10 Best Short Road Trips from Freeport, New York (Nassau County)

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Freeport, NY (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)

If you live in Freeport, New York in Nassau County, you already know how fun waterfront life can be. But some days, you just want to hop in the car, get out of the county, and explore somewhere new. The good news? You don’t need to drive far. Within about an hour or so, you can hit beaches, historic towns, zoos, museums, and even a lighthouse or two — all outside Nassau County. Below are 10 easy road trip ideas from Freeport, perfect for a Saturday drive, a Sunday date, or a school-break adventure with the kids. All of these spots are in:
  • Queens, NY
  • Bronx, NY
  • Westchester County, NY
  • Suffolk County, NY
  • Western Connecticut (Fairfield County area)
No Nassau destinations. No Freeport repeats. Just fresh places to explore nearby.

1. Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk, Queens, NY

Looking for that classic beach day without driving all the way to the Jersey Shore? Rockaway Beach in Queens is an easy pick. From Freeport, you can be toes-in-the-sand in about an hour, depending on traffic.
  • Why go: Wide sandy beach, waves for beginner surfers, long boardwalk for walking or biking.
  • What to do:
    • Swim or lay out with a book.
    • Try fish tacos or burgers from one of the boardwalk stands.
    • Walk the boardwalk at sunset — it’s simple but feels like a mini vacation.
  • Perfect for: Beach lovers, families, friend groups.
Tip: Parking can fill up on hot summer weekends. Get there before late morning if you can.

2. Flushing Meadows–Corona Park & Queens Museum, Queens, NY

If you like a mix of green space, history, and museums, this huge park in Queens is a fun one-day road trip from Freeport. This is where the World’s Fair was held, and you can still see the famous steel globe — the Unisphere.
  • Highlights:
    • The Unisphere for photos.
    • Queens Museum with its giant scale model of New York City.
    • Paddle boats on the lake (seasonal).
    • Plenty of walking paths and open fields.
  • Drive time from Freeport: Around 40–50 minutes, if traffic isn’t bad.
If you’re trying to show kids how big New York really is, the city model in the museum usually blows their minds. It’s like looking at the whole metro area from an airplane, but indoors.

3. Astoria Waterfront & Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens, NY

Astoria is one of those neighborhoods where you can eat well, walk a lot, and see the skyline — all in the same afternoon. Two easy spots:
  • Astoria Park: Great views of the East River and the bridges, running track, playgrounds.
  • Socrates Sculpture Park: Outdoor art right on the water, free to visit.
What to do on a simple Astoria day trip:
  • Walk along the water in Astoria Park and grab some photos.
  • Head to Socrates Sculpture Park to see the latest installations.
  • Finish with Greek food or coffee at a local café — Astoria is known for it.
It’s a nice option when you don’t feel like a full museum day but still want something more interesting than a mall.

4. Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY

If you have kids (or you’re just a big kid at heart), the Bronx Zoo is a must-do road trip from Freeport. It’s one of the largest zoos in the country, and honestly, you can easily spend a full day here.
  • Top exhibits:
    • JungleWorld
    • African Plains
    • World of Reptiles
    • Children’s Zoo (when open)
  • Why it’s a great road trip:
    • Plenty of walking — great if you’ve been cooped up all week.
    • Educational but still fun.
    • Lots of shade in summer.
  • Drive time from Freeport: About 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The zoo is spread out, and it’s easy to rack up several miles of walking without realizing it.

5. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY

Right near the Bronx Zoo is the New York Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful green spaces near New York City. If the zoo feels a bit too busy, this place is more peaceful and slow-paced.
  • What you’ll find:
    • A huge glass conservatory with tropical plants.
    • Seasonal flower shows (orchids, holiday train show, etc.).
    • Wooded trails that feel surprisingly wild for the Bronx.
  • Good for: Date days, quiet solo walks, anyone who loves gardening or photography.
You can easily pair the Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo into a weekend — one on Saturday, one on Sunday — if you don’t want to rush.

