to fit the season’s ambiance. No matter where you go, there will be at least one brewery to try. Here are just of few of my favorites: 

• Destination Unknown Brewing: One of our favorite breweries on Long Island with fantastic recipes. They’ve won several awards and have a cult-like following from locals, so you know they’re good! You can bring your own food in or pick from the weekly food trucks. (Bay Shore, Long Island)
• Captain Lawrence Brewing Company: The Mount Kisco Barrel House is the newest location opened by the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in a hip industrial setting. They brew a mix of seasonal IPAs, ales, lagers, NEIPA, and sours. The food truck offers a mix of comfort foods, from poutine fries to warm pretzels to wings and burgers. (Ossining, NY)
• West Kills Brewing: This gem is nestled in the heart of the Catskills and is a great place to soak in the local culture. The brewery is set on a 127-acre historic dairy farm, and they strive to use locally sourced ingredients in every brew: honey, maple syrup, cherries, and more. (West Kill, NY) 
• The Drowned Lands: Built in an old state school, this was one of the best Hudson Valley breweries to come out during the pandemic. The taproom is really cool, and they produce rustic beers like farmhouse ales and wheat pilsners. (Warwick, NY) 
• Crossroads Brewing Company: Another favorite brewery in the Catskills, this company has two locations: Catskill Taproom and Athens Brewpub. The taproom has serene views of the Catskill Creek with just drinks (you can bring your own food), and the brewpub is located in a renovated Opera House in Athens, serving a full menu. (Catskill Mountains)
• Hudson Ale Works: Open Friday through Sunday. They have a rotating list of options, some of which you can see being brewed in the barrels in the back through the glass walls. It’s a welcoming space with bartenders eager to help you choose options. One of our favorites is the Hazy Boi draft.

12. Visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Philadephia is still as busy as ever in the winter, and it’s only 2 hours away by train! Start your winter day trip off at Dilworth Park, where you can do some seasonal shopping, ice skate, and explore the lights of the Wintergarden. The Greenfield Lawn also has a winter garden full of twinkling lights and topiaries that create a magical sight white you try some wine at Chaddsford Winery. If you love ice sculpting, watch the masters at work at Chestnut Hills on Ice. While most mini golf courses are closed, the Chilly Philly is open during the winter in Franklin Square, along with Franklin’s Winter View, offering warm goods, a heated tent, and outdoor fire pits. For indoor fun, the Otherwold Philly is an unbelievably large-scale mixed reality playground with art installations from over 100 artists. You can also visit popular museums like the African American Museum, Museum of the American Revolution or the Please Touch Museum. 

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Distance: 2 hr from NYC by car and train
• Transportation: Car, bus, train

13. Snowtubing + Brewery Tour (Departing from NYC)

How about a more accessible winter activity from NYC? Snow tubing is an easy winter sport where you sit in a giant inflatable ring and slide down a snow slope. Perfect for families or winter outdoor newbies.

You could book this snow tubing tour, which picks you up from NYC and takes you to the Tubing Hill at Mountain Creek. Here, you’ll get to enjoy 2-hours of snow tubing and then you’ll visit a brewery, where you’ll get to sample local beer/cider and enjoy a dinner.

The tour includes transport to/from NYC, tube rental, dinner, and one 12oz beer/cider. Not bad! Book this tour here.

14. Hunter, New York 

Hunter, New York is one of the best places to visit during winter in NYC, especially for those who enjoy outdoor winter recreation. Hunter Mountain ski resort is the main draw in this area for winter sports, with tons of skiing and snowboarding trails and featuring a 1,600-foot vertical drop. The ski resort also has a snow-tubing hill nearly 1000 feet long, perfect for snow lovers of any ability. To warm up, try stopping for a craft beer at Hunter Mountain Brewery, with great drinks, music, and a full menu of warm comfort foods. To relax, book a spot at the Mountain Club Spa, using all-natural and locally sourced products to help you decompress after a busy day on the sloops. 

