Where can we go.. couple in late 20's early 30's... need to get away from NYC. Have done a lot of Europe traveling and would prefer US or closer spots.

-open budget
-would like to go in June, July or August
-like beach, nature, good food, farm to table, hiking, biking, scenic.

I'd like to do as much relaxing as possible versus renting a car and driving around a lot.. I am just pooped after this winter.

Okay go...want to hear your favorite trips

Beach, nature, scenic, hiking, biking.
Close to NYC, and don't want to drive around a lot.
In the summer.
Hmmmmm.

May I suggest the New England Coast north of Boston?
The water may be too cold for long swims, but you'll get beach and nature and scenery without too much travel either to that area, or after you arrive.
I can't speak for the food quality, simply because I'm as far from a foodie as one could imagine.

If you can do without beach, then the options increase greatly. You could go inland, and then get nature and hiking with good food quite easily.

I strongly suggest you do NOT travel in the month of August. Crowds and temperatures are at their worst in that month, and there is almost no upside to traveling at that time.

sorry... we need to get away from NYC. We are open to flying mostly anywhere.

I figured you'd want to relax before you arrive at your destination, so the lack of travel time to New England is, to me, a bonus. Acadia National Park, for example, is VERY far from NYC in terms of culture and general ambiance.

But if you're willing to go to the West Coast (if beach is necessary) or anywhere in the middle (if beach is not necessary), then my suggestions are (respectively) the area north of San Francisco, or the Denver/Boulder area.

Hawaii.

Have been to Hawaii… would love to go back but want to explore more areas. Great suggestions so far..

Hawaii
Denver (would like less city/more nature)
San Fran ( would like less city/more nature)

Vermont

Salt Lake City/Park City? Not a beach, but lots of hikes nearby and it's not miserably hot in the summer - wonderful weather! Ton of mountain biking trails too!

Or possibly check out the Big Sur coast? I know you said not much driving, but you could take your time driving up the coast and seeing the scenery, do some hiking, and visiting the towns along the way. You could definitely spread that out over quite a few days so you don't feel like you are driving so much.

Oregon, if you've never been. Portland and environs (the north coast and gorge) would fit all of your requirements. There's driving, but as little or as much as desired. Portland is very laid back, pedestrian friendly, and quirky. And then you can pick one of the expensive resorts/hotels in the gorge area or on the coast and just relax, or do any of the outdoors excursions popular in the area.

British Columbia, Seattle and the Washington national parks are also a possibility, but more driving would be necessary. The cities are fine on foot, but a car is necessary for anything further out, and driving in Seattle and Vancouver traffic is not my idea of relaxing (but maybe it would be if you are coming from NYC)

If it's nature you crave, then I second the recommendation for Utah. Northern Idaho is fantastic during July and August- that would be my first pick, but that DOES involve a lot of driving ( and possibly too little city for you).

Seattle and/or Vancouver, BC?

One of the most relaxing places I've been (and ticks the boxes you're talking about) is Prince Edward Island. We did, in fact, drive to get there, but of course you can fly in as well. http://www.fodors.com/community/cana...ard-island.cfm After a week there I was so mellow and laid-back that I was practically horizontal.

There's PLENTY to do around Denver and still spend some time in an interesting city. A loop around Colorado?
How about Santa Fe and environs.

How long do you want to be gone?

First thoughts - fly on Cathay Pacific's fabulous 777 from JFK to Vancouver BC. Spend 3(?) days in Vancouver, then (yes, get a car) travel 90 min. up the Sea to Sky Hwy (one of the most beautiful roads anywhere) to Whistler, which is affordable and gorgeous in the summer (lots of skiing accommodations wanting guests) - hiking, rafting, mountain biking...

Then back down the StS highway to Horseshoe Bay and take the ferry over to Vancouver Island for another few nights. Maybe visit beautiful Tofino out on the Pacific, maybe spend a night or two on one of the Gulf Islands - laid back and gorgeous, or spend a night or two in Victoria walking around the picturesque Inner Harbour or heading up the Pacific coast toward the Pacific Rim National Park. Then back to Vancouver via ferry, badda bing.

July or August will offer slightly better weather, but you'll be knocked out by the variety of environments on offer.

Maine

Thank you all.. I am thinking Portland sounds okay (but not for the city, just surrounding greenery).

We've been to Banff 2 years ago and loved it.. Vancouver base sounds too similar to do just yet.

So I guess its down to California Big Sur coast or Portland?

So I guess its down to California Big Sur coast or Portland?

Me, I'd vote for Portland, maybe with a few days' base in Hood River. The Columbia Gorge has a lot going for it - waterfalls, hikes, vistas along the gorge walls, but then 40 min. to the east and you're in vineyard and "old west" scenery - fascinating Maryhill Museum, head up to the Mt. Adams wilderness area to pick huckleberries...

Or an hour to the south and you're at Timberline Lodge on the upper slopes of Mt. Hood, overlooking the orchards in the gorgeous Hood River Valley. Or an hour to the west and you're in food truck and microbrew heaven in Portland. Or two hours and you're out at Cape Disappointment - lighthouses, waves on rocks, Lewis and Clark - at the awesome mouth of the Columbia.

Google "Oneonta Gorge" and while you're at it, look at the various hotels run by the McMenamins brothers, in particular the Edgefield in Troutdale OR, just east of PDX airport and on the west edge of the Gorge.