10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Queens, New York (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you live in Queens, New York, you already know it’s busy, loud, and full of energy. But sometimes you just want to grab the keys, fill up the tank, and escape for the day.
The good news? You don’t have to go far.
Today I’m sharing
10 short road trips from Queens that all take you
out of Queens County, into nearby counties like Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, New York (Manhattan), Richmond (Staten Island), and even Monmouth County in New Jersey.
These are all great for:
- Day trips
- Laid-back weekend adventures
- Fun date ideas or family outings
Let’s hit the road.
1. City Island, Bronx, NY – A Little New England by the Water
If you’ve ever wished for a tiny New England-style harbor town without driving hours up the coast,
City Island in the Bronx is your spot.
From Queens, you can be there in about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you cross the bridge, it suddenly feels like you’ve left the city behind.
Why go:
- Seafood shacks and sit-down restaurants right on the water
- Charming main street with antique shops and local art
- Sunset views that feel a world away from Midtown traffic
I still remember the first time I ate fried shrimp on a little outdoor deck there while watching boats drift by. For a minute, I forgot I was in New York City at all.
Road trip tip: Go slightly off-peak (late afternoon on a weekday if you can). Parking fills up fast on warm weekends.
2. Orchard Beach & Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, NY – “The Bronx Riviera”
Just a short drive past City Island is
Orchard Beach in
Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City, all in Bronx County.
What to do:
- Walk the long crescent-shaped beach
- Play basketball, handball, or hit the playgrounds with kids
- Take an easy hike on the park’s wooded trails
On a warm summer day, this is a classic
day trip from Queens if you’re craving sand and water but don’t want to commit to a full-on beach vacation.
Road trip tip: Pack a small cooler, beach chairs, and maybe a portable speaker. Parking is easier earlier in the day.
3. Coney Island, Kings (Brooklyn), NY – Classic Beach Boardwalk Fun
Looking for something iconic and easy?
Coney Island in Brooklyn is one of the best
short road trips from Queens you can take.
Even if you’ve been before, it’s worth going back. It always has a slightly different energy each time.
Highlights:
- Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster
- Walk the boardwalk and people-watch for hours
- Grab a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous
- Relax on the wide sandy beach
I like going later in the afternoon, staying for sunset, and watching the lights come up on the rides. It has that old-school, slightly gritty, carnival charm that you can’t fake.
Road trip tip: If you hate hunting for parking, consider parking a bit farther out and walking in. Or go on a cooler day when the beach crowd is lighter.
4. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings (Brooklyn), NY – Skyline Views for Days
If you want an easy, scenic getaway without leaving the city limits,
Brooklyn Bridge Park in Kings County is hard to beat.
From Queens, it’s a straightforward drive. Once you’re there, you get those postcard views of the Manhattan skyline without actually being in Manhattan.
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfect views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan
- Piers with lawns, playgrounds, and sports courts
- Picnic spots, food vendors, and ice cream nearby
This is one of my favorite
romantic day trip ideas from Queens. Bring snacks, a blanket, and just hang out by the water.
Road trip tip: Check the weather and aim for clear days. Half the magic is the skyline view.
5. Long Beach, Nassau County, NY – A Real Beach Day Without the Long Haul
If you’re craving the ocean,
Long Beach in Nassau County is one of the easiest
beach trips from Queens.
It usually takes under an hour by car, and you get a full-on Atlantic Ocean beach experience.
Top things to do:
- Walk or bike the long boardwalk
- Swim, sunbathe, or just listen to the waves
- Grab tacos, pizza, or ice cream near the beach
The beach feels open and airy, and on a weekday it can be surprisingly peaceful. It’s a great reset after a stressful work week.
Road trip tip: There’s a fee for beach access and sometimes for parking, so bring a little extra cash or check current rates before you go.
6. Jones Beach State Park, Nassau County, NY – Big, Classic New York Beach
Another Nassau County favorite is
Jones Beach State Park. It’s a bit more “built up” than some beaches, which can be fun if you like having lots of options around.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Miles of sandy shoreline and room to spread out
- Boardwalk with food concessions and restrooms
- Seasonal events and concerts at the amphitheater
On a hot day, the ocean breeze feels amazing. If you have kids, this is a solid choice for a full day of sand, snacks, and fresh air.
Road trip tip: Bring sunscreen, hats, and maybe a pop-up tent. There isn’t a lot of natural shade.
7. Lower Manhattan, New York County, NY – History, Views, and Ferry Rides
Yes, Manhattan is technically right next door, but a drive from Queens to
Lower Manhattan (New York County) can still feel like a mini road trip if you treat it like one.
What to explore:
- Battery Park with views of the Statue of Liberty
- Walk by Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Take the Staten Island Ferry (free!) for harbor views
I like to park once, then explore on foot. Grab a coffee, wander down to the water, and just soak in the skyline. Even if you’ve lived in New York for years, it still hits you.
Road trip tip: Street parking can be tough. Look up nearby garages and compare prices before you go.
8. Central Park & Museum Mile, New York County, NY – Nature Meets Culture
If you don’t mind a bit more city driving, head to
Central Park and the surrounding
Museum Mile in Manhattan.
It’s a great option when you want something different from malls and movie theaters.
Ideas for your day:
- Stroll around the Reservoir or Sheep Meadow in Central Park
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim
- Enjoy a simple picnic on the grass
One of my favorite things is just people-watching from a park bench. Joggers, dog walkers, street performers—you get this wide mix of New York life in one place.
Road trip tip: Consider going earlier in the day on weekends. It’s easier to find parking near the park perimeter.
9. Staten Island & the Staten Island Greenbelt, Richmond County, NY
Staten Island doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but it’s an underrated
day trip from Queens.
Once you cross into
Richmond County, things slow down a bit, and you’ll find more trees, hills, and quiet streets than you might expect from New York City.
Don’t miss:
- Staten Island Greenbelt – miles of hiking trails and woodlands
- Historic Richmond Town – a preserved village with old buildings
- Views of the harbor from the St. George area
If you like a mix of light hiking and low-key exploring, this is a solid choice.
Road trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Some of the trails can feel surprisingly “wild” for NYC.
10. Sandy Hook, Monmouth County, NJ – Beaches, Forts, and Lighthouse Views
Ready to leave New York State altogether? Head to
Sandy Hook in
Monmouth County, New Jersey.
It’s part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and feels like a mini coastal escape.
Why it’s worth the slightly longer drive:
- Wide beaches with great views of the Atlantic
- Historic military fort and old gun batteries to explore
- The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country
On a clear day, you can see the Manhattan skyline in the distance while standing on the beach. It’s a cool blend of nature and city.
Road trip tip: There’s usually a parking fee in season. Bring snacks, water, and maybe bikes if you like to ride—there are paved paths that are perfect for cycling.
Planning Your Out-of-County Road Trip From Queens
Before you head out on any of these
short road trips from Queens, it helps to plan just a little:
- Check traffic – Apps can help you avoid the worst of the rush hours.
- Look up parking rules – Especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
- Pack the basics – Water, snacks, phone charger, and maybe a light jacket.
- Have a backup plan – If one spot is crowded, know a nearby alternative.
Think of each of these trips as a “mini vacation” you can fit into a single day. No flights, no hotels, just gas, tolls, and a sense of adventure.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Queens
Now I’m curious:
Where do you like to escape to when Queens feels a little too hectic?
- Have you tried any of these spots?
- Do you have a hidden-gem beach, park, or town you love?
Drop your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their next weekend escape.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy road trip ideas from Queens. Sometimes the best adventures are just an hour down the road.
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