15 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways from NYC to Book ASAP

• Distance from NYC: 3 hours
• Why We Recommend It: nature walks, summer festivals, cultural attractions
• Where to Stay: Red Lion Inn (from $151/night, sleeps 2); The Granary at House on Golden Hill (from $116/night, sleeps 4); Historic 1810 Farmhouse (from $164/night, sleeps 7)

Catskills: Been there, road-tripped that. This year, go east of the Hudson to the Berkshires. Not only does it have the same (obvious) cabin-and-trees situation, but it’s also rife with history. (Psst: Norman Rockwell’s old studio is located here.) The centrally located Red Lion Inn is a fan favorite, we suggest you hop to it.

• Distance from NYC: 5 hours
• Why We Recommend It: quaint, beach access, road trip
• Where to Stay: Saybrook Point Resort & Marina (from $339/night, sleeps 2); Storybook Cottage (from $211/night, sleeps 4); 1920s South Cove Dollhouse (from $225/night, sleeps 2)

This little town on the shores of eastern Connecticut is basically one long Main Street—quaint New England at its finest. Stay at the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina for a home base that epitomizes old-world charm. (It’s also just a 20-minute walk to the beach).

• Distance from NYC: 3 hours, 50 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: family-friendly, beach town, affordable
• Where to Stay: Coastal Cottage (from $250/night, sleeps 10); Rehoboth Oceanfront Condo (from $186/night, sleeps 4); Cozy Creekwood Getaway (from $100/night, sleeps 6)

If you’re looking to throw a big family bash, load up the RV and head over to Rehoboth Beach. The almost four-hour drive is the perfect amount of time to crank up some tunes and sing-along without everyone losing their minds. You can stay in lush rentals such as this gorgeous beach villa that sleeps 15 people comfortably. It comes with a ping pong table and board games perfect for a rowdy family game night.

• Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: beach front, historic sites, shopping
• Where to Stay: La Mer Beachfront Resort (from $568/night, sleeps 2); Cape May Beachfront Condo (from $219/night, sleeps 3); Buttonwood Mainstay (from $454/night, sleeps 11)

Looking for something right on the water? Check into the La Mer Beachfront Resort in this pretty-as-a-postcard beach town. Located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May is filled to the brim with pastel-colored bed and breakfasts, antique shops, tennis courts and trolleys. Just think of the Instagram stories!

• Distance from NYC: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: nature walks, unique architecture, sailing
• Where to Stay: Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina (from $491/night, sleeps 2); Newport Tree House (from $173/night, sleeps 5); Downtown Newport Apartment (from $74/night, sleeps 4)

A modern hotel in the heart of historic Newport, The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina is primed for a fantastic weekend escape. Um, have you seen the Marina-dining situation? What about the indoor heated saltwater pool? Take advantage of your Zipcar membership and scoot on up there first thing Friday morning for a real long weekend without too much traffic (fingers crossed).

• Distance from NYC: 3 hours, 15 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: isolated, relaxing, tons of shopping
• Where to Stay: Historic Mitchell Cottage (from $250/night, sleeps 4); New Harbor House (from $256/night, sleeps 10); Mott Hill Cottage (from $134/night, sleeps 2)

If you’re the type who likes to unplug on vacation (i.e., phoneless with zero chance of running into Erin from accounting at the Surf Lodge), this secluded isle off the coast of Rhode Island is just the ticket. Take the Amtrak to New London, Connecticut, where the train stops just steps from the Block Island Ferry dock, and you’re golden.

• Distance from NYC: 5 hours
• Why We Recommend It: quiet getaway, boutique hotels, seafood
• Where to Stay: Summer Paradise (from $250/night, sleeps 8); Island Boat Yard Home (from $368/night, sleeps 6); Gardner's Bay Waterfront Home (from $800/night, sleeps 8)

OK, so forget Block Island—you’re dying to go out East. Try Shelter Island instead, in East Hampton just a hop and skip from Montauk, quickly becoming its own hot summer destination. You’ll get the Long Island vibes you love, from sunbathing on Crescent Beach to hiking in Mashomack Nature Preserve. If you need us, we’ll be lounging in the hammock.

• Distance from NYC: 3 hours
• Why We Recommend It: small town, fishing, state parks
• Where to Stay: Marram (from $1,305/night, sleeps 2); Montauk Beach Bungalow (from $185/night, sleeps 4); Laid-Back Surf Shack (from $273/night, sleeps 4)

You just caught a ride to the Hamptons on Friday night. Score. Now, where to stay? For a true surf-inspired weekend, head to the Marram. Chic quarters, beach cruisers and your choice of the waves or the pool. For some adventure, visit the Montauk Brewing Company, Montauk Point State Park or Deep Hollow Ranch.

