GET AWAY FROM THE CITY THIS SUMMER WITH AN AMAZING DAY TRIP
Summertime can be sweltering, humid and miserable; being stuck in the city, surrounded by the same buildings and scenery during these hot, scenic months can contribute to a summer slump. If you’re in New York City, Long Island or its surrounding boroughs, you might be hankering for a trip somewhere more serene, with less asphalt and more natural scenery.
New York State is one of the most naturally dynamic spots in the United States, and offers plenty of great weekend retreats for city-weary summer travelers.
Executive Limousine of Long Island has been chauffeuring trips to LI’s beautiful surrounding areas for years; here are some of our favorite summer day trips for a change of mood.
COLD SPRING, NEW YORK
Head to the beautiful Hudson River Valley and visit the quaint and welcoming Cold Spring, where fine cuisine, art, culture and history combine to create a visitor’s experience that is both an escape and a learning experience.
Cold Spring offers plenty of outdoor activities for summer weather, including kayaking, fishing, boating, hiking and more. Enjoy sprawling woods, walking trails and plenty of sunshine during your visit. Of course, they offer a variety of boutique shops and museums for those looking to stay indoors during their trip, as well.
DAVID WELD SANCTUARY
Exploring the beauty of Long Island and its surrounding areas is the perfect summer activity, especially if you don’t have more than a day or two to spend.
The David Weld Sanctuary, located just 20 miles outside of Long Island, is a peaceful retreat from the city, with red cedar forests, a maple swamp, tulip trees, bluffs overlooking Long Island sound and a 60-foot depression from a glacial ice mass, offering beautiful views of the area. 1,800 feet of beachfront are perfect for long walks, while historic boulders dot the forests and the beach, creating a perfect nature-themed getaway for your summer day trip.
CEDAR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Completed in 1868, this breathtaking lighthouse overlooks Sag Harbor and continues to guide ships and sailboats into the heart of the Hamptons to this day.
Visitors to the Cedar Island County Park can enjoy views of the lighthouse, expansive beaches and plenty of room to sun and enjoy nature.
GIN BEACH MONTAUK
This private beach in Montauk offers softer waves and a calmer beach-going experience for nature lovers looking to get out of the city.
Gin Beach offers plenty of wading areas, easy swimming areas, and plenty of natural beauty to make your stay optimally peaceful. Public toilets are a plus for those who want to stay all day. Bring a picnic or a cooler and soak up the sun, away from the industry and noise of the city.
Parking permits are expensive, and parking tickets can cost up $150 for parking illegally on the beach. Car service is a great, no-nonsense option for transportation to any of Montauk’s beaches, especially those that require parking permits and have restricted access to parking.
SUNKEN FOREST ON THE FIRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
The Sunken Forest on beautiful Fire Island features one of the rarest assemblages of flora in the ecological community of New York.
The holly forest is considered one of the rarest and fewest remaining in the world, and features sightings of endangered species that are home only to the area. The Piping Plover, a rare New York bird, can be seen during certain times of year on the Island, astounding visitors with its unique features, while other animals like the Eastern Mud Turtle and the Hog-nosed snake can also be seen at opportune times.
You can stroll the boardwalk, enjoy the rare vegetation and animal life, and take great pictures of the Fire Island National Seashore.
Public restrooms are available when the Island ferry is in service.
Day trips, in particular, are well within your reach this summer with so many natural preserves, quaint towns, and mountain and beach getaways within short distances of NYC and its boroughs.
Executive Transportation of Long Island would love to handle your transportation this summer as you execute the perfect day trip around Long Island or New York City. Call today and begin planning your summer schedule.
Photo Credit: Nithin Shenoy