10 Easy Road Trips From Albany, NY: Fun Day & Weekend Getaways Nearby
Living in or visiting
Albany, New York and ready to hit the road? The good news is, you don’t have to drive far to find small towns, mountain views, historic sites, and great food.
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short out-of-county road trips from Albany that take you into the surrounding counties of
Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie. Each one is close enough for a day trip but fun enough to stretch into a whole weekend.
All distances and drive times are approximate and based on leaving from downtown Albany.
1. Hudson, NY – Artsy Riverfront Escape (Columbia County)
Hudson is a small city with a big creative streak. It’s known for its art galleries, vintage shops, and great food, all packed into a walkable main street.
Why go:
If you like browsing antiques, sipping good coffee, and wandering by the Hudson River, this is your spot.
- Drive time: About 40–45 minutes south
- Main street fun: Warren Street is packed with boutiques, record stores, and galleries
- Food & drink: Trendy cafes, farm-to-table restaurants, and cozy wine bars
- Hudson River views: Head to the waterfront park for a peaceful stroll by the water
I once ducked into a random antique shop here “just to look” and walked out an hour later with an old road map and a vintage lamp I never knew I needed. That’s kind of how Hudson works.
2. Olana State Historic Site – Persian-Style Hilltop Views (Columbia County)
Just a few miles south of Hudson, the
Olana State Historic Site feels a bit like stepping into another world. It was the home of Frederic Edwin Church, a famous Hudson River School painter.
Why go:
For sweeping views, unique architecture, and peaceful walking trails.
- Drive time: About 50 minutes south
- Unique house tour: A colorful, Middle Eastern–inspired mansion full of art
- Scenic overlooks: Amazing views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains
- Easy walks: Gentle carriage roads and paths around the grounds
If you’re into photography or just love a good sunset, this is one of the best spots near Albany to bring a camera.
3. Catskill, NY – Gateway to the Catskills (Greene County)
Right across the river from Hudson is
Catskill, a laid-back village that’s perfect if you want small-town charm without feeling touristy.
Why go:
To combine riverfront wandering with easy access to the mountains.
- Drive time: About 40 minutes south-southwest
- Main Street: Cute shops, cafes, and a relaxed pace
- Riverside parks: Walk along the Hudson, watch boats, and enjoy the breeze
- Art connection: Visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, home of another Hudson River School painter
Catskill makes a great “warm-up” stop before you head deeper into the mountains.
4. Hunter & Tannersville – Mountain Adventure & Ski Country (Greene County)
Looking for fresh mountain air? Head west from Albany into the
northern Catskills, where Hunter and Tannersville offer year-round fun.
Why go:
Outdoor adventure in every season.
- Drive time: About 1 hour 15 minutes southwest
- Winter: Skiing and snowboarding at Hunter Mountain
- Summer: Scenic chairlift rides, ziplining, and hiking
- Tannersville: Colorful “painted village” with restaurants and small shops
If you’re not a hardcore hiker, don’t worry. You can still enjoy mountain views just by driving around and stopping at overlooks.
5. Bennington Battlefield & Hoosick Falls – Revolutionary War & Country Roads (Rensselaer County)
Head northeast from Albany and you’ll swap city streets for rolling farmland and small towns.
Why go:
To mix American history with peaceful countryside.
- Drive time: About 45–55 minutes northeast
- Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site: Learn about a key Revolutionary War battle and climb the hilltop for views
- Hoosick Falls: Classic upstate village with old homes and quiet streets
- Scenic driving: Winding back roads, especially pretty in the fall
If you enjoy history signs by the roadside, you’ll have plenty to read along this route.
6. Grafton Lakes State Park – Beach Day in the Woods (Rensselaer County)
Want a quick escape with water, woods, and simple outdoor fun?
Grafton Lakes State Park is an easy road trip from Albany.
Why go:
For a low-stress beach-and-picnic day trip.
