10 Easy Road Trips from Coram, NY: Fun Day Trips Beyond Suffolk County
If you live in
Coram, New York, you already know Long Island has plenty to do. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, leave Suffolk County behind, and explore someplace new.
The good news? Within just a couple of hours, you can reach cute coastal towns, historic villages, beaches, lighthouses, amusement parks, and even a famous aquarium. All perfect for a
day trip from Coram or a quick overnight getaway.
Below are
10 out-of-county road trips from Coram, focusing on nearby areas like
Nassau County, NY and parts of
Connecticut and
Rhode Island. Each spot is close enough for a day, but fun enough that you might want to stay longer.
1. Port Washington, NY (Nassau County) – Waterfront Strolls & Sunset Views
Looking for a relaxed waterfront day without driving too far?
Port Washington on the North Shore of Nassau County is a great pick.
From Coram, it’s usually about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic.
Things to do in Port Washington:
- Walk the Waterfront: Stroll along Shore Road and enjoy views of Manhasset Bay. On a clear day, you might even spot the New York City skyline in the distance.
- Manorhaven Beach Park: A laid-back park where you can walk, sit by the water, or let the kids run around.
- Kayaking or Paddleboarding: In summer, look for rentals along the bay if you want to get out on the water.
If you like calm spots where you can grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and just watch boats go by, this little waterfront town is a winner.
2. Long Beach, NY (Nassau County) – A Classic Boardwalk Beach Day
Want a real beach day that feels like a mini-vacation? Head to
Long Beach in Nassau County. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Coram, depending on which route you take.
Why Long Beach is worth the drive:
- Wide Sandy Beach: Beautiful sand, great for swimming, sunbathing, or just walking along the shore.
- The Boardwalk: A long, smooth boardwalk perfect for walking, biking, or skating. It’s about 2.2 miles, so you can easily get your steps in.
- Food & Ice Cream: You’ll find plenty of casual spots—burgers, tacos, and of course, ice cream after the beach.
If you’re wondering, “Is it worth driving off Long Island’s East End for another beach?”—the boardwalk alone makes Long Beach feel totally different from your usual Suffolk County beaches.
3. Garden City, NY – Museums & Shopping in Nassau County
If you’re in the mood for a mix of
history, airplanes, and shopping, Garden City is hard to beat. It’s about 1 to 1.5 hours from Coram.
Highlights in and around Garden City:
- Cradle of Aviation Museum: Explore old airplanes, space exhibits, and even some interactive displays. Great for kids and adults who love aviation and history.
- Nassau County Firefighters Museum: Right next door, with vintage fire trucks and hands-on exhibits.
- Roosevelt Field Mall: One of the largest malls in the region—perfect if you want to mix your history trip with some shopping or dining.
This is a fun option if the weather isn’t great and you still want an engaging
road trip from Coram that keeps you mostly indoors.
4. Bridgeport, CT – History, Harbor Views & a Different Vibe
Sometimes you just want to feel like you really left Long Island behind.
Bridgeport in the
Greater Bridgeport area of Connecticut offers a totally different scene.
From Coram, you can:
- Drive to Port Jefferson, take the Port Jeff–Bridgeport Ferry as a walk-on or with your car (about 1 hour on the ferry), then you’re right in Bridgeport.
Things to do in Bridgeport:
- Seaside Park: Designed partly by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same guy behind Central Park). Long, scenic shoreline with walking and biking paths.
- Downtown Murals & Cafés: Walk around downtown to find street art, coffee spots, and local eateries.
- Harbor Views: Sit by the water, watch the ferry come in, and enjoy a slower pace.
Riding the ferry from near Coram to Bridgeport also turns the trip itself into part of the adventure, especially with kids.
5. Mystic, CT – Coastal Charm & a Famous Aquarium
If you grew up in the Northeast, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of
Mystic, Connecticut. It’s in the
Southeastern Connecticut region and makes an amazing full-day road trip.
From Coram:
- Drive to New London, CT via ferry from Orient Point, or
- Take a longer drive up through Connecticut (if you prefer all-land routes).
Iconic things to do in Mystic:
- Mystic Aquarium: Beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, and plenty of family-friendly exhibits.
- Mystic Seaport Museum: A large outdoor living-history museum with historic ships, boat barns, and a recreated seafaring village.
- Downtown Mystic: Walk across the famous drawbridge, browse small shops, and treat yourself to ice cream.
If you’re looking for a
day trip from Coram with kids, Mystic is one of the best picks on this entire list.
6. New Haven, CT – Pizza, History & a Lively College Town
For foodies and history buffs,
New Haven in
South Central Connecticut is a great out-of-county destination.
