Spending all of your time in New York City can get grating, to say the least. Here are four day trips you can take to bring some color to your fall.

For the Instagrammer: When your Instagram is too full of the gray city and you’re ready for some bright colors, the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey is the place for your next photoshoot. Nature and art combine on this 42-acre lot; there are thousands of trees and flowers in a colorful array and 270 sculptures from contemporary artists. In such a large place, there are many hidden areas visitors are encouraged to explore.

Price: $10 for students

Transportation: Take the Northeast Corridor route from Penn Station and get off at the Hamilton Bus Station. The trip will take about an hour and a half.

For the adventurer: If you want options and adventure, then look no further than the multi-activity town of Cold Spring, New York. The possibilities here are endless; aside from typical pastimes like hiking, Cold Springs offers skydiving, kayaking, scuba diving, hot air ballooning and both theater and drive-in movies, amounting to more than 50 options for an adventure-filled day away from the city.

Price: Skydiving for $220; hot air ballooning for $225 per person

Transportation: Hop on the Hudson green line bus at Grand Central Station and get off at Cold Spring Station in an hour and 15 minutes.

For the historian: If you’re ready to try a new city for a day, Philadelphia is closer than most think. A town with a rich past, Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Valley Forge, Betsy Ross’ home and enough museums to fill up an entire weekend. It’s also home to America’s first zoo and the famous Philly Cheesesteak (which you can’t go wrong with anywhere, but should make a point to experience for the first time at Jim’s, Pat’s or Geno’s).

Price: $23 for entry to the Philadelphia Zoo

Transportation: To leave the state, buses like MegaBus and Greyhound are your best bet. They’re cheap, and you can arrive in two hours.

For the partier: Atlantic City has a reputation that precedes itself, but it’s still worth mentioning. By day, the beaches and boardwalk are fun for all ages, but the 21+ nightlife is what puts Atlantic City on the map. Between the casinos, bars and night clubs, it’s easy to party the night away.

Price: Varies by casino and club

Transportation: Buses leave from Port Authority Bus Terminal all day. Take the NJ Transit 319 bus and be prepared for a little bit of a trek (three hours).

Email Faith Gates at [email protected].