Best Road Trips from NYC for Summer Adventures

When you’re planning for a summer road trip adventure, the preparation is just a part of the fun. To beat the summer heat, you may be dreaming of an oceanside retreat or perhaps a mountain getaway not too far from home. Tri-state area families are lucky to have several great road trip destinations within easy driving distance of Midtown Manhattan.

To help you plan the perfect summer road trip from NYC, be sure to bookmark our ultimate road trip planning guide for essential tips and read on for 12 summer road trip destinations near NYC.

If you’re venturing further, we’ve got an entire Family Road Trip Guide to fill your travel needs and fuel your sense of adventure from coast to coast.

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Please note the estimated travel times below do not take into account traffic or construction. We recommend planning your snacks, stops, and road trip games with this in mind.

Best Beach Destinations for a Road Trip from NYC

1. Cape Cod & the Islands – Massachusetts

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Journey north to Cape Cod to make special summer road trip memories with the family. Sink your feet into the sand at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Looking to expend a bit more energy? Check out the Cape Cod Inflatable Park & Wicked Waves Water Park. It’s possible that a day trip to Cape Cod and the surrounding islands may turn into a weekend vacation or longer. Make the most of your adventure and plan ahead for what to bring on your road trip, since this car ride is a bit longer. Pack snack boxes, coloring books, and all of the road trip essentials to make this summer trip worry-free.

RELATED: 3 Days on the Jersey Shore with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Long Beach Island is a little slice of paradise and an easy road trip from NYC. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

2. Long Beach Island – New Jersey

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours

Long Beach Island truly offers so much for a family vacation destination. An easy road trip from NYC, this New Jersey destination has restaurants, rides, beaches, and more. The sandy shores are perfect for the kids, with clean water and soft sand. Make sure to purchase a beach badge for entry. Enjoy tons of fun at Fantasy Island amusement park or climb the 200+ stairs at Barnegat Lighthouse. There are also mini golf courses, bike rentals, playgrounds, and museums. The Jersey Shore is calling—enjoy your road trip!

3. Newport – Rhode Island

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 3 hours, 15 minutes

When you think of Newport, Rhode Island, you might first think of the fancy mansions such as The Breakers or exquisite yacht sailing experiences. But Newport is also a terrific place to take the kids when NYC has a heat wave and you’re looking for a coastal road trip destination. After your car ride, treat yourself to some Newport fudge or a cold milkshake at the Newport Creamery. Save the Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium is a sure hit with the kids who can get close up and hands-on with the sea creatures (seahorses, sharks, turtles, and more) in the touch tanks. If you’re traveling with toddlers or younger children who might not make it through a whole tour at one of the Newport mansions, opt for one of the many other things to do in Newport with kids.

4. The Hamptons & North Fork – Long Island

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours

Beaches meet playgrounds in The Hamptons. Spend some time swinging and running around at the best beach playgrounds. And when you’re looking to cool off, either jump into the ocean or head to Splish Splash Water Park for some epic water slides and fun. The Hamptons and Long Island’s East End have many lighthouses to visit. If you’re planning to stay a while, check in to one of the family-friendly hotels, inns, or resorts in the area.

RELATED: 37 Summer Day Trips from NYC to Take as a Family

Mohonk Mountain House offers tons of summer activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking. Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

Mountain Road Trips near NYC

5. Mohonk Mountain House – Hudson Valley, New York

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 1 hour, 30 minutes

For an all-inclusive resort getaway, pack the car for a quick road trip outside Manhattan and stay at the Mohonk Mountain House. With meals, tons of daily activities, entertainment, and an indoor heated pool as part of the package, you’ll be wishing vacation could last forever. Since a stay at this resort can run on the pricier side (upwards of $900 a night for a family), be sure to call the resort to ask about its Kids Stay and Eat Free Call-Only Special. If your family fits the qualifications (limit to two children under 12, etc.), you can book select upcoming dates.

