Bluelark

I am looking for somewhere to go to celebrate a special occasion in the end of July. Three of us are coming from San Francisco, and we all want to go somewhere for a couple of days that is not too difficult for our fourth family member (living in NY City) to get to since she has only a couple of days off. We are two parents and two children in their late 20's. Would like someplace pretty, ideally a resort or beach area, very upscale and with fun things to do. Any ideas would be appreciated!

doug_stallings

Try Mohonk Mountain House. It's expensive, but there is a lot to do for both adults and kids. Of course, it's in the mountains, not on the beach, but it's a true resort and an especially good place to go in the summer.

If you really want the beach, then I'm not quite as good with that. Block Island might be nice (there is a ferry from the north shore of Long Island), and there has been (lately) direct ferry service in the summer to Martha's Vineyard from Manhattan, making the trip remarkably easy for New Yorkers.

eninajsti

I second Martha's Vineyard. Very relaxing, quaint restaurants. You can go whale watching, which any age would love. Once in Martha's Vineyard you can also take a ferry to Cape Cod.

sobster

Madison, CT
Spring Lake, NJ
Lake Waramaug, CT
Cooperstown, NY

nytraveler

I strongly reco agains Mohonk - while they chage a lot I wouldn;t call it upscale - much more like rustic. And according to my latest reports the food leaves a lot to be desire.

Agree Matha's Vinyard ismoreupscale and has great beaches.

owlwoman

Martha's Vineyard is a nice suggestion, but it will take almost all day to get there from NYC (unless you fly). For a couple of days, head to the Hamptons. The Maidstone in East Hampton, or Gurney's in Montauk would also fit the bill. The beaches there are great!

Ryan

The key point of what you said was "easy for a family member" coming from New York. To me, that rules out options other than those located in the Hampton's or the Jersey Shore. If you're really looking for upscale, then look at Southampton.

Maybe stay somewhere like the Southampton Inn or a highly rated place that comes up on TripAdvisor.

Plenty of high-end places to shop, eat, or go clubbing in the area. I would look to book ASAP as July is prime time in these locations. Numerous other towns nearby that have some charm to them like Sag Harbor, Easthampton, and Montauk.

doug_stallings

Owlwoman has a point about the long distance but not about the timing. The direct ferries to Martha's Vineyard leave in the late afternoon and arrive 10pm on Friday, returning in the afternoon and arriving before 10pm on Sunday. The timing couldn't be better even though the trip is still almost 6 hours.

Montauk takes almost as long to reach on a Friday afternoon, even if you take the LIRR. But I do think it's a viable choice.

Perhaps Shelter Island?

mclaurie

The Hamptons/Montauk, the North Fork of Long Island and other Jersey shore towns (ie Pt. Pleasant, Cape May) are obvious options that haven't been mentioned. But very upscale lodging near NYC at the height of the season is not going to be cheap. What "fun" things are you talking about over and above beach/pool?

nyer

I think there are a couple of assumptions here that might be off.
-We don't know if this is a weekend or midweek trip. Prices, availability and transportation options (such as Doug's suggestion of the Friday evening Martha's Vineyard ferry)will vary depending on the timing
-I read this as two older adults and the "kids" are the 20-somethings--correct? If so, no need to look for kiddie activities.
-easy to reach from NY doesn't necessarily mean it has to be LI or Jersey Shore. There are car rentals and other transport from NYC so the amount of time you want to travel may be the biggest factor,. For example, late July midweek in Narrangansett, Westerly or Newport RI would be upscale, beachy, lots to see and do,somewhat accessible by public transport or car rental, about 4 hours away.

Bluelark --any more information for us? and do you have a budget in mind--upscale to some could scare the **** out of others!

Ryan

"Montauk takes almost as long to reach on a Friday afternoon, even if you take the LIRR"

Really? If you catch what's been called the "Cannonball Express" or the 3:58 Montauk line Thursday or Friday afternoon train you're at Westhampton by 5:50ish and in Montauk by 6:45.