Can anyone recommend a nice weekend travel spot within 90 minutes of NYC where we could rent a cozy bungalow right on the beach for a couple of days?

June 21, 2012 9:29 PM

Can anyone recommend a nice weekend travel spot within 90 minutes of NYC where we could rent a cozy bungalow right on the beach for a couple of days? Kid friendly a plus! Not looking for a club which would require membership.

 

posted by orehek to travel & transportation (6 answers total)

Not a bungalow, but how about a boat (that's docked, you don't take it anywhere...)? The Boatel is right on Rockaway Beach in NYC.
posted by lgandme0717 at 9:34 PM on June 21, 2012

Would you take 2.5 hours outside of NYC? I just recommended Breakers Motel in Montauk in another thread.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 10:12 PM on June 21, 2012

I would recommend Fire Island. Not the raging gay parties section of the Pines (though thats also very fun in a different way) but the very sedate area of Kismet or (especially) Saltaire. There is a very vast difference between the party towns and the more laid back areas, it's a completely different world. There are very few cars, just boardwalks and people pulling wagons. And wild deer. And great beaches. Here's some info.
I usually go midweek, so it's pretty empty and very quiet, but even on weekends those areas are the more relaxed family oriented spots.
I find my rental houses on Craiglist, but I'm sure there are other ways to find a bungalow if you google.
It's about an hour or so to the ferry by dedicated bus, and you can also take the LIRR and a taxi from there to the ferry. Or, if you feel like splurging, you can take a car service directly from Manhattan for about $125. I've done this, and it never fails to amaze me how I can get from LES griminess to nice beaches with homey bungalows in the same amount of time it would take me to get to the Upper West Side in traffic.
posted by newpotato at 4:39 AM on June 22, 2012 [1 favorite]

Long Beach Island, NJ - It is a little more than 90 minutes away. But it is perfect for you.
posted by Flood at 5:29 AM on June 22, 2012

North of Long Beach Island (therefore closer by about 45 minutes), you also have Chadwick Beach, Ocean Beach I, Ocean Beach II, Ocean Beach III, Ortley and Lavallette. Check VRBO, or call a local agent.

These are all right between Point Pleasant and Seaside and are somewhat insulated from both extremes and are very cozy, relaxed and family-oriented.
posted by rich at 5:36 AM on June 22, 2012

I was just on Fire Island this past weekend. If you can find a place that's affordable in one of the more family-oriented neighborhoods, that is absolutely the way to go. I couldn't believe how easy the trip was, and the island itself is gorgeous.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 5:50 AM on June 22, 2012