- Drive time: About 35–40 minutes east
- Swimming: Sandy beach areas in season
- Kayaking & canoeing: Calm lakes, great for beginners
- Hiking & biking: Miles of trails through the forest
- Winter: Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when the snow hits
Pack a cooler, a couple of camp chairs, and you’ve got yourself a full day.
7. Saratoga Springs – Classic Upstate Resort Town (Saratoga County)
Saratoga Springs might be the most famous day trip from Albany, and for good reason. It has history, nightlife, green parks, and plenty of character.
Why go:
To feel like you’re on vacation without driving far.
- Drive time: About 35–40 minutes north
- Downtown: Broadway is lined with shops, bars, ice cream spots, and restaurants
- Saratoga Race Course (in season): Experience the energy of live horse racing
- Saratoga Spa State Park: Walking trails, mineral springs, pools, and picnic areas
- Nightlife: Live music, rooftop bars, and busy sidewalks on summer nights
If you’re looking for a “big night out” that’s still an easy drive from Albany, Saratoga is tough to beat.
8. Clifton Park & Halfmoon – Shopping, Trails, and Family Fun (Saratoga County)
Need something easy, flexible, and kid-friendly?
Clifton Park and nearby
Halfmoon offer a nice mix of parks and shopping.
Why go:
For a relaxed, build-your-own-kind-of-day trip.
- Drive time: About 20–30 minutes north
- Nature preserves: Short walking trails and boardwalks (great for kids)
- Parks: Playgrounds and open fields for picnics or tossing a frisbee
- Shopping & dining: Big-box stores, local restaurants, and plenty of choices
This is the kind of trip where you don’t really need a plan. You can just drive up, stroll a trail, grab lunch, and see what you find.
9. Schenectady’s Stockade & Downtown – History Meets Food (Schenectady County)
Schenectady is so close to Albany that some people forget it’s its own city with a different vibe. It’s an easy half-day or full-day road trip.
Why go:
To blend old neighborhoods with a lively downtown.
- Drive time: About 20–25 minutes northwest
- Stockade Historic District: One of the oldest neighborhoods in the country, with beautiful old homes along the Mohawk River
- Downtown: Restaurants, coffee shops, and the Proctors theater area
- Rivers Casino & Resort: Try your luck or just enjoy the riverfront walkway
Walk the Stockade in the morning, grab lunch downtown, and you’ve got a simple but satisfying day.
10. Howe Caverns & Schoharie Valley – Underground Adventure (Schoharie County)
If you’re ready for something different, head west into
Schoharie County to visit one of New York’s most famous natural attractions.
Why go:
For an underground cave tour that feels like a mini road trip inside the earth.
- Drive time: About 55–65 minutes west
- Howe Caverns: Guided tours through cool, damp caves with stalactites, rock formations, and even a short underground boat ride
- Great on hot days: The caves stay cool year-round
- Schoharie Valley: Scenic farmland, barns, and rolling hills all around
If you’re traveling with kids (or just feel like one), this is an easy crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Planning Your Albany Road Trips
- Keep it flexible: Pick one main stop, then leave room for side roads and surprise finds.
- Check hours: Historic sites and some restaurants have seasonal or limited hours.
- Watch the seasons:
- Summer: Lakes and parks like Grafton and Saratoga Spa State Park
- Fall: Scenic drives in Greene, Schoharie, and Rensselaer counties
- Winter: Hunter Mountain, Saratoga events, and cozy small towns
- Spring: Hudson and Catskill shops, lighter crowds, and lower prices
If you live in Albany, you could honestly make a habit of picking one new nearby county each weekend and exploring a different corner of it.
Share Your Favorite Short Road Trips From Albany
Have you taken any of these
easy road trips from Albany, NY? Maybe you’ve found a hidden diner, a quiet overlook, or a small-town festival that deserves some love.
- Which nearby town surprised you the most?
- Do you prefer mountain drives, river towns, or little city getaways?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments—your ideas might help someone else plan their next weekend escape.
And if you know friends or family in the Capital Region who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” send them this guide.
Share this post on social media, save it for later, and start planning your next short drive out of Albany.
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