Weekend Getaways from NYC Without a Car

1. Governors Island

• What is Governors Island?
  • Governors Island is a charming 172-acre island within New York Harbor, located between Manhattan and Brooklyn in the Buttermilk Channel.
• What was Governors Island used for in the past?
  • Historically, the island was closed to the public for nearly two centuries and served as an important base for the United States Army and Coast Guard.
• What is Governors Island used for today?
  • Today, the island has been transformed into a beautiful public park and is a popular tourist destination throughout the summer and early autumn months.
• What historical sites can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can explore the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument, overseen by the National Park Service, and learn about the island’s military history.
• Are guided tours available on Governors Island?
  • Yes! Guided walking tours are offered throughout the year, providing insight into the island’s history and landmarks.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • The island offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including:
  • Rock climbing courses
  • Zipline adventures
• What special events take place on Governors Island?
  • Each year, the island hosts amazing special events, such as the Governors Island Art Fair, held every weekend in September.

2. Wave Hill

• What is Wave Hill?
  • Wave Hill is a beautiful 28-acre estate and public horticultural garden located in the Bronx’s Riverdale neighborhood, overlooking the Palisades and Hudson River.
• What is the history of Wave Hill?
  • The estate was originally constructed in 1843 and served as a rental summer home for international luminaries such as Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain at the turn of the 20th century.
• When did Wave Hill become a public space?
  • In 1960, the estate was donated to the city of New York to be used as a cultural center and garden facility.
• How many visitors does Wave Hill receive annually?
  • Today, more than 65,000 guests visit the estate each year to explore its historic and scenic grounds.
• What gardens can visitors explore at Wave Hill?
  • Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped gardens, including:
  • Perennial flower garden
  • Aquatic and monocot garden
  • Alpine dry garden
  • The 10-acre Herbert and Hyonja Abrons Woodland
• What indoor attractions are available at Wave Hill?
  • Inside, the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory features a tropical room and a cactus collection.
• Are there special events or performances at Wave Hill?
  • Yes! Paid-ticket concerts are showcased at the estate on Sunday afternoons throughout the year.

675 W 252nd St, The Bronx, NY 10471, Phone: 718-549-3200

3. Asbury Park

• What makes Asbury Park a great destination?
  • Asbury Park is a charming seaside destination in New Jersey, renowned for its vibrant rock music scene, which has attracted legendary acts like Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen to its hip bars and music venues.
• What is special about Asbury Park’s beachfront?
  • The city sits along one of New Jersey’s most popular beachfronts, featuring a picturesque boardwalk lined with unique shops and lively arcade attractions.
• What music venues and historic theaters can visitors enjoy?
  • The restored 1920s-era Paramount Theatre brings in top international concerts.
  • The famed Stone Pony, a historic 20th-century bar, continues to draw major music acts.
• What unique family-friendly attractions are available?
  • The Silverball Museum features a vast collection of playable video and pinball games dating back as far as the 1930s.
• What annual events take place in Asbury Park?
  • The city hosts a full slate of community events throughout the year, including:
  • The famed Oysterfest, a celebration of local seafood and culture.
  • The New Jersey Zombie Walk, a world-record-breaking event that brings zombie enthusiasts together for a massive parade.

4. Beacon

• What makes Beacon a great destination?
  • Beacon is a burgeoning artist district in New York, conveniently located within an easy train ride from Manhattan’s downtown district.
• How has Beacon transformed over the years?
  • Once a former industrial town, Beacon has been revitalized into a bustling day-trip destination known for its vibrant arts scene.
• What can visitors find along Beacon’s Main Street?
  • Beacon features a delightful one-mile Main Street lined with charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
• What are Beacon Arts Second Saturday events?
  • On the second Saturday of each month, the city hosts Beacon Arts Second Saturday events, featuring:
  • Gallery exhibitions
  • Live music performances
  • Street fair vendors
• What art museums or galleries should visitors explore?
  • The Dia: Beacon gallery, a 30-acre contemporary art space, is housed in the city’s former Nabisco factory and features midcentury and contemporary artwork.
• What outdoor recreational activities are available?
  • Beacon’s proximity to the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands makes it a prime destination for outdoor activities.
  • Visitors can enjoy hiking at:
  • Mount Beacon
  • Bannerman Island, part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

5. City Island

• What is City Island?
  • City Island is a charming Bronx neighborhood located on the extreme western edge of Long Island Sound, near Eastchester and Pelham Bays.
• Why is City Island a great day trip destination?
  • The neighborhood offers a perfect small-town escape for New Yorkers looking to get away for the day, featuring quaint homes and businesses that exude a small-town vibe.
• What historic landmarks can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can take walking excursions through the neighborhood’s historic sites, including the 1860s-era Schofield Street House.
• What museums and tours are available?
  • The City Island Nautical Museum offers exhibits on the area’s maritime history and provides guided walking tours on weekends.
• Where can visitors shop for antiques and unique finds?
  • Early Ruth offers unique antique finds.
  • 239 Play is a must-visit for quirky collectibles and nostalgia items.
• What are the best dining options on City Island?
  • The island offers excellent dining options, including:
  • The century-old City Island Diner
  • Johnny’s Reef – a popular cash-only seafood joint
  • Starving Artist Cafe – featuring live jazz music performances throughout the week

