10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Yonkers, New York (Westchester County)

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Yonkers, NY

Looking for fun day trips from Yonkers that get you out of Westchester County for a bit? Maybe you’ve already hit all your local parks, restaurants, and river walks, and now you’re craving something new that’s still close to home. The good news: Yonkers sits in a sweet spot. In under an hour (in some cases, under 30 minutes), you can be in New Jersey, Connecticut, the Bronx, Rockland, Putnam, and Nassau, with plenty of new things to see and do. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Yonkers that are perfect for a half-day or full-day escape.

1. Walk the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge & Explore DUMBO (Bronx/NYC Access)

Yes, the Brooklyn Bridge is in the city, not the Bronx. But your quick access point is right through the Bronx, so it’s an easy hop from Yonkers. From Yonkers, you can drive through the Bronx and head straight into Manhattan or Brooklyn. Park near City Hall in lower Manhattan or in Brooklyn’s DUMBO area, then spend the day exploring.
  • Distance from Yonkers: About 20–25 miles (roughly 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic)
  • Best for: First-timers to NYC, couples, families with older kids
What to do:
  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn (or vice versa). It’s about 1.1 miles one way.
  • Grab pizza in DUMBO and enjoy the classic skyline view at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
  • Take photos under the bridge and along the waterfront.
If you’ve got kids or just love people-watching, this is a great “big city” adventure that’s still easy as a day trip from Yonkers.

2. Bronx Zoo & New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY)

You might think of the Bronx as “next door,” but it’s still a different county—and it makes for an incredible Yonkers day trip.
  • Distance from Yonkers: Around 8–10 miles (20–30 minutes)
  • Best for: Families, animal lovers, plant fans, relaxed walkers
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country. You can easily spend most of the day here:
  • Ride the monorail to see animals roaming open spaces.
  • Check out the World of Birds and the Congo Gorilla Forest.
  • Plan for a lot of walking—comfortable shoes are key.
Right next door is the New York Botanical Garden, a peaceful change of pace:
  • Walk through themed gardens and forested paths.
  • Visit the glass conservatory with tropical plants.
  • Enjoy seasonal events like orchid shows and holiday train displays.
If you start early, you can do both in one day, or split them into two separate short road trips from Yonkers.

3. Palisades Interstate Park & State Line Lookout (Bergen County, NJ)

For a quick escape into nature, head across the river into Bergen County, New Jersey and explore the dramatic cliffs of the Palisades.
  • Distance from Yonkers: About 15–20 miles (roughly 30–40 minutes)
  • Best for: Hikers, picnickers, Hudson River views
Highlights:
  • Drive along the Palisades Interstate Parkway for scenic overlooks.
  • Stop at State Line Lookout for a great view of the Hudson River and the cliffs.
  • Explore easy-to-moderate hiking trails that lead down close to the water or along the bluff.
On a clear day, the view feels almost like something you’d see out West, just in a compact Northeast package.

4. American Dream Mall & Meadowlands Area (Bergen County, NJ)

If your idea of a day trip from Yonkers is more about indoors and entertainment, drive to American Dream, a massive shopping and attractions complex in East Rutherford.
  • Distance from Yonkers: Around 20–25 miles (roughly 40–50 minutes)
  • Best for: Families, groups, rainy-day fun
Inside this giant complex, you’ll find:
  • An indoor water park and amusement park
  • Indoor ski slope and snow park
  • Large selection of shops and dining
It’s an easy New Jersey day trip from Yonkers, especially in winter or on super hot summer days when you want a climate-controlled adventure.

5. Bear Mountain State Park (Rockland County, NY)

If you’ve been craving some fresh air and classic Hudson Valley scenery, drive north into Rockland County to Bear Mountain State Park.
  • Distance from Yonkers: About 30–35 miles (roughly 45–60 minutes)
  • Best for: Hikers, picnickers, fall foliage chasers
What you can do:
  • Hike to the top of Bear Mountain for sweeping views of the Hudson River.
  • Walk around Hessian Lake or rent a boat in season.
  • Visit the small zoo and learn about local wildlife.
In the fall, this is a prime spot for leaf-peeping. On a clear day, the views feel far away from city life, even though you’re just about an hour from Yonkers.

