13 lovely day trips in New York City

__NEW TEXT__
Bear Mountain State Park is an ideal destination to escape the bustling city life of New York and enjoy a day filled with various outdoor activities. Visitors can opt for a peaceful picnic in the summer, or take up ice-skating during the winter months. For those looking to extend their stay, overnight options are available in cozy lakeside cabins, allowing more time to explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails spanning over 200 miles.

Recreational water activities are also popular at Hessian Lake, where visitors can go canoeing or paddle boating. The Trailside Zoo is another attraction worth visiting, showcasing rehabilitated wild animals. Bear Mountain State Park and Spa truly offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, featuring a spa and numerous trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Despite the cold waiting room at the spa, the overall experience remains remarkably positive, leaving visitors eager to plan their return visit.

__NEW TEXT__
Mohonk Preserve is a fantastic spot for nature lovers, located just a short distance from New York City. Offering a variety of hiking trails, the Millbrook Ridge Trail is a standout, providing stunning views of the Hudson Valley Farmlands. In addition to hiking, the preserve also boasts world-class rock climbing cliffs and well-maintained carriage roads for biking. During foliage season, it gets quite popular, so it's a good idea to arrive early.

Besides hiking, biking, and rock climbing, Mohonk Preserve offers an abundance of wild blueberries and huckleberries in July and is located near the town of New Paltz, which is home to many excellent food options. The park has a property fee of around $10 per person and offers both challenging rock scrambles and carriage trails for non-hikers. The property also shares a border with the Mohonk Resort, where the famous Labyrinth, Skytop, and Mohonk Mountain House can be found. This is where Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Broderick filmed 'The Road to Wellville.' The resort is just a 15-20 minute drive from the town of New Paltz and the Culinary Institute of America, located in Hyde Park, NY, just on the other side of the Hudson River.

__NEW TEXT__
Upon arrival at the park, the gate staff member wasn't particularly welcoming, and the attendant in the Awosting parking lot did not provide clear directions to the appropriate parking area. The objective was to visit Minnewaska Lake beach, and after a lengthy, uphill walk of approximately a mile, the journey became quite strenuous, especially in the summer heat while carrying chairs, drinks, and lunch.

Despite the initial obstacles, the scenery and views at the park were truly breathtaking. A visit to Awosting Falls and Minnewaska Lake, with a detour to Kempton Ledge, offered spectacular views, making the trek worthwhile. The park's "carriage trails" are generously wide, making for an easy walk (or bike ride), with no challenging or treacherous areas. Overall, there is much to explore and discover at this beautiful park, with its stunning views and scenic routes.

__NEW TEXT__
Governors Island is an ideal destination for a day trip, providing a perfect blend of history, nature, and recreation. The island offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests. For history enthusiasts, there are historic forts and a rich past to explore. Meanwhile, nature lovers will enjoy the lush green spaces, gardens, and stunning views of New York Harbor. Visitors can also rent bikes and take advantage of the island's many bike paths, making it easy to get around and see everything the island has to offer.

The island's seasonal programming also adds to its appeal, as there's always something new to see and do. Whether it's outdoor art installations, live music, or food festivals, Governors Island offers a unique experience for every visitor. Additionally, the island is a great escape from the city's hustle and bustle, providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can have a picnic, enjoy the fresh air, and bask in the beauty of the island's surroundings. All in all, Governors Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable day trip.

__NEW TEXT__
A delightful and enlightening experience awaits at this open-air museum, which was enjoyed all the more on a sunny day in early April. The beautiful setting and fresh air provide an ideal backdrop to the impressive collection of artworks. It is highly recommended to visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the expansive grounds and take in all the exhibits at a leisurely pace.

The museum boasts a fantastic array of sculptures, including modern and abstract works. Visitors can opt to take a tram ride for a guided tour of some of the sculptures, or stretch their legs and explore the grounds on foot. Both methods offer unique perspectives and the opportunity to truly appreciate the intricacies of the artwork. No matter which mode of transportation is chosen, a visit to this museum is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience.

