Vacation in your own city: New York

New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but even New Yorkers need a break sometimes. And with so many great experiences so close to home, why not take your next vacation in your own city?

From high-end stays to cozy campsites, we’ve curated a list of the best staycations in and around New York City for the sight-seeres to beach bums, and everyone in between.

Embrace the tourist trap

New York City is one of the world’s most visited places. There are countless attractions you’ve forgotten to explore while caught up in your daily routine, so why not take some time to recapture your romance for this great city on your next staycation?

Throw on your favorite “I heart NY” shirt and comfortable sneakers, and take a slow-walking, building-ogling photo journey through famous New York City sites. Your step counter will thank you.

For the perfect place to start, go to DUMBO to take the iconic bridge photo at the intersection of Washington and Water Streets. Then cross the Brooklyn Bridge to downtown Manhattan, where you can snap a pic with the Charging Bull and visit the 9/11 Memorial. You can also walk the High-Line, go to the top of the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock, eat a slice in Times Square, and stroll through Central Park – or visit one of the many other great attractions only in New York City.

To really beef up your tourist adventure, stay in a classic New York City Hotel. The Plaza is perfectly located right next to Central Park and the ideal spot for an authentic tourist experience.

Head to the beach

It’s not summer in New York City without hot and humid weather, minimal AC, and a city-wide migration to the beach. Everyone loves a good beach vacation, and luckily in New York you’re never too far from the Atlantic. Stay close to the city and explore Coney Island or Rockaway Beach for a day trip. Or, if you want a longer staycation, go out to Long Island for a relaxing beach experience.

The Hamptons in Long Island is the place to go for a longer beach staycation. Visit Montauk—nicknamed “The End” for its positioning as a peninsula at the farthest point in Long Island—for sun, sand, and state parks, then stay at the beachside Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, which offers a pool and spa to round out your ocean-side getaway.

Spend some time with nature

After spending so much time in New York City, it can be easy to forget there are other heights that aren’t skyscrapers. New York state is home to three mountain ranges—the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Appalachian Mountains—all perfect spots for a hiking and camping trip.

For a day trip, Bear Mountain is only an hour and a half away from NYC. Here you can hike to beautiful Hudson River Valley views, go fishing (with the proper permits) or boating, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature before heading back to the hustle and bustle of the city.

You could also extend your trip and continue hiking from Bear Mountain on the Appalachian Trail – the marked hiking trail that follows the Appalachian Mountains. Spend your entire mountain vacation camping or—if you prefer—book a night at Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain where you can get all the rustic charm of nature, without having to sacrifice a big cozy bed.

Live luxuriously for a weekend

Take a break from your favorite dive bars and coffee shops, and spend a weekend enjoying the finer things New York City has to offer.

Start your high-end weekend off right by booking a five-star accommodation in Midtown. The Peninsula New York is the perfect choice. Located right by Central Park with an on-site spa as well as a rooftop terrace, it’ll put you deep in vacation mode in no time at all.

After check-in, dress to the nines—or do some upscale shopping for the perfect look—and make a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Some of our favorites include Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, or Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare. Then head off to a Broadway show, Carnegie Hall, or Madison Square Garden for your preferred after-dinner activity, before grabbing a nightcap at a rooftop bar like the Gallow Green or Mr. Purple for a great cocktail overlooking the city.

Have a wine experience

If you’re in the mood to head farther out of the city for a while, spend a few days exploring the the Finger Lakes in upstate New York for wine tastings, beautiful lake views, and relaxing B&B accommodations.

There are over 120 wineries on the Finger Lakes, so you’ll never be at a loss for new places to try. Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca lakes all offer wine trail experiences to choose from as well as wine passports for a more worry-free experience. There are also events you can look into for your trip and tours offered at some vineyards.

Settle in for the evening at a quaint spot like the Hudson Manor Bed & Breakfast on Seneca Lake. Here you can wake up to a view of the lake and get a tasty breakfast before heading out for the wine trails.