Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Stamford, CT
Stamford is Connecticut's business hub with access to the Long Island Sound, Mianus River Park, and the Metro-North train to Manhattan.
Cove Island Park and the Bartlett Arboretum offer nature near the office towers.
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or browse all12 destinations near Stamford
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 4.8k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 36 min from Stamford · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Grounds For Sculpture
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 9.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 55 min from Stamford · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 7.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 27 min from Stamford · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Hamilton Park
Weehawken Township, NJ 07086
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 8.4k+ visitors) · 60 min from Stamford · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Kaaterskill Falls, Viewing Platform
Palenville, NY 12463
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.2k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 6 min from Stamford · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Hudson Highlands State Park
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 2 min from Stamford · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Falling Waters Preserve
Saugerties, NY 12477
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 50 min from Stamford · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
The Channel Gardens
NY 10020, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.7k+ visitors) · 52 min from Stamford · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
New York, NY 10017
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 33.2k+ visitors) · 52 min from Stamford · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.6k+ visitors) · 52 min from Stamford · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Mountain Top Arboretum
Tannersville, NY 12485
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 9 min from Stamford · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 6 min from Stamford · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Stamford, CT?
The best day trips from Stamford include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Stamford?
Most great day trips from Stamford are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Stamford?
Many of the best day trips near Stamford are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Stamford?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Stamford, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Stamford?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Stamford make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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