The United States offers incredible diversity from coast to coast, featuring world-class cities, stunning national parks, vibrant cultural scenes, and iconic landmarks. Experience everything from New York's skyline to California's beaches, from the Grand Canyon to tropical Hawaii.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Highlights: Gettysburg National Military Park · Battlefield auto tour · Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center · Little Round Top viewpoint · Historic downtown Gettysburg
Niagara Falls, New York
Highlights: Maid of the Mist boat tour · Cave of the Winds · Niagara Falls State Park (free entry) · Prospect Point observation deck · Rainbow Bridge to Canadian side
Sedona, Arizona
Highlights: Red Rock Scenic Byway · Cathedral Rock trail · Chapel of the Holy Cross · Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village · Jeep off-road tours
Napa Valley, California
Highlights: Wine tasting at domain Chandon · Oxbow Public Market in Napa · Castello di Amorosa medieval castle winery · Yountville Michelin-starred dining · Hot air balloon rides at sunrise
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Highlights: Skyline Drive overlooks · Mabry Mill watermill · Linn Cove Viaduct engineering marvel · Appalachian Trail crossings · Fall foliage October through early November
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from most major cities available from $75-150 — Viator and GetYourGuide have extensive listings for Grand Canyon, Napa Valley, and national parks
- Private
- Car hire with driver available from $400-800/day for groups; major concierges in NYC, LA, and Chicago can arrange private tour drivers
- Public
- Amtrak trains excellent for NYC-Philadelphia, NYC-Washington DC, and Boston-Providence; buses via Greyhound and FlixBus for most routes
- Rental
- Car rental from $40-80/day at major companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis); book in advance for weekend trips as supply tightens
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day trip destinations are best before 10AM when crowds arrive; national parks especially benefit from early starts
Book Amtrak trains in advance — Northeast Corridor routes fill quickly on weekends and prices rise close to departure
Download offline maps via Google Maps or AllTrails before heading to national parks where cell service is often unavailable
National parks require vehicle entry fees ($25-35); the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass pays off if visiting two or more parks