With Long Island, the city and upstate, there are plenty of things to do this summer without driving too far from home.
1. Go sightseeing around New York City.
There are many landmarks that New Yorkers themselves haven’t yet seen. You’d be surprised how many people who live less than an hour outside the city have never been to the Statue of Liberty or to the Empire State Building. I myself have never climbed to the top of the Statue of Liberty. And then there are other places we’ve been to enough times to get there blindfolded. Times Square comes to mind. So I challenge you this summer to go to somewhere in New York City that you haven’t been. Maybe it’s One World Trade Center or the Bronx Zoo. And, there are always plenty of museums to visit. With 83 museums in the five boroughs, you can visit a different one every day of the summer.
2. Take a day trip to Montauk.
Take a drive or the LIRR to Montauk. I, for one, have never been to this town, as far east as you can go on Long Island. I always see people post pictures of the Montauk Point Light, but I myself have never been able to Snapchat a photo of the lighthouse. The many beaches, state parks and tiny shops make Montauk a perfect place to spend the perfect summer day.
3. Visit our state capital.
Albany is a city that gets little love from tourists and New Yorkers alike. The New York State Capitol, Washington Park and the Palace Theatre are all tourist attractions that can be visited any summer day. Though I personally have never been to our capital, I would love to be able to say that I saw where New York legislation is passed on an everyday basis.
4. Bet on horses at the Belmont Stakes.
The famous horseracing track in Elmont is the location of the third leg of the Triple Crown. Spend the day picking horses and hoping they cross the finish line first. In between races, enjoy a bite to eat at the restaurant while you continue to pray that the horse’s name you’re rooting for appears at the top of the results.
5. Spend a day at Splish Splash.
Splish Splash is another attraction that many New Yorkers constantly hear about, but never get to go to. I went to the waterpark in Calverton last summer and can easily say that it was one of the highlights of the three months off. Though there are things to for little children, there are plenty of things to do for teens and families. The waterslides are high thrill and the best part is that when we went at the end of August, the longest we waited on line was for a half an hour.
6. Drive to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is easily one of America's most popular attractions and is located about six and half hours northwest of the city. My family is actually driving to Niagara Falls next month. It is the perfect vacation to take when you want to see something different but on a low budget. You don’t need a plane ticket or even a passport to see the amazing views of both the Canadian and American waterfalls.
7. Go to Coney Island.
Luna Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn is another place that I've been hearing about since I could talk but have never been. My grandparents have ridden the Cyclone, a wooden rollercoaster, but I never have. The Ferris wheel and games and shops on the boardwalk are also popular things to do. The beach is right near the attractions, so if the thrill rides aren't for you, many people spend their day at Coney Island tanning or swimming.
8. See a concert at Jones Beach.
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater is arguably the most fun concert venue to go to. Except for the chance of rain, it is awesome to see one of your favorite singers performing with views of the water. Even with the rain, it’s almost a rite of passage to get caught in a downpour at the theater. This summer, see Gwen Stefani, Brad Paisley, Wiz Khalifa, Panic! At The Disco, or the Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival (featuring Ariana Grande, Calvin Harris, Fetty Wap and more). And the best part is that tickets are usually not too expensive.
