Mary@nyc.unfolded

514 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

4 saved

8

NYC no car day trip

Feels like an Italian villa overlooking the Hudson.

Save this for your next easy NYC day trip 🌿✨

📍 Untermyer Gardens, Yonkers

A hidden gem just outside the city that feels straight out of Europe, dramatic fountains, Persian-inspired gardens, sweeping Hudson River views, and peaceful walking paths.

The good news are

• Free admission

• No car needed

• Under an hour from NYC

• Perfect for a solo reset, date day, or weekend wander

Getting there:

Take Metro-North from Grand Central to Yonkers, then a short Uber/bus ride to the gardens.

If you want a beautiful escape without planning a whole getaway, this is it. 🌸🌿

#NYCDayTrip #UntermyerGardens #HiddenGemsNY #nycthingstodo #WeekendGetaway Untermyer Gardens

4/27 Edited to

If you're looking for a refreshing break from the bustle of New York City without the hassle of driving, Untermyer Gardens offers a perfect solution. I recently visited this enchanting spot and was struck by how it completely transformed my day. The Persian-style gardens create an oasis of calm, with ornate fountains that make you feel as if you've stepped into a European villa overlooking the Hudson River. Getting there is surprisingly easy—just hop on the Metro-North from Grand Central to Yonkers and then take a short Uber or a local bus ride. The journey itself gives you a peek into suburban life outside the city, adding to the charm of this day trip. Once there, you can wander the peaceful walking paths, find quiet spots to sit and reflect, or enjoy a gentle hike with panoramic river views. One of the best parts is the free admission, which makes it accessible to everyone. Whether you're planning a solo day to reset, a romantic date, or a weekend wander with friends, Untermyer Gardens fits the bill. I found that spending time among the lush greenery and artistic landscaping was incredibly rejuvenating. For those who love photography, this hidden garden is a treasure trove of picturesque moments—from intricate garden sculptures to colorful plantings and the serene river backdrop. It’s not just a garden visit; it feels like a mini European escape right next to NYC. If you’re in the city and craving a peaceful nature retreat without the need for a car, making a trip to Untermyer Gardens is definitely worth adding to your NYC day trip list. It’s that rare combination of accessibility, beauty, and tranquility that makes you want to return time and again.

Related posts

NYC tourist traps to avoid

Traveling to New York for a first time? Avoid these tourist traps! Times Square Characters! Don’t take photos with the characters in Times Square if you’re not ready to cough up some cash! These photos are NOT free and they get quite aggressive if you try to avoid paying after taking a phot

2225 likes

A couple stands with their backs to the camera, looking out at a scenic view of a lake and mountains, framed like a polaroid. Text overlay reads 'NYC day trip without a car!' and 'COLD SPRING'.

Train tracks stretch into the distance, flanked by dense green trees, leading towards a rocky mountain under a cloudy sky. This represents the Metro-North route to Cold Spring.

fun NYC day trip by train

I love a good day trip from New York and some of my favorite day trips are from the city to the Hudson Valley via the Metro-North trains! I don’t have a car, so this is the perfect way to get out of the city for a day and not worry about traffic, parking, or driving! Recently I went to

14 likes

3 Unique Coffee Shops for Your Next NYC Trip

Traveling to New York and looking for the perfect spots to grab a coffee? I got you! Save these 3 STUNNING spots for your next trip! 📍 The Clock Coffee Shop is my go-to cafe when I want to work in a place where I know I'll get a table, and that offers good internet. Coffee Quality: 10/10

380 likes

Day Trip From NYC - Mystic Connecticut 📍

If you're looking for the perfect day trip from New York City, Mystic is it! It's only 2 1/2 hours away and feels like a total escape. The whole village is full of cute shops, cozy cafés, and delicious restaurants. You can spend the day walking around, grabbing some snacks, shopping, and ju

3610 likes

A collage of images showcasing Cold Spring, NY, featuring a woman enjoying coffee, sitting on a bench, hiking with scenic views, and admiring a lake with fall foliage. Text highlights activities like hiking and exploring charming shops.

A collage of images depicting Bear Mountain, including a woman holding a snack, feet on fallen leaves, and a woman posing by a lake with stunning fall foliage. Text mentions cruises, trails, and Oktoberfest vibes.

