If you are looking at the calendar and starting to fret at the fact that summer’s starting to wind down, then now is the time to set up a fun day trip to enjoy the warm weather and longer nights all you can. There are plenty of places to get away from the city for the day, from glacial lakes upstate to waterpark fun and beach day escapes. Check out these places for a fun getaway from Queens for the day.
Cold Spring Harbor | 95 Harbor Rd., Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Cold Spring Harbor is beautiful, idyllic and historic, dating back to the 1600s. The seaside town offers a lot to pack into a day’s visit. Its state park offers hiking trails from beginner to advanced levels, and there are tons of historic homes, museums and great restaurants for fresh seafood.
Del Vino Vineyards | 29 Norwood Rd., Northport, NY 11768
Del Vino Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard on Long Island’s Gold Coast. You can schedule a day of wine and food tasting, take a tour of their vineyard and beautiful property, which dates back to the 1800s, and bask in the beauty and serenity of the environment.
Green Lakes State Park | 7900 Green Lakes Rd., Fayetteville, NY 13066
Green Lakes State Park is a bit further from the city, so it might serve better as a weekend trip, but its glacial lakes with blue-green water are definitely worth the drive to experience for yourself. Spend the day at the lake, visit their golf course, go hiking or visit their nearby beach and rent a kayak or rowboat for the afternoon.
Old Westbury Gardens | 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY
Old Westbury Gardens is a 200-acre property, including a vast garden with lakes, woodland and more, set beside a mansion that has existed for over a century. You can spend a day there touring the garden and the mansion either on your own or on a guided group tour, and you can also stop by their café for lunch or refreshments.
Mountain Creek Water Park | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
Mountain Creek is a perfect summer day trip. It has a full waterpark, perfect for all ages, a bike park and even a zip line. They even offer a waterpark after-dark event to continue the fun 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 property built in 1838 and located right on the Hudson River. The estate offers guided tours, including the classic mansion tour featuring the first and second floors, an option to explore the upstairs portion or a tour of the landscape. You can even get a grounds pass, which offers a beautiful and peaceful day on the property.
Fire Island | Fire Island, NY 11702
Take a drive out to Long Island and hop on the ferry for a fun day at the beach, away from the city sights and sounds. You can spend the day or weekend indulging in the serenity of the waves and the sand, then stop by one of their 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 their movie nights and sip-and-paint events or just stop by for the day to enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious food and hard cider. This day trip is family-friendly or great for a fun day with friends.
*This story first published in the August issue of BORO Magazine.