From Coram, you’ll usually:
- Take a ferry from Long Island to Connecticut, then drive about 30–45 minutes to New Haven, depending on which port you arrive at.
What to do in New Haven:
- Eat New Haven–Style Pizza (“Apizza”): Places like Pepe’s and Sally’s are legendary. Expect a wait—but it’s worth it.
- Walk Around Yale University: The campus is beautiful, with old stone buildings, courtyards, and a classic college-town feel.
- Art & Culture: Check out the Yale University Art Gallery or the Yale Center for British Art—both are well-regarded and often free.
If you like the idea of combining a city stroll, great food, and a bit of culture, this makes a memorable
Connecticut day trip from Coram.
7. Fairfield, CT – Beaches, Boutiques & a Relaxed Coastal Town
Just west of Bridgeport, you’ll find
FairfieldGreater Bridgeport and Western Connecticut area. It feels like a peaceful, upscale New England town, but without being too stuffy.
Why visit Fairfield:
- Town Beaches: Calm water, sandy stretches, and picnic areas. Great for families or couples looking for a low-key beach day.
- Downtown Fairfield: Small shops, cafés, and restaurants with a friendly local vibe.
- Scenic Drives: Cruising along the Post Road or nearby residential areas gives you that classic coastal Connecticut feel.
If you like places that are pretty but not packed, Fairfield makes a nice, mellow escape from everyday life in Coram.
8. Old Saybrook, CT – Classic New England at the River’s Edge
In the
Lower Connecticut River Valley,
Old Saybrook offers a cozy, small-town New England vibe that’s perfect for a slower-paced day trip.
Top things to do in Old Saybrook:
- Harvey’s Beach: A small but charming beach with shallow water and great sunset views.
- Main Street: Boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can wander, browse, and relax.
- Saybrook Point: Walk near the marina and lighthouse for photo-worthy water views.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to walk around a cute New England town and breathe,” this is your spot.
9. Westerly, RI – Beaches & Coastal Town Fun in Rhode Island
Ready to add another state to your road trip list?
Westerly in
Washington County, Rhode Island, is a wonderful beach town with a relaxed yet lively energy.
Why Westerly is worth the drive:
- Misquamicut State Beach: Long sandy beach, usually with decent waves, plus seasonal food stands and arcades.
- Downtown Westerly: Charming streets with restaurants, coffee shops, and a classic New England feel.
- Events & Music (seasonal): In warmer months, you may find live music, outdoor events, and family-friendly activities.
If you love the idea of a bigger adventure, this
Rhode Island road trip from Coram feels like a full mini-vacation, especially if you stay for a night.
10. Watch Hill, RI – Upscale Coastal Charm & Lighthouse Views
Not far from Westerly,
Watch Hill in Washington County, Rhode Island, feels like something out of a movie.
What to see in Watch Hill:
- Watch Hill Lighthouse: A beautiful lighthouse with sweeping ocean views. The walk out to the area is scenic and peaceful.
- Flying Horse Carousel: One of the oldest operating carousels in the country. A hit with kids—and nostalgic for adults.
- Shops & Inns: Small luxury inns, boutiques, and cafés give this area a “New England postcard” vibe.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to feel like you’re in an upscale seaside town, Watch Hill is a great choice.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Coram
To make the most of these
day trips from Coram, NY:
- Check Ferry Schedules: If you’re using the Port Jefferson–Bridgeport or Orient Point ferries, book ahead, especially in summer or on weekends.
- Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket. New England and coastal weather can shift quickly.
- Start Early: Leaving Coram in the morning helps you beat traffic and enjoy more time at your destination.
- Plan One Main Highlight: Choose one big activity (like Mystic Aquarium or Long Beach boardwalk) and leave the rest of the day open to wander.
Final Thoughts: So Many Adventures Just Beyond Suffolk County
Living in or near
Coram, NY puts you in a great spot. In just a short drive—or a pleasant ferry ride—you can explore:
- Nassau County beaches and boardwalks
- Connecticut coastal towns, aquariums, and college cities
- Rhode Island’s classic New England shoreline
Whether you’re planning a simple Sunday drive or a full weekend getaway, these
10 out-of-county road trips give you plenty of options for fun, food, and fresh scenery.
Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Coram
Have you taken a
road trip from Coram to any of these places? Did we miss one of your favorite spots in Nassau, Connecticut, or Rhode Island?
Tell us about it in the comments!
- Which destination did you like best?
- Any must-try restaurants or hidden gems we should add?
- Do you have tips for beating traffic or saving on ferry costs?
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live on Long Island or in the New York City area. You might just inspire someone’s next weekend getaway.
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