Getaways Close to Long Island, New York
Take to the road for a getaway from Long Island, New York. (Photo: Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images )
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Long Island, the biggest island in the continental United States, juts out 120 miles to the east of the island of Manhattan. Its landmass comprises two of New York City’s populous boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens, home to JFK International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Beyond city borders, suburban towns are plentiful with more open land, farms and vineyards appearing as you continue east. The north shore faces Long Island Sound, where up to 50,000 sailboats are out on a nice day. The south shore faces the Atlantic, where famous beaches such as Jones Beach, Fire Island, East Hampton and Southampton draw crowds. For those on Long Island, choosing the right destinations for summer getaways can eliminate encountering city-bound traffic.
Manhattan-free Travels
Cars and Manhattan are not a great getaway combination. Due to the geography, getaways going west involve tunnels or bridges and tolls, as well as city traffic. As wonderful as the Big Apple is, it probably doesn’t gain a spot on anyone’s list of stress-free destinations. Using ferries, you can pack up the car and enjoy a full day out, a getaway weekend or a stay-cation without venturing into Manhattan. The Long Island Rail Road offers another alternative to the highway. Or, fly away from Islip’s MacArthur Airport. Served by Southwest Airlines and U.S. Airways Express with direct flights to Boston, Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Philadelphia and four Florida cities, this regional airport means you can jump-start a trip without leaving central Long Island.