
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Queens, New York, United States
1. Fire Island National Seashore
A stunning coastal park offering peaceful beaches and historic lighthouses, perfect for a relaxing weekend escape.
- Beautiful Beaches: Stretches of pristine sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing.
- Historical Landmarks: Iconic lighthouses like the Fire Island Lighthouse provide a glimpse into the island's past.
- Nature Preservation: Preserved natural habitats for birds, plants, and wildlife.
2. Jones Beach State Park
A popular beach destination offering sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and a boardwalk with breathtaking views.
- Variety of Activities: Activities like fishing, volleyball, and surfing make this park perfect for an action-packed weekend.
- Boardwalk: A scenic boardwalk that offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline.
- Concert Venue: Jones Beach Theater hosts concerts by popular artists throughout the summer.
3. Montauk Point Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse offering coastal views and a maritime museum, ideal for a peaceful weekend retreat.
- Historical Landmark: One of the oldest lighthouses in the United States with rich history dating back to 1796.
- Maritime Museum: A museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to maritime history and local culture.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Montauk Point cliffs.
4. Sag Harbor
A picturesque village with charming shops, galleries, restaurants, and a historic whaling museum.
- Shopping & Dining: Unique boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants offer a variety of shopping and dining experiences.
- Historic Whaling Museum: The Sag Harbor Whaling & Underwater Museum offers exhibits on whaling history and marine life.
- Quaint Village Atmosphere: A peaceful, picturesque village setting perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.
5. The Hamptons
Exclusive beach towns known for their upscale shopping, dining, and summer parties.
- Upscale Shopping: High-end boutiques offering designer clothing, art, and home goods.
- Fine Dining: World-class restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines from casual to fine dining experiences.
- Summer Parties: Famous for summer parties, concerts, and events attended by celebrities and socialites.
6. Shelter Island
A serene island retreat offering beautiful beaches, wineries, and a historic inn.
- Beautiful Beaches: Uncrowded beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.
- Wineries & Vineyards: Local wineries offer wine tastings and tours of the vineyards.
- Historic Inn: The historic Shelter Island House offers accommodations, dining, and events.
7. East Hampton Art Walk
A self-guided tour of over 30 art galleries showcasing contemporary and modern art.
- Art Galleries: Over 30 galleries featuring local, national, and international artists.
- Contemporary & Modern Art: A focus on contemporary and modern art, with a variety of styles and mediums.
- Self-Guided Tour: A convenient self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the galleries at their own pace.
8. Greenport
A charming village offering a harbor with boat tours, antique shops, and wineries.
- Harbor & Boat Tours: Boat tours provide opportunities to see the area's beautiful coastline and wildlife.
- Antique Shops: Unique antique shops offer a variety of treasures from the past.
- Wineries & Vineyards: Local wineries offer wine tastings and tours of the vineyards.
9. Oyster Bay
A historic village offering a scenic bay, historic sites, and nature trails.
- Scenic Bay: A beautiful bay perfect for boating, kayaking, or picnicking.
- Historic Sites: Historic sites like the Theodore Roosevelt Park and Oyster Bay Railroad Museum provide a glimpse into the area's past.
- Nature Trails: Scenic nature trails offer opportunities to explore the local wildlife and flora.
10. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
A world-renowned marine research institution offering educational programs and exhibits.
- Marine Research: Cutting-edge research in areas like genetics, molecular biology, and marine ecosystems.
- Educational Programs: Educational programs for visitors of all ages to learn about marine science and research.
- Exhibits & Tours: Exhibits and tours showcase the laboratory's research facilities, collections, and history.
11. Long Beach Island
A scenic island offering pristine beaches, fishing, and a lighthouse.
- Pristine Beaches: Stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing.
- Fishing: Opportunities to fish from the shore or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing.
- Historic Lighthouse: The Barnegat Lighthouse offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline.
12. Robert Moses State Park
A large park offering beaches, hiking trails, campgrounds, and a golf course.
- Variety of Activities: Activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, or playing golf make this park perfect for an active weekend.
- Scenic Ocean Views: Beaches offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline.
- Campgrounds: Camping opportunities for those who want to extend their stay and enjoy nature.
13. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
A marine reserve offering snorkeling, diving, and educational programs.
- Snorkeling & Diving: Opportunities to explore the underwater world with snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Educational Programs: Educational programs for visitors to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.
- Scenic Coastline: A scenic coastline perfect for picnicking, hiking, or simply enjoying the ocean views.
14. Sunken Forest
A unique forest growing on a sand dune over the ocean, offering hiking trails and birdwatching.
- Hiking Trails: Scenic hiking trails offer opportunities to explore the forest.
- Birdwatching: Opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, including rare ones like the piping plover.
- Natural Wonder: A unique natural wonder that showcases the power and beauty of nature.
15. Sylvester Manor Educational Farm
An educational farm offering workshops, tours, and a historic manor house.
- Workshops & Tours: Workshops and tours provide opportunities to learn about farming, gardening, and local history.
- Historic Manor House: The historic Sylvester Manor offers a glimpse into the area's past.
- Local Produce & Products: Local produce and products are available for purchase, supporting local farmers and artisans.