6. Cold Spring

• What is Cold Spring known for?
  • Cold Spring is a charming Putnam County village nestled within the picturesque Hudson Highlands, known as a popular weekend getaway for New York City residents.
• What makes Cold Spring a great weekend destination?
  • The village is famous for its excellent dining options and unique antique stores, making it a perfect retreat for visitors looking for relaxation and shopping.
• What historic sites can visitors explore?
  • Cold Spring’s downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to several well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the West Point Foundry.
• How can visitors travel to Cold Spring?
  • Visitors can make the train trek from New York City in just about an hour, making it a convenient day trip or weekend escape.
• What unique businesses can visitors explore in Cold Spring?
  • The village is home to delightful shops such as:
  • Old Souls – an outdoor outfitters store
  • Poor George – a vintage home goods store
  • Cold Spring Apothecary – featuring natural products
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy near Cold Spring?
  • Just outside the village, Breakneck Ridge offers one of the best hikes in the Hudson Valley, with incredible panoramic views at its summit.
• Where can visitors dine after a day of exploring?
  • After hiking or shopping, visitors can enjoy delicious meals at one of Cold Spring’s many excellent restaurants.

7. Coney Island

• What is Coney Island known for?
  • Coney Island is one of the United States' top boardwalk entertainment destinations, located along a peninsula on Brooklyn’s southern coastline.
• When did Coney Island rise to prominence?
  • The famed boardwalk became popular in the mid-19th century as a resort destination and later became known for its amusement attractions.
• What were Coney Island’s original amusement parks?
  • At the turn of the 20th century, Coney Island became famous for its Dreamland, Luna Park, and Steeplechase Park amusement centers.
• What amusement parks are in Coney Island today?
  • Today, the spirit of Luna Park lives on in a new amusement park of the same name.
• What are the most famous rides at Coney Island?
  • Thunderbolt roller coaster – Built in 2014 to honor the defunct historic coaster of the same name.
  • Coney Island Cyclone – An iconic 1927 wooden roller coaster that still operates today.
  • Deno’s Wonder Wheel – A unique eccentric Ferris wheel that remains a favorite attraction.
• What else can visitors enjoy along the boardwalk?
  • The 2.5-mile amusement stretch is lined with arcade games and boardwalk attractions.
  • The boardwalk also borders a large public beach, perfect for summer fun.
• What annual events take place at Coney Island?
  • One of the most famous events is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, held each summer along the beachfront.

8. Cornwall

• What is Cornwall known for?
  • Cornwall is a quaint historic town located about an hour outside of New York City in the beautiful Hudson Highlands district.
• What is the history of Cornwall?
  • The town dates back to New England’s colonial era, originally established in 1685.
• What major attraction draws visitors to Cornwall?
  • The town is best known as the home of the Storm King Art Center, a world-famous outdoor sculpture park that attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually.
• Where can visitors enjoy outdoor activities?
  • Storm King State Park sits in the shadow of the scenic Storm King Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River, Bannerman’s Island, and Newburgh Bay.
• What family-friendly attractions are in Cornwall?
  • Families can visit the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, which features kid-friendly walking trails and a nature-themed play area.
• What shopping and dining experiences does Cornwall offer?
  • Quaint stores and restaurants line the city’s Main Street district, which hosts a weekly farmer’s market on Wednesday mornings.
• What is special about the Shops at Jones Farm?
  • The Shops at Jones Farm transform a 100-acre farmstead into a rustic shopping center and farm bakery, known for its delicious apple cider doughnuts and pies.

9. Fire Island

• What is Fire Island known for?
  • Fire Island is a beautiful resort barrier island located just off the shores of Long Island, known worldwide as one of the United States' top LGBT-friendly tourist destinations.
• What makes Cherry Grove a unique destination?
  • The charming community of Cherry Grove is believed to be the first community in America that openly embraced gay and lesbian residents, making it a historic and welcoming destination.
• What attractions are in Ocean Beach?
  • Vibrant Ocean Beach is home to a popular swimming beach, a bustling marina, and a variety of delightful shops and restaurants.
• Where can visitors enjoy dining and nightlife on Fire Island?
  • Visitors can enjoy oceanfront dining at The Sandcastle at the Ocean.
  • They can also sip on delicious cocktails at gay-friendly bars such as:
  • Cherry’s
  • The Ice Palace
• What attractions are on the western end of Fire Island?
  • Robert Moses State Park offers visitors:
  • Day-use picnic sites
  • Pitch-and-putt golf courses
  • The historic 19th-century Fire Island Lighthouse

10. Greenwood Gardens

• What is Greenwood Gardens?
  • Greenwood Gardens is a beautiful 28-acre landscaped garden located in Millburn, New Jersey.
• What is the history of Greenwood Gardens?
  • The gardens were originally developed as an estate and later transformed into their current form by Peter Blanchard in the mid-20th century.
  • After Blanchard’s death in 2000, the estate’s stunning Italianate garden was opened to the public by the Garden Conservancy as a nonprofit organization.
• What unique architectural and artistic elements can visitors see?
  • The gardens feature unique sculptures and design elements, including:
  • A lovely statue of a boy with two geese, crafted by artist Emilio Angela.
  • Beautiful gates created by Samuel Yellin, laced with vines and plantings.
• What historic structures are located within the gardens?
  • The grounds are home to several preserved buildings, including:
  • The estate home.
  • A summer house.
  • A 1920s-era tea house.
  • Worker cottages.
• How can visitors explore Greenwood Gardens?
  • Visitors can explore the gardens with standard admission.
  • They can also become garden members to gain exclusive access to special events, including:
  • Educational tours
  • Concerts

2100, 274 Old Short Hills Rd, Short Hills, NJ 07078, Phone: 973-258-4026