New York City is full of fun things to do. Yet when you are here for extended period of time, some of these activities start to become routine. Especially in the summer. You go out at the same places, go to your favorite brunch spot every Sunday, and frequent Washington Square Park. The never-ending heat also doesn’t help with your exhaustion. Running from your internship to your job and to other activities may even start to become stressful. It isn't easy to become bored in New York City because there is always plenty to do, but it is easy to fall into routine when you don’t take a recess from ‘The Big Apple’. Here are some quick weekend trips to give yourself a break from your grind in New York City.

Catskills, NY

Travel Distance: about 3 hours

The Catskills is a tried and true vacation destination for New Yorkers when they want to escape the city. The Catskills mountains are filled with lush greenery and plenty of fresh air. If you are a fan of hiking and the great outdoors, this should be at the top of your vacation list this summer. There are many different types of activities in the area, which gives you lots of options when it comes to planning your getaway. Even if your friends are not too keen on the idea of being in the forest for the weekend, there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. If you want to explore and see all the beauty the mountains have to offer, there are zip-lining tours, mountain sky rides, and hiking trails which give you an in-air and on-land view of the extraordinary greenery. There are also plenty of fresh food options. It may not rival the New York City culinary scene, but you will experience the fresh tastes and flavors of produce that are often hard to find in the city. If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and relax with a little adventure, the Catskills is for you!

Providence, RI

Travel Distance: about 3 hours

Providence is a great stop that still has the city feel, but with less hustle and bustle than Manhattan. It is a very walkable city, therefore less money spent on Ubers or taxis. Providence has many activities that will suffice for any of your friends who decide to come along. July is the most optimal month to visit since the weather is milder compared to the sweltering August heat and Providence is also having a restaurant week from July 9th-22nd. There is a total of 83 restaurants participating, giving you plenty of options for your dining experience. All meals are three-courses and under $35 (with lunch being only $17). This is perfect for when you want to encounter upscale dining but is still on a college budget. There are also plenty of museums that will keep you entertained throughout the weekend and lots of boutiques for shopping. This is a great spot if you want to escape New York City but still want to experience city life on the East Coast.

Sea Girt, NJ

Travel Distance: about 1 hour and 45 minutes

If you are looking for a getaway where you can relax on the beach, this is the closest you can get without stepping foot on an airplane. Sea Girt is one of the best beaches in New Jersey and it has a cute boardwalk to roam when the heat becomes too much for sunbathing. If you like a lot of outdoor water activities, Sea Girt can provide you with many different options such as paddle boarding, boating, and kayaking. Also, if you are interested in nautical elements (or just want a cool Instagram picture), there is a lighthouse that has guided tours where you can learn a little history after a relaxing day on the beach. You can also play tennis, golf, and fish. If you want a little more adventure, you can grab a friend and rent a car since Six Flags is only a thirty-minute drive from Sea Girt. No matter what you plan on doing in Sea Girt, it is the perfect place to take a breather from the city.

And if you can’t get away for the whole weekend, here are some day trips you can take on your next day off (none of them are more than an hour and thirty minutes from NYU's campus):

City Island

The Bronx

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Coney Island

The Cloisters

Rockaway Beach

Old Westbury Gardens

Happy traveling!