What I love most about visiting my family in Albany is being surrounded by so many different beautiful places within easy driving distance making it perfect for day trips! Trust me when I say that one of the BEST things about calling the Capital Region home is how perfectly positioned we are for amazing day trips in literally every direction.
I’ve spent countless Saturdays and Sundays exploring these nearby gems, and I’m excited to share my personal favorite day trips from Albany with you!
Best Day Trips from Albany
Manchester, Vermont
Distance from Albany: 63 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
I still remember my first trip to Manchester—it was a crisp October day, and those Vermont mountains were showing off with their fall colors. This place gives New England charm vibes.
Things to Do
The Lincoln Family Home was a place that blew me away. Not only is it President Lincoln’s son’s estate, but the gardens are STUNNING in summer. It was wonderful to walk around and play pretend. Check your library as they sometimes have free passes for free admission
Northshire Books is one of my favorite book stores. I’d recommend going there if you love reading books.I think it’s one of the best bookstores in the country!
If you find yourself in Manchester in the summer, Emerald lake State Park is some place you want to visit.
If you’re an arts lover, the Southern Vermont Arts Center is set on a 120-acre campus, and includes incredible art that constantly surprises me. Last time I visited, they had an incredible glass art installation that played with light in the coolest way.
Since I am a hiker, I have to include my go to hiking spot. The Equinox Preservation Trust has so many nice trails that are so green and luscious. The Pond Loop is perfect for beginners (about 1.5 miles), but if you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the Blue Summit Trail for never ending mountain views. Depending on the season you can also drive a toll road up Equinox mountain for scenic drive
I am a sucker for outlets, thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, etc you get the point. Places that sell discounted stuff or free stuff! So if you’re like me, you have to visit the Manchester Designer Outlets. Last winter, I got the most amazing winter boots at 70% off here last year at J Crew. They also have Le Creuset!
Where to Eat
- The Copper Grouse– their duck fat fries are Worth. Every. Calorie
- Ye Olde Tavern– I love the creaky floors and historical vibe of this place (it opened in 1790)
- Up for Breakfast – their apple-stuffed French toast with Vermont maple syrup is why elastic waistbands were invented 😉
North Adams, Massachusetts
Distance from Albany: 40 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 55 minutes
This former mill town seriously punches above its weight in the art scene. It’s quirky, small yet packed with things to see and do.
Things to Do
You should definitely go to Mass MoCa even if art isn’t your thing, they have a lot of really cool exhibits to gawk at in there, especially the James Turrell light exhibits. I think I spent three hours in the James Turrell light installations alone.
I was skeptical about this one, Western Gateway Heritage State Park (history museums can be hit or miss), but their exhibit on the Hoosac Tunnel construction—which cost 195 lives and was nicknamed “The Bloody Pit”—was fascinating and haunting.
The only natural white marble arch in North America is in Natural Bridge State Park. I love bringing a sandwich and sitting by the marble dam. The blue-green pools below the bridge look unreal and if you go after a heavy rain, the rushing water is spectacular!
My favorite quick hike in the area is Cascades Trail. It’s only about a mile round trip, but you’re rewarded with a gorgeous 40-foot waterfall. In winter, it sometimes freezes into this magical ice sculpture.
On your way in or out of North Adams, stop at French King Bridge. It’s got a beautiful river to admire on one side and beautiful mountains on the other side.
Where to Eat
- PUBLIC eat+drink– for their truffle parmesan fries
- A-OK Berkshire Barbeque– for good ole’ BBQ
Northampton, Massachusetts
Distance from Albany: 80 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
I call Northampton the “Brooklyn of Western Mass”—it’s hip, progressive, and has the best coffee shop-to-person ratio I’ve ever experienced. The bumper sticker “Keep Northampton Weird” pretty much sums it up!
Things to Do
Their downtown is super historic ( I know this is like the 100th time of me saying historic) but it is. Main Street is my happy place. I’ve spent entire afternoons browsing Broadside Books, hunting for vinyl at Turn It Up Records, and finding unique gifts at Pinch.
