Day trip reviews · USA DAY TRIPS

The 15 Best Day Trips in the USA

37 day trips  ·  from $39 a seat

American day trips are measured in highway hours: Yosemite is four from San Francisco, the Grand Canyon five from Las Vegas. These 15 are clear about the driving, the park fees and which ones run on a reservation system.

NYC: Empire State Building Tickets - Observatory & Museum - What you actually see from 86 floors up
Museums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Day Trips

NYC: Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory & Museum

1.NYC: Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory & Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 25,757 reviews · 45 minutes - 2 hours · from $47Our pick

Visit New York’s Empire State Building for 360-degree views from the 86th floor, then explore its Art Deco galleries, construction displays, King Kong exhibits, and two-story model. Upgrade to the 102nd floor for floor-to-ceiling windows and wide views across up to six states, or choose Express entry to cut queue time.

“Barely any queue. Managed to change my time on the app easily. Good value and beautiful views.”

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Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco - Tuolumne Grove and the giant sequoias
1-Day Tours, Day Trips, Small-Group Day Trips, Small-Group Day Trips in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Day Trips

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

2.Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,671 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $239Top rated

Leave San Francisco before sunrise for a full day in Yosemite with a group of up to 15. Guides such as Derek, Trevor, Kurt, and Steven combine park stories, short films, photo stops, and free time with a walk through Tuolumne Grove. Hotel pickup, park entry for US residents, and return transport are included.

“This was a very memorable day in Yosemite Park. It was a long day but Calder was a very knowledgeable guide and gave us ample opportunity for photos and time to see all the best attractions. I would recommend this trip to anyone.”

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From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus - The road south, from Manhattan to Washington
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From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

3.From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,418 reviews · 15 hours · from $104

Travel from New York to Washington DC with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, stopping at Arlington Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and more. You get 90 minutes for lunch, photos, or a quick Smithsonian visit before returning via a night view of Manhattan.

“It was an amazing trip.. our guides David, Ahmed & Hosea (Joseph) were very wonderful and entertaining. They gave us a good guided tour of Washington DC.. and a suprise ending with Manhattan night skyscrapers.. that was amazing.. A big thank you to Elvis our driver for getting us through the entire trip. Would highly recommend them.”

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Boston to Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour - Crossing Vineyard Sound on the Island Queen
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Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

4.Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,162 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $129

Ride from Boston to Falmouth in a 24-passenger minibus, cross Vineyard Sound by ferry, then explore Martha’s Vineyard for 5.5 to 6 hours. Choose free time or add a narrated island tour to see Edgartown, Aquinnah, Gay Head Light, and all six island towns.

“Not much to see on Martha's Vineyard. Best part of the tour was the shuttle driver to and from the ferry. It's a 2 hour drive from Boston to Woods Hole and our guide, Johnny Boston was both entertaining and informative. He helped the time pass quickly. Unfortunately once we got off the ferry the island itself was a big letdown. There is one scenic view, the Aquinnah Cliffs and lighthouse. Other than that it mostly looking at tree lined gravel drive ways that lead to unseen mansions of famous rich people and expensive boutiques in unremarkable small towns. There is a long rather boring beach where Jaws was filmed.”

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From Miami: Key West Day Trip with Pickup at Selected Hotels - Meeting the Key West Express in Miami
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From Miami: Key West Day Trip with Pickup at Selected Hotels

5.From Miami: Key West Day Trip with Pickup at Selected Hotels

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,918 reviews · 14 hours · from $39Best value

Travel from selected Miami Beach and Downtown Miami hotels to Key West by air-conditioned coach. You get about six hours to explore, with optional snorkeling, trolley rides, dolphin trips, and more. Guides such as Tamara, Marbela, and Pepe help with plans, while the long return ride calls for patience and a sweater.

“I highly recommend it. The guide provides engaging insights into the island's history. You can enjoy many attractions there or explore the city on your own.”

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From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip - A 5:00 AM start and a comfortable Route 66 ride
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From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip

6.From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,147 reviews · from $86

You’ll ride from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Mather Point and Bright Angel for about three hours of free time. Guides such as Curty, Robert, Russ, and Kevin are praised for clear commentary, humor, and help with photos.

“Our trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim was very memorable on December 27, 2024! Grand Canyon Destinations the Tour Company did a fantastic job in organizing the entire trip! Laila our Guide was phenomenal, knowledgeable, we enjoyed her anecdotes, her taking our family pictures during the hike and coordinated our food packages with no hiccups! Thank you Laila and Ismail was an excellent driver. It was a long day but well planned by the Tour company and most of all it was a beautiful sunny day to enjoy the magnificent God’s creation - Grand Canyon!Read more”

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San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip - Meeting at Hilton Union Square and crossing the Golden Gate
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San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

7.San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,722 reviews · 5 hours · from $95

Travel by mini-bus from Hilton Union Square to Muir Woods and Sausalito with an English-speaking guide. You get 90 minutes among coastal redwoods, a Golden Gate Bridge photo stop, and 45 minutes to explore Sausalito. Morning departures offer quieter woods.

“Our guide Sam was amazing. It was ok. I thought $200 was quite a bit for two people to look at trees to be honest.”

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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset - Snorkeling above protected coral waters
1-Day Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Day Trips, Evening Experiences, Half-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Day Trips, Tour Reviews, USA Day Trips

Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

8.Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,683 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Join Danger Charters from 255 Front Street for about 4.5 hours of sailing, mangrove kayaking, and reef snorkeling. Guides such as Mary, Micah, Katie, and Anthony lead small groups of up to 20, with gear, snacks, drinks, and winter wetsuits included.

