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Summer has come to NYC, leaving us locals yearning to breathe freely as the steamy weather settles in and hordes of wide-eyed tourists take Manhattan — and too much space on the sidewalks.
But where to retreat — and cool off — in 2026? Headache-making fuel prices are turning precious trips to the beach into pricey pitfalls, while further afield, inflation is hitting popular European destinations hard — and that’s before you deal with the bureaucratic border drama causing nightmare waits at airports from Lisbon to Copenhagen.
Suddenly, doing battle on the burning Big Apple pavement doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
But before you rebrand a run through the fire hydrant a “spa day” — or start calling your building rooftop an “urban resort” — consider this: With a car and a tank of gas, you can easily disappear to some great close-to-home spots that’ll scratch the travel itch without the hefty bill.
From the mountains to the seaside, you can choose your own adventure — here are five close-to-home gems to get you inspired.
Less than three hours from Gotham, you’ll find a bucolic rural region with lush forests, clear blue lakes and a popular farm-to-table food scene. Hike on the Appalachian Trail, ride mountain bike trails or take in a concert at Tanglewood. The Berkshires have it all.
Start at the top, on Mt. Greylock — the roughly 20-minute journey takes travelers to the highest point in Massachusetts for sweeping, 90-mile views where folks can spot up to five states.
To cool off, towns across the Berkshires have swimming holes, open-water swimming, guarded or non-guarded public beaches and swimming pools all open to the public. To find one where you’re staying, check out Open Water Swimming.
The spot is also quite an arts and culture hub. Art aficionados can check out two of the many acclaimed museums in the area: Mass MoCa and The Clark.
End the night at the perfect hotel, Prospect Berkshires. Dubbed a “modern lakeside retreat,” the spot is a short drive from the Hudson Valley, Albany and Hartford and has 49 Nature Cabins.
Each site is beside a serene lake and is packed with amenities like tennis courts, a lakeside sauna, and a seasonal pool. Base prices start at a reasonable $195 and go up to $685 if you feel like splurging for the works.
Just an hour and a half drive from the City is a quiet beach town — a true hidden gem — where sprawling white sand beaches are rarely overcrowded: Avon-by-the-Sea. You’ll start the day off right at the popular New Jersey coffee shop Rook, exclusive to the state.
A borough in Monmouth County, the charming spot is a classic beach city where you’ll soak up the sun in peace. Daily wristbands are about $14 a pop, with tag booths located at Sylvania Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Norwood Avenue.
Those looking to beat the sticker price can stroll the oceanfront boardwalk free of charge. Once the sun sets, it’s time to grab drinks at some of the town’s most historic venues like The Columns or right on the sand at the Avon Pavilion.
The Columns is a huge Victorian-style bar and restaurant steps from the water with outdoor dining, seasonal seafood and evening cocktails. Meanwhile, Avon Pavilion is the local go-to spot for oceanfront dining directly on the boardwalk. Folks can grab everything from breakfast to fresh seafood dinners.
Sleep it all off at The Inn At The Shore, an adorable bed and breakfast in a quiet corner of Belmar, New Jersey and neighbor of Avon-by-the-Sea. At about $295 a night, the rooms may be a bit pricey, but you’ll be steps from the beach.
Built in 1880, the inn is in the perfect location — a few blocks from downtown restaurants, shops and nightlife, and only minutes from Asbury Park and Jersey Shore attractions.
Watkins Glen State Park is always worth the long drive. Those coming from the City should put on an audiobook as a car ride of just over four hours is about the time it takes.
RVshare travel expert Fiorella Yriberry told The Post, “Watkins Glen State Park is an amazing summer destination to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. To avoid crowds and parking difficulties in this popular park hit the trails early in the morning.”
The summer stunner is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Park and is known for the Gorge Trail, a one-mile stretch with 19 waterfalls. While swimming in the gorge is off limits, the park has a massive swimming pool at the top of the Gorge near the Six Nations campground and South Entrance.
Plus, just 10 minutes down the road is Havana Glen Park in Montour Falls, where a natural waterfall with a swimming hole is super popular with locals.
The Gorge Trail is open from May 9, 2026, and typically closes Mid-October.
Campers can stay for between $18 and $30, and the Rustic Cabins start at $58 per night with a three-night minimum.
Vacationers looking for a bit more luxury can check out Plum Point Lodge, just 20 short minutes away from the park and looking right at Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes. The lakefront hideaway is steps from the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with 31 guest rooms, six glamping yurts and a great farm-to-table restaurant
Rooms start at $219 and yurts at $189.
Less than an hour from NYC, the legend — and the town — of Sleepy Hollow do not disappoint. In the summertime, the town loses some of its spooky feel and transforms into an idyllic summer spot.
Travelers can walk along the Scenic Hudson Riverwalk Park and check out the famous 1883 Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, or enjoy the trails at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Foodies can then grab a bite on the patio at Horse Feathers on Broadway, followed by Main Street Sweets.
The quaint city also has jazz summer concerts at Horan’s Landing Park. The Jazz Forum Arts puts on 32 free outdoor shows from July 9 to August 29, 6:30-8 p.m.
For those who celebrate Summerween, the spooky spots are still available. Folks looking for a scare can check out a daytime or evening lantern tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
A tour of the Gothic Revival Lyndhurst Mansion grounds is also an option.
Near Sleepy Hollow is Tarrytown, home to the Tarrytown House Estate. The boutique hotel is a peaceful retreat with 26 acres filled with lush greens heart stopping views of the Hudson River.
But prices won’t break the bank as the base rates start at $209.
Some have called it the best alternative to the Hamptons, as just 90 miles from New York City is the historic village on the North Fork of Long Island.
Greenport is a sleepy beach village about nine miles west of Orient Point and famous for its maritime history, wineries and coastal charm.
The walkable downtown is along Front and Main streets with working docks and ferry access to Shelter Island. Those coming from NYC will see the quaint village after a three-hour drive, sitting just opposite of the Hamptons.
While the coastal getaway has always been loved by locals, influencers have seemingly taken over the town in recent months, flooding TikTok with the most gorgeous — and pricey — hotel, Sound View. The spot boasts a beautiful deck overlooking a private beach, and at a $514 starting price for a night, it should.
For a cheaper stay with the same beauty is North Fork Resort, with options from $195 for RVs up to $375 for hotels. Just note that prices likely change based on your dates, as weekends may be more expensive.
The resort is set on over 23 wooded acres near the eastern end of Long Island, and just minutes away from the harbor of Greenport. It’s five quick minutes from Mitchell Park and Downtown Greenport and a mere eight-minute drive to Sparking Pointe and The Vineyards to sip on the scenic beauty.
Folks can take a nine-minute dive to Orient Point and check out its scenic shoreline that connects Long Island to New England. Golfers can tee off at the refined yet challenging Island’s End Golf & Country Club, also a drive of less than 10 minutes from the hotel.
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