10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From West Babylon, NY
Planning a day trip from
West Babylon, New York and want to skip the usual Suffolk County spots? You’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can hit beaches, historic seaports, cozy New England towns, and even a famous aquarium—without hopping on a plane.
All of these ideas take you
out of Suffolk County and into nearby areas like
Nassau County, Western Connecticut, the Lower Connecticut River Valley, South Central Connecticut, Southeastern Connecticut, Greater Bridgeport, and
Washington County, Rhode Island.
Think of this as your go‑to list of
easy road trips from West Babylon when you want something different for a Saturday or long weekend.
1. Jones Beach State Park – Nassau County, NY
If you live in West Babylon, chances are you’ve heard of
Jones Beach. But have you really given it a full day?
From West Babylon, it’s usually about a
30–40 minute drive, depending on traffic. Once you cross into
Nassau County, you’re heading straight for miles of soft sand and wide‑open ocean views.
- Relax on the 6½‑mile shoreline
- Walk or bike on the boardwalk
- Catch a show at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater (summer)
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the sea breeze
On one visit, I remember just sitting on the sand with a simple deli sandwich and watching the waves roll in. No big plans, no schedule. Sometimes that’s the best kind of road trip.
2. Long Beach Boardwalk – Nassau County, NY
Want a classic beach town feel without going too far? Head to
Long Beach in Nassau County, about an
hour’s drive from West Babylon.
Here’s why it makes a great day trip:
- Stroll the boardwalk—it runs for about 2 miles along the ocean
- Grab coffee or ice cream from local shops just off the beach
- Swim, surf, or just people‑watch on the sand
- Plenty of casual food spots and bars within walking distance
If you like walking with an ocean view but don’t want the huge crowds of some other beaches, Long Beach hits a nice middle ground.
3. Bridgeport & Seaside Park – Greater Bridgeport, CT
For this one, you’ll cross the
Long Island Sound. From West Babylon, you can drive to the
Port Jefferson ferry (still in Suffolk), sail over to
Bridgeport in about
1½ hours, and suddenly you’re in
Greater Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Once you arrive:
- Walk or bike around Seaside Park with its waterfront paths and historic monuments
- Visit the Beardsley Zoo (small but charming, great with kids)
- Check out downtown Bridgeport for food and local coffee shops
It’s a fun mix of history, waterfront views, and a different vibe from Long Island. The ferry ride itself feels like part of the adventure.
4. Mystic Seaport & Downtown Mystic – Southeastern Connecticut
If you’re up for a slightly longer day trip,
Mystic, Connecticut is a favorite for many people in the tri‑state area. It’s in
Southeastern Connecticut, and depending on your route and traffic, you’re looking at around a
2½–3 hour trip each way (ferry + driving or all driving via the bridges).
Why it’s worth it:
- Mystic Seaport Museum – historic ships, a recreated 19th‑century seafaring village
- Mystic Aquarium – beluga whales, sea lions, and hands‑on exhibits
- Downtown Mystic – small shops, riverside views, and the famous drawbridge
Ever seen a drawbridge go up in the middle of lunch? In Mystic, you just might. Grab a table near the water, and you’ll hear the bells and see the bridge lift for passing boats. It’s simple, but it never gets old.
5. New Haven – Pizza, History & Waterfront – South Central Connecticut
New Haven, in
South Central Connecticut, makes a great road trip if you love food and a bit of history. Depending how you go (ferry + car or all road), expect around
2 hours or so.
Highlights:
- Try the famous New Haven–style pizza (locals call it “apizza”)
- Walk through the Yale University campus and visit free museums
- Check out New Haven Green and nearby historic churches
- Head to the waterfront for a change of scenery
If you’re the kind of person who plans trips around food (no shame—I do, too), a New Haven pizza tour from West Babylon is a very solid plan.
