10 Easy Road Trips from White Plains, NY (That Get You Out of Westchester)
If you live in or around
White Plains, New York, you probably love how central it is. You can hop on a parkway or interstate and be in a totally different place in under an hour.
But here’s the catch: sometimes you just want to get
out of the usual routine… and out of the county.
This guide is all about
short out-of-county road trips from White Plains. Every spot below is in a neighboring area like:
- Western Connecticut
- Bergen County, New Jersey
- The Bronx, New York City
- Nassau County, New York
- Putnam County, New York
- Rockland County, New York
No Westchester, no White Plains attractions—just fresh places, fun things to do, and easy drives.
1. Soak Up Nature at Bear Mountain State Park (Rockland County, NY)
If you’re craving fresh air and mountain views,
Bear Mountain State Park is hard to beat. It’s usually about a 45–60 minute drive from White Plains, depending on traffic.
You’ll find:
- Plenty of hiking trails, from easy walks to steeper climbs
- Classic Hudson River views that feel a world away from office life
- A small zoo with rescued animals
- Picnic areas perfect for a simple weekend lunch
One fall weekend, I drove up just to see the changing leaves. I figured I’d walk for an hour and head home. Instead, I ended up staying all afternoon, just sitting on a rock and watching boats on the river. It’s that kind of place—slow, calm, and surprisingly peaceful.
Road trip tip: Bring layers. It can feel cooler by the river and up in the higher spots, even if White Plains feels warm.
2. Classic Fun at Playland Park Beach & Boardwalk (Near Nassau County Vibes)
While Westchester’s own Playland is off-limits for this list, you can still chase that boardwalk energy out of the county. Consider heading just a bit farther out toward
Long Island’s North Shore in
Nassau County for a similar coastal feel—without going all the way to the Hamptons.
In Nassau County beach areas, you’ll find:
- Boardwalks where you can stroll, jog, or bike
- Soft sand beaches and cool breezes off the water
- Simple seafood shacks with fried clams and lobster rolls
On one summer afternoon, I left White Plains around lunch and ended up walking along a quiet stretch of sand, watching kids chase waves while parents camped out in beach chairs. It was the kind of simple, low-key trip that still feels like a mini vacation.
Road trip tip: Leave early if you’re going on a sunny summer weekend. Parking can fill up by midday.
3. Explore History & Culture in The Bronx, NY
The Bronx is so much more than just a stop on the way to Manhattan. From White Plains, it’s often only a 30–40 minute drive, and you suddenly have access to big-city attractions without crossing into Midtown.
Some favorites:
- New York Botanical Garden – 250 acres of gardens, walking paths, and seasonal displays
- Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the U.S., great for families and animal lovers
- Arthur Avenue – A historic Italian neighborhood packed with bakeries, delis, and old-school restaurants
If you’ve never been to Arthur Avenue, picture this: the smell of fresh bread, hanging cured meats in deli windows, and shelves stacked with homemade pasta. I once went “just to look” and left with three bags of cookies and enough cannoli to fill my trunk.
Road trip tip: Street parking can be tricky. Consider using a paid lot near the garden or zoo and walking to nearby spots.
4. Escape to Cold Spring on the Hudson (Putnam County, NY)
About 45–60 minutes north of White Plains,
Cold Spring in Putnam County feels like a small Hudson River movie set. It’s a classic day-trip destination with just enough to fill a full day, without overwhelming you.
In Cold Spring you can:
- Wander Main Street and browse antique shops
- Grab coffee and sit on a bench overlooking the river
- Hit nearby trails (like Breakneck Ridge for experienced hikers)
- Enjoy riverfront sunsets that look straight off a postcard
The first time I went, I didn’t do anything “big.” I just walked into a tiny bookstore, grabbed a sandwich from a deli, and ate it by the water. It was simple, but honestly, it was one of the most relaxing days I’ve had outside Westchester.
Road trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Even if you don’t plan to hike, you’ll probably end up exploring side streets and walking along the river.
5. Beach Day at Jones Beach State Park (Nassau County, NY)
If you’re itching for a classic Long Island beach day,
Jones Beach State Park in Nassau County is a great option. From White Plains, the drive usually takes a little over an hour, depending on traffic and your route.
What’s waiting for you there?
- Miles of wide, sandy beach
- Clean, well-kept walkways and restrooms
- Concession stands with snacks, drinks, and quick bites
- Occasional concerts and events at the amphitheater (check schedules)
I still remember one day when the water was a little too cold for a full swim, so I just walked along the shoreline. The sound of the waves and the endless horizon did more to reset my brain than a whole weekend at home.
