The cheapest summer getaways from NYC

50 mins by subway

We’re so lucky to live in a city, which is so close to some of the best beaches. Rockaway Beach has free beach access, is littered with tasty food trucks and a variety of budget-friendly activities all summer long. Just a quick ride on the A and you will be at the beach in no time.

Do This

There are so many fun (and free!) things to do on the Rockaway Boardwalk this summer. Try yoga on the beach, watch family friendly movies under the stars, or work up a sweat with gratis zumba classes.

Eat Here

When you’re spending the day (or several) at the beach, you’ll want to grab food on the go so you can get that prime beach spot. Tacoway Beach is a summer only eatery you must hit. Tucked in the Rockaway Beach Surf Club, Tacoway’s tacos are just $3.50 (add guac for just a buck!).

1 hr by train

Hit up the the Arts in the Plaza in the Kennedy Plaza! Taking place every Saturday from Memorial Day through Halloween, this festival showcases local handcrafted art and live music. There is something for everyone!

Eat Here

Fill up on some amazing Midwestern style BBQ right off the beach! Swingbelly’s serves the Long Beach surfer crowd dishes of delicious ribs, platters of smoked chicken and BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Photograph: Flickr/CC/Shinya Suzuki

1 hr 26 mins by car

If the beach isn’t your bag and you’re looking for a little history, take an hour-and-half car ride up to the Hudson Valley. Along with having one of the oldest military posts in America, the Hudson Valley has amazing trails. Take in the sites by hiking in the Valley and taking that perfect pic for your active Instagram.

Do This

If you are just doing a quick day-trip from the city, spend your time in Falls Views Park. Home to four acres of waterfalls, rivers and walking trail, this is a great spot to go with your friends or just yourself! If you’re super outdoorsy. make sure to pack a picnic and try your hand at fishing.

Eat Here

Famished after your hike and in-need of a lite bite? Head to the small French bakery bistro of Cafe Le Perche. All the good contains farm to table ingredients, and the small cafe has a rustic setting and a great outdoor patio so you can enjoy your meal outside.

2 hrs by bus

Detox from the hustle and bustle of NYC and take a quick trip to the Catskills. This hoppin ‘80s retreat is well within your summer getaway budget. Travel alone will only cost you around $30, and this destination offers a ton of cheap hotels and budget-friendly restaurants.

Do This

Is summer’s sweltering humidity killing you? Skip the crowded Catskills swimming holes and try your hand at tubing! Relax in the water while lounging in an old-fashioned rubber tube—provided by The Town Tinker—while cooling off in The Esopus Creek. Full-day prices (with gear included!) will run you about $40.

Eat Here

If you’re chilling at this retro haven, a visit to the Phoenicia Diner is an absolute must. Old-school meets new-school, this diner serves traditional favorites such as biscuits & gravy and meatloaf as well as modern twist dishes such as smoked trout on a bagel and a fried chicken and waffle sandwich. Ordering seconds is encouraged.

Photograph: Flickr/CC/Chris Ford

2 hrs by car

If you are looking to be young, wild and free, Fire Island is the obvious option. While a solo trip might be a little pricey, getting a group together for a summer full of laughter and sand is much more do-able. So get into F-O-R-M-A-T-I-O-N.

Do This

Biking in the city can either be a welcomed experience or a near-death scenario, so take a relaxing bike ride, without the fear of a cab hitting you, through the 17 nabes of Fire Island. You can BYOB (bring your own bike) or rent one at the Ocean Beach Hardware store. The store is located right next to the ferry, so you can’t miss it!

Eat Here

Another seasonal restaurant, Surf’s Out, is right on the beach and has great ocean views. The restaurant opens every May with a massive Pig Roast! The menu also offers a wide-range of tasty fare, from burgers and steaks to sushi.

2 hrs 40 mins by car

If getting to the grassroots is what you look for in a getaway, look no further than Lancaster County, PA. While a majority of the county consists of Amish residents, this country gem is great for a digital detox.

Do This

Lancaster is chock-full of fresh produce and farmers markets. While driving around town, you will see multiple roadside stands hawking goods a plenty from the Amish town folks. Make sure to pick up some homemade treasures!

Eat Here

As the birthplace of the whoopie pie (yes, this is a real thing), Lancaster is the place to fill up on traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. If you are in the mood for lighter fare, take a seat at the Sugarplums & Tea. This café and bakery is great if you have a sweet tooth or just want a pot of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Photograph: Flickr/CC/Jon Dawson

3 ½ hrs by car

Ocean views are one thing, but mountain views are a whole other ball game. At Lake George, you get a full sweeping view of the Adirondacks. Make sure to pack some lawn chairs and a cooler, sit back and take it all in.

Do This

The town itself is a major tourism hub with something for everyone—but all the action is in Shepard Park. The park has free entertainment every night in it’s amphitheater. Make sure to get there early to get a great view of the fireworks!

Eat Here

In the heart of Lake George, is a rustic cabin brewery and restaurant called the Adirondack Pub. With the Adirondacks Brewery right next door, and a menu with delectable bites for dinner, summer nights can’t get any better.

4 ½ hrs by car

Another island getaway! Ocean City, MD is a great place to travel with family or a weekend away with friends. There are many tourist hot spots in this oceanside town, but you can never go wrong with fun in the sun.

Do This

There are hundreds of free things to do in Ocean City. You can walk the boardwalk, attend the OC Beach Dance Party (every Tuesday during summer), nightly firework shows, biking, rollerblading and self guided museum tours. Rest assured, you will never be bored in Ocean City.

Eat Here

Summer isn’t summer unless you’ve spent a couple hours drinking frozen margs in the sun. Stop by Mother’s Cantina for Tex-Mex eats and one of the best happy hours in town.

Photograph: Flickr/CC/Lee Cannon

5 hrs by bus

This seaside town’s claim to fame is being one of “the nation’s oldest seashore resorts”. Cape May has charm, sophistication and pristine beaches—what more could you ask for in a summer getaway?

Do This

Yes, NYC has the Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo, but you still have to shell out some green to visit the zoo’s residents. In Cape May, you can take a walk on the wildside for free at the Cape May Zoo. Lion, Tigers and Bears, OH MY!

Eat Here

Nothing is more prominent in Cape May, NJ than the Hot Dog Tommy’s stand. Indulge in classic dogs, sloppy joes, lemonades and root beers after a full-day of exploring the town.

6 ½ hrs by bus

Attracting visitors from all over the eastern seaboard, Rehoboth Beach is our Jersey Shore alternative. Rehoboth has a flawless beach and is a great find for cultivated foodies.

Do This

Rehoboth prides itself on it’s Victorian era roots. Learn all about this seafaring town at the Rehoboth Beach Museum. The museum has interesting exhibits such as life photography and vintage bathing suits. The museum is free to enter, but a donation is always suggested.

Eat Here

Have a sweet tooth? Go for the original candy shop at Dolle’s Candyland. This family operated business opened in 1927 and has been satisfying sugar cravings ever since. Applicably named the “Willy Wonka of Rehoboth” this little shop turns out hundreds of pounds of all 24 of its flavors of taffy.