6. Camelback Resort – Tannersville, Pennsylvania

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Just under 2 hours drive from Midtown, this popular Poconos getaway is a perfect road trip location for New Yorkers even in the summer months. With a year-round indoor water park and a seasonal summer one outdoors, there’s endless fun to be had at this family-friendly resort. If you’re planning for a day trip, you can purchase a single-day ticket. Staying overnight? Be sure to check out one of the many tasty restaurants, including Graffiti Pizza where you can build your own pizza in the Poconos.

RELATED: Farm Stays near NYC: Enjoy a Farm-Themed Family Vacation

Hike the trails and Bear Mountain and see the amazing views. Photo courtesy of Bear Mountain

7. Bear Mountain – Hudson Valley, New York

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 1 hour

Bear Mountain State Park is a popular destination for a road trip from NYC, and not just because it’s a quick drive. There’s just so much to do! Make a stop at the Bear Mountain Zoo to see some native creatures including bears, coyotes, and foxes. There’s an outdoor pool at the state park that’s perfect for a hot summer day. Plus, hiking trails or a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge get the blood pumping. There’s also an ornate indoor carousel to spin on with the whole crew. If you’re planning to make it an overnight trip, be sure to check in at the Bear Mountain Inn.

8. Lake George – Adirondacks, New York

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Wondering how to plan a road trip to the Adirondacks? You’ll need your swimsuits, outdoor clothes, some bug spray and sunscreen, and plenty of room on your phone to take pictures. With Lake George as your final destination, you’ll have a lot to look forward to—amusement parks, waterslides, natural outdoor adventure opportunities, and plenty of local restaurants. Lake George has an abundance of lodging options, including family-friendly bed and breakfasts. The options for a summer vacation road trip here are endless.

RELATED: 40 Things To Do in the Adirondacks with Kids

There’s splashy fun all summer long at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Big City Destinations for a Road Trip from NYC

9. Philadelphia – Pennsylvania

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours

Give the City of Brotherly Love some love. An easy car, bus, or train ride from NYC, Philadelphia makes a perfect family road trip destination for New Yorkers looking for a getaway full of history, food, and family-friendly options. Speaking of history, make sure to save time to visit Historic Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House, among other sights. While you’re in the area, stop by the Sesame Place theme park, which makes for a great surprise for the kiddos. When you’re planning your road trip adventure, be sure to check out our three-day itinerary for visiting the city from a local mom.

10. Providence – Rhode Island

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 3 hours

If your kiddo is a fan of dinosaurs, then Providence is a must-visit road trip destination. Bring along their favorite T. Rex toy and visit the Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of our favorite zoos in New England. Another unique experience not to miss is a gondola ride through the Renaissance City. Feel like you’ve traveled to Venice without the jet lag and long airport lines. End your day with a feast at one of Little Italy’s many restaurants.

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in Boston with Kids Before They Grow Up

Visit the lovely Isabella Stewart Garner Museum in Boston. Photo by the author

11. Boston – Massachusetts

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 3 hours, 45 minutes

On top of all the terrific museums, waterfront restaurants, zoos, historic locations, and the aquarium, Boston also has a plethora of free things to do with kids. If you’re traveling in the summer heat, you’ll want to scope out the best splash pads and water playgrounds to visit. Extending your road trip? Check out see our locals guide to the best things to do. There’s so much to do in Boston in the summer that it may be difficult to narrow down just what to see, but never fear—you can always return!

12. Washington, DC

Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Our nation’s capital is full of history and a perfect place to make family vacation memories. Free outdoor movies and free summer concerts add to the unique charm of all DC has to offer families. A stop by the National Mall to visit the Washington Monument, see the White House, and journey down to the Lincoln Memorial is sure to top your list. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy a well-deserved vacation feast at one of the kid-friendly restaurants near Capital Hill and the National Mall. With all of the museums and parks to see, we highly recommend packing good walking shoes and your strollers or travel wagons as part of your road trip essentials for a visit to Washington, DC.