Best Road Trips From New York

Sasha Yanshin
Sasha Yanshin – Founder & Lead Driver
If you live in New York or just visiting the big Apple, it is an amazing place to get out and about and explore the northeast corner of the United States. Surprisingly close to many of America's most famous cities and neighbor States, it's the ideal base for a road trip.

Top Road Trip Destinations From New York

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Nobody paid for a spot on this list. These rankings are based purely on our own miles driven, mistakes made, and vibes experienced.
The rolling hills of the Catskills around Pepacton Reservoir at sunset in upstate New York

🚗 230 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Escape from New York to the tranquil Catskills, where you can enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and the beauty of the mountainous region. If you want to lose yourself in natural vistas (without actually getting lost; that's what we are here for after all!), visit via Callicoon.

This route weaves through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap, the artistic town of Narrowsburg, and the charming community of Callicoon, providing a glimpse of the Delaware River and a taste of the local culture..

Capitol building in the background with close-up of colorful tulips on a sunny day

🚗 225 miles ⏱️ 4 hours

Travel from New York to Washington DC to explore the nation's capital, steeped in history and politics, with countless museums and monuments including iconic Lincoln Memorial and the White House.

Make a pitstop in the incredible city of Philadelphia, a great option for a first overnight stop. Once you leave you can expect scenic stop offs at Maryland and exciting city of Baltimore, with its gorgeous harbor and renowned seafood.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset Acadia National Park, Maine USA

🚗 480 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Embark on a scenic drive from New York to Acadia National Park, and you can enjoy picturesque views, charming towns, and the rugged beauty of one of the nation's most beloved national parks.

Make this journey coastal bound and you can enjoy the Maine shoreline, offering rugged beaches and port towns en route. We suggest stopping at popular Portland and nearby Cape Elizabeth, in this beautiful part of Maine.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA downtown city skyline at night.

4. Philadelphia

🚗 95 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

Take a short trip from New York to Philadelphia to discover the rich heritage, with renowned landmarks including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Worked up an appetite? Then don't leave without trying the legendary Philly cheese steak.

Keuka Lake, The Finger Lakes, New York, USA surrounded by green trees during the summertime.

🚗 280 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 20 minutes

Explore the serene Finger Lakes region from New York, famous for its wine country, stunning lakes, and beautiful landscapes. If you feel like relaxing in the vineyards then this is a great journey, where you can enjoy the world's tastiest wines along the way.

As well as enjoying a tipple or two, there are natural gems like Watkins Glen State Park as well as the pretty shores of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes to enjoy en route.

Chicago River

🚗 950 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

Journey from New York to Chicago and it's a road trip packed with a real urban vibe and plenty of cultural landmarks throughout two of America's largest cities.

Fall colors on a pond in the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania

7. Poconos Mountains

🚗 122 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 15 minutes

Escape New York for a retreat to The Poconos Mountains, a road trip to somewhere slightly more scenic and outdoorsy and just the antidote to the bustling city crowds.

Montreal, Canada with the city skyline in the background and a yacht in the foreground in the Lachine Canal taken on a sunny day.

🚗 418 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 55 minutes

Explore the cultural and scenic highlights from New York to Montreal, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and rich French-Canadian culture of Montreal.

Saratoga Springs, NY, USA with a view of a picnic area by a brook at the Saratoga Spa State Park.

🚗 270 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 50 minutes

Take a scenic drive from New York to Saratoga Springs, a historic town known for its horse racing track, mineral springs, and charming downtown.

We recommend stopping off as you reach the heart of the Catskill Mountains at Sundown Wild Forest. Here there are lush forests, rugged terrains, and ideal for hiking and camping.

Fishing Pier at Sunrise at Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Virginia Beach, a coastal city in southeastern Virginia, lies where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.

🚗 420 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Drive with the wind in your hair from New York to Virginia Beach, enjoying the scenic coastal views and beachfront attractions along the Eastern Seaboard.

The perfect place for some grown-up fun is a stop at Atlantic City, where stunning beaches also greet you. Not enough? Then continue south and you'll also pass Ocean City for even more amusement.

A wild horse grazing at sunset in front of a marsh on Chincoteague Island

11. Chincoteague Island

🚗 274 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Travel from New York to Chincoteague Island for a peaceful getaway, famous for its wild ponies and beautiful natural reserves ideal for bird watching and relaxing by the sea.

Just before arriving at Chincoteague Island make a final stop at Redden State Forest, a stunning nature spot with trails for hiking and horseback riding.

The main gateway entrance to Hersheypark, a family theme park situated in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

12. Hershey

🚗 162 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Head from New York to Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Sweetest Place on Earth, a dream weekend getaway for those with a sweet tooth! Make sure to visit the Chocolate World factory-shop to make your own chocolate bar as a souvenir.

En route to Hershey the towns of Bethlehem, to wander the historic steel mills, and then Allentown, packed with museums, parks, and the famous Dorney Park, are both worth a visit.

People kayaking on a sunny day with a view of Toronto near the Toronto Islands

🚗 500 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Drive from New York to Toronto and you can expect a winding route brimming with beautiful landscapes, as you head to one of Canada's largest and most vibrant cities.

If you are more interested in visiting the cities of upstate New York then make this trip via Syracuse, where you'll also pass famous sites including Erie Canal Museum and the historic city of Rochester.

