10 Easy Weekend Trips from New York City
Sometimes, we all feel like we just need to get away. However, the process of picking and planning a vacation can be tiresome, which is not helpful when you have been working on overdrive for far too long. Perhaps you just woke up this morning and said, “you know what, I am out of here” and hopped in your car with no idea where you are headed. Whether you are frustrated and falling asleep on your keyboard at work, trying desperately to make weekend plans to decompress, or you’re sitting in your driveway, scrolling for the first interesting place you can pop into your GPS, we’ve got you covered. We have made a list of easy, no-fuss mini-vacations that you can take this weekend that won’t require you to plan a thing. We suggest giving restaurants and hotels a call ahead. Simply pick your location, click on the itinerary, and you’re off.
Family Run Craft Breweries in Jersey Shore
If you’re looking for a great weekend trip to take with your friends, this is an easy itinerary that practically writes itself. You will spend the weekend hopping between four different family-owned micro-breweries, touring their facilities, and of course, sampling their finest brews. You’ll even get to taste the most highly rated beer in New Jersey at Kane Brewing. Especially if you’re looking for a quick trip to blow off some steam that doesn’t require any planning, this getaway full of good eats and adult beverages will appeal to all of your travel companions. If you’re looking for a laid-back and extraordinary culinary experience to end your trip, you will love Pascal & Sabine, a highly reviewed French brasserie.
Parasailing and Skydiving on Fire Island
Calling all adrenaline junkies. A quick ferry ride over to Fire Island is all you need for a weekend full of thrill-seeking adventure. You can choose between several different hiking trails, try your hand at parasailing, or take a giant leap of faith and go skydiving at the Long Island Sky Diving Center. After working up an appetite you will dine in quaint restaurants, and you can rest easy knowing you will be settling in at Fire Island Beach House at the end of the day. We also recommend a hike along the Sunken Forest, which is a holly forest among the sand dunes. This is considered to be an extremely ecologically rare occurrence, which is definitely worth checking out while you are in the area.
Scenic Beaches and Pedal Boats on the Jersey Shore
If you live in New York, a visit to the Jersey Shore needs to be on your bucket list. Even though it’s only a short drive out of town, you will feel like you are in a whole new world. You can choose between the Jersey Shore’s many beaches such as Sea Bright Public Beach to best suit the amount of activity you are looking for. This can range from a busy boardwalk full of shops and attractions to a quiet place to read a book and watch the waves by yourself. If you are into parks and historic villages, you should definitely check out Asbury Park while you are in the area. You can even ride vintage-style pedal boats in the shape of flamingos and swans with Asbury Park Pedal Boats.
Modern Architecture in Connecticut
If you are looking for a weekend full of laid-back strolls through another city, sipping a hot coffee, then this is the perfect weekend road trip for you. Connecticut is full of gorgeous examples of modern architecture, and you can easily just set out in the morning without need for much of a plan. This is a particularly good trip for those flying solo, since you can pretty much just wander at your own pace and spend as much, or as little time taking in the architecture as you desire. Be sure to make a stop by The Glass House and Grace Farms. You can easily stop at shops or parks along the way and let the map of modern buildings guide you through a simple, real-world learning experience. You should also take a chance to explore the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens, where you can take in stunning art installations while walking through several landscapes and gardens.
Homemade Ice Cream in Pennsylvania
Did you know that you can hit up two different homemade ice cream shops within an easy, 6 hour drive from NYC? While it might be unconventional to plan your weekend getaway around your favorite frozen treat, you are sure to get excited about the dozens of gourmet flavors you can try. One of the shops, Klein Farms Dairy & Creamery, boasts over 20 different flavors, including a rotating selection of seasonal flavors using local ingredients. You can also tour the farm where their ingredients are grown and harvested for the ultimate farm-to-table experience. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends, no one will judge you if you want to indulge in a second, third, or even fourth scoop. You will also make a pit stop at Separatist Bar + Bottle, if you need a boozy afternoon digestive after filling up on ice cream.
Drive-in Movies and Art Trails in Pennsylvania
Worth a trip on its own, The Karl Stirner Arts Trail is the main highlight of this weekend getaway. The trails include a series of outdoor art exhibits and interactive installations, woven through beautiful hiking trails and local scenery. That being said, there is plenty to do in the area, including watching a classic film from the comfort of your car at Becky’s Drive-In Theater. We also recommend a stop at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks where you can let out your creative alter ego and participate in interactive art experiences and classes. If watching is more your speed, you can also take in a wide array of comedy shows, assorted live performances or screenings of independent films.
Rock-n-Roll Breweries on the Jersey-Shore
We’ve already sold you on the idea of a brewery getaway. After all, what could be better than a chilled-out weekend of sipping flights with your best buds? But if you’re looking to kick it up a notch, why not combine your love of a good beer with your love of music? The focal point of this itinerary is Asbury Park Brewery, which is co-owned by Jeff Plate and the founder of Crush Music who represent dozens of major musicians. As such, the bar gives off major rock-and-roll vibes and always has good music setting the scene.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Jersey Shore
If you’re looking for a trip to the water that combines relaxation and light adventure, then this one is for you. Stand up paddle boarding in the Jersey Shore, through The Endless SUP Company, is a gentle outdoor activity for spending your day connecting with nature and decompressing from a busy week. You can paddle or float, we don’t judge, for as long as you would like. The benefit of choosing a destination like the Jersey Shore is that everything you need is right at your fingertips. The Bungalow Hotel, located right along the Long Beach Boardwalk, is the perfect place to decompress at the end of the day with your own personal fireplace, live music and in-house art exhibitions. Separated enough from the city, you will be able to escape the crowds for a few days while still having access to all the amenities you love such as great restaurants, nightlife and a little bit of people watching.
Surfing and Laid-Back Beaches on Montauk
If you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway, a surfing trip to Montauk should definitely top your list. Dedicating some time to learning a new skill is the best way to build out an itinerary that will create memories. Many urban centers are not lucky enough to be in close proximity to a surfer’s paradise, and you should definitely take advantage. When you’re done with your lesson, you’ll be able to get some R & R at the Hero Beach Club. This is a great trip to take on your own, with a book in hand, or with friends and some celebratory cocktails.
Modern Art and Meditation in the Hamptons
Perhaps one of the best ways to plan for an easy getaway is to focus on what you really need. In a busy, chaotic world, often what we need is a little time to relax. Especially if you are someone who is interested in health and wellness, this amazing weekend trip to the Hamptons is the perfect option for you. You will spend two relaxing nights on the beach in the Hamptons, do early morning yoga and visit the Kadampa Meditation Center. Once you are feeling nice and rejuvenated, you may want to check out some of the local art galleries, such as the Dan Flavin Art Institute. Both of the galleries suggested for this itinerary are located near the beach, which is the most relaxing way we can think of to spend your afternoons.
If you haven’t started packing already, you definitely need to. These easy itineraries will take all the pressure out of weekend travel and are easy to accomplish with zero lead time. So even if it’s Saturday morning already, don’t feel like your weekend is wasted. Simply pack up, pick a destination, and go.