“The crew was amazing—friendly, professional, and helpful. They were clear in their instructions. We loved this half-day excursion because it wasn’t too long and included some of our favorite activities. Kayaking through the mangroves was so unique. We would certainly book this tour again when visiting Key West!”

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From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup - Tunnel View opens the day with Yosemite’s big picture
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From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

9.From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,331 reviews · 14 hours · from $239

Leave San Francisco early in a comfortable van with a small group of up to 14 people. Your guide, such as Derek, Kurt, Brian, or Steve, leads you to Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Tuolumne Grove, with free time, photo stops, and a grocery stop for lunch supplies.

“Calder was amazing, very informative and super fun. The highlight was the el capitan view and the sequioa grove. Overall, an amazing trip to the beautiful Yosemite.”

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Key West Day Trip from Miami with Activities - Picking the right optional activity
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Key West Day Trip from Miami with Activities

10.Key West Day Trip from Miami with Activities

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,296 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $39

Ride from Miami to Key West by bus, crossing more than 40 bridges and the Seven Mile Bridge. You get about five to six hours in Key West for Hemingway House, Mallory Square, lunch, or an optional snorkel cruise, glass-bottom boat, trolley, Conch Train, or parasail ride.

“I traveled with my friend from Italy. The concept and the organization were very good, a plenty of choices for live the key west and a lot of free time. The travel in general was very uncomfortable: a/c very high, a nightmare.”

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Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip - Starting near Union Square and crossing the Golden Gate
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Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip

11.Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,194 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Start with a narrated coach ride from Union Square to Muir Woods and Sausalito, then visit Alcatraz independently with ferry passage and the award-winning Cellhouse audio tour. Guides such as Danny and Kenneth have earned praise for useful local stories, though the schedule can feel tight.

“We had a very helpful, humorous driver. He gave lots of information, and he was a pleasure to listen to. The sights were amazing!”

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From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park - Fruit stands and California’s Central Valley
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From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

12.From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 883 reviews · 15 hours · from $209

Travel from San Francisco to Yosemite in a bio-fueled mini-coach with an English-speaking guide. Expect a long but scenic day, a narrated Yosemite Valley tour, stops at Tunnel View and major landmarks, plus three hours to walk, picnic, or explore independently.

“The guide was very friendly and kept giving us historic and fun information”

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Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC - Three hours on the estate
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Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC

13.Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 874 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

Ride from central Washington DC to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, tour the mansion, explore the grounds, and see Old Town Alexandria from the bus. Guides such as Robert, Bobby, Chris, and Dr. Ali add lively history along the way. Allow about five hours and note that mansion renovations may limit access.

“Great tour ! Loads of great info ! Our guides were very informative and friendly ! Would definitely recommend!”

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From NYC: Day Trip to Philadelphia and Amish Country - The 6:30 AM start outside Port Authority
1-Day Tours, Day Trips, Tour Reviews, USA Day Trips

From NYC: Day Trip to Philadelphia and Amish Country

14.From NYC: Day Trip to Philadelphia and Amish Country

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 805 reviews · 14 hours · from $149

Leave New York at 6:30 AM for a guided day in Philadelphia and Lancaster County. Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Square, Elfreth’s Alley, and the Rocky Steps, then browse an Amish market and take a traditional buggy ride. Guides speak English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Japanese.

“Amazing especially the Amish, it is a must have experiance.”

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Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River - Vista House offers the first grand overlook
1-Day Tours, Day Trips, River & Rafting Day Trips, River Day Trips in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Day Trips, Waterfall Day Trips, Waterfall Day Trips in the USA

Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River

15.Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 695 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $133

Ride in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a local guide through the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and Timberline Lodge. Guides such as John, Phoebe, Rob, and Gunnar are praised for clear stories and local insight. Lunch is on your own, and the group is limited to 13 people.

“John was a fantastic tour guide and shared so much information about the area with us. It was a great day!”

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New in USA Day Trips

★ 4.5From NYC: Guided Niagara Falls Full-Day TripFrom $158428 reviews
★ 4.9Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Coffee Farm Day-TripFrom $264414 reviews
★ 4.5Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House AdmissionFrom $155266 reviews
★ 4.8Small Group Grand Canyon West Rim, Skywalk & Hoover Dam TourFrom $229214 reviews
★ 4.7Washington DC: Mt. Vernon Day Trip with River CruiseFrom $161102 reviews
★ 4.5Fisher Towers Rafting Full-Day Trip from MoabFrom $124102 reviews
★ 4.8From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and LunchFrom $190264 reviews
★ 4.9From Jackson: Yellowstone National Park Day Trip with LunchFrom $325377 reviews
★ 4.2From Miami: Key West Day TripFrom $75344 reviews
★ 4.0Small-Group Hollywood and Los Angeles Day Trip from Las VegasFrom $286313 reviews
★ 4.8From Las Vegas: Death Valley & Rhyolite Ghost Town Day TripFrom $170289 reviews
★ 5.0Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower IIFrom $165407 reviews
★ 4.5Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from BostonFrom $130407 reviews
★ 4.8Maalaea: West Maui Snorkeling & Sailing Day Trip with LunchFrom $200210 reviews
★ 4.5Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key WestFrom $220433 reviews

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