The Botanic Garden of Smith College is FREE and is beautiful. If you are here during the winter, it may be one of the places you want to stop at. In March, they have a very cool Spring Bulb Show that is a must see.
One of my absolute favorite outdoor spots in the area is Connecticut Greenway River State Park. This amazing park follows the Connecticut River with miles of scenic trails perfect for walking, biking, or bird watching. I love renting kayaks from Northampton Outdoor Adventure (right at the park entrance) and paddling along the peaceful river. Last summer, I spotted a family of otters playing near the shoreline! The park connects to the Norwottuck Rail Trail, which lets you bike all the way to Amherst on a converted railroad path.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the riverside tables—the views are spectacular, especially in fall when the foliage reflects on the water
A 150-acre recreational oasis where I love to paddle boat on the small lake, is Look Park.There is also a really nice walking trail that loops around the lake. Then reward yourself with a soft-serve from Herrell’s Ice Cream just up the road.
Where to Eat
- Homestead– Farm-to-table perfection in a cozy Victorian setting
- Herrell’s Ice Cream– I will drive 80 miles JUST for their hot fudge sundae with burnt sugar ‘n’ butter ice cream
Bennington, Vermont
Distance from Albany: 37 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Bennington in a couple of words is- Revolutionary War history, covered bridges, and small-town charm—what’s not to love?
Things to Do
If you are a history buff, seeing the Bennington Battle Monument should be on your list of things to do. At 306 feet tall, this stone obelisk commemorates a crucial Revolutionary War victory. The elevator ride to the observation level gives you breathtaking views of three states! On clear days, I swear you can see all the way to New York City (okay, not really, but the view is THAT impressive).
If you have ever wondered where you can find Grandma Moses paintings, you can find them at Bennington Museum. Her folk art scenes of rural Vermont life are even more charming in person. They also have the strangest collection of Victorian-era “hair art” (yes, art made from human hair) that’s equal parts creepy and fascinating.
Vermont’s famous red covered bridges are perfect for those “I can’t believe this is real life” moments. My favorite is the Paper Mill Bridge, where I’ve spent peaceful afternoons reading by the stream underneath. If you’re lucky, you might spot river otters playing in the water below!
Visit Robert Frost Grave at Old First Church Cemetery
Downtown Bennington is an easy stroll, with some small restaurants , coffee shops and galleries.
Where to Eat
- Blue Benn Diner– 1940s diner with its iconic blue exterior serves the best blueberry pancakes I’ve ever had.
- The Publyk House– Set on a hill overlooking town, their sticky buns and warm maple butter served before your meal are worth the drive alone. Time your visit for sunset and thank me later!
New Haven, Connecticut
Distance from Albany: 124 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
This might be pushing the “day trip” definition a bit (I always start early for this one!), but New Haven is worth every minute on the road. Home to Yale and—more importantly to food lovers like me—the best pizza on the planet. Yes, I said what I said!
Things to Do
Before you go to New Haven I recommend checking out the Daily Nutmeg to see a few of the things going on when you visit. Also check out Yale’s calendar of events.
Even if you’re not college shopping, the Yale University Campus Tour campus architecture is spectacular. The Gothic buildings with their gargoyles and stained glass windows make you feel like you’ve stepped into Hogwarts! Yale has a free university art gallery that showcases a Van Gogh collection.
Hike to a summit at East Rock Park (2.2 miles) for incredible views of New Haven and Long Island Sound. The huge Civil War monument at the top makes for dramatic photos, especially at sunset. I’ve made it a tradition to do this hike every spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Eat your heart out in pizzas. Wooster Square is New Haven’s Little Italy. Given its size, it’s more of a Tiny Italy. Wooster Street has a couple world famous pizza places (Sally’s, Pepe’s, Modern). Go on a weekday or be prepared for an hour-plus wait.)