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 50 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: short drive, family-friendly, diverse activities
• Where to Stay: Modern A-Frame Cabin (from $344/night, sleeps 8); Crows Nest Mountain Chalet (from $314/night, sleeps 4); Catskills Log Cabin (from $148/night, sleeps 6)

This may seem like an obvious choice, but the Catskills are popular for a reason. There is no shortage of things to do—from touring historic sites, to hiking, visiting local animal parks and even catching a theatre play, your stay in the Catskills will be eventful.

• Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 5 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: tons of beaches, relaxing, small town vibes
• Where to Stay: The Roundtree (from $962/night, sleeps 2); Amagansett Village Cottage (from $800/night, sleeps 4); Amagansett Dunes Cottage (from $1,107/night, sleeps 4)

When you visit Amagansett, take things up a notch (or three) at The Roundtree where you can book your very own cottage complete with Frette linens, rainforest shower heads, continental room service breakfast and in-room massages. (And those are just some of the super luxe perks available.)

• Distance from NYC: 5 hours
• Why We Recommend It: small town charm, quiet, family-friendly
• Where to Stay: The Mooring House (from $500/night, sleeps 8); Mystic Hideaway (from $195/night, sleeps 6); SeaWolf House (from $220/night, sleeps 4)

Historic Mystic is the ultimate antithesis to New York City. This little town is always bustling with tourists but is not nearly as overcrowded as the Big Apple. Known for its maritime culture, there are plenty of water-based activities for the family to partake in, from kayaking to power boating. Those who prefer to stay on solid ground can have a blast at the Mystic Seaport Museum—the nation’s leading maritime museum—or head to the Mystic Aquarium for some quality time with the whales.

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Why We Recommend It: quaint village, short trip, boutique shopping
• Where to Stay: Croton Bay Hideaway (from $264/night, sleeps 16); Charming Victorian Home (from $416/night, sleeps 9); Modern Duplex (from $359/night, sleeps 10)

Maybe you don’t want to go too far away from the city, you just want to escape the Memorial Day madness. Head over to Tarrytown which is only an hour and 15 minutes away. Merely 25 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, this village is also served by a stop on the Metro-North Hudson Line so you don’t have to worry about traffic. Once you touch down, you can spend the day shopping the various local boutiques, tour the beautiful grounds at Lyndhurst mansion and top it off with a nice dinner at popular eateries such as Sweet Grass Grill or Bistro 12.

• Distance from NYC: 6 hours
• Why We Recommend It: lots of beaches, nautical town, seafood
• Where to Stay: Charming Miacomet Home (from $765/night, sleeps 8); Nashaquisset Home (from $1,150/night, sleeps 6); Sunny Nantucket Apartment (from $187/night, sleeps 4)

It may not be officially summer yet, but the beautiful beaches, towering lighthouses and dreamlike harbors of Nantucket will have you rocking your short shorts and T-shirts in no time. Check out larger than life exhibitions at the renowned Whaling Museum, take a load off at Madaket Beach (or Jetties or Surfside) or go for a hearty lunch off set by some booze courtesy of Cisco Brewers. Hey, you’re on vacation, right?

• Distance from NYC: 5 5. hours
• Why We Recommend It: serene getaway, relaxing, nature walks
• Where to Stay: Adirondack Lakefront Paradise (from $417/night, sleeps 8); The Landing (from $150/night, sleeps 4); Saranac Lake Historic Home (from $528/night, sleeps 12)

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway that allows you to disconnect and become one with nature, then Saranac Lake is the ideal destination. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, this small village was once used as a hideaway by the likes of Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson. Saranac Lake offers you the opportunity to detach from the outside world and truly unwind. Whether you take a romantic stroll along the eponymous lake, hike on Baker Mountain or go river walking, you’ll definitely feel like you’re in your own little world.

• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours
• Why We Recommend It: charming small-town ambience, outdoor activities for all ages, affordable
• Where to Stay: Lakefront Pocono House (from $411/night, sleeps 10); The Hummingbird Cabin (from $329/night, sleeps 6); Saw Creek Estate (from $168/night, sleeps 9)

The Poconos mountains are an ideal Memorial Day Weekend getaway, offering a host of outdoor activities that allow you to take advantage of that gloriously warm, pre-summer weather. Plus, it’s less than a three hour drive from the city. The charming small-town vibe provides a beautiful backdrop for hiking, a day at the waterpark, suntanning on one of the many beaches and taking a scenic train tour of the region.