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Affordable Summer Escapes for New Yorkers
Getting out of the city
New Yorkers thrive in the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. However, even the most dedicated New Yorkers occasionally crave a break from the exhilarating pace of life in the city. Whether you’re looking to escape the concrete jungle for a weekend or take a quick day trip, you don’t need to break the bank to get a change of scenery.
We’ve compiled a shortlist of our favorite budget-friendly travel destinations, all within driving distance of the city. From tranquil beach retreats and charming rural escapes to adventurous hikes and historical explorations, this list has something for everybody.
For the history lovers
Albany, New York
Just under a 3-hour drive from the city, Albany is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts. As the state capital, Albany has a rich history and offers many low-cost or free activities. One of the most recommended activities is visiting the grand New York State Capitol, where free tours occur every Monday through Friday.
If you want to dive into New York's pre-American history, visit the New York State Museum to see exhibits about the Ice Ages, the First Peoples, and the wilderness of the Adirondacks. You can also visit the headquarters of the Underground Railroad in the Capital Region—the home of Stephen and Harriet Myers.
For fans of the musical Hamilton, take a tour of Philip Schuylers’ old home at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site. Finally, immerse yourself in wartime history with a tour of a World War 2 destroyer, which is still on the water today.
After a long day of delving into Albany’s extensive history, take a relaxing Hudson River cruise to enjoy a unique view of the city. If you have the time, you should also make the short drive to the spectacular Cohoes Falls, the second-largest waterfall in New York State.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you drive two hours out of NYC, you’ll hit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philly is another great destination for history enthusiasts, as it’s home to the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. If you visit the centers on your trip, you will be able to see the iconic Liberty Bell and walk through the room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. You can also visit the historic Eastern State Penitentiary if you’re in the mood for something somber.
Philadelphia also has a robust art scene, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation, which are great options on a hot summer's day. We highly recommend the guided tour of the Barnes Foundation as Dr. Albert C. Barnes was quite eccentric and had an extremely particular way of organizing the art throughout the museum. The Barnes Foundation is also home to the largest collections of Renoir and Cézanne pieces, as well as significant works by Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Van Gogh.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also an exciting destination for art lovers and film lovers. It is home to the iconic “Rocky Steps,” and you can also take a selfie with the Rocky statue.
The Mütter Museum is another interesting location, filled with a unique (and somewhat eerie) collection of medical oddities.
While we obviously suggest trying a Philly cheesesteak while in Philly, be sure to also check out the Reading Terminal Market. The market offers a wide variety of food vendors, serving both local and international cuisines. Beyond Reading Terminal Market, Philly is also probably one of the best foodie cities on the Northeast coast with a record number of James Beard award winners in 2023 and recognition by Eater as one of the top 3 foodie cities.
For the adventurers
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks are the dream destinations for outdoor enthusiasts around America about a 4-6 hour drive outside New York City. It’s the largest national park in the Continental U.S. and has 46 distinct peaks in the High Peaks region alone (perfect for your resident hiker!). Nearby, Saranac Lake has a vibrant artist community and picturesque kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Don’t miss the Ausable Chasm, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and the beautiful Lake Placid, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1980.
The iconic Adirondacks are great to visit any time of year. Still, the summer months are perfect for a relaxing camping trip, long days on the 2,000 miles of hiking trails, lying by the lake, or participating in many water sports.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains are the perfect summer getaway for those who love the outdoors. And it’s just under two hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a beautiful park that lives on the Delaware River, and has hiking trails or various levels, camping spots, and canoeing routes. For the more experienced hikers who are craving longer, more challenging trails, backcountry camping is available on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The Poconos are home to some of the state's tallest waterfalls—our number one recommendation is Bushkill Falls, often referred to as “the Niagara of Pennsylvania.”