There is some nice older architecture in the area to just walk around and take pictures. Wooster Square Park is a wonderful place for a picnic or to sit on a bench and eat a pizza. If you go during the day, Lucibello’s is a great Italian American bakery. The cookies are the same as anywhere else, but their pastries are really superb. Get a few and enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood.
If you want to see some parks with scenic views. Check out Harkness Memorial Park, which contains a beautiful mansion from 1906. Rocky Neck State Park has some nice beaches, marshes and a camping area.
Where to Eat
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana– the reason I make this drive. Their white clam pizza with garlic and olive oil will ruin all other pizzas for you. Worth every minute of the wait (and there WILL be a wait)
- Louis’ Lunch– According to the Library of Congress, this is the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich! They still serve them exactly as they did in 1900—on toast, not buns, with only cheese, tomato, and onion as possible toppings. NO KETCHUP allowed! The vintage cast iron grills they use are from the 1898 original location.
- Sanctuary Kitchen- The world’s first sustainable sushi restaurant! Chef Bun Lai creates the most unusual rolls—my favorite includes invasive species like Asian shore crab and Japanese knotweed. Saving the environment one delicious bite at a time!
Beacon, New York
Distance from Albany: 87 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
I call Beacon the “Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley”—it’s got this perfect mix of industrial grit and artistic polish. The transformation of this former factory town is incredible!
Things to Do
Housed in a former Nabisco box printing factory, Dia: Beacon will blow your mind even if you’re not an “art person.” The sheer scale of the installations is breathtaking—Richard Serra’s massive steel sculptures make you feel tiny!
Hiking Mount Beacon is always a fun time. This hike kicked my butt the first time I tried it (it’s steep!), but the panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley from the fire tower are absolutely worth the struggle. You can see the NYC skyline on clear days. If you want a waterfall hike check out Fishkill Overlook Falls. They have benches and lots of green space to set up for a picnic.
Take a kayak tour to the abandoned Bannerman Castle, on an island in the Hudson! It looks like something from a fairy tale—or horror movie, depending on your perspective. The guided tours explain the fascinating history of Francis Bannerman’s military surplus business.
Kayak or SUP along the Hudson River. While I have never done this, I hope to go back and do it someday.
Main street is super cute to explore. It is the ultimate small-town shopping experience. If you go during the day, I recommend going to Glazed Over Donuts for dessert (you customize your donuts).
New Paltz, New York
Distance from Albany: 73 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
New Paltz combines outdoor adventure, history, and college town energy in the most perfect way. The backdrop of the “Gunks” (Shawangunk Mountains) makes even a simple drive here spectacular.
Things to Do
The Mohonk Preserve is one of those outdoor spaces that is so unique and green. The space has easy walking with incredible views, while also having some more challenging trails. If you are up for a rock scramble, the Lemon Squeeze hike.
Seven original stone houses from the early 1700s line Historic Huguenot Street, creating the most atmospheric history lesson ever. The guided tour brings to life the stories of the early French Protestant settlers. During Halloween season, they do ghost tours
This open-air shopping village known as Water Street Market, has become my go-to for unique gifts. Americana Antiques has the coolest vintage items—I found an authentic 1950s diner sign there that now hangs in my kitchen. The Cheese Plate offers amazing picnic supplies for Mohonk hikes!
Swimming in Lake Minnewaska on a hot summer day in upstate NY, feels like you’ve discovered heaven. The waterfalls after a good rain are spectacular!
Where to Eat
- Main Street Bistro: go for their “Slamboli” (a breakfast stromboli stuffed with eggs, cheese, and veggies)
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
Distance from Albany: 65 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
This tiny village feels like it belongs in a storybook. I recommend that you visit during the fall so you can see all the fall foliage in the area.
Things to Do
The Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge transformed into a linear garden! From April through October, it’s exploding with colors and fragrances. In mid-June, the rose collection is spectacular—they have over 20 different varieties last year!
