Day Trips: See Some Sky

Sometimes you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the City that never sleeps. Luckily, respite from the concrete jungle is a quick ride away. And trips to Coney Island's boardwalk and Long Island's lighthouses don't require a huge amount of advance planning. Go with your friends, your family or a loved one. Heck, go by yourself. But get going because summer isn't a time stick close to home.

Long Beach
1 W Chester St.
Long Beach, NY
(516) 431-2545
www.longbeachny.org

If you're looking for a day of sun and relaxation, look no further than the best kept beaches in the area, located in Long Beach, NY. Just off the South Shore of Long Island, Long Beach is easily accessible by car, but is also a commuters dream. Just steps away from the Long Island Rail Road, the beach offers admission and a round trip ticket from Jamaica Station for $15 or Woodside Station for $18.

Spend the day at the beach, or take time to see the area of Long Beach, which offers plenty of places to eat, drink and relax with your family. For a historical excursion, the Long Beach Historical Museum, located at 226 West Penn Street, offers daily tours and exhibits that detail much of Long Island's history. The structure of the museum itself has been left largely unchanged since it was built in the early 1900's.

The beach is open daily from June 23 through Sept. 1 for the daily admission price of $10.

Cape May New Jersey
710 Madison Ave.
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 898-1389
www.capemay.com

The quiet porch at Mainstay Inn in Cape May.

To get out of the city crowds and really enjoy the great outdoors this summer, Cape May, New Jersey offers the perfect location for a day-long or weekend respite, with outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family.

Biking, whale watching and sport fishing and just some of the many activities offered in Cape May. To really get in touch with the great outdoors, stop by The Nature Center of Cape May on 1600 Delaware Ave. which offers hands-on marine science education for kids and adults alike. Another option is the Cape May Bird Observatory that holds tours and programs to learn more about local birds and butterflies each day.

From parasailing on the coast to exploring the Wildwood Theme Parks, Cape May caters to any and every outdoor taste for a day, a weekend or even a week away.

South Street Seaport
Fulton & South Streets
(212) SEA-PORT
www.southstreetseaport.com

Shipwreck at Cape May’s Sunset Beach.

For a day of shopping and fun, take the train all the way downtown in Manhattan and explore the beautiful South Street Seaport. Walk up and down the pier and enjoy the incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

The Seaport was originally built over 300 years ago in the 16th century where it was known as New York City's primary gateway. Today, it is still beautifully preserved and the home of the Pier 17 Pavilion, free summertime concerts and the South Street Seaport Museum.

One of the last remaining vestiges of the city's past that still stands, the Seaport the perfect place to come and experience living history near the tip of Manhattan.

Coney Island

Coney Island’s boardwalk attracts visitors from around the country.

Spend the day on the beach at Coney Island and you'll forget you're in the City at all. Go for a dip in the ocean, enjoy ripe mango on a stick while people-watching on the sand and take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic from the Riegelmann Boardwalk.

For those who enjoy a bit of a thrill, take the walk over to Astroland Amusement Park-home of the world-famous Cyclone Roller Coaster. The beloved, rickety Cyclone has been enjoyed by so many over the years, but this may be its final summer season. Enjoy this New York City tradition while it's still around! For those looking for more of a tame experience, head to Deno's Wonder Wheel Park to enjoy a scenic and romantic ride. Both parks sponsor fireworks at 9:30 every Friday night during the summer.

After the sun goes down, Coney Island Museum is a great place to learn more about New York City and its rich history. What's more, they offer inexpensive film screenings every Saturday night for just $5 a ticket.

Long Island Lighthouses

Take in a view from a nearby lighthouse.

Created back in the 18th and 19th centuries as navigation tools for sea travelers to know that they were approaching land, Long Island's lighthouses have long served as a historic scenic escape for many who travel to the State's eastern most points.

Of the many lighthouses that still exist, Fire Island and Montauk Point mark two of the better-known structures. Fire Island's version was originally built in 1857. It was rebuilt and dedicated as an attraction and museum in 1987. The tower rises some 160 feet into the sky. It continues to serve its intended purpose, as does the lighthouse in Montauk, which was built in 1787 by the U.S. government. About 20 others exist throughout Long Island, spanning both the north and south shores.

Both Montauk and Fire Island's versions once acted as the first sight for trans-Atlantic immigrants and now it serves nighttime swimmers during the summer months and is also a place for scientists and bird watchers to study wildlife. The Montauk lighthouse has become well known for picturesque paintings and photos often used in movies, greeting cards and artworks.

For more information about the Fire Island Lighthouse visit www.fireislandlighthouse.com or call (631) 321-7028.

For more information about the Montauk Point Light House visit www.montauklighthouse.com or call (631) 668-2544.