6. Nyack & the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path (Rockland County, NY)

If you love small river towns, Nyack is a great choice for a quick Hudson River day trip.
  • Distance from Yonkers: Around 15–20 miles (about 25–35 minutes)
  • Best for: Brunch, boutique shopping, river views, biking
Top things to do:
  • Stroll downtown Nyack for coffee, antiques, and local shops.
  • Walk or bike the path on the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (the new Tappan Zee Bridge) for stunning views of the Hudson.
  • Relax on the riverfront in Memorial Park.
If you’re looking for a simple, low-stress day trip from Yonkers with good food and scenery, Nyack hits the spot.

7. Cold Spring: A Charming Hudson River Village (Putnam County, NY)

Drive a bit farther up the Hudson and you’ll hit Cold Spring in Putnam County, a small village that feels like a getaway town without the long drive.
  • Distance from Yonkers: About 40–45 miles (around 1 hour)
  • Best for: Romantic day trips, small-town charm, scenic walks
Here’s what makes Cold Spring special:
  • A cute Main Street full of cafés, ice cream shops, and boutiques.
  • Benches and a waterfront park right on the Hudson with a great view of Storm King Mountain.
  • Access to nearby hikes if you want something more active.
If you like to mix a lazy stroll with good food and river views, this is a winning choice.

8. Breakneck Ridge & Hudson Highlands (Putnam County, NY)

If you’re an adventurous hiker, you’ve probably heard of Breakneck Ridge, one of the most famous hikes in the region.
  • Distance from Yonkers: Around 45–50 miles (about 1–1.25 hours)
  • Best for: Experienced hikers, active adults, adventure-seekers
Important note: This hike is steep and rocky. It’s not a casual walk in the park. Bring:
  • Good hiking shoes
  • Water and snacks
  • Patience for climbing and scrambling
The reward? Wide-open views of the Hudson River and rolling hills that look like a painting. It’s one of the most iconic outdoor day trips from Yonkers if you’re up for the challenge.

9. Jones Beach State Park (Nassau County, Long Island, NY)

When summer hits and you’re craving sand and waves, head out to Jones Beach in Nassau County.
  • Distance from Yonkers: About 45–55 miles (roughly 1–1.5 hours, traffic can vary)
  • Best for: Beach days, families, concerts
At Jones Beach, you’ll find:
  • Long, wide sandy beaches and ocean surf
  • Boardwalk areas for walking, biking, or grabbing snacks
  • Summer concerts at the amphitheater (check schedules in advance)
Pack:
  • Beach chairs and umbrella
  • Cooler with drinks and snacks
  • Plenty of sunscreen
It’s a classic Long Island beach escape that’s close enough to do as a simple day trip from Yonkers.

10. Mystic Country & Coastal Towns (Western Connecticut)

When people think of Connecticut road trips from Yonkers, they often picture pretty towns, harbors, and old New England charm. Western Connecticut gives you easy access to that vibe. You can start with closer spots like Greenwich or Stamford, then continue along the coast if you have more time.
  • Distance from Yonkers to Greenwich: About 15–20 miles (around 25–35 minutes)
  • Best for: Coastal walks, waterfront dining, New England feel
Ideas along the way:
  • Stop in Greenwich for upscale shops and waterfront parks.
  • Explore Stamford for restaurants and harbor views.
  • If you’re up for a longer drive, continue deeper into coastal Connecticut for small towns and beaches.
This is a nice option if you want a change of scenery that feels a little different from New York, but still close enough for a same-day return.

Tips for Planning Your Yonkers Day Trips

To make your out-of-county road trips from Yonkers smooth and fun, keep these simple tips in mind:
  • Check traffic: Around the city, 20 miles can feel like 60 if you hit rush hour. Try to leave early.
  • Watch parking rules: Some areas use meters, garages, or special rules on weekends.
  • Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
  • Have a backup plan: If one spot is crowded, know a second option nearby.

Ready to Explore Beyond Yonkers?

Living in or near Yonkers means you’re surrounded by choices. In under an hour or so, you can:
  • Walk iconic bridges and city streets
  • Visit one of the best zoos and gardens in the country
  • Hike dramatic cliffs and mountains
  • Relax in riverside villages
  • Spend the day at the beach or in a huge indoor entertainment complex
Which of these short road trips from Yonkers are you adding to your list?
  • Have you tried any of these spots already?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem in New Jersey, Connecticut, the Bronx, Rockland, Putnam, or Nassau?
Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered just beyond Westchester’s borders. And if you know someone in Yonkers looking for fresh ideas, send them this guide or share it on your social media. The more we swap ideas, the more fun weekend adventures we all get to enjoy.
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