🍁✨ NYC Fall Day Trips Without a Car ✨🍁

Dreaming of a fall getaway but don’t drive? Here are 3 of the best fall trips from NYC you can reach by train, ferry, or subway: 📍 Cold Spring, NY – Take the Metro-North Hudson Line 🚆 (1h15). Explore hiking, charming Main Street, cozy cafés, and breathtaking Hudson River foliage views. 📍 Fort

20 likes

A beautiful bookstore interior featuring a dark blue ceiling painted with gold celestial patterns, including stars and zodiac signs. Two large yellow pendant lights illuminate the room, filled with bookshelves and tables displaying books.

The exterior of Sweet Pickle Books, a narrow storefront with a "Sweet Pickle Books" sign and a green "PICKLES" sign. The window displays books and jars, reflecting its unique concept of trading books for homemade pickles.

The white exterior of Books Are Magic, featuring its name painted in black with a red sunburst. A large display window shows books, and a person sits on a red bench outside this adorable Brooklyn bookshop.

NYC bookstores to add to your trip

Next time you travel to New York , add these amazing bookshops to your trip! Sweet Pickle Books One of the most unique bookshops where you can trade in used books for jars of homemade pickles in the Lower East Side ! Books Are Magic One of the most adorable Brooklyn bookshops opene

425 likes

A street view of a building covered in ivy in the West Village, with a blue car parked on the street. Text overlay reads "NYC Neighborhood Guide West Village."

A red brick building with green foliage, featuring a list of eight bars in the West Village, including Temperance, Moonflower, and Cellar Dog.

A street scene with buildings and a tree with white blossoms, displaying a list of six restaurants in the West Village, such as L'Artusi, American Bar, and 4 Charles.

SAVE THIS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO NYC! 🗽

🍸 Bars: Temperance - casual wine bar with a backyard Moonflower - funky natural wine bar Cellar Dog - pool, ping pong, and shuffleboard bar Happiest Hour - fun 70s vibe Wilfie & Nell - intimate, homey setting Bar Nena - Mexico City inspired speakeasy Sogno Toscano - Italian market with a

145 likes

New Jersey Day Trip Itinerary ✨

New Jersey has some amazing places to visit, even if you only had a day. A lot of people skip it because they happen to only have time to explore nyc but if you can spare a day, here's what I'd recommend doing as a jersey local: - kubo coffee: this filipino owned restaurant has some of t

709 likes

#macysthanksgivingdayparade #new york city #unfiltered #travel #wishyouwerehere

2777 likes

Day trips from NYC by train: Poughkeepsie

Traveling to New York and looking for cool day trips by train that you don’t need a car for? Poughkeepsie is just north of NYC and easy to get to! To get to Poughkeepsie, take the MetroNorth Train from Grand Central Terminal to Poughkeepsie. It’s about a 1.5 - 2 hour ride. What to do:

26 likes

NYC vs Las Vegas: Which Trip Costs Less? 🎰🗽

Planning a U.S. city getaway and deciding between New York City and Las Vegas? Here’s the budget reality: 🎰 Las Vegas is usually cheaper overall, especially for hotels and flights. 🗽 New York City costs more, but offers world-famous landmarks, museums, Broadway shows, and walkable neighbor

32 likes

The image features a vibrant pink and peach floral tunnel, creating an immersive indoor pathway. Overlay text reads "THINGS TO DO INDOORS IN NEW YORK CITY WHEN IT'S TOO HOT OR RAINY," serving as the article's title.

An interior view of The Metropolitan Museum of Art shows a grand hall with a classical building facade and sculptures. Overlay text highlights "THE MET" and mentions admission details, including a bonus admission to The Met Cloisters.

A person stands amidst a futuristic interactive art installation with purple lighting and reflective tubes, creating a mesmerizing effect. Overlay text lists "INTERACTIVE ART MUSEUMS" and specific venues like INTER_IAM, Mercer Labs, and Artechouse with their price ranges.

Things to do in NYC indoors on a hot or rainy day

If it’s too hot outside or a rainy day during your New York trip check out these fun options for indoor things to do in the city! Spend a Day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art You can spend hours in here! It’s a great indoor activity in NYC to do when you have hours to spend but don’t wan

1094 likes

A person in a hat stands silhouetted in an ornate domed gazebo at Untermyer Gardens, with a cloudy sky overhead. The image highlights the article's theme of best day trips from New York City without a car.

A long reflecting pool with small fountains stretches through lush green gardens at Untermyer Gardens. Trees frame the view towards distant white architectural elements, creating a serene atmosphere.