6. Port Jefferson Harbor Village, Suffolk County, NY

Ready to head east instead of west? Port Jefferson is a classic North Shore harbor village in Suffolk County, and it’s a fun, low-stress road trip from Freeport. Think small shops, waterfront views, and ice cream after dinner.
  • Things to do:
    • Stroll around the harbor and watch the ferry pull in and out.
    • Check out local boutiques and gift shops.
    • Grab seafood at a restaurant with harbor views.
    • Walk the pier at sunset — simple but memorable.
  • Drive time from Freeport: Roughly 1–1.25 hours, depending on traffic.
It’s a nice alternative to the South Shore feel of Freeport: more “New England fishing town” vibes, without leaving Long Island.

7. Fire Island (from Suffolk County ferries)

You’re not going to Fire Island directly from Nassau County, but you can drive into Suffolk and catch a ferry from there. From Freeport, you can head east to one of several ferry terminals in Suffolk — like Bay Shore or Sayville — and then hop over to Fire Island.
  • Why Fire Island is worth the trip:
    • No cars in many communities — it feels like a different world.
    • Beautiful ocean beaches.
    • Boardwalks and sandy paths instead of busy streets.
  • Popular Fire Island stops:
    • Ocean Beach (restaurants, bars, shops).
    • Fire Island Lighthouse area for a bit of history and big views.
Tip: Check ferry schedules ahead of time. In summer, you’ll want to arrive early to park and get your tickets.

8. Historic Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown, Westchester County, NY

If you liked hearing the story of the Headless Horseman as a kid, this road trip will feel like stepping right into the pages. Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown sit along the Hudson River in Westchester County and make a great fall drive from Freeport — but they’re nice any time of year.
  • Things to explore:
    • Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (famous graves and historic tours).
    • Old Dutch Church and its churchyard, tied to the “Sleepy Hollow” legend.
    • Hudson River waterfront parks.
    • Main streets with cafés and small shops.
  • Best season: Fall, when the leaves change and Halloween events are in full swing.
  • Drive time from Freeport: Around 1.5 hours, depending on bridges and traffic.
This is one of those day trips where you can leave in the morning, wander all day, and be home by evening feeling like you really “went somewhere.”

9. Rye Playland & Rye Town Park, Westchester County, NY

If you want something a little more old-school and fun, Rye Playland is a classic amusement park right on the water in Westchester County. You might recognize it from old movies and photos — it has that retro boardwalk feel.
  • What’s there:
    • Rides for kids and adults.
    • Beach and boardwalk along the Long Island Sound.
    • Arcade games and classic park food.
  • Right next door: Rye Town Park with a beach, lawns, and walking paths.
  • Drive time from Freeport: Around 1–1.25 hours, depending on the route.
This is a solid choice for families from Freeport looking for a day that feels part beach day, part carnival.

10. Stamford & Greenwich Waterfronts, Western Connecticut

If you’re up for crossing state lines, Western Connecticut is closer than it looks on a map. Once you’re over the bridge, towns like Stamford and Greenwich offer a different vibe from Long Island and the city. In Stamford:
  • Walk the Harbor Point area with its waterfront restaurants and walkways.
  • Check out the downtown for shops and cafés.
In Greenwich:
  • Visit Greenwich Avenue for upscale shopping and people-watching.
  • Relax at a local park or along the waterfront (some areas are resident-only, so check rules beforehand).
  • Drive time from Freeport: Usually around 1.25–1.5 hours, depending on traffic and bridge choice.
It’s just far enough that it feels like a true road trip from Freeport, but still close enough for a day or evening out.

Making the Most of Your Freeport Road Trips

A few quick tips to keep these short road trips from Freeport fun and stress-free:
  • Check traffic: Leaving a little earlier can easily save you 30 minutes.
  • Plan parking: Some spots have lots, others rely on street parking or paid garages.
  • Pack basics: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket — even in summer, evenings by the water can get breezy.
  • Have a backup plan: If one spot is too crowded, keep a second nearby option in mind.
Living in Freeport puts you in a great location: you’re close to the beach, close to New York City, and within reach of both Long Island and small pieces of New England. You don’t have to spend a fortune or drive for hours to feel like you got away.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Freeport?

Have you driven out to any of these places yet? Did I miss a favorite spot in Queens, the Bronx, Westchester, Suffolk, or Western Connecticut?
  • Drop a comment and share your go-to day trip from Freeport.
  • Share this post with a friend or family member who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes, the best adventures are less than two hours from home — you just need a little push to go find them.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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