New York City, NY — Staycation Inspirations
10 Things To Do In Town
- Central Park
- Vibe: Classic and chill
- Description: Meander through meadows, row a boat on the lake, or hit up Shakespeare in the Park.
- Special Events: SummerStage concerts
- Best Time: Spring and fall
- The High Line
- Vibe: Urban and artsy
- Description: Stroll an elevated park with gardens, art, and killer views of Manhattan’s west side.
- Special Events: Rotating art installations
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- Broadway Show
- Vibe: Iconic and energetic
- Description: Catch a big-name musical or edgy new play in the Theater District.
- Special Events: Tony Awards season (June)
- Best Time: Year-round
- Museum-Hopping on the Upper East Side
- Vibe: Cultured and refined
- Description: Spend a day bouncing between the Met, Guggenheim, and Neue Galerie.
- Special Events: First Fridays and exhibit openings
- Best Time: Rainy days or winter
- Food Crawl in Queens
- Vibe: Global and delicious
- Description: Taste your way through authentic dumplings, tacos, arepas, and more in neighborhoods like Flushing and Jackson Heights.
- Special Events: Night markets
- Best Time: Spring and summer
- Brooklyn Bridge Walk
- Vibe: Classic and photogenic
- Description: Take in skyline views and stop for pizza at the Brooklyn end.
- Special Events: None
- Best Time: Sunset or early morning
- Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island
- Vibe: Historic and moving
- Description: Ferry over for a dose of U.S. history and gorgeous harbor views.
- Special Events: Fourth of July events
- Best Time: Spring and fall
- Greenwich Village Comedy Night
- Vibe: Quirky and fun
- Description: See tomorrow’s stars (or surprise celeb drop-ins) at The Comedy Cellar.
- Special Events: None
- Best Time: Weeknights
- Rooftop Bar-Hopping in Midtown or Brooklyn
- Vibe: Glam and social
- Description: Grab a cocktail with skyline views at rooftops like 230 Fifth or Westlight.
- Special Events: NYE parties, summer DJ nights
- Best Time: Summer evenings
- Visit The Tenement Museum
- Vibe: Insightful and human
- Description: Take a guided tour of restored apartments telling immigrant stories.
- Special Events: Themed tours around cultural holidays
- Best Time: Year-round
10 Things To Do Within 30 Miles
- Coney Island
- Vibe: Nostalgic and playful
- Description: Ride the Cyclone, grab a Nathan’s hot dog, and walk the boardwalk.
- Special Events: Mermaid Parade (June)
- Best Time: Summer
- The Bronx Zoo
- Vibe: Family-friendly and wild
- Description: One of the largest zoos in the world, with over 700 species.
- Special Events: Boo at the Zoo (October)
- Best Time: Spring and fall
- Rockaway Beach
- Vibe: Chill and local
- Description: Surf, sunbathe, or snack at boardwalk food stands.
- Special Events: Beach concerts
- Best Time: Summer
- Governors Island
- Vibe: Creative and car-free
- Description: Picnic, bike, or check out art installations just a short ferry ride away.
- Special Events: Jazz Age Lawn Party (summer)
- Best Time: Late spring to early fall
- Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
- Vibe: Sporty and spacious
- Description: Explore the Unisphere, Queens Museum, or catch the US Open.
- Special Events: US Open Tennis (late August)
- Best Time: Summer and fall
- The Cloisters (Fort Tryon Park)
- Vibe: Medieval and peaceful
- Description: Visit this branch of the Met for stunning gardens and European art.
- Special Events: Garden tours
- Best Time: Spring
- Red Hook (Brooklyn) Wine + Art Day
- Vibe: Gritty and cool
- Description: Sip at Red Hook Winery, shop local art studios, and eat lobster rolls by the water.
- Special Events: Open studios
- Best Time: Summer
- Wave Hill (Bronx)
- Vibe: Quiet and botanical
- Description: Overlook the Hudson from serene gardens and greenhouses.
- Special Events: Sunset Wednesdays
- Best Time: Spring and early summer
- Bronx Night Market
- Vibe: Lively and foodie-centric
- Description: Try diverse street food and browse local vendors under the stars.
- Special Events: Monthly night markets (seasonal)
- Best Time: Late spring to early fall
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Vibe: Quiet and nature-focused
- Description: A haven for birders and hikers, just minutes from JFK.
- Special Events: Migration season tours
- Best Time: Spring and fall
10 Things To Do Within 60 Miles
- Storm King Art Center (New Windsor, NY)
- Vibe: Artistic and awe-inspiring
- Description: Wander outdoor installations across 500 acres of rolling hills.
- Special Events: Artist-led tours
- Best Time: Spring and fall
- Cold Spring, NY
- Vibe: Charming and walkable
- Description: Antique shops, cafés, and views of the Hudson River make for a great day trip.
- Special Events: Seasonal street fairs
- Best Time: Fall
- Beacon, NY
- Vibe: Artsy and upstate-cool
- Description: Visit Dia:Beacon museum and grab a farm-to-table lunch.
- Special Events: Second Saturdays art nights
- Best Time: Year-round
- Bear Mountain State Park
- Vibe: Rugged and outdoorsy
- Description: Hike the Appalachian Trail or rent a paddleboat on the lake.
- Special Events: Oktoberfest (Sept–Oct)
- Best Time: Fall for foliage
- Fire Island (via ferry from Long Island)
- Vibe: Laid-back beach escape
- Description: No cars, just sandy paths, dunes, and coastal vibes.
- Special Events: LGBTQ+ pride events
- Best Time: Summer
- North Fork Wine Trail (Long Island)
- Vibe: Classy and relaxing
- Description: Tour wineries and enjoy farm stands along scenic country roads.
- Special Events: Harvest events in fall
- Best Time: Late summer and fall
- Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown
- Vibe: Spooky and historic
- Description: Explore the legend of the Headless Horseman, plus beautiful mansions and river views.
- Special Events: Halloween events in October
- Best Time: October
- Asbury Park, NJ
- Vibe: Retro and beachy
- Description: Boardwalk arcades, live music, and sandy beaches.
- Special Events: Sea.Hear.Now Music Festival
- Best Time: Summer
- Montauk (on the edge of range)
- Vibe: Beachy and serene
- Description: Quiet ocean views, great seafood, and small-town charm.
- Special Events: Seafood festivals
- Best Time: Late spring through early fall
- Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
- Vibe: Fashion-forward and deal-driven
- Description: Score major discounts on designer brands at this mega outlet.
- Special Events: Black Friday sales
- Best Time: Weekdays or early fall