This upcoming weekend is a big weekend for holidays! With Saturday being Valentine’s Day, this weekend being Presidents’ Day Weekend, Monday being Presidents’ Day, and then Mid-Winter Recess picking up right after that, many Long Islanders have some time off on their hands! Why not do something fun and spontaneous with that time off by planning an awesome road trip! Road trips are tons of fun for families, friends and even those who simply enjoy travelling on their own!
Start your planning now by checking out these awesome nearby road trip destinations!
Atlantic City
Why not make your way over to Atlantic City in New Jersey as your impulsive road trip destination? Contrary to popular belief, Atlantic City is home to much more than just gambling! Take a walk down the boardwalk, shop around the outlets center, check out the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, or, there may even be someone interesting performing at one of the casinos that you can get tickets for!
Don’t feel like driving? Then how about utilizing public transportation! Bus companies like Classic Coach is one of the most accessible services to anyone on Long Island looking for a ride to Atlantic City, with buses running every morning and on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Connecticut
Head over across the Long Island Sound to visit our neighbors over in Connecticut! Connecticut has many great spots to travel to for a day, or weekend, of fun! Mystic, CT is a great seaside village with an aquarium, lots of shopping, and the historic Mystic Seaport to check out. Hartford, CT also has plenty of attractions to keep you and the family busy and entertained. Take the opportunity while you’re there to visit the Mark Twain House & Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, and the Connecticut Science Center, which is great for kids!
Though it can be a pain to drive to certain parts of Connecticut, don’t forget the ferry is still an option! The Cross Sound Ferry leaves from Orient Point, NY and docks in New London, CT, and the Port Jefferson Ferry leaves from Port Jefferson, NY and docks in Bridgeport, CT.
New York City
For this road trip destination you don’t even need to go that far (or necessarily even have to drive with the LIRR being so convenient) to have a blast! Spend the weekend trying out different, delicious eclectic foods, take in some culture at a museum or theater performance, go sightseeing to the must-see places of New York City, like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the 9/11 Memorial and more!
Also, if you do decide to head into The City this weekend, don’t miss out on the Ice Festival in Central Park on Saturday and Washington’s Birthday Ball in the Upper East Side on Sunday!
Philadelphia
This President’s Day weekend why head over to the largest city in Pennsylvania! The City of Philadelphia is chock-full of history, places to go, things to see, and tasty food to try - you can’t leave without at least trying a Philly Cheesesteak! Give the Liberty Bell a visit over in Independence National Historical Park, step into Independence Hall where the founding fathers first signed the Declaration of Independence, take in Valley Forge National Park, then go see the interesting animals and plants over at the Philadelphia Zoo! There’s all that to do, and so much more!
Washington D.C.
What better place to visit during Presidents’ Day Weekend than our very own Capital right here in the United States! Though it may seem a daunting distance away, the drive from Long Island to D.C. takes approximately 5-6 hours in good traffic, just think about all the great things you’ll get to see! The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The White House, all of the fantastic Smithsonian museums, and more!
Looking to go on more of a mini-road trip? Then be sure to check out our Day Trips Guides for Sag Harbor, Greenport, Montauk, The Hamptons & the Freeport Nautical Mile!