3 Unique Day Trips from NYC That Will Inspire You
Living in New York City means having the best of everything at your fingertips, but sometimes the real magic lies just outside the five boroughs. Whether you’re craving art, culture, quiet reflection, or just something different from your daily routine, a well-planned day trip can deliver that spark. Below are three of the most inspiring and unexpected resets I’ve taken from NYC — each one original, each one worth the detour.
“You don’t have to go far to feel far away.”
Day Trip from NYC #1: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - A Slice of India in New Jersey
Just over an hour drive from Manhattan, in Robbinsville, NJ, is one of the most awe-inspiring, intricate temples I’ve ever visited — BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. This marble and limestone masterpiece looks like something you’d find on a UNESCO World Heritage list.
Built by hand using ancient stone-carving techniques, the temple feels grand in its detail and scale. What struck me most, besides the serenity of the interior mandir, was the deep sense of spirituality that radiates from the entire space, even if you’re not religious.
What to Know:
Modest dress required (shoulders and knees covered).
Photography is only allowed outside (not within the main mandir).
Ideal for: the creatively curious, spiritual seekers, architecture lovers, and anyone drawn to places that feel worlds away without going far.
TIP: Pair it with a stop at the nearby Grounds for Sculpture. It’s still on my wish list, but looking back, I wish I had taken the opportunity to visit both on the same day.
Day Trip from NYC #2: Storm King Art Center - Sculptures, Sky, and Stillness
Just 90 minutes from NYC, Storm King is where art and landscape come together in the most breathtaking way. Set across 500 beautiful acres, this open-air museum invites you to slow down, wander, and take in monumental sculptures with the sky as a backdrop. It’s less like visiting a museum and more like stepping into a living, breathing work of art. The magic is in just wandering with no set route. Storm King is best explored slowly, with good company and clear skies.
What to Know:
Open April through early December.
Storm King is best explored slowly, with good company and clear skies.
Ideal for: a creative reset, photography, mindful walking, a day well-spent with friends.
Day Trip from NYC #3: Philadelphia - A Day of Art, Magic, and a Local Market
I know Philadelphia is not a “hidden gem”, but trust me, Philly makes an exceptional day trip if you do it with intention. Just under two hours from NYC, it delivers culture, walkable neighborhoods, and a refreshingly different pace from NYC. If you time it right, a single day is all you need to take in its most inspiring corners. My suggestion is to arrive early morning on a Sunday to avoid weekday rush hour traffic and commuters, and experience one of their many local farmers’ markets.
Start your morning in Old City, where cobblestone streets and local coffee shops set the tone for a relaxed day.
If you're visiting on a Sunday, stroll over to the Headhouse Farmers Market next, open from 10 am to 2 pm. This is where locals gather for peak-season produce, fresh sourdough, small-batch coffee, and whatever’s freshest that week. Grab a bite, stay a while, and catch a glimpse of Philly at its most local and lived-in.
From there, walk over to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, an immersive mosaic installation created by artist Isaiah Zagar. Every inch of this place is covered in mirrored tiles, found objects, ceramics, poetry, and art. It’s joyful, a little chaotic, and one of the most photogenic spots in the city. You’ll want to spend time here to truly appreciate every detail.
Wrap up your afternoon at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest and most inspiring museums in the country. Yes, go ahead and pause at the iconic Rocky Steps (take in the iconic view!), but the magic is inside, from Renaissance paintings to modern installations. This is a great final stop to wind down your day.
What to Know:
Amtrak train: about 1.5 hours from Penn Station; best for comfort and speed.
Magic Gardens requires timed entry, so book ahead.
Headhouse Farmers Market is Sundays only, 10 am - 2 pm.
Ideal for: art lovers, Sunday wandering, slow-photo days.
Each of these places offers a unique kind of pause. A moment to slow down, look closer, and experience something that feels different. That’s the magic of a well-chosen day trip. It doesn’t just take you out of your everyday; it brings you somewhere else entirely in spirit and mood.
I hope you’ll save these for when you need a reset, a breath, or just a beautiful reason to get out of town.
For more day trip ideas from New York, check out my other blog posts:
Escape to Upstate New York: Memorable Day and Weekend Getaways
One Perfect Day in Hudson: A Dog-Friendly Haven in Upstate New York
3 Amazing Winter Trips to Upstate New York from New York City
Greenport, NY Getaway: How to Enjoy a Day on Long Island’s North Fork
✧ For the intentionally curious traveler — pass it on.