Summer is the peak travel season in most parts of the world, but spring—with its blissfully mild weather, sights of nature coming back to life, and more accessible accommodations and attractions—is an equally desirable time to plan a vacation.
If you happen to be a New Yorker, you’ve got options galore—especially if you prefer the ease of hopping into a car instead of the hassle of boarding a plane. With that in mind, here are three destinations for memorable spring break vacations. Even better? All of the picks are under a three-hour drive from Manhattan.
New Haven, Connecticut
If you’ve never considered a leisure trip to New Haven, what are you waiting for? There’s plenty for history and culture buffs to explore, from Amistad Memorial, a three-sided bronze statue dedicated to the 1839 Amistad Revolt and its leader Sengbe Pieh, to the Yale University Art Gallery, which is free and open to the public. And in case you don’t know by now, Connecticut’s third largest city also boasts a mouthwatering pizza scene. (Fun fact: last May, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro declared New Haven the Pizza Capital of the U.S. in a statement read into the Congressional Record.) You’ll find the trinity of the city’s legendary coal-fired and thin-crust pies at Sally’s, Frank Pepe, and Modern.
As for where to stay, it’s tough to top Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. For starters: it’s an archectural marvel. The hotel takes up residence in a commanding 1968 concrete structure envisioned by Marcel Breuer overlooking the Long Island Sound—and an Ikea, too, for your home shopping needs. Inside, the 165 rooms and suites, along with the common spaces, channel mid-century vibes with their clean and pared-back color palette, furnishings, and meticulously-preseved original details such as granite tiles and wood paneling. Because Hotel Marcel is Leed Platinum-certified, runs on renewable energy, and is Passive House-certified, you’ll feel even better about booking a room here.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Most tourists flock to this iconic Jersey Shore town when the sun is scorching, but now is an underrated time to plan a trip. Not only will you get ahead of the crushing crowds, Atlantic City’s boardwalk (also the country’s oldest and longest) and beaches will feel like they’re all your own.
Though there are plenty of places to eat along the boardwalk, venture off the beaten path to discover the city’s lesser-known spots, like Bar32 Chocolate—New Jersey’s only bean-to-bar chocolate shop by Nicole Callazzo—and neighboring Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, a Monopoly-themed indoor-outdoor venue with 40 taps and casual fare.
Though not new, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa—which opened in 2023—feels fresh as ever thanks to a sweeping $55 million renovation including the rebranding of The Water Club to MGM Tower and a crisp revamp of its 757 guest rooms and suites. What’s remained the same is Borgata’s enticing restaurant roster—Old Homestead Steak House is by far and away the best place for quality chops in town—54,000-square-foot wellness haven Spa Toccare, and exciting live entertainment (Def Leppard, Jim Gaffigan, and The Black Keys are scheduled to perform this year.)
Shandaken, New York
If you need to really get off the grid, look no further than Shandaken. This rural town tucked away in the heart of The Catksills Mountains is comprised of 12 hamlets—including Phoenica, where you’ll find the beloved Phoenicia Diner—and is a hushed hideaway for outdoor pursuits, from hiking Giant Ledge to trout fishing at Esopus Creek.
After a long day out, retire to one of Shandaken Inn’s three two-bedroom cottages—whose names take inspiration from the area’s historic resorts and camps (Pines, Fallsview, Tamarack). These accommodations boast cozy residential vibes with their kitchenettes, fireplaces, Old Hickory furnture, and textured John Rosselli wallcoverings. Included in your stay is complimentary daily breakfast in The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, which is also serves a rustic dinner menu of smoked trout chowder, whey braised rabbit, and spinach ricotta dumplings.