10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Valley Stream, NY
If you live in
Valley Stream, New York (in Nassau County) and feel like you’ve already done every local park, mall, and coffee shop, you’re not alone. The good news? You’re actually in a perfect spot for quick
day trips and
weekend road trips to some of the most interesting places in the New York metro area and nearby Connecticut.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips you can take from Valley Stream to nearby spots in:
- The Bronx, NY
- Queens, NY
- Suffolk County, NY
- Westchester County, NY
- Western Connecticut
All of these destinations are
outside Nassau County and give you something different: beaches, museums, hiking trails, small towns, and great food.
1. City Island, Bronx – A Seaside Escape Without Leaving the City
If you’re craving seafood and water views,
City Island in the Bronx is a fun and easy road trip from Valley Stream.
Why go:
This tiny island feels more like a New England fishing village than New York City. You’ll find
seafood shacks, marinas, and old-school diners all along the main road.
Drive time from Valley Stream: About 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Things to do:
- Stroll along City Island Avenue and pop into local shops.
- Grab a plate of fried clams, lobster, or shrimp with a waterfront view.
- Walk by the marinas and watch the boats come and go.
On my last visit, I parked the car, grabbed a cup of coffee, and just walked the length of the island. It’s not big, so you can easily explore in a few hours.
2. New York Botanical Garden & Arthur Avenue – Culture + Food in the Bronx
You can turn a simple drive to the Bronx into a full day of
nature and amazing Italian food.
Drive time from Valley Stream: Around 45–60 minutes.
Stop 1: New York Botanical Garden
This huge garden is like an outdoor museum for plants. There are:
- Seasonal flower displays
- Quiet walking paths
- A beautiful glass conservatory
It’s a great spot if you need a mental reset from traffic and screens.
Stop 2: Arthur Avenue
Just a short drive away,
Arthur Avenue is often called the “Real Little Italy” of New York.
- Fresh pasta shops
- Bakeries with cannoli and cookies
- Cozy trattorias with big plates of pasta
Pairing the garden and Arthur Avenue in one road trip gives you both peace and pasta. Hard to beat.
3. Flushing, Queens – A Food Lover’s Adventure
If you’re in Valley Stream and asking, “Where can I go for something completely different, but not too far?” the answer is often
Flushing.
Drive time from Valley Stream: About 25–40 minutes.
Why go:
Flushing is one of the best places in the country for
Asian foodThings to try:
- Dumplings from a small basement food court.
- Bubble tea or specialty coffee.
- Korean BBQ with friends or family.
Parking can be tight, so be patient or use a garage. But once you’re walking around, the mix of sights, smells, and sounds makes this a very memorable out-of-county trip from Valley Stream.
4. Rockaway Beach, Queens – Surf, Sand, and Boardwalk Vibes
When the weather warms up, you don’t have to drive all the way out to the Hamptons for a beach day.
Rockaway Beach in Queens is a much shorter trip.
Drive time from Valley Stream: About 30–45 minutes.
What you’ll find:
- Miles of sandy beach
- A long boardwalk with food stands
- Surfing areas and open water swimming
You can grab tacos, sit on the sand, and just watch the waves. It’s casual, a little bit gritty, and very “New York.”
If you leave Valley Stream early, you can easily spend the whole day here and be back home by dinner.
5. Long Beach & Jones Beach Area, Suffolk Side – Classic Long Island Coast
You might know the Nassau side of these beaches, but crossing over toward the Suffolk County stretches gives you a slightly different feel, with longer open views and a bit fewer crowds if you pick the right times.
Drive time from Valley Stream: Around 25–40 minutes.
Why go:
- Wide sandy beaches with room to spread out
- Fishing spots and walking paths
- Plenty of sea air and ocean views
While the main Jones Beach complex is in Nassau, you can keep driving east along Ocean Parkway and start dipping into more
Suffolk County shoreline. It turns into a nice little road trip with water on both sides.
6. Port Jefferson, Suffolk County – Harbor Town Charm
Looking for a small-town feel without leaving Long Island?
