During off-peak weekends, hotels off the Jersey Shore offer affordable rates. Many hotels offer pools, complimentary breakfasts and picnic areas on the grounds, where you can barbecue. Find a hotel a few miles away from the beach for the best rates. During the day, you can head out to the beach, grill up your own dinner and hit the boardwalk again to enjoy all the nightlife that the shore has to offer.
Consider taking a trip to the home of the Phillies. Enjoy the famous Italian Market on Saturday morning on 9th street. Afterward, take a stroll down Chestnut Street to enjoy a mixture of shopping and fine dining. The Bolt Bus and Megabus will get you there for around $10 each way if booked in advance.
Bolt Bus
877-BOLTBUS (877-265-8287)
boltbus.com
Megabus
4400 S. Racine Ave.
Chicago, IL 60609
877-GO2-MEGA (877-462-6342)
megabus.com
Bolt Bus and Megabus will also get you to Boston without breaking the bank at around $10 each way if booked in advance. Consider a trip to Boston, where you can enjoy all of the history and art that the city has to offer. Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, or America's first historic walking trail --- the Freedom Trail. If you're a Yankees fan, take a trip to famous Fenway Park to step in your rival team's shoes.
The Institute of Contemporary Art
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
617-478-3100
icaboston.org
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA 02125
866-JFK-1960
jfklibrary.org
Take a road trip for the weekend. Drive to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Enjoy the scenery on the way over and spend the weekend at a small bed-and-breakfast. Cape Cod boasts the best whale-watching tours and delicious seafood. Enjoy this quaint town and enjoy the change of pace from New York City.
Rather than driving, consider taking a bus to Atlantic City. You don't have to go crazy in the casinos. Set aside a budget and stick to it. Lodge in the outskirts of the boardwalk rather than staying in a casino resort. When you're not gambling, visit the outlet mall or take in a show. Atlantic City also has a beach right off the boardwalk that you can enjoy.
