Memorial Day Weekend is so close we can almost taste it - the only question is where to celebrate! If you’re kicking off your summer near New York City, you’ll have easy access to some of the most treasured getaways in the US all within just a few hours’ reach. Here’s where to spend your Memorial Day Weekend near New YorkCity in style.
Nantucket
Synonymous with all things preppy, Nantucket is a great place to break out your pastel shorts and put up your feet. That said, it’s not all madras and Wayfarers: Nantucket also boasts its famous cedar-shingled homes, excellent shopping, and food you’ll dream of for the whole rest of the summer. And, of course, there’s also the beach, which is where you’ll want to spend most of your time anyway. Memorial Day Weekend on Nantucket is marked by Figawi, a vibrant regatta that serves as the unofficial start of summer.
Rockaway Beach
Yep, this is the same Rockaway Beach from the Ramones song! If you want to escape the city with as little effort as possible, this beach is your prime destination. Just hop on the subway and before you know it, you’ll arrive at a beachy haven that you’d never have guessed was part of New York City proper. The surfers come for the epic waves, and everyone else comes for the sun, sand, boardwalk, and epic taco stands.
Newport
This Rhode Island getaway is just a few hours away from Manhattan, and it’s an absolute feast for the senses. Newport is known for its idyllic harbor, massive Gilded Age homes (don’t forget to check out the Breakers!), and charming bike-friendly blocks. When you visit, be sure to eat lobster rolls. Lots and lots of lobster rolls.
North Fork, Long Island
Long Island’s North Fork is just a stone’s throw from the Hamptons, but it’s a whole different universe. Here you’ll find farm stands, vineyards galore, and plenty of peace and quiet. Stroll through rolling lavender fields, rent a bike to ride along the beach, and chow down on some of the best food on Long Island before hopping on a relaxing train ride home.
Lake George
The crystal clear air of the Adirondack Mountains is a far cry from the polluted city energy downstate, and Lake George is the perfect place to take it all in. Hop on a boat to enjoy the lake’s rich blue waters or lounge in the sand on Million Dollar Beach. If you want to explore beyond the shores, wander through the charming nearby town or traverse one of the postcard-perfect hiking trails in the area.
Fire Island
Despite being a short commute from Manhattan, Fire Island is like its own little paradise where stress melts away into the ocean breeze. This Atlantic barrier island is dotted with a series of car-free villages, most of which can only be accessed by ferry. Each village has its own distinct feel, but one thing they all have in common is that they come alive in the summer, and Memorial Day Weekend is an epic kick-off. You’ll find pristine protected beaches, great food, and plenty of drinks to go around.
Montauk
This dreamy community graces the far eastern tip of Long Island, and it offers a far more low-key energy than what you’ll find next door in the Hamptons. The famous Montauk Lighthouse, which marks “the end of the world” on the farthest point of New York State, has become an unofficial symbol of New York City summer. Montauk is home to six state parks, fantastic fishing, and great seafood.