While many people living in Manhattan don’t have a car, there are tons of vacation-worthy destinations that are just a short drive away. It’s super easy to rent a car and venture off to a nearby state, which is all the more reason to plan one of these road trips from NYC. Plus, east coast states are much smaller than those on the west coast, making it easy to hop from place to place without dedicating a full day to travel.
There are a mix of city destinations, outdoor escapes, and beachfront attractions that make for the perfect road trips from NYC to take in the summer. Here are a handful of the best road trips from NYC in the summer.
Maine Lobster Roll
Portland Head Lighthouse
Great Diamond Island, Maine
PORTLAND, MAINE
Travel time from Manhattan: Approximately 5 hours
Vibe: Ideal girls trip
Known to be a very walkable destination, this coastal city is the ideal road trip from NYC for a girls trip. With a lot of shops, restaurants, and nearby islands to visit, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for a long weekend.
Where to Stay
I’ve mentioned before that I love the Portland Harbor Hotel because of its location in the heart of the Old Port District. The hotel has an upscale yet cozy feel with newly renovated rooms that are decorated with nautical touches. Another perk: the hotel provides complimentary bikes to all guests, making it easy to explore all that Portland has to offer.
What to Do
Scope Out Historic Lighthouses
Rally your girlfriends for a beachfront adventure and explore some of the quintessential lighthouses in the area. Portland Head Light is a local landmark with historic significance—it’s the state’s oldest lighthouse, which dates all the way back to 1791. After stopping by the lighthouse (and snapping some pictures), visit The Museum at Portland Head Light to learn about the landmark’s history and take a peek at old artifacts.
Take a Ferry to a Nearby Island
Hop on a Casco Bay Lines Ferry to visit Peaks Island, Chebeague Island, or Great Diamond Island, which are all just a short ride from Portland. Some of the activities available on the islands include kayaking, hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
Explore the Downtown Scene
Immerse yourself in the local culture by walking around the shops and popping in the small businesses in downtown Portland. There are many women’s boutiques, art galleries, and jewelry stores that are worth pondering. After you’ve finished up your retail therapy, grab a beer from a local brewery—Oxbow and Maine Craft Distilling are two good options.
Where to Eat
One of the most popular restaurants in Portland is Central Provisions. The restaurant serves up small plates like salads, wraps, and pretzels, in addition to craft cocktails. Order a dirty martini, a classic mule, or opt for The Cobbler cocktail which is made with sherry, scotch, grapefruit, cinnamon, and lemon.
Because you can’t visit Maine without enjoying some oysters, be sure to also stop by Eventide Oyster Co. The restaurant has a large selection of local oysters, lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, and crab buns to choose from—and they also have a nice patio you can sit on during the warmer months.
Craving something sweet? Head to The Holy Donut, a cute little shop that dishes up potato donuts in drool-worthy flavors (think maple bacon, blueberry, coffee cake, and toasted coconut). This spot is highly popular among visitors and locals, so be sure to stop by early to snag the flavor of your choice!
CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
Travel time from Manhattan: Approximately 2.5 hours
Vibe: Victorian era retreat
Just a quick road trip from NYC, Cape May is an underrated destination that’s fun to visit any season of the year. The quaint little town is known for its charming Victorian houses, impressive dining scene, and unique accommodations.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for something different during your trip, consider staying in one of the perfectly polished cottages on Beach Plum Farm. Tucked away from downtown, the 62-acre property is home to a variety of farm animals like chickens, goats, and pigs, yet it feels like a luxury resort. Tons of fruits and vegetables are also grown on the farm and then used in many of the dishes served at the hotel and accompanying properties.
Other perks include guest access to golf carts to explore the nearby beaches, coffee and donut deliveries each morning, and community meals in the center of the farm.
What to Do
Take a Nature Walk
Enjoy the fresh ocean air while you take in the beauty of the coast by taking a stroll along the Cape May Promenade. The boardwalk runs along the ocean and offers a scenic, 3-mile route for walkers and runners. If you visit during the summer, you’ll get to see an assortment of vibrant flowers and birds—you might even catch a glimpse of some dolphins swimming in the nearby water.
Go Antique Shopping
Because Cape May is such a nostalgic town, it makes for the ideal place to go antiquing. Some shops to consider stopping by include Out of the Past Antiques and West End Garage.
Relax on the Beach
Is there anything better than relaxing on the beach? Set up some chairs or lay out a towel before reading a book or scoring some shut-eye. The soothing sound of the waves will add an extra inviting touch.
Where to Eat
This farm-to-table restaurant utilizes fresh ingredients from Beach Plum Farm to create innovative cuisine you’re sure to love. Indulge in some scallops, bluefin tuna, or wagyu steak, then finish your dinner off with a slice of key lime pie.
