Day Trips from NYC

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Update: Most of these destinations are perfect for Chol Hamoed Sukkos 2025 – whether you want to sleep over one night or just visit for the day. However, with the shutdown in Washington DC some museums and attractions – as well as capitol and white house tours – are not operating, or more limited. Federally funded attractions in other destinations could be affected as well. Double check hours and availability before heading out.

Does your family wake up 12pm on the first day Chol Hamoed and start thinking “What can we do today?”. This year, come prepared and force everyone to wake up early with these full-day day trips from NYC.

Newport, Rhode Island

One of the most underrated mini-trips from New York, Rhode Island offers history, nature and art in one tiny state. Some highlights includes:

• The Mansions
  Beautiful Gilded Age mansions built for America’s richest. View luxury and history unfold.
  If you only do one mansion, we recommend the Breakers. If you have a large family of plan on visiting multiple mansions, you might want to consider signing up for a Family Membership for $199 (tickets to individual mansions range from $25-$29 for guests over 12). Family Membership allows unlimited visits for two adults and any children or grandchildren ages 6-17, plus one other guest, for a period of one year.
  
  
• Touro Synagogue
  Oldest synagogue in the US built in the 18th century. Learn about Jewish history in Rhode Island and the US in general.
  The shul is orthodox and also has services on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Check the website for more info.
  
  
• Cliff Walk
  A breathtaking path weaving between the rugged cliffs and historic mansions, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  This is not a loop, if you have limited time, feel free to turn back at any time.
  
  
• Fort Adams State Park
  A historic fortification nestled at the entrance of Newport Harbor with panoramic views, recreational activities, and a glimpse into American military history.
  
  
• Sail the Ocean
  Sail through the picturesque waters of Newport Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean beyond and immerse yourself in the charm and tranquility of Rhode Island’s coastal beauty.

Lancaster/Hershey, Pennsylvania

With something for everyone this is an easy and fun day trip from NY. Here are some of the places you might want to visit:

• Hershey’s Chocolate Factory
  Hershey’s offers immersive tours showcasing the chocolate-making process and the history of Hershey’s iconic treats.
  Their factory tour is geared to younger children but is fun and silly for all.
  
• HersheyPark
  Close the the factory, HersheyPark is a full amusement park with rides for all ages.
  
• Visit the Amish
  Experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Amish community by visiting farms or taking guided tours.

Mystic, Connecticut

This charming seaport town has a famous aquariam and charming harbour. Spend a relaxed day here with fun for the whole family.

• Mystic Aquariam
  A leading marine institute home to thousands of species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates and reptiles including beluga whales, African penguins, sharks, and stellar sea lions. They also offer many shows and animal encounters.
  
• Mystic Seaport Museum
  The largest maritime museum in the United States, featuring historic ships, exhibits, and demonstrations that offer a captivating glimpse into America’s maritime heritage and seafaring past.
  
• Water Sports & More
  Take a sunset cruise, historic harbor tour on water, or try your hands at paddleboarding. Whatever your style, there’s something here for everyone.
  
  A user recommended https://mysticrivercruises.com/ for an amazing boat trip worth every penny on the stunning Mystic River.

Washington, DC

While you can spend a lot more than one day in the capital of the United States, there’s plenty you can see in just a day, just pick a few of the following. Always double check hours and accessibility as certain destinations may be closed due to political events and holidays.

If you plan on visiting multiple non-government operated tours/attractions in DC, check out the Sightseeing Pass to save on admission fees.

• White House
  No description needed. The home of the POTUS.
  Tours are very hard to come by, but possible. Tours are scheduled through your congressman. Access to the outside is also sometimes restricted based on the president’s activities and political events.
  
• Capital Building
  This is where government happens. Visit to learn about its history and see how it all works.
  Prior reservations are recommended for a tour but not required.
  
• Supreme Court
  The highest judicial body in the United States, resides on cases here. Open to the public are the courtroom, first and ground floors.
  Court business may affect hours.
  
• National Mall & Lincoln Memorial
  In the center of the capital, lies the national mall spanning from capitol to the white house and dotted with monuments symbolizing the country’s history.
  Great spot for lunch picnic.
  
• Arlington National Cemetery
  Resting place for American service members, veterans, and notable figures. Watch the changing of the guards or take a tour of the cemetery.
  Check if there are any events coming up and if they interest you. Changing of the guards takes place every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.
  
• Holocaust Memorial Museum
  A fascinating, interactive museum bringing the Holocaust alive, it also acts as an educational memorial helping ensure such atrocities never happen again.
  A full day or more is needed at the museum. It is not recommended to rush through it.
  
