10 Fun Out-of-County Road Trips Near Hicksville, NY
Looking for things to do
near Hicksville, NY without hopping on a plane? If you’re based in Hicksville in Nassau County and you’ve already hit all the local spots, a short road trip can feel like a mini-vacation.
The good news? Within about 30–90 minutes, you can reach beaches, historic towns, zoos, and even a famous movie mansion. All outside Nassau County, just like you asked.
Below are
10 easy road trips from Hicksville into nearby areas:
Queens, The Bronx, Suffolk County on Long Island, Westchester County, and western Connecticut.
1. Queens: Rockaway Beach & the Boardwalk
If you’re craving the ocean but want a change from the usual Long Island spots, head to
Rockaway Beach in Queens.
You’ll find:
- Wide sandy beaches
- A long oceanfront boardwalk
- Plenty of casual food stands
You can walk for miles along the boardwalk, watch surfers ride the waves, or just park your beach chair in the sand and relax. On summer weekends, it has that lively “city beach” vibe, but if you go early in the day, it’s much calmer.
From Hicksville, it’s usually around a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic. I like to leave early, grab a coffee to-go, and park near the boardwalk so I can be on the sand in minutes.
Road trip tip: Pack a cooler, beach chairs, and an extra sweatshirt. Even on warm days, the ocean breeze can feel chilly toward evening.
2. Queens: Flushing Meadows–Corona Park & Queens Museum
You’ve probably seen photos of that huge silver globe in Queens. That’s the
Unisphere in
Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, one of the most famous landmarks near Hicksville.
Here’s what makes this road trip fun:
- The Unisphere – a great photo spot
- Wide open lawns for picnics or tossing a frisbee
- Queens Museum, known for its giant miniature model of New York City
The museum is small enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming, and the park is a nice break if you’re used to suburban streets. You can walk, bike, or just people-watch.
Drive time from Hicksville: About 35–45 minutes in light traffic.
Road trip tip: If you like trying new foods, nearby Flushing has incredible Asian restaurants. Think dumplings, noodles, and bubble tea within a short drive of the park.
3. The Bronx: Bronx Zoo Adventure Day
If you’ve never been to the
Bronx Zoo, it’s worth the drive. It’s one of the largest zoos in the country and makes an easy day trip from Hicksville.
You can:
- Walk through the Congo Gorilla Forest
- Visit Tiger Mountain
- See bison, bears, birds, and more
I once went with a group of friends, and we ended up spending nearly the whole day just walking and talking while we checked out different exhibits. It didn’t feel rushed at all.
Drive time from Hicksville: Usually about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Road trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The zoo is big, and you’ll easily hit your step count for the day.
4. The Bronx: New York Botanical Garden Escape
Right next to the zoo is a completely different vibe: the
New York Botanical Garden. If the Bronx Zoo is about energy, the garden is about calm.
Expect:
- Beautiful seasonal flower displays
- Quiet walking paths
- A huge glass conservatory with tropical plants
In spring, the cherry blossoms and tulips are stunning. In fall, the foliage and special exhibits make it feel like a peaceful escape from everyday life in Hicksville.
Drive time from Hicksville: Around 1.5 hours, similar to the zoo.
Road trip tip: Check the garden’s calendar before you go. They often have special events, holiday train shows, or evening light displays.
5. Suffolk County: Fire Island for a Sandy Getaway
Sometimes you just want a classic beach day, minus big highways and city crowds.
Fire Island, in Suffolk County, gives you that “beach town” feel without going too far from Hicksville.
Here’s how it works:
- Drive from Hicksville to a ferry terminal on the South Shore (like Bay Shore, Sayville, or Patchogue)
- Park your car
- Take a short ferry ride out to Fire Island
Once you’re there, most areas are car-free. You walk, bike, or use wagons to carry beach gear. It feels like you’re much farther from home than you really are.
Popular Fire Island spots:
- Ocean Beach – more shops and restaurants
- Kismet – laid-back with a local feel
- Fire Island Lighthouse – great photo spot
Travel time from Hicksville: Around 45–60 minutes to the ferry, plus the ferry ride.
Road trip tip: Pack light but smart. Sunscreen, a hat, cash or card for food, and flip-flops that are easy to slip off in the sand.