• Location: Catskill Mountain Region
• Distance: 2hr 40 minutes from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Ride from Comfort Ski Rides 

15. Minnewaska State Park Preserve 

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a stunning natural gem in the Hudson Valley, set on the ridge of Shawangunk Mountain. The park has many winter hiking opportunities, with chances to see frozen lakes and waterfalls. Snowshoe rentals are available for all ages ($14-15 a day), and you can bring your own cross-country skis for the trails. To warm up, stop at the visitor center (recently renovated) to learn more about local wildlife and the history of the area. Bring your own food and water, or you can grab a bite to eat down the mountain in the town of New Paltz.  

• Location: New Paltz, NY 
• Cost: $10 for parking (if you have a car) and separate fees for activities
• Distance: 2 hours from NYC 
• Transportation: Car and Bus to New Paltz (Port Authority) and 30-minute taxi ride  

16. Visit a Winery in Upstate NY or Long Island

There are over 400 wineries in New York State, many of which remain open all year round. A glass of wine (or two) with warm comfort food can be the perfect way to explore your foodie side in the winter. You can book a wine tasting or tour of wineries that are close together. Always plan ahead and take the train, bus, or taxi to stay safe. 

• Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard (Baiting Hollow, LI): A staple vineyard on Long Island for over 30 years. Very popular for winter wine tasting, producing exceptional wines from chemical-free crops. 
• Pindar Vineyards  (Peconic, LI): One of the best vineyards for winter winery visits because of their active schedules. They offer live music almost every night and have some of the most popular wines in the region.
• Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery (Rio Grande, NJ): Hawk Haven has indoor wine tastings seven days a week. There are two options: indoor seated tastings for 2 groups of 4 maximum and outdoor enclosed seating under a tent, offered on weekends only. 
• Saratoga Winery (Hudson Valley): This is a great winery for groups and families. They serve delicious wood-fired pizza, wine, and artisanal cheeses while hosting pop-up comedy, live music, and singing BINGO. 
• Brotherhood Winery (Catskills): Take a chance to visit the oldest winery in America! Brotherhood crafts premium wines from 200-year-old barrels, only about an hour from New York City. 

17. New Paltz, New York 

New Paltz is one of our favorite upstate small towns, with a cool artistic vibe and several restaurants. There are also cute shops and antique stores to browse and breweries worth exploring: Clemson Bros Brewery and Bacchus Brewing Company. If you drive up the mountain a bit, you are right by Minnewaska State Park and an excellent German restaurant called the Mountain Brauhouse.

This artistic and progressive town is a great base for several of the Hudson Valley’s most popular hikes and ice climbs: Lemon Squeeze and Eagle Cliff, Sams Point and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail, and Sky Top Trail (great for beginners). 

• Location: New Paltz, NY 
• Distance: 2 hours from NYC 
• Transportation: Car and Bus (Port Authority)  

18. Montauk, Long Island, NY

Montauk has been a popular town in pop culture, romanticized by movies such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and the HBO show The Affair. Serving as the furthest point on Long Island, the town really does sport beautiful beaches and can be a perfect winter getaway from the city. You can catch amazing ocean views at Montauk Lighthouse in the winter (although you can’t walk all the way up in winter). There are all-year-round suffering spots, if you’re brave, where you can book a lesson with Corey’s Wave. Bucks Skill Winter Club has an NHL regulation-sized open-air ice skating rink with public access and rentals available. Check out our Montauk day trip itinerary here.

• Location: Montauk, Long Island  
• Distance: 2 hours 45 mins from NYC 
• Transportation: Car and Train (LIRR) 

19. Niagara Falls Day Trip Tour

You won’t find frozen waterfalls at Niagara in the winter, but the glaciers that do freeze are a magnificent site. If you’re on a time crunch, consider this guided tour from NYC in a day. You sit back and enjoy ride as you’re taken to Niagara Falls on a guided tour.

Niagara Falls State Park in the winter is just as active as in the summer months. View the falls for a bit and then warm up at the World Changed Here Pavilion at the Cave of the Winds. You can learn about the history of the falls and the crazy stories of the people who have explored them.

If it’s warmer-ish, explore Goat Island to view the local wildlife that settles near the falls in the colder months. On colder days, explore the history of electricity at the Niagara Power Vista, art at the Castellani Art Museum, or shop around at the Fashion Outlets.