6. Essex & the Connecticut River Museum – Lower Connecticut River Valley
For something quieter and more old‑fashioned, head to
Essex, Connecticut in the
Lower Connecticut River Valley. It feels like stepping into a New England postcard.
Once you arrive, you can:
- Stroll Main Street with its historic homes and small shops
- Visit the Connecticut River Museum on the waterfront
- Take a river cruise (seasonal) to enjoy views of the valley
- Ride the scenic Essex Steam Train combined with a boat ride (great for families)
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. If West Babylon feels hectic, Essex is like a deep breath in town form.
7. Old Saybrook – Beaches & Lighthouses – Lower Connecticut River Valley
Also in the
Lower Connecticut River Valley,
Old Saybrook sits where the river meets the Long Island Sound. It’s another charming option within a couple of hours of West Babylon (ferry + short drive, or all road if you prefer).
You can:
- Relax at Harvey’s Beach (shallow water, great for kids)
- Visit the area around the Saybrook Breakwater Light (great photo spot)
- Explore local shops and cafés in the small town center
Old Saybrook has that laid‑back, coastal feel without being too crowded. It’s ideal if you want a simple beach day in a new setting.
8. Danbury & Candlewood Lake – Western Connecticut
Looking for something that’s not all about the ocean? Head inland to
Western Connecticut and visit
Danbury and
Candlewood Lake. From West Babylon, plan on roughly
2–3 hours depending on your route.
What to do:
- Relax by Candlewood Lake – boating, swimming, or just enjoying the views
- Check out the Danbury Railway Museum if you like trains
- Shop and grab a meal at the Danbury Fair Mall area
Spending an afternoon by the lake feels completely different from life on Long Island’s south shore. It’s a nice change of pace if you’re craving trees and freshwater instead of dunes and surf.
9. Historic Stonington Borough – Southeastern Connecticut
Just a short hop from Mystic,
Stonington Borough sits in
Southeastern Connecticut and often flies under the radar. It’s small, walkable, and full of New England charm.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Quiet harbor views with fishing boats and sailboats
- Stone and clapboard houses that look like a movie set
- Small art galleries, coffee shops, and seafood restaurants
- A peaceful, less crowded feel compared with some bigger destinations
If you like wandering without a strict plan—just turning corners, peeking into shops, and taking photos—Stonington is perfect.
10. Narragansett & Point Judith – Washington County, Rhode Island
For a slightly bigger adventure, cross into
Rhode Island and visit
Narragansett and
Point Judith in
Washington County. It’s a bit of a trek from West Babylon, but still doable as a long day trip or a quick overnight.
In this area, you can:
- Walk Narragansett Town Beach and admire the historic Towers
- Head to Point Judith to see the lighthouse and watch the fishing boats
- Catch a ferry to Block Island for a bonus adventure (best as an overnight)
- Enjoy classic New England seafood shacks and waterfront views
It feels like a completely different world from suburban Long Island—windy shores, rocky coastline, and that salty New England air.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From West Babylon
To make the most of your
West Babylon day trips:
- Check travel time – Traffic and ferry schedules can change your plans fast.
- Book ferries early – Popular routes (like Port Jeff–Bridgeport) can sell out on busy days.
- Pack smart – Bring layers, beach gear, or walking shoes depending on the destination.
- Have a backup plan – If weather turns, switch from beach time to museums or downtown exploring.
Even a simple day out—like a few hours on a different beach or a walk in a new town—can feel like a mini‑vacation when you’re used to the same local spots.
Where Will You Go Next?
You don’t have to go far from
West Babylon to feel far away. From
Jones Beach and
Long Beach in Nassau County to
Mystic,
New Haven, and the
Connecticut River Valley, there are plenty of
out‑of‑county road trips waiting just beyond your usual drive.
Have you tried any of these places? Do you have your own favorite day trip from West Babylon?
Drop a comment with your best road trip tips, hidden gems, or questions. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are always saying, “We should go somewhere different this weekend.” You might just inspire their next adventure.
Comments
Post a Comment