6. Suffolk County: Port Jefferson Harbor & Village
For a charming small-town feel with water views,
Port Jefferson on Long Island’s North Shore is a great option.
In Port Jeff you can:
- Stroll along the harbor and watch the ferry come and go
- Browse local shops and ice cream spots
- Enjoy casual seafood by the water
It’s an easy place to wander without a plan. One afternoon, I parked near the harbor, grabbed a coffee, and just walked up and down the main streets, ducking into little shops whenever something caught my eye.
Drive time from Hicksville: Roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Road trip tip: If you stay into the evening, the waterfront lights up nicely, and it’s a cozy spot for a relaxed dinner.
7. Westchester County: Historic Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown
Want a storybook-style day trip from Hicksville? Head to
Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown in Westchester County, just north of New York City along the Hudson River.
Highlights include:
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery — beautiful and historic, especially in fall
- Hudson River views from nearby parks
- Quaint downtown areas with cafes and local shops
In October, the area leans into its spooky side with events inspired by “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” But even off-season, it’s a peaceful place to walk and take photos.
Drive time from Hicksville: About 1.5 hours, depending on your route and traffic.
Road trip tip: If you love scenic drives, cross the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (the Tappan Zee replacement) and stop at a riverfront park for those wide Hudson River views.
8. Westchester County: Kensico Dam Plaza & Valhalla
For something a bit different, drive up to
Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, Westchester County. The massive stone dam is impressive up close, and the park below is wide and open.
You can:
- Walk around the park at the base of the dam
- Have a picnic on the grass
- Check out views from different angles of the structure
It’s the kind of place where you can take kids to run around, or just relax on a blanket with a book. It’s simple, but that’s part of the charm.
Drive time from Hicksville: Usually around 1.5 hours.
Road trip tip: Bring a frisbee, soccer ball, or some games. The open space makes it perfect for a low-key afternoon.
9. Western Connecticut: Mystic Seaport & Historic Harbor
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive,
Mystic, Connecticut feels like a full-on New England getaway while still being reachable for a day trip from Hicksville.
Mystic offers:
- Mystic Seaport Museum – historic ships, waterfront exhibits, and cobblestone-style paths
- A classic downtown area with shops and places to eat
- The famous drawbridge and harbor views
Walking through the seaport, you get a sense of old maritime life, with tall ships and historic buildings. It’s especially nice in spring, summer, and early fall.
Drive time from Hicksville: Usually about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and your route through Connecticut.
Road trip tip: Turn it into a long day trip: leave Hicksville early, spend the day exploring, and stop for dinner in town before driving back.
10. Western Connecticut: Gillette Castle State Park
For a truly unique destination, head to
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. It looks like a stone castle perched above the Connecticut River, and the drive up adds to the adventure.
What you’ll find:
- A quirky stone “castle” built by actor William Gillette
- Walking trails and scenic overlooks
- Views of the river and surrounding hills
The inside of the castle (when open) is full of odd little details, like custom woodwork and secret-feeling spaces. Even if you just explore the grounds, it’s a great spot for photos and fresh air.
Drive time from Hicksville: Around 2.5 to 3 hours, so this works best as a full-day road trip.
Road trip tip: Pack snacks and water, and wear comfortable shoes. The trails are generally easy but can involve some hills and uneven ground.
Planning Your Hicksville Road Trips
To make the most of these
out-of-county day trips from Hicksville, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check traffic — Leaving early can save you a lot of time, especially when driving through Queens or the Bronx.
- Look up hours and tickets — Places like the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, and Mystic Seaport may require timed entry or tickets.
- Pack smart — Think layers, water, snacks, and a portable phone charger, especially for longer drives.
You don’t have to go far from Hicksville to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. Whether you’re in the mood for beaches, history, gardens, or cozy harbor towns, these nearby counties give you plenty of options.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Hicksville
Have you taken any of these
road trips near Hicksville, NY? Do you have another favorite spot in Queens, the Bronx, Suffolk, Westchester, or western Connecticut that should be on this list?
Drop your ideas in the comments — your suggestion might inspire someone else’s next weekend adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are searching for fun, easy day trips near Hicksville. The more ideas we swap, the more exploring we all get to do.
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