Escape the bustling city streets of New York City and embrace the calm vibes of this Memorial Day Holiday with these fun getaway ideas from NYC.
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As the long weekend approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore new horizons, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re craving a beach retreat, a mountain adventure, or a cultural exploration, we’ve curated a list of enticing destinations to suit every traveler’s dream. From charming coastal towns to serene lakeside cabins and vibrant city escapes, get ready to embark on a memorable journey away from the urban hustle.
Before hitting the road, make sure to read our Essential Travel Safety Guide for Women
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Before jetting off on your weekend getaway, make sure you have your logistics fully sorted. Not all the destinations listed can be reached easily by train or other forms of public transportation. Consider renting a car if you do not have one for easy transportation getting there and around the area.
Memorial Day Holiday – Finger Lakes, New York
- Distance from NYC: 4-5 hours or 1.5 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Drive or Fly to Canandaigua Airport (KIUA)
- Why We Recommend It: Wine tasting and craft beverage tasting trails, nature walks; hiking in Watkins Glen State Park, taking a glass-blowing class at the Corning Museum of Glass, exploring charming towns, and taking a boat tour.
- Where to Stay: La Tourelle Hotel & Spa
- Restaurants We Recommend: Stonecat Cafe, Nickel’s Pit BBQ, and Graft Wine + Cider Bar
- Tour Operator We Love: Experience Finger Lakes offers tours of multiple wineries and guided hike options for private booking for a minimum of 2 people or join other travelers experiencing the Finger Lakes.
Memorial Day Holiday – Cape May, New Jersey
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Drive
- Why We Recommend It: Relaxing on the beach, visiting local wineries and breweries, kayaking or paddleboarding, exploring the lighthouse, and indulging in fresh seafood.
- Where to Stay: The Virginia and Cottages
- Restaurants We Recommend: Tisha’s Fine Dining, Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant, and Lucky Bones
Memorial Day Holiday – Hudson Valley, New York
- Distance from NYC: Less than 2 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Drive
- Why We Recommend It: Explore historic towns like Beacon, Cold Spring, or Rhinebeck; visit wineries; hike in Hudson Highlands State Park; visit Storm King Art Center; and enjoy a scenic drive.
- Where to Stay: Inn at Bellefield Residence Inn by Marriott
- Restaurants We Recommend: Brasserie 292, The Tomato Cafe, and Casa Ortega
Memorial Day Holiday – Washington D.C.
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Train – Amtrak
- Why We Recommend It: Explore the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, take a monuments night tour, visit the National Mall, tour Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, stroll through Georgetown, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene of D.C.
- Where to Stay: Willard InterContinental Washington
- Restaurants We Recommend: Ambar, Chloe, and Old Ebbitt Grill
Memorial Day Holiday – Lake Placid, New York
- Distance from NYC: 6 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Drive
- Why We Recommend It: Kayaking on Mirror Lake, hiking High Falls Gorge, driving the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, watching a hockey game at the Olympic site, partying on Main Street, beer tasting, and indulging in amazing food.
- Where to Stay: Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa
- Restaurants We Recommend: Lisa G’s, The ‘Dack Shack, and Caffe Rustica
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Memorial Day Holiday – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Distance from NYC: Less than 2 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Fly to Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY)
- Why We Recommend It: Relaxing on the beach, exploring Edgartown or Oak Bluffs, indulging in amazing seafood, biking around the island, and exploring local shops.
- Where to Stay: Ashley Inn
- Restaurants We Recommend: Detente Restaurant and Wine Bar, The Port Hunter, and The Barn Bowl & Bistro
Memorial Day Holiday – Newport, Rhode Island
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Drive or Fly to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Why We Recommend It: Relaxing on the beach, touring historic mansions like The Breakers and Marble House, exploring Cliff Walk, visiting Fort Adams State Park, and enjoying sailing or harbor tours.
- Where to Stay: Castle Hill Inn
- Restaurants We Recommend: Thames Street Kitchen, Giusto Newport, and Clarke Cooke House
Memorial Day Holiday – Boston, Massachusetts
- Distance from NYC: 4 hour
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Drive
- Why We Recommend It: Explore Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, New England Aquarium, and museums. visit Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and Quincy Market. walk along the Charles River Esplanade
- Where to Stay: The Eliot Hotel
- Restaurants We Recommend: Union Oyster House, Carmelina’s, and Sam LaGrassa’s
Memorial Day Holiday – Mystic, Connecticut
- Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Train – Amtrak or Drive
- Why We Recommend It: Visiting Mystic Seaport Museum and enjoying seafood dining, exploring Mystic Aquarium, going on a boat tour, visiting Olde Mistick Village, and exploring nearby beaches for kayaking.
- Where to Stay: The Whaler’s Inn
- Restaurants We Recommend: S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub, and Dog Watch Cafe
Memorial Day Holiday – The Hamptons, New York
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
- Best Way to Get There from NYC: Train – LIRR
- Why We Recommend It: Visit wineries, play golf, or go on a whale-watching tour. Enjoy shopping in quaint villages, visit art galleries relax on the beach, and explore Southampton or East Hampton.
- Where to Stay: The 1708 House
- Restaurants We Recommend: Rumba, Cowfish, and Harvest on Fort Pond
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