If you’re strapped for cash or just don’t want to put up with the travails of traveling, you’re in luck. I’ve got your guide to the best staycation spots in New York City.
Beaches
Jones Beach
Jones beach is located in Nassau County and is the perfect suburban oceanfront to unwind. You can frolic in the white sand, surf, play miniature golf, or just enjoy many of its nice restaurants. I even hear, it’s an unofficial nude beach — if you’re into that sort of thing 🙂
Coney Island Beach
Coney Island’s rolling waves makes it the ideal summer getaway and since it’s open all-year-round, there’s really no excuse not to visit. There’s a reason why this scenic landmark has remained one of NYC’s main attractions. It offers many exciting recreational activities, such as baseball, basketball, volleyball, an amusement park and many well-known events like the Mermaid Parade.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is perfect for family picnics, or just lounging around and catching some rays. Its features include several playgrounds, swings, a sprinkler system and decorative motifs of marine life. To truly enjoy your respite, be sure to leave the car at home as parking can get a little pricey.
Parks & Secluded Spots
The High Line
Built on an abandoned railway track, the High Line offers visitors an iconic view of Midtown’s skyscrapers. Despite the beautiful vista, the park’s beauty is in its interior, which is full of wildflowers, benches, and arts and attractions. This urban oasis is not to be missed.
Central Park
There’s so much to explore at Central Park. You can have a romantic time at Wollman Rink in the wintertime, but as the weather heats up, you can enjoy a nice picnic at the Great Lawn. Other activities include bird-watching at Belvedere Castle and free theater performances, courtesy of Shakespeare in the Park.
New York Botanical Garden
Located in the Bronx, this historic landmark is the perfect secluded spot to unwind and become one with nature. Once there, you’ll have access to 28 specialty gardens, a conservatory and a 40-acre forest.
Snug Harbor
You can access this hidden 19th century estate by taking the Staten Island Ferry. It houses museums, performing art venues, a greenhouse and a farm.
Restaurants & Food Fair
Smorgasburg
If you’re a foodie, Smorgasburg is where you need to be. It’s full of NYC food trucks and delicious fare. Best of all, it’s overlooking the Williamsburg Waterfront.
Fonda
Dreaming of a Mexican getaway? Head to Fonda, its vibrant colors, drink menu and dishes are extensive, not to mention addictive.
Peter Luger
If you’ve never experienced a New York steakhouse, you must go to Peter Luger. Their dry-aged steaks, creamed spinach and monstrous slabs of bacon are to die for. Trust me!
Activities
Trapeze
Unleash your inner daredevil by taking a trapeze class. Aerial Arts NYC, located on the East side of Midtown, offers private lessons on trapeze, rope, acrobatics and more.
Strayboots Scavenger Hunt
The way this works is that the company sends fun challenges directly to your cellphone that takes you to interesting spots in NYC. After each challenge is completed, you’re then rewarded with fun facts about the areas you’ve visited.
Miniature Golf
Chelsea Piers has one of NYC’s premier golf destinations, with a scenic view of the Hudson River to boot.
Hotels
The Soho House
Although this is an exclusive club, non-members can still access its amenities, which includes a rooftop pool. Do you remember when Samantha from Sex and the City was denied access to the Soho House and used the alias, Annabelle Bronstein to get in? Ha!
The NoMad Hotel
It’s a little bit of Paris in New York City. Their chic rooms feature freestanding claw-foot tubs and unique art collections. If you decide to stay at the Nomad, be sure to sample their famed roasted chicken.
Nu Hotel
Brace yourselves! The rooms in this downtown Brooklyn hotel comes complete with hammocks. How fun is that? But don’t worry, there are also comfortable beds too.
Photo via Nu Hotel
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