Day Trips In NYC: How To Take A Summer Vacation Without Leaving The City

NEW YORK, NY — Need a vacation but don’t have the time – or money – to get out of town? People travel a long way to see New York City, so jump on a subway and join them on vacation. Here are some day trip destinations you can get to for no more than a subway swipe.

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Queens Botanical Garden

Location: 43-50 Main St.

The Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission through October is $6 for adults, $4 for people over 62 years old, $4 for students, $2 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for those under 3. The QBC calendar is brimming with summer events, especially on weekends. Attend a seasonal garden tour, learn about the endless possibilities of compost, visit the on-site farmer’s market, volunteer for a few hours or take the kids to one of the garden’s many Saturday workshops. You can even schedule a photoshoot using the garden as a scenic backdrop.

High Line

Location: Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues

The High Line is one of Manhattan’s most popular attractions. The park was created on an elevated section of a disused railroad spur, once called the West Side Line, that is now host to a motley of vendors, family-friendly programs, tours and cultural events and is a scenic destination for summer picnics. A full calendar of events is available on the High Line website.

Coney Island

Location: Surf Avenue at Stillwell Avenue

Coney Island has it all — the beach, an aquarium, amusement parks and a boardwalk that has endured as a symbol of New York City.

World Trade Center

Location: Lower Manhattan

Voted as having the most breathtaking office views in the world by Architecture Design, the WTC occupies eight of the 16 acres that were filled by the twin towers. Resident marketplace Eataly offers an innovative food and beverage experience where locals and tourists can taste traditional Italian eats, products and drinks and the Greenmarket at Oculus Plaza recently returned for the first time since 9/11.

Bryant Park

Location: Midtown

Bryant Park is a year-round destination famous for its seasonal gardens, al fresco dining and free activities, such as the annual Bryant Park Film Festival. Other programs at the park comprise everything from knitting to trivia, poetry to yoga, miniature golf to barefoot dance parties. Visit one of the many food kiosks along the lawn’s perimeters or sit and eat at the Bryant Park Grill and cafe. The park’s French Market offers fresh, local produce, artisan breads, cut flowers, cheeses and more, rain or shine, through Sept. 29.

Photo credit: Samuel Ioannidis