Road trip tip: Bring cash or check online in advance for parking fees, especially in peak summer season.
6. A Taste of the Suburban Dream in Ridgewood (Bergen County, NJ)
About 35–45 minutes from White Plains—depending on traffic and which bridge you take—
Ridgewood
Walkable streets lined with shops and restaurants
Cozy cafes perfect for a slow morning or afternoon break
Parks where you can sit with an iced coffee and people-watch
On one visit, I grabbed a coffee, sat outside, and watched kids run around while parents chatted at nearby tables. It felt like stepping into a TV show about charming suburban life.
Road trip tip: Look up local events. Ridgewood often has seasonal festivals, sidewalk sales, or holiday displays that make the visit extra fun.
7. Art, Trails, and Views at Storm King Art Center (Near Rockland & Orange)
If you don’t mind stretching your drive to around an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, Storm King Art Center is totally worth it. It sits not far from Rockland County and is one of the most unique outdoor art spaces in the region.
What you’ll find:
- Huge outdoor sculptures spread across rolling hills
- Wide open fields where you can wander at your own pace
- Photo-worthy views of art, sky, and mountains all at once
I once spent half a day there just walking from one sculpture to another, stopping often to sit in the grass. It felt like a mix of a hike, a museum visit, and a picnic.
Road trip tip: Wear sunscreen and bring water. You’ll be outside most of the time with little shade in some sections.
8. Historic Vibes in Tarrytown’s Neighbor: Across the River in Nyack (Rockland County, NY)
Everyone in Westchester knows Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, but if you cross the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, you land in Nyack in Rockland County—a lively river town with its own personality.
In Nyack you can:
- Browse antique shops, galleries, and quirky boutiques
- Enjoy brunch or dinner at local restaurants with a relaxed vibe
- Walk along the Hudson River and catch views of the bridge
- Find local live music on some evenings
One rainy spring afternoon, I ducked into a tiny cafe there, ordered soup and a sandwich, and watched the mist roll over the river. It was cozy, quiet, and exactly the kind of slow day I needed.
Road trip tip: Nyack gets busy during street fairs and special events. That can be fun—but if you prefer quiet exploring, aim for weekdays or non-festival weekends.
9. Quick Country Escape to Danbury (Western Connecticut)
Head northeast from White Plains and you’ll hit Danbury in western Connecticut in under an hour. It’s an easy, straightforward drive that feels surprisingly different from suburban New York.
Around Danbury you’ll find:
- Parks and reservoirs for easy walks and nature breaks
- Shopping areas if you’re in the mood to browse or pick up something new
- Local diners and restaurants with that classic New England touch
On one trip, I didn’t plan much—just drove up, grabbed coffee, and wandered through a local park near a lake. The quiet water and tree-lined paths felt a lot farther from home than my GPS told me.
Road trip tip: Western Connecticut roads can be twisty and wooded. They’re beautiful, but take your time—especially at night or in bad weather.
10. Low-Key Fun in Stamford (Western Connecticut)
If you want a short road trip from White Plains that still feels like “going somewhere,” Stamford in western Connecticut is a great option. It’s usually only 30–40 minutes away, yet the vibe is different enough to make it feel like a real outing.
You can:
- Walk along the waterfront and marina areas
- Check out downtown restaurants and bars
- Catch a movie or live performance, depending on what’s on
I once met a friend there for a late lunch, and we ended up stretching it into a full afternoon—walking by the water, grabbing coffee, and just catching up without feeling rushed. It was the perfect middle ground between “big city” and “quiet town.”
Road trip tip: If you’re going at rush hour, give yourself extra time. Traffic between New York and Connecticut can slow down quickly.
Planning Your Next Road Trip from White Plains
Living in or near White Plains is a gift for one big reason: you’re surrounded by great day trip options. In under an hour or so, you can be:
- On a beach in Nassau County
- Hiking in Rockland or Putnam County
- Exploring city culture in The Bronx
- Strolling small-town streets in western Connecticut or Bergen County
You don’t need a full week off or a cross-country flight. Sometimes, a simple drive and a new view are enough to reset your mind.
So, which of these 10 short out-of-county road trips from White Plains are you going to try first?
Share Your Favorite Road Trips
Have you taken any of these drives from White Plains—or do you have a hidden gem in western Connecticut, Bergen County, the Bronx, Nassau, Putnam, or Rockland that should be on this list?
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “We should go somewhere this weekend.”
Your ideas might become someone else’s new favorite day trip.
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