10 Easy Road Trips From Mount Vernon, NY: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Westchester County
If you live in or near
Mount Vernon, New York, you probably already know Westchester pretty well. Maybe you’ve hit all your usual spots and you’re ready for something new.
The good news? You don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve gone “away.” In less than an hour or so, you can cross into
New Jersey,
Connecticut, or other parts of
New York and find totally different vibes, foods, and views.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Mount Vernon that take you to:
- Western Connecticut
- Bergen County, New Jersey
- The Bronx (New York City)
- Nassau County, Long Island
- Putnam County, New York
- Rockland County, New York
All of these are outside Westchester County, so you’ll truly be getting out of town for a day.
1. Explore the Bronx Zoo & New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY)
Looking for a day trip that works for couples, families, or even a solo reset? Head just south into
the Bronx. It’s technically New York City, but it has huge green spaces that feel a world away from busy streets.
Highlights:
- Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the U.S. Plan at least half a day. Don’t skip the Congo Gorilla Forest and the monorail when it’s running.
- New York Botanical Garden – Right across the street from the zoo. Beautiful walking paths, seasonal flower shows, and a peaceful vibe.
Why it’s great from Mount Vernon:
You can be at the Bronx Zoo or NYBG in about 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. It’s close, but it feels like a mini-vacation. I once spent a Saturday morning at the garden and wrapped up the day eating pizza on Arthur Avenue — all before dark.
Road trip tip:
Try pairing the zoo or garden with a meal on nearby
Arthur Avenue, often called the “Real Little Italy” of New York.
2. Shop, Eat, and Stroll in Ridgewood (Bergen County, NJ)
If you want that small-town main street feel, head west into
Bergen County, New Jersey. The town of
Ridgewood is a relaxed, walkable spot that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Things to do in Ridgewood:
- Walk the charming downtown packed with cafes, bakeries, and boutiques
- Grab coffee and people-watch on a sidewalk patio
- Catch a movie at the local theater if you want to make a night of it
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Generally around 30–45 minutes by car, depending on which bridge or tunnel you take and the time of day.
Why go:
It has a classic suburban downtown feel that’s different from anything in Westchester. It’s a nice change of scenery when you don’t want a full-blown New York City day.
3. Beach Day at Jones Beach State Park (Nassau County, NY)
Sometimes you just need sand between your toes and salty air in your lungs. For that, drive east to
Nassau County on Long Island and spend the day at
Jones Beach State Park.
What makes Jones Beach special:
- Wide sandy beaches with lifeguards in season
- Boardwalk for walking, jogging, or just people-watching
- Concession stands and picnic areas
- Summer concerts at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Plan on about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic around Queens and Nassau County.
Pro tip:
Arrive earlier on summer weekends to avoid heavy traffic and to find parking easily. Pack a cooler, beach chairs, and maybe a frisbee or football — it’s easy to spend a full day here.
4. Kayak and Hike at Rockland Lake State Park (Rockland County, NY)
If you love the outdoors, cross the Hudson River into
Rockland County and head for
Rockland Lake State Park. This park offers a quieter alternative to some of the Hudson Valley’s busier spots.
Park highlights:
- 3-mile paved path around the lake for walking, running, or biking
- Boat rentals in season (kayaks, rowboats – check season schedules)
- Picnic tables and open fields perfect for a family gathering
- Pool complex (seasonal) with slides and sunbathing areas
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Roughly 35–45 minutes depending on your route and traffic on the bridge.
Why it’s worth the trip:
You get Hudson Valley views with a laid-back feel. On a clear day, walking the loop around the lake feels like a reset button for your brain.
5. Historic Vibes in Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown (Rockland Adjacent via the Bridge)
While Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown themselves are on the Westchester side, a fun twist is to combine your visit with a quick hop over to Rockland County for views and riverfront stops.
How to make it an “out-of-county” loop:
- Drive from Mount Vernon over to the Tappan Zee / Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Cross into Rockland County for scenic overlooks and river views
- Stop at Nyack (Rockland) for coffee or lunch along the Hudson
Nyack highlights (Rockland County):
- Small downtown with antique shops and art galleries
- Waterfront parks perfect for short walks and photos
- Plenty of casual spots for burgers, tacos, or brunch
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
About 40–50 minutes to Nyack, depending on traffic.
Why go:
This makes an easy
loop day trip — you can cross one bridge on the way out and another on the way back, seeing the Hudson River from different angles.
