Let’s be honest. Crowded, fast-paced, and downright busy – New York City can be pretty overwhelming at times.
The Big Apple is expensive as it is, and finding an escape-from-the-city vacation spot that’s both affordable and truly feels like a getaway can be daunting.
New Yorkers often overlook the entire tri-state area when looking for an oasis from urban madness, which means they also overlook some of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the East Coast.
Any one of these eleven places in the state of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can be a perfect mini vacation to enjoy.
NY
New York State has a variety of charming suburbs ranging from sleepy towns tucked away in nature to thriving and vibrant seaside towns.
Woodstock
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours and 4 minutes
This town may sound familiar from the famous Woodstock Music Festival, however the festival was held in the town of Bethel. Regardless, the hippie culture of the 1960s has found a permanent home in Woodstock. Filled with rich history, unique art, great hiking trails, boutique shops, and bookstores. This eclectic suburb north of the city is a welcoming environment full of activity and character.
Montauk
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 3 hours and 23 minutes
Known as “The End of the World” as it is the easternmost point of Long Island and New York state, Montauk it has incredible beaches and views along the Atlantic Ocean. The social scene, amazing restaurants, surfing, fishing, sailing and quaint seaside town atmosphere make this Easthampton location the perfect quick getaway from the busy city.
Sleepy Hollow
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 53 minutes
The name itself even feels dreamy. Sleepy Hollow is a town located in the Hudson Valley of New York and is best known for being the setting for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” With spooky season right around the corner, a trip to Sleepy Hollow for its annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze or Haunted Hayride is a nice change from the scares that can come from spending too much time in the crowded city. This destination has more to offer than just scares: the foliage, musical events, and rich history keep visitors coming back every year.
New Jersey
New Jersey has much more to offer than the stereotype of “America’s armpit” has narrowed it down to. Rich with incredible food, beaches, and gorgeous natural landscapes, visitors will never run out of things to do or places to see.
Montclair
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 36 min
With a vibrant arts, theater and film scene, Montclair It is full of creativity and originality. Its vibrant downtown is perfect for shopping, dining, and exploring. Its annual Montclair Film Festival, a 10-day lineup of films from various filmmakers, draws viewers from far and wide looking to see original pieces.
Belmar
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 1 hr 18 min
One of the best seaside towns on the famous Jersey Shore, Belmar it boasts a beautiful downtown area, gorgeous beaches, and a vibrant summer nightlife. Its mile-long boardwalk is perfect for strolling on hot summer days and watching (and joining!) sunbathers sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Less than an hour and a half from New York City, visitors forget about the bustling city entirely once they arrive at the Belmar arena.
Vernon Township
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 1 hr 15 min
Looking to escape the city and truly immerse yourself in nature? A visit to Vernon is for you. Outdoor lovers can find hiking trails, mountain biking, snowboarding, and skiing. Not to mention that Vernon it also has one of the most fun water parks in New Jersey, Mountain Creek Water Park. Hiking enthusiasts will also note that Vernon is home to “Stairway to Heaven” on the Appalachian Trail, a popular hiking destination with stunning views.
Connecticut
Hiking, boating, shopping, camping…there are endless adventures to discover in Connecticut and its beautiful landscape.
Mystic
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Mystic, in southeastern Connecticut, is a small town full of character. This seaside town is home to the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Seaport Museum, both of which are great places to visit as a family (or solo!). The city’s only beach, Williams Beach Park, delivers despite its small size. Mystic’s variety of shops and activities ensures that all visitors have something to enjoy doing.
New Haven
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 1 hour and 40 minutes
some may New Haven simply as the home of Yale University, but others may know New Haven for its local style of pizza and the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Besides Yale and pizza, New Haven has some amazing tourist spots including Lighthouse Point Park, stargazing at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, and going up for an amazing aerial view of New Haven at East Rock Park.
Colebrook
Driving time from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Ready to ditch the walls in your apartment and trade them in for a tent? Colebrook is surrounded by forests, mountains, and streams, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. This quiet town is ideal if you are looking for tranquility and reconnect with nature. Colebrook is nearly 32 square miles with fewer than 2,000 residents, making it a perfect getaway from the dense population of New York City.
These nine locations are just a sampling of the great selection of places in the three states that offer a refreshing vacation near New York City.
Staying close to home and sticking to a budget doesn’t have to make vacations boring – rediscover our area for yourself!
2023-07-25 21:34:18
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