Millions of Americans are going to gas up their cars and hit the road to travel this Labor Day weekend. But as a New Yorker, you’re likely not one of them. If you’re among the car-less or the careless who didn’t book a rental car before they sold out, have no fear: You can still find a relaxing holiday weekend getaway without getting into the driver’s seat.
Here, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite public transit-friendly destinations for a quick escape with transit time under two hours. After all, riding a train or cruising on a ferry is way more fun—and sustainable—than sitting in traffic anyway.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do on Labor Day in NYC
Photograph: Shutterstock/Jon BilousArchitecture at Dia:Beacon, Beacon, New York
1. Beacon
Best for: Artsy, small-town vibes
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Grand Central via Metro-North
Cost: $11.25 off-peak; $15.25 peak each way
Hop onto the Metro-North at Grand Central and enjoy a rural ride upstate along the Hudson River. Exit the train at the Beacon station to explore this quaint part of Dutchess County known for its art scene and dining scene, too. Begin the day at Dia:Beacon, a modern art museum that’s a short walk from the train station. This super-Instagrammable museum is home to pieces including Renée Green’s colorful The Equator Has Moved, a collection of sculptures by Kishio Suga and Andy Warhol’s abstract Shadows. There are plenty of great dining options around town, especially for vegetarians. This town of just 14,000 people offers 24 spots for vegans and vegetarians, as The Beacon Beacon reports. Since you’re not driving, stop by Dennings Point Distillery on Main Street for tours and tastings of their booze.
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2. Philadelphia
Best for: History buffs
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Penn Station via Amtrak
Cost: One-way tickets start at $15 for late-night trains and go up to $118 for daylight trips
Want to get out of the state altogether? Philadelphia awaits. If you go this weekend, you’ll score the last chance to see the city’s beautiful Chinese Lantern Festival, which runs through August 31 with 40 larger-than-life displays. If history piques your interest, you can meet uniformed storytellers for quick tales at historic sites, including Independence Hall, the Independence Visitor Center and the Betsy Ross House. To get there, you’ll take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. There are a lot of price points to choose from, and if you’re willing to go at off hours, you can score an extra cheap deal. Our advice: It’s not worth splurging on business class for this short of a journey. Just book a regular seat and get going!
Photography courtesy of The Rockaway Hotel| The Rooftop at The Rockaway Hotel
3. The Rockaways
Best for: Those not ready to give up summer
Travel time: 1 hour from Wall Street/Pier 11 via NYC Ferry
Cost: $4.50 each way
Forget the Hamptons, you can enjoy a much cheaper and equally fun beach getaway without ever leaving the five boroughs. Rockaway Beach in Queens is one of the best NYC beaches for many reasons—and you can get from Manhattan to the ocean in an hour. Aside from the sand and surf, peruse the shops (from vintage to surf gear and more), check out affordable food trucks and even indulge in some of the best tacos in the city.
Other than sunbathing and splashing around in the water, eat tacos at Tacoway Beach, order a burger at Rippers, and stroll the Boardwalk and shops. If you decide to stay overnight, the Rockaway Hotel + Spa is the spot—or you could book a day pass there to enjoy the pool. The ferry will drop you off just steps from Beach 108th Street, so you can have your toes in the sand in minutes.
Photograph: By James Andrews1 / Shutterstock
4. Sleepy Hollow
Best for: The people who are ready for fall
Travel time: 1 hour from Grand Central via Metro-North
Cost: $11.25 off-peak; $15.25 peak each way
If you’re really ready to bid farewell to summer and lean into fall, Sleepy Hollow is the place. Equal parts cool, creepy and charming, this small town was the inspiration for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Take the Metro-North to Philipse Manor, then walk over to history center Philipsburg Manor, stopping along the way to see Washington Irving’s grave, the Headless Horseman Statue and the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow. For even more detail, there are several cemetery walking tours to take this weekend.
Photograph: courtesy of the Trust for Governors Island
5. Governors Island
Best for: The on-a-budget, on-a-tight-schedule traveler
Travel time: 15 minutes from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, via Governors Island Ferry
Cost: $5 round-trip
Yes, it’s still technically in Manhattan, but Governors Island feels like it’s far from the city—even though you can get there in just 15 minutes. With its biking trails, wide-open spaces and quiet corners, you’ll feel far away from the hustle and bustle on this 172-acre island. This car-free oasis even offers a hammock grove where you can kick back and relax while being gently rocked in the breeze. While you’re there, look for artwork as part of the Rest/Play group show.
As for eating and drinking, you’ll be well fed. To name a few options, there’s Taco Vista with tropical vibes; Island Oyster with plenty of seafood; and Makina Cafe offering Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. For drinks, check out Threes Brewing for a beer, Joe Coffee for a jolt, and On Tea Road for boba.