A pretty cool place to check out is Shelburne Falls Potholes. Here you will find, Glacial Potholes along the riverbed that were carved by stones swirling in the current over thousands of years. Some are up to 39 feet deep! When the river is low in late summer, you can walk right up to them.
Try Candlepin Bowling at Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley, a New England variation of bowling with skinnier pins and smaller balls. I think it is the oldest bowling alley too. My pathetic high score is 87, but I blame it on the challenging format, not my lack of coordination…
Walk through downtown Shelburne Falls. The brick and stone buildings are stunning, and there are many stores to browse through. The town has art galleries, coffee shops, and stores, as well as the oldest bowling alley.
Fun Fact: Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts served as the filming location for the Showtime series “Dexter”
Where to Eat
Check these places out!
Cambridge, New York
Distance from Albany: 35 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes
One of my closest day trips from Albany, Cambridge. The rolling farm landscapes surrounding this village are so pretty.
Things to Do
The Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts, has an opera house that was built in 1978 and hosts theater, music, and dance performances. The acoustics in the hall are incredible.
Canoeing the Battenkill River is my summer tradition. The gentle current takes you past farms, forests, and meadows. We bring our own canoe and arrange a shuttle with the outfitter … that’s a whole day right there! We once rented an air bnb on the river, so had the shuttle drop us way upstream and we took out at our rental place.
Where to Eat
- Roundhouse Bakery Café: Housed in a former roundhouse where trains would turn around, their pastries are heavenly. The chocolate croissants are so buttery and flaky that I’ve been known to order two—one for now and one for “later” (which usually means 10 minutes later in the car).
Old Forge, New York
Distance from Albany: 120 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
This Adirondack town holds special memories for me—it was the first place I went snowmobiling! Old Forge is a classic mountain town with plenty to do.
Things to Do
If you are into water parks, visit Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park! I embarrassed myself thoroughly on the Killermanjaro slide (apparently I scream like a pterodactyl when dropping 280 feet). The retro amusement park section has a certain nostalgic charm that I love—the carousel dates back to the 1950s!
In winter, McCauley Mountain is my go-to for affordable skiing without the crowds of larger resorts. The view from the chairlift alone is worth the trip in my opinion. In summer, the scenic chairlift ride offers panoramic Adirondack views, and the mountain biking trails range from beginner-friendly to “why-did-I-think-this-was-a-good-idea” difficult.
The scenic train ride on the Adirondack Railroad from Old Forge to Otter Lake is like traveling back in time. The restored vintage cars are beautiful, and the narrated tour teaches you about the area’s logging history. During fall foliage season, the views are super pretty.
If you rent a pontoon boat and explore a connected chain of 8 lakes at Fulton Chain of Lakes. I love packing a picnic lunch and finding a secluded cove to swim and relax. Watching the sunset over the mountains from the middle of Fourth Lake is one of my all-time favorite Adirondack experiences.
Where to Eat
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern: Their wood-fired pizzas hit the spot
- Keyes Pancake House: get their blueberry pancakes drowned in local maple syrup. There’s often a wait on weekends, but it moves quickly.
- Mountainside Smokehouse: mountain views, homemade pies, best smoked brisket sandwiches
Great Sacandaga Lake
Distance from Albany: 50 miles | Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
My favorite summer escape, this massive reservoir in the southern Adirondacks is my go-to spot when temperatures climb. With 42 miles of shoreline and crystal-clear waters, it’s a perfect day trip from Albany to cool off.
Things to Do
My 30th birthday celebration involved renting a boat from Edinburg Marina and spending the day floating, swimming and hanging out. The water is SO clear you can see 15 feet down on calm days!
Fishing is amazing at Sacandaga. I’m a terrible fishperson, but I even caught a decent-sized bass here. The lake is stocked with walleye, northern pike, and bass. You can rent fishing gear at several marinas around the lake, or book a guided fishing tour with Captain Dave at Great Sacandaga Dave.
Where to Eat
- Lanzi’s on the Lake– oversized portions of chicken parm