A formal garden at Untermyer Gardens features a reflecting pool with a circular basin, leading to a grand white stone colonnade overlooking the Hudson River valley under a cloudy sky.

beautiful NYC day trips without a car

If you’re looking for fun day trips from New York that don’t require a car, look no further than the enchanting gardens and property of Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers just north of the city! This was a former Gilded Age estate, the house is no longer there but the Indo-Persian gardens are st

14 likes

A cover image for "trips from NYC without a car" to "Cold Spring," showing layered mountains and a distant city skyline. A colorful framed section highlights the vibrant landscape against a muted background.

A sunny street scene in Cold Spring, featuring people walking with two dogs on leashes past charming buildings and trees. Overlay text describes taking the Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal to Cold Spring, a 1 hour 15 minute ride.

A historic brick building covered in colorful red and green ivy, with "The Pig Hill Inn" sign visible. Overlay text lists activities in Cold Spring, including shopping on Main Street, visiting art galleries, having lunch with a view, and walking to Little Stony Point.

Day trips from NYC by train: Cold Spring

Traveling to New York and looking for cool day trips by train that you don’t need a car for? Check out Cold Spring, a charming town in the Hudson Valley just north of NYC! To get here couldn’t be easier! Take the Metro-North Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal . It’s a 1 hour 15 m

26 likes

The Ultimate NYC 5-Day Itinerary | DAY 02

Planning a trip to New York and need some inspiration on the best things to do? Don't worry because I've got you covered! I've been living in NY for the last 3 years, and I have put together the perfect NYC itinerary, including everything you could see as a first-timer visiting.

12 likes

An aerial view of the New York City skyline at sunset, featuring the Empire State Building prominently. Text overlay reads "DAY TRIP TO NYC Travel with me from chicago to NYC steal my itinerary."

An airplane wing is visible from a window, flying over a city with lights at dusk or dawn. Text overlay indicates "6:15 AM en route to nyc."

A view from an airplane window shows an airport runway, a body of water, and a distant city skyline. Text overlay states "8:45 AM touchdown!!! VELCOME TO NEW YORK."

Day Trip to NYC from Chicago!! ✈️🍎🗽 part 1

New York #traveltok #nyc #daytriptonyc #chicagotonyc #solotravel

24 likes

must-try food spots on your nyc trip

if you’re visiting nyc and don’t know where to start—these are my go-to food spots that are always worth the hype: 1. l’industrie pizzeria - hands down one of the best slices in nyc. their burrata slice is a must—crispy base, sweet tomato sauce, and creamy burrata on top. ($5.50) L’industrie Pi

105 likes

A brick building with dark windows and a teal door, covered in light snow. The image highlights Hudson as a car-free day trip from NYC.

An interior view of a bar or restaurant with a curved counter and red bar stools. Text overlay describes taking the Amtrak from Moynihan Hall at Penn Station to Hudson, a 2-hour train ride.

A snowy street lined with colorful historic buildings and parked cars. Text overlay lists activities in Hudson: brunch at Kitty's, shopping on Warren Street, visiting Spotty Dog Books & Ale, and The Antique Warehouse.

Day trips from NYC by train: Hudson

Traveling to New York and looking for cool day trips by train that you don’t need a car for? I recommend Hudson , one of my favorite towns in the Hudson Valley! If you have the flexibility, it’s even worth making an overnight getaway out of staying here! To get to Hudson, take the Amtrak from

26 likes

must‑try spots to eat on your nyc trip

if you’re visiting nyc and don’t know where to start — these are some of my go‑to spots that are always worth it: 1. funny face bakery - giant, gooey cookies that taste as good as they look. the classic chocolate chip is a must‑try. ($6.75) 2. blank street - sleek and cozy spot for a quick ca

141 likes

NYC Trip: Shopping!

Here’s all the cute stuff I got on my NYC trip! Minus all the clothes I got😮‍💨 I could barely close my suitcase. My favorite store to visit was definitely MUJI or Miniso. #nyc #ShoppingHaul #sanrio

356 likes

A charming street scene in Cold Spring, NY, featuring brick buildings, a 'GENERAL STORE' sign, and fall decorations like pumpkins and mums. An overlay reads 'Day Trip Itinerary Cold Spring, NY' with a search bar, setting the stage for a travel guide.

A text-based itinerary for Cold Spring, NY, detailing arrival at Grand Central, Metro-North train travel to Cold Spring (1 hr 15 min scenic ride), station arrival, and breakfast recommendations like Cozy Corner Cafe and Cold Spring Coffeehouse.