__NEW TEXT__
Stuart's Antique Farm is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities including hiking, walking, and riding the tram. The location provides breathtaking views of the Hudson River valley and the Catskills beyond, making it a truly memorable experience.

Although the name evokes a crowd bathed in tie-dye and a faint aroma of marijuana, Woodstock is not actually the site of the 1969 festival. (That was in Bethel, about two hours away.) Still, the city is a mix of retired hippies (one street is named after the late, great band member Levon Helm), artists, and city dwellers who feel the need to escape the metropolis on the weekends. Woodstock the opportunity to connect with nature thanks to Overlook Mountain and its diverse trails, as well as a healthy shopping scene with quaint local shops like Candlestock and Golden Notebook and its weekend flea market, delicious food that can be found in places like Silvia and The Mud Cub and drinks at Station Bar & Curio.

Fire Island is a beautiful barrier island off the south coast of Long Island. Rural, remote and still "wild," Fire Island is an adventurous day trip from New York for anyone who wants to escape the car horns and dodge the crowds. It is best known for its coastal preserve, Fire Island National Seashore. Fire Island is only accessible by car and takes an hour and a half to get there from downtown New York City.

This quaint fishing town on the North Fork of Long Island is a beautiful little getaway not far from the city. Once you've passed the dozens of vineyards, you'll come across small shops and restaurants, ice cream parlors, beautiful churches, and finally, a beautiful merry-go-round right on the water. While you're there, you'll want to stop at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market for beer and oysters, peruse vintage finds at The Times Vintage, and grab ice cream at Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream Shop. While you're on that road, be sure to stop at Lavender by the Bay in East Marion for fun among the purple flowers.

Known to tourists as "The End," the sleepy town of Hamptons on the eastern end of the South Fork offers some of the best surfing in the region. Rent a board (fiberglass, foam or epoxy) and wetsuit at the family-owned Air and Speed ​​Surf Shop. Drive your rig to Ditch Plains Beach for a lesson with local and professional instructor Corey Senese. Dry off and recharge at Ditch Witch, a beloved food truck offering breakfast burritos, addictive Asian sesame noodles, and Zen Blend iced green tea. Before heading home, join everyone in town at Montauket, a neighborhood joint where you can sip a pint of Blue Point toasty beer while watching the sun melt into the rolling horizon of Fort Pond Bay.

This underrated Long Island town feels like it's a world away from New York. Here you can visit the boardwalk/beach, enjoy water sports, shop, visit restaurants and more. But my favorite? Pirate's Cove (pictured above) – A beautiful sand dune formation with a beautiful beach area in the background.

The Hudson Highlands have lush landscapes, peaks and stunning hikes for all levels. Little Stony Point Loop offers a relaxed ride along a flat peninsula where you can dip into the Hudson River at the beach. Explore ancient ruins, including a ruined mansion and a defunct dairy farm, on the gradually sloping, partially unpaved Cornish Estate Trail, which begins opposite Little Stony Point Loop, marked by blue blazes. While there is plenty of shopping and dining to do in town, adventurers should brave the steep climbs and rock climbs that lead to the top of Breakneck Ridge for a stunning 360-degree view of Storm King Mountain, Bannerman Castle and, on clear days. , the Catskills. For detailed guides and maps, check out the New York-New Jersey Trails Conference, the Open Space Institute, and the Appalachian Mountain Club, and bring water and appropriate footwear, even for the simplest hikes.

It's right there between the north and south forks of Long Island, and yet it's easy to miss Shelter Island: Yes, the 12.5-square-mile island is small; in fact, the Mashomack Reserve occupies a third of its area and is only accessible by boat. But don't expect an empty expanse: While it's low-key, it's also packed with historic 19th-century neighborhoods, numerous beaches, and plenty of local characters to help you immerse yourself in the surroundings. You can even explore an intact 18th-century house at the Shelter Island Historical Society.