• Spy Museum
  The international spy museum is fun for the entire family with interactive and informative exhibits it takes you through the skills and life of a spy.
  
• Smithsonian Museums
  There are 20 Smithsonian locations in Washington DC, and all are free of charge and open daily. Top choices include the Air & Space Museum, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the National Postal Museum.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This historic city was once home to our capital. It now boasts many attractions and an active Jewish Community. Here are some of its most famous attractions:

If you plan on visiting multiple tours/attracctions in Philly, check out the GoCity Pass, CityPASS, or the Sightseeing Pass to save on admission fees.

• City Tour
  Learn about the city’s rich history and the pivotal role it played in our history of independence.
  We recommend this first to give you a feel for the city’s history and to find out which of the following interest you most.
  
• Liberty Bell
  An iconic symbol of our country’s independence. Visit the bell and take a pic to prove you were in Philly and check out the exhibits nearby to learn more.
  
• Independence Hall
  The birthplace of The United States, this is where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were written and debated.
  
• Betsy Ross House
  Learn more about the personal life of the woman who sewed the first American flag and the sacrifices she made.
  
• Eastern State Penitentiary
  Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, today it stands in ruin. Take a daytime tour to learn more about this iconic prison or take the nighttime tour for a more spooky experience.
  
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
  A Smithsonian-affiliated museum bringing to life the history of Jews in America with over 30,000 artifacts.
  
• Please Touch Museum
  Let your kids run wild in a world sized for them. The museum teaches children through interactive exhibits and special events, and is mostly aimed at children seven years old and younger.
  
• Franklin Institute
  The Franklin Institute makes science fun with its interactive exhibits and touchable teachable spaces. The Fels Planetarium takes you to new galaxies as you explore the outer space.
  
• Sesame Place
  A theme park based entirely on Sesame Street and its characters. Highlights include Cookie’s Monster Land, filled with appropriately cookie-themed rides, or a special opportunity to meet, greet and eat with Elmo and friends.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston played a large role in the American Revolutionary War, and has many interesting museums, as well as a sizeable Jewish community.

If you plan on visiting multiple tours/attractions in Boston, check out the GoCity Pass or CityPASS to save on admission fees.

• City Tour
  Learn about Boston’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and explore this charming city on foot.
  
• Charles River
  Walk along the Charles River Esplanade or take a river cruise to experience it fully.
  
• Freedom Trail
  The Freedom Trail passes by locations significant to the history of the United States such as: Boston Common, America’s oldest park, founded in 1634. Boston’s Public Garden– the first public botanical garden in the United States. Bunker Hill, where one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War occurred, and more. Many Boston walking tours cover parts of the Freedom Trail.
  
• Fenway Park
  Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and one of the most well-known sports venues in the world.
  
• Museum of Science
  This Museum has many interactive exhibits appealing to children, as well as a Planetarium and domed 4D movie theater.
  
• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
  The presidential library and museum of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States.
  
• USS Constitution
  The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world’s oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
  
• Boston Children’s Museum
  An interactive museum which includes activities such as giant soap bubble-making tools and a two-story-high maze.
  
• Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
  Learn about the history of the Samuel Adams brewery or take a tour of this world renowned brewhouse. Guests under 21 do not require a ticket and are permitted with adult supervision.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Attention history buffs! If you’ve never explored the Gettysburg National Military Park, this makes for a great daytrip from NYC!

• Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center
  Start your visit by exploring the museum and visitor center, which includes a film & Cyclorama. This will give you a chance to learn about the history and familiarize yourself with the area before heading out on your tour. You can purchase a combo ticket that includes the Museum, Film, Cyclorama, and 2-hour Bus Tour.
  
• Gettysburg National Battlefield
  Continue your visit by touring the 6,000-acre battlefield- the fields have been restored to exactly how they were back in 1863 (down to the trees, gates, boulders, etc). There are 3 tour options available (not including ranger guided tours which vary by day):
  1. a two-hour guided bus tour (sit on the left side of the bus for the best views)
  2. a self-guided audio auto guide- this allows you to make as many stops as you want as you navigate in your personal vehicle, but there’s no one to pose questions to
  3. hire a guide yourself- the park concessionaire offers custom tours
     
• Ranger Programs at Gettysburg
  Ranger tours vary by day and by season and include junior and adult programs to learn more about the battlefield.
  
• Gettysburg National Cemetery
  This is the final resting place for over 6,000 United States soldiers and veterans, and the site where President Abraham Lincoln gave his famed Gettysburg Address.
  
• Eisenhower National Historic Site
  Located near the Gettysburg site, this was the home and farm of our 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

I hope you find this list helpful. And if you choose to do nothing and just sleep in, that’s okay too.

Chag Kosher V’Sameach!

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avidtraveller

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