New York City draws millions of visitors each year with attractions like the Statue of Liberty, world-class museums, shopping and numerous restaurants. New York is also one of the largest cities in the world, with all the inconveniences of a big city, like traffic, pollution and noise. Sometimes visitors as well as residents need to get away from the big city bustle. A day trip can be the perfect solution.
While Coney Island and Brighton Beach are still technically inside New York City, the hour-plus train ride and novel surroundings will make you feel as if you've traveled much farther. For a retro thrill, head to Coney Island, a popular seaside resort at the turn of the 20th century that later fell into neglect. Just get off the subway on the last stop in Brooklyn, Stillwell Avenue. First, take a ride on the world-famous Cyclone, built in 1927 and one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in operation. Not only is it an official historic landmark, but it also is one of the scariest amusement park rides you will ever take. If you're hungry, grab a hot dog at Nathan's Famous, which has been in Coney Island for nearly a century. Every July Fourth, Nathan's hosts a famous hot dog eating contest.
Then take a walk down Riegelman Boardwalk to Brighton Beach, nicknamed "Little Odessa" because of its concentration of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The elderly Russians lounging on benches lining the boardwalk make you feel as if you're in an Eastern European seaside resort, far away from New York City. Brighton Beach is also a great place to grab a bite to eat and sample Russian specialties like borscht and pelmeni dumplings.
An ideal upstate excursion, West Point Military Academy is just 40 miles north of New York City, set on the west bank of the Hudson River. Founded in 1802, it is the oldest military academy in the U.S. and is the third most visited attraction in New York state. To see the campus, visitors must take a guided tour starting from the Visitors' Center. Highlights include the West Point Museum, which displays military artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War; Fort Putnam, which played an important role in the American Revolution; the campus' historical buildings; the view from Trophy Point; and, of course, the West Point cadets, who are preparing to become Army officers. A number of major Revolutionary War sites, like George Washington's headquarters, are within a half-hour drive from West Point.
Fire Island, a 31-mile-long island off Long Island's southern shore, is a favorite New York getaway. Cars are not allowed on the island, so you have to take a ferry from the terminal in Bay Shore, Long Island. The absence of cars, and therefore noise, pollution and traffic, is part of the island's charm. Visitors walk or bike between the various Fire Island communities. In addition to trips to the island's pristine sandy beaches, day trippers can climb to the top of the island's lighthouse for a great view; hike in the Sunken Forest, one of the few maritime forests on the Eastern Seaboard; and enjoy other outdoor activities like fishing or clamming.