6. Outlet Shopping and Eats in Paramus (Bergen County, NJ)
If your idea of a perfect road trip is a big parking lot, lots of stores, and a trunk full of shopping bags,
Paramus, New Jersey is calling your name.
Why Paramus?
- Multiple major malls in one town
- Wide range of outlets and big-box stores
- Tons of chain and local restaurants nearby
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on the route and traffic at the George Washington Bridge or other crossings.
Shopping strategy tip:
Make a simple list before you go so you don’t get overwhelmed. It’s easy to wander for hours and forget what you actually needed.
7. Scenic Escape to Cold Spring (Putnam County, NY)
When you’re craving small-town charm and Hudson River views, drive north to
Cold Spring in
Putnam County.
What to do in Cold Spring:
- Walk Main Street and browse small shops and galleries
- Enjoy coffee or ice cream with river views
- Relax at the waterfront park and watch the trains and boats go by
- Hike nearby trails (for experienced hikers, there are more challenging options close by)
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Usually around 1 hour, give or take a little depending on traffic on the parkways.
Why you’ll love it:
It’s one of those towns that feels like a movie set — old buildings, cute storefronts, and dramatic hills rising right over the Hudson River.
8. Stamford Waterfront & Downtown Fun (Fairfield County, CT)
Head northeast into
western Connecticut and you’ll reach
Stamford, a city that balances office towers with waterfront parks and lively nightlife.
Stamford highlights:
- Harbor Point – A redeveloped waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and walking paths
- Downtown Stamford – Shops, theaters, and plenty of spots for dinner or drinks
- Seasonal events – Outdoor movies, farmers’ markets, and festivals pop up throughout the year
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Around 30–40 minutes by car using I-95 or the Merritt Parkway (check traffic; both can get busy).
Why go:
If you want city energy without the full intensity of Manhattan, Stamford is a nice middle ground. Plus, the waterfront sunsets can be surprisingly good.
9. Classic New England Feel in Greenwich (Fairfield County, CT)
Just past the New York–Connecticut border,
Greenwich offers a softer, more polished version of a New England town. It’s an easy trip from Mount Vernon and a nice chance to slow down.
What to do in Greenwich:
- Stroll along Greenwich Avenue, lined with shops and restaurants
- Visit Greenwich Point Park (locals call it Tod’s Point) for beach and walking paths
- Check out local cafes and bakeries for a relaxed afternoon
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
About 25–35 minutes, depending on your route and traffic.
Why it’s a good fit for a short trip:
It feels a bit like a vacation town, but you can easily go up after breakfast and be home well before dinner if you want.
10. Family Fun at Eisenhower Park (Nassau County, NY)
If you need an all-ages spot with lots of options, head to
Eisenhower Park in
East Meadow, Nassau County. Think of it as a giant playground for everyone.
Park features:
- Walking and jogging paths
- Playgrounds and open fields
- Golf courses and sports facilities (check ahead if you need reservations)
- Seasonal events and performances at the park’s outdoor spaces
Driving distance from Mount Vernon:
Usually around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic across Queens and into Nassau County.
Why families love it:
Kids can run around, adults can relax, and you don’t need a highly detailed plan. Pack snacks, a picnic blanket, and maybe a ball or kite, and you’re all set.
Planning Your Mount Vernon Road Trips: Quick Tips
Before you hop in the car and head out of Westchester County, keep a few simple ideas in mind:
- Check traffic: Around New York City, 15 miles can feel like 50 if you hit rush hour. Use a maps app and avoid peak times when you can.
- Bring a small day bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
- Look up parking info: Some beach areas, parks, and downtowns have special parking rules or seasonal fees.
- Have a backup plan: If one spot is too crowded, know a second nearby place you can switch to.
If you treat these short drives like mini-vacations, you’ll start to see how much there is to do just outside of Mount Vernon — in
Bergen County,
Rockland County,
Putnam County,
Nassau County, and
western Connecticut.
Share Your Favorite Mount Vernon Road Trips
Do you have a go-to spot outside Westchester County that you love to visit for the day? Maybe a hidden café in Greenwich, a quiet corner of Rockland Lake, or a favorite store in Paramus?
I’d love to hear about it.
- Drop a comment with your favorite short road trip from Mount Vernon.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes the best adventures are less than an hour away — you just need an excuse to turn the key, hit the gas, and go.
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