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8 Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways in New York

After long, cold winters and stormy springs, New Yorkers are more than ready for summer and all of the fun activities the season brings. Whether you call New York home or are looking to take a scenic road trip to kick off the season, Memorial Day is a great time to be in New York. So, pack your bags and load up the car because these are the best New York getaways for Memorial Day weekend.

Brooklyn Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
Credit: Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade by Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade

Brooklyn

There are lots of fun ways to celebrate Memorial Day if you plan to stay in Brooklyn for the weekend. There’s an annual Memorial Day parade that takes place here, and you can also head to the Grand Army Plaza to see the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. The parade is sponsored by the United Military Veterans of Kings County, it starts on Third Avenue and 78th Street and ends with a gun salute at Fort Hamilton. The FDNY, NYPD, high school marching bands and antique automobiles will all be in the parade. The Coney Island Boardwalk is always a popular spot over Memorial Day for attractions, rides, and fair food.

New Paltz Lake Mohonk in New Paltz
Credit: Lake Mohonk in New Paltz by © Jeff Stein | Dreamstime.com

New Paltz

One of the best reasons to visit New Paltz over Memorial Day is the Woodstock-New Paltz Art and Crafts Fair, which draws in artists from all over the country to perform demonstrations and show off what they can create. This is a fun place to learn about some of the finest craftspeople in the country, listen to regional musicians, and taste some of the best handcrafted food, beer, and wine in the Hudson Valley. There’s also a Memorial Day parade in New Paltz that takes place at Main Street and North Manheim Street on Memorial Day. The parade ends at Peace Park with a memorial service.

Harriman State Park, Sloatsburg Harriman State Park in New York State
Credit: Harriman State Park in New York State by www.bigstock.com

Harriman State Park, Sloatsburg

There are many state parks in New York, but one of the best places to take a hike near New York City over Memorial Day weekend is Harriman State Park. This is the second-largest state park in New York and is filled with trees, 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes, waterfalls, and plenty of peaceful spots for a nature retreat. You can pick up a boat permit to launch your boat here, and dogs are allowed on leash and outside of buildings. This park is also a great place to camp over Memorial Day weekend if you book your site early for one of the two public camping areas.

Albany New York State Capitol Building in Albany
Credit: New York State Capitol Building in Albany by © Demerzel21 | Dreamstime.com

Albany

Albany is the capital of New York and a fun place to visit on Memorial Day to see the parade and local attractions. There’s also a ceremony that follows the parade at Academy Park. You can also see a World War II ship called the USS Slater here and take a boat cruise on the Hudson River.

Hudson Columbia Street Downtown City Center Hudson, New York
Credit: Columbia Street Downtown City Center Hudson, New York by © Chris Boswell | Dreamstime.com

Hudson

Foodies love the town of Hudson, New York, so if you’re into culinary delights, then make this your Memorial Day weekend destination. Hudson is home to many local restaurants and quaint hotels in a riverfront village setting. Some of the top foodie spots here include the Red Dot and Swoon Kitchenbar. You can reach Hudson from New York City in two to three hours by car or skip the traffic and hop on an Amtrak train from Penn Station to get here.

Shelter Island Shelter Island, NY
Credit: Shelter Island, NY by © Greg Payan | Dreamstime.com

Shelter Island

If you drive about three hours from New York City, you’ll reach Shelter Island, a perfect spot for relaxation and slowing down the pace of life for your holiday weekend. There are lots of creeks, marshes, coves, and inlets here to soothe yourself with the serenity of the water and the 20 miles of coastline that Shelter Island offers. It’s fun to rent bikes, hike in the Mashomack Preserve, or visit one of the beaches. Whale’s Tale is a nice place to entertain the kids with mini-golf, arcade games, and snacks. And there are a few small hotels and waterfront bed and breakfasts, including the Chequit, that you can stay at on the island as well.

Oneonta General Clinton Canoe Regatta‎Grand Prix Relay Race
Credit: General Clinton Canoe Regatta‎Grand Prix Relay Race by www.facebook.com

Oneonta

The town of Oneonta has an annual Memorial Day parade that you can check out to see classic cars and local heroes. It’s also exciting to come here for your holiday weekend because this is when the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Grand Prix Relay Race takes place. This race is 30 miles long and takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at 9 a.m. at Southside Oneonta. There are five race legs that start at areas downstream, and each team consists of six to 10 canoeists and one canoe. The teams change at exchange point buoys, making this a really interesting event to watch. Live music, camping, a craft fair and a carnival will also provide ample entertainment. Other top things to do when you visit Oneonta for the weekend are the Bear Pond Winery, the Joseph L. Popp, Jr. Butterfly Conservatory, Robert V. Riddell State Park, and the hiking trails around Emmons Pond Bog.

Montauk Montauk, New York
Credit: Montauk, New York by © Haveseen | Dreamstime.com

Montauk

One of the most charming places to visit in New York is Montauk, which is home to white-sand beaches, seaside inns, and lots of hiking trails to keep you active over Memorial Day. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is a top landmark here, and Gurney’s Resort & Seawater Spa is a favorite place to stay. Other recommended spots in this area are Navy Beach and the Surf Lodge. Montauk is also a great place to explore on two wheels, so bring your bike on the train from the City or load up your bike rack on a car for a two-hour drive.

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