Nothing is better than falling in love with NYC again and being a tourist in this city we call home. Fortunately, the Big Apple has tons of wonderful things to experience, and the best staycation ideas here are extra special. We’ve put together a list of offerings you can consult when you’re ready to carve out some time and unplug. 

Before diving in, however, a head’s up regarding COVID-19 closures and reopenings is in order. We’re trying our best to be accurate, but these are uncertain times. In light of that, always check before heading to the staycation of your choice. 

Visit a Museum 

Opening to the public on Sept. 9 and located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American History Museum of Natural History makes for a perfect day trip/staycation for any sized group wanting to get lost in the wonder of it all. Kids will love special events such as comet field trips and the butterfly observatory. Meanwhile, adults are sure to appreciate the museum’s T.Rex: Ultimate Superfamily exhibit that has been extended until spring of next year. 

Take a Sunset Cruise 

For many of us, no staycation is complete without a trip on the ocean blue, and a private cruise that features the best views of New York City’s sunsets can’t be missed. Join us on a 2-hour sunset cruise across the harbor to see the breathtaking sight of the sun setting behind our Lady Liberty. The excursion is perfect for either a romantic evening for two or a solo quest, and our Sunset Cruise never disappoints. 

Tour Strawberry Fields

There is hardly anything more representative of the New York City lifestyle than beautiful and lush Central Park. An epic staycation planned around Central Park involves booking a nearby hotel (of which there are plenty) as a home base during your staycation. Once there,  you can step out and take part in loads of activities and events at the park. Chief among the attractions, is a visit to Strawberry Fields, a memorial to the late John Lennon. At its center, the 2.5-acre tract features the lovely “Imagine" mosaic where you can pay homage to the former Beatle.  

Experience NYC Fashion 

​New York City is famed for being one of the world's great fashion capitals, and here you can find stylish goods peppered throughout the five boroughs. It’s been confirmed that New York Fashion Week is still happening September 14 – 16, but good luck on snagging a seat there. As an alternative, you can explore fashion week on your own by touring the designer flagships, fashion emporiums, and lush boutiques of the Garment District. You can also stay abreast of upcoming New York fashion events by using the CFDA Fashion Calendar. 

Book a Rooftop Staycation

The Refinery Hotel is located in central midtown, and guests can enjoy amazing views of the Empire State Building from its rooftop bar. The Refinery is also close to Bryant Park, known for its Broadway in the Park program and alfresco movie nights. Other landmarks close to the hotel include Times Square, The Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the iconic New York Public library. 

Surf at Rockaway Beach 

New York isn’t considered a resort town, meaning our 14 miles of public beaches are nearly tourist-free. Open year-round, Rockaway Beach in Queens is among the best of them. Loads of activities and good food make it a top destination for both staycationers and vacationers, and here, you can swap out the 9 to 5 grind for some choice surfing (the only place it is legal for miles). The beach also has a boardwalk where you can enjoy going for a walk or jog when the weather gets brisk.

Eat & Drink Solo 

A solo NYC staycation is all about you, so go ahead and splurge at that pricey restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try out. To feel like you’ve just been transported to Italy, try the rustic and comfy Uva restaurant on for size. This popular Upper East Side eatery offers classical Italian fare such as flatbreads, bruschetta and homemade pasta dishes. Later, head over to New York's expensive Upper East Side and have some Sex and the City moments ala Carrie Bradshaw. The Guthrie Inn on Park Avenue looks like a place the fictional fashionista would frequent so pull up a chair and sample New York’s signature drink the Cosmopolitan.

See Spook Central

For this staycation, take a self-guided (and free) tour of Ghostbusters movie locations. If you are a big fan of the original movie, you’ll recall that filming of it took place in several areas throughout NYC. It’s also interesting to note that the church that the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man smashes is still standing for your viewing pleasure. Film locations such as “Spook Central” and the ‘Buster’s firehouse base can be seen on this interactive map. Afterward, you can strap on a proton pack and bust phantoms yourself at Madame Tussauds, located in Times Square.

Stroll The High Line 

The High Line is now open from 12 to 8 pm daily, and you can grab a special friend and go for a relaxing outing there for free. If you are unfamiliar with it, the High Line is a nearly mile and a half elevated linear park on the west side of Manhattan. Right now their featured plant, the Rattlesnake Master, is blooming in the High Line Gardens. The plant’s flowers have a smell similar to honey, and their clustered flowers have hues of chartreuse, pale green and white. From witnessing plein air artists at work to experiencing the tranquil Diller-Von Furstenberg sundeck & water feature, there are plenty of amazing things to see during your stroll.

Every once in a while, you have to take a vacation to get your bearings again, even if it means getting creative and staying put. Luckily, for the dedicated staycationer, our city has all you would ever want and more. As you can see from the above options, there really is nowhere like home, especially when it is fun-filled New York City.