If you’re looking at the calendar and worrying that summer is winding down, now is the time to plan a fun day trip to make the most of the warm weather and longer nights. There are plenty of places to escape the city for a day, from glacial lakes in the north of the state to water parks to day trips to the beach. Check out these places for a fun day trip from Queens.
Cold Spring Harbor | 95 Harbor Rd., Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Cold Spring Harbor is beautiful, quaint and historic, with a history dating back to the 17th century. The coastal town offers plenty for a day trip. The state park offers hiking trails for beginners and advanced hikers, and there are plenty of historic homes, museums and great restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Del Vino Winery | 29 Norwood Rd., Northport, NY 11768
Del Vino Vineyards is a family-owned winery located on Long Island’s Gold Coast. You can plan a day of wine and food tasting, take a tour of the vineyard and beautiful 19th century property, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
Green Lakes State Park | 7900 Green Lakes Rd., Fayetteville, NY 13066
Green Lakes State Park is a little further from the city, making it more of a weekend getaway, but the glacial lakes with their blue-green waters are definitely worth the drive to experience for yourself. Spend the day at the lake, visit the golf course, go hiking, or visit the nearby beach and rent a kayak or rowboat for the afternoon.
Old Gardens of Westbury | 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY
Old Westbury Gardens is a 200-acre estate with a huge garden of lakes, woodland and more, next to a manor house that has stood for over a century. You can spend a day there and explore the garden and manor house either on your own or as part of a guided group tour. You can also have lunch or refreshments in the cafe.
Mountain Creek Water Park | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
Mountain Creek is a perfect summer day trip. There’s a water park for all ages, a bike park, and even a zip line. There’s even an after-dark water park event so the fun continues into the evening. Bring family and friends and enjoy this classic summer activity.
Lyndhurst Mansion | 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Spend the day touring the Lyndhurst Mansion, a 67-acre estate built in 1838 right on the Hudson River. The estate offers tours including the classic mansion tour with the first and second floors, an option to explore the upstairs portion, or a tour of the countryside. You can even purchase a grounds pass that offers a beautiful and peaceful day on the estate.
Fire Island | Fire Island, NY 11702
Head to Long Island and take the ferry for a fun day at the beach, far from the sights and noise of the city. You can spend the day or weekend enjoying the tranquility of the waves and sand, then stop by one of the local restaurants for dinner.
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard | 130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem, NY 10560
In the summer, you can visit Harvest Moon for peach picking, check out the movie nights and sip-and-paint events, or just stop by for a day to enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and apple cider. This day trip is family-friendly or ideal for a fun day with friends.
*This story first appeared in the August issue of BORO Magazine.