If you find too many things you want to do for a day trip, book a gorgeous boutique hotel in Niagara Falls. And from there, you can explore other cool towns in Western New York! 

• Location: Niagara Falls, NY
• Distance: 6.5 hours from NYC 
• Transportation: Driving only 

20. Garner Arts Center 

Garner Arts Center is a thriving arts neighborhood built in a repurposed 19th-century textile mill and just an hour from NYC. There are a variety of organizations and studios in this complex to explore, including art exhibitions in Building 35 highlighting collections from emerging and local artists. Outdoors, you can stroll by a waterfall on the southwest end of the complex and the Creekside Sculpture Trail, with the permanent Stonehead Expansion Project on display (look out for these beautiful stone heads throughout the surrounding neighborhoods as well!) Also on site are the Industrial Arts Brewing Company and the Hudson’s Mill Tavern. Before you start exploring, stop by Stack Street Coffee Roasters for a cup of locally roasted coffee to stay warm. 

• Location: Garnersville, NY
• Distance: 1 hour from NYC 
• Transportation: Car, Train (Amtrak) with 30-minute taxi ride, Bus

21. Cold Spring, NY 

Cold Spring is an adorable town on the Hudson River dating back to the 1730s. It’s full of history, antique stores, and cute shops, including Once Upon a Time Antique Shop and Archipelago at Home. The Magazzino Italian Art Museum is a short drive from downtown and dedicated to featuring beautiful postwar contemporary Italian Art (they also have Sardinian donkeys on site!) Grab a bite to eat at The Bird and Bottle Inn for a lively atmosphere with elegant/classic American dishes, or experiment with amazing Georgian food at Badageoni. 

• Location: Cold Spring, NY
• Distance: 2 hours from NYC 
• Transportation: Car, Train (Metro North) 

22. Windham, New York 

Windham is another premier outdoor recreation destination in New York, home to the Windham Mountain Resort. You can spend an entire day here skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snow tubing at the Mountain Tubing Park. Not into the snow? Visit Magic on Main, an intimate parlor magic show in a historic building on Main Street, or visit the contemporary art gallery and musical talents on display at the Windham Fine Arts. To warm up, sip a glass of wine at The Vineyard accompanied by a charcuterie board, or find some handcrafted gifts at the European Craft Store. 

• Location: Catskills Mountain Region 
• Distance: 2hr 45 minutes from NYC
• Transportation: Car or bus

23. Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park is a fantastic winter park located right off the Taconic State Parkway and down the road from the Appalachian Trail. This area is super lively in the winter, offering over 20 km of groomed ski trails for cross-country skiing and skating and a network of snowshoeing trails. Equipment rentals are available for all ages and abilities. There are also opportunities to sled and snow tube (rentals available for these activities too!) When you need to warm up, there is a heated indoor concession stand with hot food or an outdoor fire pit if you just need a quick break. 

• Location: Carmel, NY 
• Cost: Fees vary based on your activity and rental needs. Check prices here.
• Distance: 2hr 40 minutes from NYC
• Transportation: Car or Metro North to Garrison with a 20-minute taxi

24. Westport, Connecticut 

Just a one-hour drive from NYC, Westport, CT is a charming town along the Gold Coast off the estuary of the Long Island Sound. Its history dates back to 1648, and you can learn all about it at the Westport Museum for History & Culture headquarters. MoCA Westport is worth the visit, the town’s first official organization to celebrate art and visual performances. When the weather allows, take a stroll through the Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve and Christmas Tree Farm, a nature sanctuary on Sasco Creek Rd where you can cut a tree to bring it home or simply stroll and view local wildlife. The downtown has many shops and places to eat, designed to feel a little New England old school with a modern twist. 

