It comes as no surprise that New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the USA. With its vibrant culture, impressive architecture, diverse cuisines and an array of museums that are available to visit, you’ll never run out of things to see and do during your stay. Even so, you may want to venture outside of the city and explore some of the other interesting parts of the country. Fortunately, New York City is a great starting point for a road trip. If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, take a look at our list of the 10 best road trips from New York City.
- Hudson Valley, NY
- Hilton Head Island, SC
- Boston, MA
- Shenandoah Valley, VA
- Newport, RI
- Killington, VT
- Grandfather Mountain, NC
- Mount Rushmore
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Niagara Falls
- Other road trips from NYC
1. Hudson Valley, NY
Popular for its beautiful natural scenery and impressive mansions, the Hudson Valley north of New York along the Hudson River is a culturally rich area that is great for both sightseeing and hiking. Foodies will also love it, as you can dine at one of the restaurants at the famous Culinary Institute of America.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The Hudson Valley is particularly picturesque in the spring and autumn, so try to plan your trip during one of these periods if you would like to soak up all the impressive foliage and greenery.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 108 miles; a 2-hour 10-minute drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving on I-87 N.
2. Hilton Head Island, SC
If you want to spend some quality time relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean, take a scenic road trip to Hilton Head in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. This area is also known for its wildlife, and you can pay a visit to the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh, which is home to birds, deer, alligators and other wildlife.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Hilton Head is also a popular place for golfing, so make sure to play a round at one of the several courses during your trip in order to get the full experience. If you’re visiting during the summer months, book a reservation well in advance, as they often fill up quickly.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 800 miles; a 12-hour, 35-minute drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls if you take a route using I-95 S.
3. Boston, MA
History buffs certainly won’t want to miss out on the chance to visit Boston, one of the oldest cities in the USA. There are many interesting museums to explore, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The city is home to a few professional sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, which play at the iconic Fenway Park. Don’t miss your chance to see a game if you’re in town during baseball season!
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 216 miles; a 4.5-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls if you take I-90 E.
4. Shenandoah Valley, VA
If you enjoy the great outdoors, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the scenic Shenandoah Valley. In this area, you’ll find over 500 miles of hiking, scenic drives, and plenty of overlooks, giving you tons of opportunities to enjoy the natural scenery.
SIXT Pro Tip:
For a quick drive that will show you a lot of the area, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will bring you through a mixture of mountains and forested areas.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 355 miles; a 6-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving on I-95 S.
5. Newport, RI
For a quiet and relaxing getaway, head to Newport, Rhode Island, a beautiful city that has delicious seafood, especially lobster, and breathtaking views of the ocean. There are many impressive mansions that can be found in this area, and some of them are even open for tours.
SIXT Pro Tip:
To soak up some particularly beautiful views of the city and its scenery, take a stroll along the Cliff Walk, which will bring you right by the ocean.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 180 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on I-95 N.
6. Killington, VT
No matter what time of the year you will be traveling, Killington is always a great destination to visit. During the winter months, you can enjoy some of the best skiing in the USA, while during the summer months, you can relax by going hiking or fishing.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The ski season typically lasts all the way until mid-April, so keep Killington in mind for a snowy spring destination if you want to avoid the crowds that often are there during the winter months.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 260 miles; a 5-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls along this route while driving on I-87 N.
7. Grandfather Mountain, NC
Whether you would like to hike, go on a bike ride, or get up close and personal with wildlife, Grandfather Mountain is a great place to visit. This area is known for having many cougars and otters, and you may be lucky enough to see one in real life.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Grandfather Mountain has quite a few events that happen throughout the year, including birthday parties for its animals, so make sure to check the official calendar to see if anything will be happening during your trip.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 636 miles; an 11-hour, 15-minute drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving on I-81 S.
8. Mount Rushmore
Famous for being one of the most iconic sights in the USA, Mount Rushmore is a once-in-a-lifetime place to visit. While in the area, make sure to go to the on-site museum that has a variety of interactive exhibits for guests of all ages.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Make a stop at the Black Hills National Forest, which is just a short drive away. This area has beautiful scenery and even offers an impressive view of Mount Rushmore.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 1,724 miles; a 26-hour drive
TOLLS: You will encounter tolls while driving along this route on I-80 W or I-90 W.
9. Great Smoky Mountains
With its natural beauty and interesting wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains are a great destination to spend a few days exploring. In this area, you can explore the mountains, spot a black bear and visit a few historic homes, all in the same day.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Dollywood, an Appalachian-themed amusement park created by country music legend Dolly Parton, is just a quick drive from the Great Smoky Mountains and is a great place for the entire family to spend the day.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 713 miles; a 12-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on I-81 S.
10. Niagara Falls
Often referred to as the “8th wonder of the world”, Niagara Falls is sure to take your breath away. You can get right next to the falls by hopping on the Maid of the Mist, a boat that will bring you so close that you can feel the mist on your face.
SIXT Pro Tip:
For a unique experience, walk along the Peace Bridge into Canada, where you can see the falls from an entirely new perspective.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM NYC: 408 miles; a 7-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving along this route on either I-81 N or 1-90 W.
