NEWSLETTER
You may be surprised at how easy it is to get to the nearby regions of the Hudson Valley and Long Island from New York City, even if you don’t have access to a car. We’ve got some easy day trips (or weekend getaways) on the train to show you a whole new New York than you may be used to, from beautiful beaches to marvelous mountains. With gorgeous scenery outside the window and no worries about driving or parking, everyone in the family can enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Credit: @sgm_photography on Instagram.
This article was originally published on 05/07/2019 and last updated on 07/30/2026.
Explore the Nyack Home of an Iconic American Artist
Step into the world of one of America’s most iconic artists with a visit to the Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center, just 25 miles from New York City in the charming riverfront village of Nyack. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hopper's birthplace and childhood home offers an intimate look at the early life and inspirations of the famed realist painter and features exhibitions of 20th century and contemporary art, with early Hopper work, memorabilia, and rotating exhibits relating to the artist. Keep an eye on the calendar for special events like Family Art Days and the annual Hopper's Birthday Weekend.
Take a 10 minute walk from the Hopper House to wander Nyack's vibrant Main Street lined with boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes. Foodies flock to Nyack for its growing international restaurant scene. Enjoy flavor-rich Filipino cuisine and warm service at Karenderya, which was named one of the top 20 new restaurants in the United States by Esquire in 2018, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Patisserie Didier Dumas. On Thursdays, shop for goods at the local farmer's market. Main Street also plays host to fun, family-friendly annual festivals, like the SpringFest Street Fair, Exotic Car Night, and Halloween Parade. Hop in a cab to take in scenic Hudson River views from Nyack Beach State Park.
How to get there: Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Tarrytown Station, where a connecting Hudson Link bus will take you to the Nyack Artopee Way and Franklin Street stop, an 8 minute walk from the Edward Hopper House.
Catch Sun Rays on Long Island
Less than an hour from Manhattan, discover Long Beach’s white sands, ocean swimming, iconic 2.2-mile boardwalk, and fun festivals. Long Island’s first barrier island east of NYC, it’s easy to reach by train and a favorite spot for families. No need to lug your gear on the train—rentals of beach chairs and umbrellas are available. You can also learn to ride the waves with Skudin Surf, grab lunch on the boardwalk at the surf-themed Riptides 11561 or cool off with some soft serve and milkshakes at Marvel. There's even a playground off the boardwalk for kids to enjoy.
Hit the town to explore Long Beach’s restaurants, shops, and events including farmer’s markets and weekly Arts in the Plaza handcrafted art market featuring live music. The City of Long Beach bus makes it easy to get around and it’s free!
How to get there: Ride the LIRR to Long Beach station and take a short walk to the beach.
Get Artsy in Beacon
Credit: @heatherripleyart on Instagram
Discover a contemporary art haven at Dia Beacon, a must-visit destination for modern art lovers. Housed in a former Nabisco box printing factory along the Hudson River, this expansive museum showcases striking large-scale works from the 1960's to the present by renowned artists like Richard Serra, Andy Warhol, and Agnes Martin. With its soaring ceilings and natural light-filled galleries, Dia Beacon offers an immersive experience unlike any other.
After exploring the museum, take time to wander through the charming town of Beacon. Stroll down Main Street, popping into art galleries and clothing boutiques, or treat yourself to a sweet treat at Glazed Over Donuts, six-time winner of Hudson Valley’s Best Donuts. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic walks along the riverfront at Hudson’s Long Dock Park or take on the challenge of hiking Mount Beacon for breathtaking views stretching to the Catskills. Check out our guide 48 Hours in Beacon for more inspiration!
How to get there: Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Beacon Station. From there, it's a 8-10 minute walk to Dia Beacon or hop on the Beacon Free Loop bus, which runs Monday through Saturday, to hit up major stops across town.
Splish and Splash on Long Island
Splish Splash, one of the Travel Channel’s favorite water parks for families, features 96 acres of water slides, rides, and attractions, plus food courts, picnic areas, and shops. Thrill seekers will have a blast venturing through wild rides and slides at every turn, like the unique hydromagnetic water coaster and Riptide Racer. For easygoing fun, there’s a lazy river, refreshing wave pools, and playful kiddy zones like Pirates Cove and Octopus Pool. Pack a towel and sunblock and you’re good to go!
Consider taking a cab to explore the fascinating Long Island Aquarium, just five miles east in Riverhead. A host of kid-friendly places to stay include the waterfront Hyatt Place LI/East End, right next door to the Aquarium. Directly behind the Hyatt, Treasure Cove Resort Marina rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards for easy gliding on a gentle stretch of the Peconic River. The hotel also provides free shuttle service to many nearby attractions including beautiful Ponquogue Beach, one of the Hamptons’ most popular beaches, with a snack bar, pavilion, changing rooms, and free admission (parking fees only).
How to get there: Take Long Island Railroad to Riverhead (about 2.5 hour ride). Taxi service is available at the station. You can also take the Hampton Jitney bus to Calverton and take a taxi or rideshare to get you to Splish Splash.
Play Your Heart Out at Playland Amusement Park in Rye
Catch a train to Rye in the Hudson Valley, where Playland has everything you need for a perfect day trip. On the shores of the Long Island Sound, this well-maintained 1928 landmark defines one-stop fun with a beach, pool, boardwalk, fishing pier, an ice rink open all year long, and 50 rides. Thrills for kids of all ages range from Kiddyland’s colorful carousel to the soaring Sky Flyer, and original wooden Dragon Coaster with a 128-foot plunge.
