New Yorkers often seek escapes from the city’s concrete, and they’ve found several nature-filled destinations within a few hours of Manhattan. Many of these spots are easily accessible via the Long Island Rail Road, Amtrak, or Metro-North.
For some, the perfect escape is Peconic Bay in Long Island, which offers a calm and quiet atmosphere. Alexis Badiyi, a New York City-based stylist, says, “Being in nature is one of the ways I regulate my nervous system, dream, and create.”
Nature Getaways
Cape Cod in Massachusetts is another favorite among New Yorkers, with its understated luxuriousness and simple pleasures like lobster rolls and visits to the Chuffy Emporium. Jalil Johnson, author of the Substack newsletter Consider Yourself Cultured, has been going there for six summers and calls it the highlight of his season.
The North Fork of Long Island is also a popular destination, with its serene bays, quiet towns, and farmers markets. Francesca Keller, an actor and producer, loves the area’s magical atmosphere and recommends stopping at Aldo’s Coffee for a mocha and a scone.
Some New Yorkers even find nature escapes within the city itself, such as Washington Square Park, where professional ballet dancer Violetta Komyshan likes to walk her dog and connect with the earth.
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Upstate New York
Ulster County along the Hudson River is a favorite among those seeking a more rural escape, with its fresh air, quiet mornings, and clear starry night skies. Jenna Perry, a celebrity hair colorist, says that traveling upstate helps her slow down and remember the importance of nature.
Narragansett, Rhode Island, is another natural oasis that New Yorkers love to visit, with its beautiful hydrangeas and cold beaches. Sofie Pavitt, a skincare expert, says she’s obsessed with the area’s hydrangeas and loves to unwind by the pool with her family.
These destinations offer a range of options for New Yorkers looking to touch grass and reconnect with nature, from the beaches of Cape Cod to the parks of Manhattan.
As the temperatures rise in the city, these nature-filled destinations provide a welcome respite from the concrete jungle, and New Yorkers are lucky to have them just a few hours away.