Port Jefferson on the North Shore is a solid choice for a full-day road trip from Valley Stream.
Drive time from Valley Stream: About 1 to 1.5 hours.
What to do:
- Walk along the harbor and watch the ferries.
- Browse local boutiques and gift shops.
- Grab ice cream or a waterfront meal.
I like Port Jefferson because it works for almost any group: families, couples, or even a solo “clear your head” kind of day. The drive there also shows a different side of Long Island once you leave the highway and get closer to town.
7. Cold Spring Harbor & Huntington Area, Suffolk North Shore
If you enjoy a mix of
nature, history, and small-town streets, this North Shore area of Suffolk County is worth the drive.
Drive time from Valley Stream: Around 45–60 minutes.
Highlights:
- Cold Spring Harbor – Quaint village feel, small shops, and water views.
- Huntington Village – More restaurants, bars, and coffee shops if you want a livelier vibe.
- Nearby parks and waterfront spots for short hikes or walks.
You can easily start in Cold Spring Harbor for a quiet morning walk, then head to Huntington for lunch and a bit of shopping. It’s a great way to break your day into two different experiences in one road trip.
8. White Plains, Westchester County – City Energy Without Manhattan Chaos
If you want an out-of-county trip that feels “urban” but not as intense as midtown Manhattan, take a drive to
White Plains in Westchester County.
Drive time from Valley Stream: Around 45–60 minutes.
Why go:
- Big shopping centers and chain stores
- Plenty of restaurants and bars
- A walkable downtown area
White Plains can be a smart choice if you’re meeting friends from different parts of New York, since it’s fairly central for people coming from upstate or the Bronx. It’s not a “tourist” city, but sometimes you just want an easy place to eat, shop, and walk around for a few hours.
9. Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow, Westchester – River Views and Spooky Legends
If you like a mix of
history, river views, and a bit of Halloween energy, this is one of the best road trips from Valley Stream.
Drive time from Valley Stream: About 1 to 1.25 hours.
What to explore:
- Tarrytown’s Main Street – Cafés, small shops, and a relaxed feel.
- Sleepy Hollow – Famous from Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
- Hudson River waterfront parks with views of the Mario Cuomo Bridge.
In the fall, this area really comes alive with spooky tours, decorations, and special events. But even in spring or summer, the
Hudson River views make the drive totally worth it.
10. Stamford, Connecticut – Quick Taste of New England From Valley Stream
You don’t need a long vacation to get a touch of New England. A short road trip from Valley Stream to
Stamford in western Connecticut gives you a fresh change of scenery.
Drive time from Valley Stream: Around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic through the Bronx.
Why Stamford works:
- Walkable downtown with restaurants and shops.
- Waterfront parks and marinas along Long Island Sound.
- A slightly different feel from New York, even though it’s so close.
It’s also a nice “starter” trip if you’re thinking about exploring more of
western Connecticut later, like Norwalk or Greenwich. You can get a sense of the area in just one afternoon.
Tips for Easy Road Trips From Valley Stream
To make these short trips smoother, here are a few simple tips:
- Leave early or later in the day to avoid rush hour, especially when you have to cross bridges or go near the city.
- Check parking options before you go, especially in Flushing, Rockaway, and parts of the Bronx.
- Pack basics – water, snacks, phone charger, and maybe a light jacket for waterfront areas.
- Have a backup plan – If one spot is crowded, know one or two other nearby things you can do.
When you live in Valley Stream, you’re in a great “hub” for exploring. In 30 to 90 minutes, you can be in a fishing village, on a beach, by the Hudson River, or walking around a Connecticut harbor town.
Where Will You Go Next?
If you’ve been wondering what to do near Valley Stream that’s
outside Nassau County, these 10 road trips are a great place to start. They’re close enough for a day trip, but different enough to feel like you actually “got away” for a bit.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these spots have you already visited?
- Do you have a favorite out-of-county road trip from Valley Stream that should be on this list?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments so other Valley Stream locals can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful,
please share it with friends or family who are always asking, “What is there to do around here?”
The next great mini-adventure might be just one short drive away.
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