Sit down to tasty meals in the waterside restaurant or indulge in the concession stand classics, from burgers to funnel cakes and cotton candy. Family entertainment includes the Fountain Plaza show, face painting, and fireworks.
How to get there: Take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Rye Station. The No. 75 bus near the train station will take you to Playland (MetroCard or OMNY: $5.80 round-trip).
Experience a Car-Free Oasis on Fire Island
Credit: @rjwphoto on Instagram
When it comes to Fire Island, the journey is just as fun as the destination. First you board a train, quick taxi ride, and then a ferry to reach this 32-mile barrier island, that is 100-percent car-free, which adds to the stress-free nature of this beachy escape. Choose your own adventure: families will love Ocean Beach for its pristine lifeguarded beachfront, walkable downtown packed with shops and fresh seafood restaurants, and waterfront playground. You can also take a water taxi over to the Fire Island Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top for incredible views of Fire Island and on a clear day, the New York City skyline. You can also opt to visit Sailors Haven to explore the Sunken Forest, a rare maritime holly forest.
How to get there: If heading to Ocean Beach, take the Long Island Railroad from Manhattan’s Penn Station or Grand Central to Bay Shore Station, then a taxi to the Fire Island Ferries terminal to board a ferry to your destination. If heading to Sunken Forest, take the LIRR to Sayville Station, then a taxi to the Sayville Ferry terminal to board a ferry to your Sailors Haven.
Meet Art and Nature at Storm King Art Center
A perfect mix of art and nature, Storm King Art Center is one of the world's leading sculpture parks. On 500 scenic acres, the ever-changing landscape and sky create a dramatic backdrop for a collection of more than 100 large-scale sculptures. Families can enjoy time discovering art together in the great outdoors, where kids can roam, run, play, and explore the meadows, rolling hills, and woodlands. The splendid scenery is Instagram gold. Onsite find an outdoor café, bike rentals, accessible trams, free tours, and seasonal family and music events. Bring comfy shoes, a picnic lunch, and bug repellent.
How to get there: Coach USA’s Storm King Art Center bus packages go directly from the ShortLine Terminal at Port Authority and drop you off on-property. Packages include round-trip bus transportation and admission to Storm King.
As an alternative, you can take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Salisbury Mills Cornwall (about 1 hour 30 minutes), just three miles from Storm King by taxi, or take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Beacon. Before you travel, reserve a taxi or Uber for the 12.7-mile (25-minute) drive to Storm King Art Center, in New Windsor across the Hudson River.
Be Inspired in the Hudson Valley
Experience the Hudson Valley’s spectacular beauty from the Walkway Over the Hudson. The longest pedestrian bridge in the world, this marvel of adaptive-use architecture stretches 1.28 miles across the river, presenting thrilling vistas every step of the way. As you stroll 212 feet above the Hudson, it feels like you’re floating on air! From the Poughkeepsie train station, it’s about ¾ of a mile to the walkway entrance. Near the east entrance, you can explore the hands-on Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and Poughkeepsie’s Little Italy, staying true to its roots with festivals and eateries serving authentic dishes, deli, and pastries.
To see how people who made history lived, visit nearby Hyde Park’s national historic sites: Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, Top Cottage, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill, and the magnificent Vanderbilt Mansion. Walk the scenic grounds and stop to smell the roses in lovely gardens. Admission is free for kids through age 15. Of course, with so much to see and do, you may want to stay longer. Local hotels include the kid-friendly Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie, offering amenities like a pool and free breakfast. Shared ride services serve the area, and taxis wait at the station for arriving trains.
How to get there: Travel to Poughkeepsie via Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal (about 1 hour 50 minutes) or Amtrak from Penn Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Taxi service is available at the station and Dutchess County Public Transit operates a Poughkeepsie to Tivoli Route bus route with a limited schedule with stops that are about a 15 minute walk to the FDR site and Vanderbilt Mansion.
Discover a Local Legend
The Headless Horseman is ready to ride in Sleepy Hollow, the “Capital of Halloween”! Gather your courage and take a quick trip to Sleepy Hollow and nearby Tarrytown in Westchester County, where Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes to life. Just short of a mile from the Philipse Manor station, explore the historic 17th-century Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground, a key setting in the tale and the final resting place of local figures who may have inspired its unforgettable characters. Just across the way, stroll through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (pictured), where Irving himself is buried alongside luminaries like Elizabeth Arden, Andrew Carnegie, members of the Astor and Rockefeller families, and the children of Alexander Hamilton.
In autumn, families can delight in a season full of one-of-a-kind events and tours at Historic Hudson Valley homes such as Philipsburg Manor. See where the Legend of Sleepy Hollow began with a dramatic performance of the classic tale in author Washington Irving’s storybook home or explore dazzling displays at Van Cortlandt Manor’s wildly popular Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Get tickets in advance; they sell out fast. See Historic Hudson Valley for more events and check out our guide to a Fall Weekend in Sleepy Hollow for even more ideas. Tarrytown's Main Street is your best bet for food.
How to get there: Your best bet is to take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Tarrytown Station (35–45 minutes), and call ahead for a taxi ride to your destination of choice. Metro-North's Philipse Manor station puts you less then a mile-walk from Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and Philipsburg Manor, but the train doesn't always stop there. To go directly to Van Cortlandt Manor (11 miles from Sunnyside), take Metro-North to Croton-Harmon (50–70 minutes); taxis meet most trains at the station.
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