Many of the hiking trails in the Pocono Mountains will take you past breathtaking waterfalls. If you would like to spend a day chasing waterfalls, we suggest also checking out Upper Hornbecks Creek, which is home to over 40 falls, Salt Springs State Park in Susquehanna County, and Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania! After a long day of hiking, have a relaxing picnic dinner next to Lake Wallenpaupack.
Hudson Valley, New York
The beautiful Hudson Valley is situated in the south of New York State, about a 2.5 hour drive from the city. If you are looking for a completely unique experience, be sure to get tickets to ride on the Hudson River Rail’s annual experience, where you can ride in a train car from the 40’s or 50’s from Central Station all the way up the Hudson River to Albany. Take a step back in time and take a ride in the rear cabin of the train, which is the last original cabin from the original train and has since been meticulously restored.
As with the Adirondacks and the Poconos, the Hudson Valley is home to thousands of miles of hiking trails, natural preserves, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities. You will never run out of things to do in the Hudson Valley, as it’s jam-packed with outdoor activities, museums, tours, resorts, and restaurants! If you want to keep on the historical-adventure ‘train,’ be sure to check out Playland, a historic amusement park with all its rides, games, and even its own beach and pool.
Hudson Valley is also a great option for beer enthusiasts, as it has a beer trail that matches the wine trails of Napa and Sonoma.
For the adults
The Finger Lakes, New York
We would be remiss not to add wine country to our list of getaways! Just 5.5 hours from NYC, the Finger Lakes is home to over 100 wineries and vineyards, and is particularly well known for its Rieslings.
If you need a relaxing getaway without the kids, the stunning landscape of the Finger Lakes is the perfect spot. Spend a day by the water, either walking, picnicking, or paddling, and enjoy the sun and serenity.
Foodies who are looking to indulge will have no shortage of beautiful farm-to-table restaurants and local specialties to try out. However, you do not need to splurge when finding something to eat in the Finger Lakes; the area is home to many breweries, sandwich shops, and bars where you can get a quick, delicious bite to eat!
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a charming beach town just three and a half hours from the city, and is perfect for those who are looking to have a quiet, relaxing beach escape. If you stay in one of the nine Classic Coast towns, you will be greeted with stunning New England architecture, lavish mansions (which are now open to the public for tours!), and a rich history.
Walk through the halls of some of the old summer ‘cottages’ of America’s wealthiest families and enjoy the tours of the beautiful buildings and perfect gardens. If you don’t feel like doing a tour, the famous Cliff Walk offers views of these homes and the rest of the beautiful coastline.
Newport is a well-known sailing destination and offers many yacht and sailing excursions throughout the summer. While the waves may be flatter, summer is also a great time for beginner surfers in Rhode Island.
If you don’t feel like getting into or on the water itself, the waterfront is home to countless shops, seafood restaurants, and bars. Seafood lovers will also be impressed with the selection of restaurants in Newport that have some of the freshest oysters and lobster rolls on the East coast. Midtown Oyster Bar’s rooftop is perfect for oysters and beer. Head over to Newport Lobster Shack for no muss, no fuss lobster rolls on the water. And if you can swing it, snag a table at sunset for cocktails at The Chanler because there’s really no better way to wind down for the day. It’ll be a bit of a splurge, but worth it!
Enjoy your time away!
We hope you have found some inspiration for your next affordable getaway; New York is surrounded by beautiful locations to escape to that do not need to break the bank. Whether you feel like heading out on an adventure, taking a day to walk through historical landmarks and museums, or escaping to a winery or beach-side village, there is something for everyone at all of these destinations.
Happy Travels!
Runner-up locations to consider for an affordable getaway from NYC
- Berkshires, Massachusetts
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Mystic, Connecticut
- Greenwich, Connecticut
- Boston, Massachusetts
- The Berkshires, Massachusetts/Connecticut
The information provided on the Kasheesh website and blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers are advised to seek professional guidance from qualified professionals regarding their specific legal, tax, or investment situations. The content on the Kasheesh blog is based on the team’s opinions and experiences and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Kasheesh is not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided on this blog. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any financial decisions.
