For many of us, the notion of a summer vacation still rings loudly through our heads as it starts to get warmer, even though we are no longer in school with long summer vacation stretching ahead. So, as July begins to approach, we often find ourselves preoccupied, trying to find ways to hold onto little slices of summer vacation - little adventures and weekend getaways we can take to keep the magic of summer going. This can mean staying close to home, but you won’t have to sacrifice big experiences. In fact, the perfect summer getaway around New York City is not difficult to find, with plenty of exciting destinations for those hoping to relax and unwind, or those looking for a little warm-weather activity. Regardless of which way you hope to spend your summer, or even if you are looking to try a little bit of everything, the area surrounding New York City offers the perfect playground for making your summer vacation special.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Jersey Shore

We’ve already told you that the Jersey Shore is a great way to unwind, and perhaps take in stand up paddle boarding, boardwalk strolls or simple beach lounging. But did you know that the Jersey Shore is also the perfect coastal haven for learning to surf? Thanks to Coastline Adventures, you can take private lessons, group lessons or simply rent boards to practice your skills. This is a great idea for those traveling in groups, because you will all find a water activity to enjoy and take advantage of fabulous group lesson discounts. Nothing says summer like long days at the beach, and nothing finishes off the perfect beach day quite like a good summer meal. We recommend checking out The Shrimp Box, which is perfect for seafood lovers - it’s even connected to a fish market and is located right on the fishing docks. It doesn’t get any fresher.

Scenic Beaches and Pedal Boats on the Jersey Shore

If you’ve been to the Jersey Shore before, we guarantee you haven’t experienced this side of it. To take a more laid-back, less touristy approach, give Sea Bright Public Beach a try. You will be able to enjoy a quiet beach for soaking up the sun, and ample opportunity to enjoy water activities without fighting the crowds. At the end of the day, you will love Sirena Ristorante, a high-end Italian restaurant where you can look out at the Atlantic Ocean through their fully glass walls. Alternatively, you may want to check out Heirloom Kitchen, a farm-to-table experience where you can take advantage of the summer harvest. If you are staying for more than a few hours, we think you should check out both.

Surfing and Laid-Back Beaches on Montauk

In Montauk, you will be met with three stunning accommodation options, and all of them host some of the best dining experiences in town. We recommend splitting your time between them and frequenting those you do not stay at overnight for afternoon entertainment, and to take advantage of the unique cuisines. The Surf Lodge is a wonderful bohemian dwelling with simple and natural decor. If you like fresh seafood, their garden terraces overlooking the coast are to die for. The Hero Beach Club offers a similar atmosphere but is a huge favorite for the beach because of their bonfire pits for enjoying evenings underneath the stars. Last but not least, the Montauk Beach House is best known for its entertainment value, so if you are looking for something to do, definitely check out their ever-changing calendar of parties, music, fashions shows and pop-up art galleries. They also serve some delicious New American dishes.

Parasailing and Skydiving on Fire Island

If you are looking for a nice island vacation that is close to home, you need to consider a stay at the Fire Island Beach House. Even though Fire Island is surrounded by water and is therefore better known for its beaches, it still has some quality hiking. Completely beginner friendly, you will love the Terrell River Trail. This trail walks along a river nursery for fish, and therefore is also a great spot for watching large bird varieties such as herons. The hike is only 2.7 miles, so even those looking for a leisurely nature walk will enjoy it. After your walk you will enjoy a lovely meal at the Island Mermaid, which often has outdoor movie screenings and al fresco dining - what a perfect way to spend a summer evening.

Summiting Peaks and Rafting in The Catskills

For those looking for a mix of old-world luxury and outdoor adventure, this is the trip for you. A stay at Foxfire Mountain House will give you a perfect place for relaxing. Perched on 10 acres, you will enjoy the views of rolling hills, a lily pond, and beautiful patio dining. Inside, the hotel maintains a vintage, global feel, which will excite the avid traveler on a getaway closer to home. As for adventure, you will love spending the day with Town Tinker Tube, floating down the Esopus Creek in a tube. They offer many different tour options, so you will not have any trouble finding one that suits your activity level and timelines.

Hiking Mountains and Waterfalls in The Catskills

If you are looking for a great weekend hike, you need to add hiking Overlook Mountain to your weekend itinerary. Besides astonishing views from the summit, and a decently vigorous hike you can break up with an afternoon picnic, you will start your journey at a Tibetan Buddhist temple, and pass by an abandoned hotel and an historic fire tower. If you want to spend the day in nature, but also take in some historic attractions without the usual tourist drama, then this is the trip for you. Once you are back in town, you should plan to make a stop at Oriole 9 for a meal. Not only do they serve ultra-unique dishes, but they are also a certified “green restaurant”, so you can rest assured knowing your taste of luxury will not come at the expense of the planet.

Coastal Lighthouses and Majestic Waterfalls in Connecticut

If you are looking for a quintessential coastal summer experience, you will love discovering shells at Sheffield Island Lighthouse, where you can also tour the lighthouse itself, or plan a picnic. That being said, those looking for an experience that is a little more unique will definitely enjoy a visit to Lime Rock Park, where you can watch race cars all day long - the perfect twist on a summer vacation. When picking where to stay, consider Graybarns. This boutique hotel used to be a textile factory and became a speakeasy during Prohibition. Now, it remains a classic countryside inn with a quintessential patio for dining.

Downhill Mountain Biking in Pennsylvania

The true outdoor adventurer is always looking for new ways to enjoy the forest. Well, look no further. Besides having stunning hiking trails for lower intensity fun, you will love giving downhill mountain biking a try at the Blue Mountain Bike Park. They have several trails with varying levels of difficulty, so you can tailor this experience directly to you. You can either pick your ideal trail for an afternoon of riding or challenge yourself to start with the easiest course and work your way up from there. For a more laid-back dining experience to suit the no-nonsense traveler, you need to visit the Easton Public Market. The market is built up of individual vendors serving seafood, noodles, pizza, pasta, baked good, and deli meats, making it both an excellent place to grab a quick lunch and the ideal place to shop for some artisan goodies to bring home.

Majestic Views and Ziplining in The Catskills

If you are in the Catskills, we highly recommend a hike to Huckleberry Point. The trail is 4.5 miles long but is relatively easy if you are a novice backpacker. Much like its name suggests, this trail has several huckleberry bushes along the way if you feel like foraging for your afternoon snack. After your hike, you will want somewhere nice to settle down for the evening. Eastwind is a gorgeous boutique hotel that is the ideal modern escape in the woods. Besides the main guest rooms, you may also choose to rent their Scandinavian A-frame cabin in the forest. This is the perfect place to unwind with a book and they also offer the most incredible breakfast buffet.

Catching Surf and Parasailing on Montauk

If your idea of the perfect summer vacation is spent on the water, this one’s for you. Montauk is well known for being a surfer’s paradise, but you will be surprised by how much else it has to offer. Those looking for a little thrill will love taking a parasailing tour through Montauk Parasail, and those who want to be right on the water will love taking a sailing tour with Sail Montauk - they may even teach you a thing or two about sailing. Of course, no one will blame you if you would rather sit back, relax and sip some champagne while watching the sunset. At night, return to your oceanfront lodging at Gurney's Montauk. Besides offering dining right on the beach, you will also love their ocean-fed saltwater pool.

Well, what are you waiting for? Don’t let another minute of summer go to waste and pick out one (or more) of these brilliant destinations for your next getaway. Sometimes, staying close to home can be the best way to experience something new, and guarantee a low-fuss, good time.