• Location: Westport, CT
• Distance: 1 hour from NYC 
• Transportation: Car, Train, Bus 

25. Oyster Bay, Long Island

Oyster Bay is one of my favorite towns on Long Island, with deep roots and interesting historical sites. Sagamore Hill is a National Historic Site and the former home of Theodore Roosevelt and is open for guided tours throughout the year. The Planting Fields Arboretum is another state historic park with world-class horticultural and art collections in grand glass greenhouses. You can also add in the Nassau County Museum of Art and Raynham Hall Museum for a full day of art and culture. Stop by the Oyster Bay Brewing Company in between attractions for a spectacular local craft beer. And best of all? Don’t miss lunch or dinner at 2 Spring. Yum!

• Location: Oyster Bay, NY
• Distance: 45 minutes from NYC 
• Transportation: Car or Train (LIRR) 

26. Saratoga Springs, New York

This is a little bit further than some New Yorkers want to go for a day trip, but if you don’t mind waking up early, it’s a cool town to visit. First, Saratoga Lake is one of the best lakes in upstate in NY, where you can walk on the frozen water when the temperatures are safe (also try Colby Lake). You can rent a snowmobile from Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, where they offer self-guided maps and VIP guides to take you around the trails. Don’t forget to stop for a bite of Spanish tapas at Boca Bistro or tour the local breweries like Druther’s Brewing Company on Broadway or Walt Whiteman on Lake Ave. Finish off your trip at the historic Rosevelt Baths and Spa, where they take the natural spring water the region is famous for and provide a unique mineral bath experience with 42 other relaxing treatments. 

• Location: Saratoga Springs, NY 
• Distance: 3.5 hours from NYC (by car)
• Transportation: Car or Train (Amtrak; but it’s longer)

27. Mystic, Connecticut 

Mystic is a quaint seaside town that welcomes visitors all year round. The historic downtown has scenic views of the ocean along the docks, with several shops and local eateries to walk to and from (some may still require masks). You can visit the Mystic Seaport Museum or the Old Mystick Village, with many unique gift shops and restaurants. I highly recommend stopping at Alice in the Village for bubble tea! If you love reading, venture to The Book Barn in Niantic, only 10 minutes from Mystick, to browse heated buildings of used books at amazing prices. 

• Location: Mystic, NY
• Distance: 2 hours and 25 minutes from NYC 
• Transportation: Car, Bus (Trailways) 

28. Tarrytown, New York 

Tarrytown is a cute tourist town right off the Metro North train. You can marvel at the Tappan Zee bridge and the NYC skyline by walking along the Tarrytown Riverwalk if the weather is fair. Stop at Ona (a gift shop and art gallery in one) for some uncommon and truly unique handmade gifts. I highly recommend tasting some Cantonese food at Goosefeather, serving so many warm dishes. You’ll also find yourself right near the town Sleepy Hollow, considered one of the most haunted places in the world! Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow share a fun annual Winter Stroll held in December to kick off the holiday season. 

• Location: Tarrytown, NY 
• Distance: 45 minutes from NYC (by car), 
• Transportation: Car and Train (Metro North)

29. Storm King Art Center 

Storm King Arts Center gives you the opportunity to take in the beauty of winter in upstate New York while enjoying contemporary art sculptures. Storm King has one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country. The garden is only open on the weekends in the winter and requires a reservation to visit. Try to visit this attraction on a warmer winter day, as it is all outdoors. There is a Museum Building with an indoor gallery if you need to warm up a bit and a pop-up café. This is one of our top favorite museums in Upstate New York. 

• Location: New Windsor, NY 
• Cost: Per Car ($30 one person, $40 two people, $55 three people) 
• Distance: 1.5 hours from NYC 
• Transportation: Car and Train (NJ Transit) with a short taxi ride 

30. Hudson, New York 

If you’re looking for day trip to soak up some art and culture, Hudson, NY is perfect. This town has a thriving art community and was initially settled by whalers in the 18th century. Beautiful Victorian-style houses and brick buildings line Warren Street with an array of boutique stores and coffee bars and unique shops like the Spotty Dog Books & Ale–books, ale, wine, and small bites! Explore the history of the area and some one-of-a-kind pieces of art at the Olana State Historic Site, the former home of artist Frederic Church. You can also browse the FASY Museum of Firefighting, celebrating 300 years of heroes. 

• Location: Hudson, NY 
• Distance: 2 hours from NYC 
• Transportation: Car and Train (Amtrak) 

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