Best Short Road Trips from New York

New York is great for history, architecture, and the hustle and bustle of the city itself, but if you’re needing a weekend away from the urban jungle, we recommend some getaway destinations within two hours of the Big Apple.

Where to Stay

Find family-friendly accommodations in New York from traditional hotels to private vacation rentals through Stay22.com:

If you’re flying in from elsewhere and want to grab a train or simply want to save money with a compact rental car, here are some places you can safely store your luggage while you are off galivanting around without the literal baggage weighing you down.

  • Philadelphia: You can easily reach Philadelphia from the city, and this is the place to explore if you love quirky street art. Enjoy gazing at the graffiti and mosaic art by local artists. Later visit the Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
  • Southampton Beach: A day on the beach is a “must do” trip for those beach bums holidaying in NYC. Just take advantage of the luggage storage (including the Best New York luggage storage service) services and enjoy the beach.
  • Manchester: Offering “Old World Charm,” Manchester is a place where you can visit historic mansions, dynamic art galleries, and local breweries. Pick from a wide range of outdoor activities and come back with a treasure of memories.
  • The Poconos Mountains: The Poconos are indeed one of the best-kept secrets of the region. If you want to be outdoors in a scenic location, this is what you need. Just follow the guide for luggage storage before you hit the road and store away all that extra luggage you don’t need. Enjoy hiking, white-water rafting, and visit the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
  • Berkshires: If its rural England charm you’re seeking, head for Berkshires. Picnic beside Berry Lake or the Barton Orchards, and immerse yourself in the midst of dense, lush forests and simply be with nature.
  • Montauk Beach: White sand makes Montauk Beach a popular spot among the locals and tourists. A popular swanky beach weekend destination, Montauk offers sweeping views of the Atlantic (or try fishing while you’re in town; the region is known for some of the best saltwater fishing in America).

About the Author

Julie Henning
Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. She is a recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. In March 2018 Julie Henning published the book "100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die" (Reedy Press). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. She has been published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Oregon, Hometown News Group, The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Illinois), the Rochester Post Bulletin, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (DNR publication), Experience Michigan Magazine, the Official Oregon Wine Touring Guide, Metro Parent Milwaukee Magazine, Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Visitors Guide, Trivago, Intercom Magazine, Roadtrippers.com, Amtrak.com, Eugene Magazine, and FTF Geocacher Magazine. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. She has produced episodes for Journey of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. Julie has also produced travel apps with Sutro Media and Bindu Media. She works full time in marketing. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio and is an affiliate producer with the Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. She has blogged for TravelWisconsin.com, Travel Oregon, and VISIT Milwaukee. Julie travels with her three kids and black lab as much as possible and lives by the motto, "Not all who wander are lost." Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com.