Boston skyline in sunny summer day, view from harbor on downtown, Massachusetts, USA

🚗 360 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 35 minutes

Explore the scenic coastal route from New York to Boston, enjoying stunning views and the rich history of the American Northeast.

As you pass alongside the coast one of the first stops past New Haven is Nehantic State Forest. Cape Cod is also a great place to hang out, and if you have the time then catch a ferry over to Martha's Vineyard for a browse and a paddle.

Aerial image captured in Buffalo New York, boats docked in a marina with the city's skyline in the background

🚗 390 miles ⏱️ 7 hours

Travel from New York through the scenic Finger Lakes region to Buffalo, a gateway to Niagara Falls and a city known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.

Along this route you'll get to admire the stunning scenery, and drive through charming towns such as Callicoon, found in pretty Sullivan County, and through upstate New York to Ithaca, home to waterfalls, parks, and a lively arts scene.

Aerial view of Hampton Beach, with sandy coastline dotted with sunbathers

🚗 100 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Enjoy a quick getaway from New York to the Hamptons, where you can relax on beautiful beaches, shop in the luxury boutiques, and indulge in gourmet dining.

Just before you arrive at the Hamptons make a stop at Southampton, where you can visit the interesting Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum to learn more about the history, traditions, and art of the native Shinnecock people.

Quebec City, Canada taken as a panoramic view of Quebec City skyline with Saint Lawrence river at sunset.

🚗 640 miles ⏱️ 12 hours

Embark on a journey from New York to Quebec City and you can enjoy the unique charm and historical beauty of one of North America's oldest cities.

Sleepy Hollow lighthouse, in New York State's Hudson Valley, viewed at sunset

18. Hudson Valley

🚗 103 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 55 minutes

Explore the scenic beauty of the Hudson Valley. Just outside of New York, Hudson Valley is as leafy and lovely as it is handily close - and a road trip is the simplest way to tour it.

Make your first stop along the way the village of Nyack, a laid-back town full of quaint old houses, cool boutiques and art galleries. A great place to park up and grab a coffee.

A ski run through snow-covered trees in Killington, Vermont.

19. Vermont

🚗 255 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 45 minutes

Drive from New York to Killington, Vermont, to enjoy its world-class ski resorts and stunning mountain scenery. With over 150 runs; the 28 easy slopes are more than enough for any beginner, while an impressive 65 advanced-expert trails!

Asheville, North Carolina, downtown skyline at dusk with mountains and fog in the background

🚗 790 miles ⏱️ 15 hours

Travel from New York to Asheville and you are in for a treat. Discover Asheville's vibrant arts scene and historic architecture nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.

Heading along this scenic route allows stops at White Oak Flats Overlook and the Great Valley Overlook to truly experience the beauty that the Blue Ridge Parkway has to offer. Blowing Rock is also a great overnight stop with beautiful scenery.

Camden Hills State Park, Maine in autumn with a view of the harbour from the summit of Mount Battie in the foreground against a blue sky and the sea in the distance.

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Experience the rugged beauty and serene landscapes of Maine by driving from New York, exploring its picturesque coastlines and remote wilderness areas.

We suggest stopping over for a few hours or overnight at New Haven en route. This coastal city also has famous Yale University to visit, as well as museums and Art Gallery.

Rochester, New York, USA with the city skyline of Rochester, New York along Genesee River at sunset.

🚗 410 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 10 minutes

Travel from New York to Rochester and a lively city will greet you, best known for its rich history in photography and optics.

Before reaching the city take some time out visiting Catskill, known for the Catskill Mountains a must-visit for those looking for outdoor fun. Be sure to visit the Catskill Mountain State Park while you're there.

The Steel Pier at Atlantic City, New Jersey.

23. Atlantic City

🚗 127 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 15 minutes

Take a quick trip from New York to Atlantic City to enjoy its famous boardwalk, casinos, and beaches. It's a perfect getaway for entertainment and relaxation by the sea. And is sometimes referred to as the Vegas of the east coast.

Head on a short detour to Lake Absegami, near Little Egg Harbor Township if you have an afternoon free for some swimming and boating action.

Aerial view of Greenport, including the extensive marina and boats

24. Greenport

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Escape from New York to Greenport on Long Island, known for its charming maritime atmosphere, vineyards, and oyster bars. You're in for a peaceful escape bursting with local flavor.

If you are a history fan, then about midway pay a visit to Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site at Huntington Station.

Boathouse surrounded by autumn trees, reflecting in Echo Lake, in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

25. The White Mountains

🚗 326 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 25 minutes

Drive from New York to Franconia, New Hampshire, to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the White Mountains, including Franconia Notch State Park. There are plenty of hiking trails and cycle routes set amidst thick forest, gorges and waterfalls.

Cross-Country & Long-Haul Routes

If you want to go on a seriously long drive instead, check out my guide to cross-country road trips from New York, including routes to Los Angeles, Texas, and Florida.

Sasha Yanshin – Founder & Lead Driver

Sasha Yanshin has spent the last 15+ years mapping and driving thousands of miles across Europe and the US. As the Founder and Lead Driver of Lazytrips, he brings an analytical approach to road-tripping, sharing meticulously tested routes, realistic drive times, and the hard-earned logistical reality of the open road.

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