Want to head directly from the sand to happy hour? The Rusty Nail is a casual spot to grab tacos, nachos, salads, and sandwiches. While the menu is simple, the dishes are delicious and the atmosphere is inviting.
For something informal, try one of the brick-oven pizzas at this underground pizzeria. The eclectic restaurant and lounge is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.
Kenoza Hall Hotel
Kenoza Hall patio
Kenoza Lake
ST. MICHAELS, MARYLAND
Travel time from Manhattan: Approximately 3.5 hours
Vibe: Preppy vacation
One of the best road trips from NYC to take in the summer is to the hidden gem town called St. Michaels. Across the Chesapeake Bay, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, St. Michaels is a peaceful place for those looking to spend some time near the water.
Where to Stay
The iconic Inn at Perry Cabin is perhaps the most luxe place to stay in St Michaels. In fact, the high-end resort was actually the filming location for Wedding Crashers. The stunning, colonial-style architecture makes for a dreamy vacation setting while on-site amenities like a pool, wine tasting room, spa, tennis courts, and sailing dock make it easy to unpack and unwind without ever really needing to leave the property.
What to Do
Enjoy a Round of Golf
If you’re visiting in the summer or early fall, take advantage of the warm weather by partaking in a round of golf. Many local courses have nice views of the water, or if you’d rather stay cool inside, there are plenty of indoor driving ranges.
Rent a Yacht or Sailboat
One major way to make your trip memorable: rent a boat for the day. If you book a stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin, the staff will help you reserve a group or private sail on a range of boats. Bring some champagne and snacks on board, or play it more adventurous and dive off the back of the boat.
Book a Spa Visit
Plant-based treatments and therapeutic bodywork make the Spa at Perry Cabin a popular spot to refresh and rejuvenate. Schedule a massage, facial, or manicure to sneak in some self-care.
Where to Eat
Calling all brunch lovers—Crepes by the Bay has an extensive menu that features mainly, well, crepes. Order something sweet, like a maple or cinnamon crepe, or go for something more savory, like an artichoke or mushroom crepe. You’ll leave feeling satisfied.
A combo Italian restaurant and wine bar, Limoncello’s fresh seafood and handcrafted dishes are known as some of the best in the area. Menu items include gnocchi, fettuccine, paninis, wine, and seasonal cocktails.
This old-fashioned ice cream shop has delicious shakes, sundaes, and over 20 ice cream flavors that make the summer heat in Maryland a bit more bearable. Try the ice cream soda or go all out with a banana split.
CATSKILLS, NEW YORK
Travel time from Manhattan: Approximately 2.5 hours
Vibe: Outdoor adventure
Just over 100 miles away, the Catskills make for an easy road trip from NYC in the summer. The mountain region is home to a ton of adventurous outdoor activities, ranging from zip lining to biking.
Where to Stay
My favorite hotel in The Catskills is Kenoza Hall. This is a charming lakeside hotel overlooking Kenoza Lake. The decor is beautiful and the hotel has a massive stone patio overlooking the grounds. Their restaurant is top notch, and the pool is a true oasis. You could also consider a stay at Scribner’s Lodge, a trendy and inviting spot for groups of various sizes. Most of the minimalist rooms have large windows that show off the nature views and private decks that overlook the mountains. Some guest suites even have fireplaces and lofted sleeping arrangements. There’s also a restaurant at the hotel that offers cuisine inspired by the offerings found in the Hudson Valley.
What to Do
Go Hiking
One of my favorite hikes to do in the greater New York City area is Kaaterskill Falls. It’s an easy one-mile hike up to the falls where you can stand and observe the 260-foot two tier waterfall. Oher hiking options include Pratt Rock, Ashley Falls, and Diamond Notch Falls.
Opt for Camping
If you’re hoping to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors, camping in the Catskills is a highly popular attraction. Book a yurt, reserve a spot at a glamping site, or pitch a good old fashioned tent and wing it.
Go Ziplining
Seek some thrill by snagging a spot on a zipline tour. Try the SkyRider Tour, which is the second longest zipline in the world, soaring 600 feet above ground. A less intense option includes the Mid-Mountain Outdoor Adventure Tour which features four ziplines, nine aerial tree platforms, four rope bridges, and a rappel station.
Where to Eat
Brushland Eating House likes to put emphasis on classic dishes that are served with a twist. A meal here will boast flavorful craft beer, comforting chicken soup, veggie-packed salads, along with other tasty things.
Craving buttermilk pancakes or delicious baked goods? Drop by Phoenicia Diner for an ultimate dose of comfort food. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also offers beer, shakes, and wine.
Stop by this taproom to sip on some award-winning brews. While food isn’t served by the taproom, there are typically a few food trucks parked outside, or you can bring your own food to snack on.
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