A text-based itinerary for Cold Spring, NY, outlining activities such as exploring Main Street's shops (e.g., Split Rock Books, Antique Alley), visiting Boscobel House & Gardens, and hiking options like Breakneck Ridge or Constitution Marsh.

✨ ITINERARY: Day Trip from NYC ✨

If you're looking to escape the city for a quick day trip without a car...say no more! I have outlined a detailed intinerary to Cold Spring, NY! 🎯 You can always customize what times you can take the train from Grand Central and what you want to explore! Here's a detailed itinerary

8 likes

Day trip to NYC!

Last minute (day-of) discussion to drive up to NYC to shop canal street ofc!

11 likes

A pink multi-story building with a storefront on a snowy street, featuring the title "5 cute small towns to visit FROM NYC". A person walks by.

A brick building covered in vibrant green and red ivy, with a ground-floor shop and people sitting outside. The scene is under a clear blue sky.

Two people stand on a rocky overlook, embracing and gazing at a wide river or lake surrounded by mountains, framed by green trees, representing a scenic hike in Cold Spring.

cute towns to visit from NYC without a car!

These are my favorite towns in New York to visit outside of NYC by train! Beacon I love the downtown of Beacon! I love Main Street, check out the shops. Little King is a favorite! Also grab a drink from Matcha Thomas! distance: 1.5 hours by train Cold Spring This is one of the ea

87 likes

The Tarrytown Music Hall, a historic red brick building with ornate architecture and turrets, is featured. Text overlay reads "TRIPS FROM NYC WITHOUT A CAR Tarrytown," highlighting this destination for a day trip.

A street view in Tarrytown shows the "MUSIC HALL" sign above a storefront and a red bicycle on the sidewalk. Text overlay explains how to get there: "Take the Metro North train from Grand Central in NYC to Tarrytown, 35 minutes."

An aerial view captures the red and white Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse in the Hudson River, with a bridge in the background. Text overlay lists activities for a Tarrytown day trip, including visiting the lighthouse, shopping, and dining.

day trips from NYC by train: Tarrytown

Traveling to New York and looking for cool day trips by train that you don’t need a car for? Check out Tarrytown , a historic town in the Hudson Valley just outside of NYC that’s next to the famous Sleepy Hollow ! To get here couldn’t be easier! Take the Metro-North Hudson Line train from

29 likes

Free things to do when visiting nyc 🗽

📍 City/Country: newyork After spending so much money on your trip, here are some (almost) free things to do in New York City. There were so many cool things to see but here are my top ones when I visited. #new york trip #thingstodo #lemon8challenge

78 likes

A vibrant street view of Times Square in New York City at dusk, featuring numerous illuminated billboards, busy traffic, and tall buildings. The image overlay states, 'NYC LIKE A LOCAL STOP MAKING THESE 5 MISTAKES WHEN TRAVELLING TO NYC'.

An overhead shot of a table laden with various Mediterranean dishes, including fried zucchini, a dip, feta cheese with olives, and pita bread. The text advises against 'DINING IN CHAIN RESTAURANTS OR TIMES SQUARE' for an authentic NYC culinary experience.

A busy New York City street scene with cars parked and driving, tall buildings, and a large billboard advertising 'Hello Yellow'. The overlay text warns against 'IGNORING PUBLIC TRANSIT', suggesting the subway is the best way to navigate the city.

Planning a trip to NYC? Watch these Tourist Traps❌

Are you planning a trip to New York and want to have a better and more authentic experience? So avoid making these classic mistakes: 1 - Dining in chain restaurants or Times Square 2 - Ignoring Public Transit 3 - Skipping reservations 4 - Sticking to tourist spots 5 - Stopping

41 likes

A large yellow sculpture of a bald figure with wide eyes and a red mouth is visible against a modern building. Overlay text reads "A day in my Life My Class Art Trip To NYC."

A view from the High Line shows a city street below and modern buildings in the background. Several large, whimsical fish sculptures are mounted on poles above the bridge. Overlay text says "Drawing Dancing Fish."

A collage of various art pieces and museum visitors at The Whitney Museum. It includes paintings, abstract art, and two people observing an artwork. Overlay text reads "The Whitney Snippets."

Class Art Trip To NYC

A perfect Summer day to walk around NYC THINGS TO DO: 🩷 Shop at Artists & Fleas 🩷 Walk the High Line 🩷 Eat at Chelsea Market 🩷 Go to The Whitney 🩷 Draw the sculptures and foods you eat 🩷 Buy prints and totes from the street vendors #dayinmylife #art #museum #lemon8challenge

39 likes

See more