Options for a Weekend Beach "Vacation"?
I'm dying for a beach vacation. Normally I'd fly somewhere (Florida, Myrtle Beach, the Caribbean, whatever). But this year I'm low on both money and vacation days.
So I thought maybe I could go somewhere local. But I don't drive. And there's nothing I hate more than taking a train while sticky and sandy.
So I thought I'd get a hotel for a night. Take a train somewhere early Saturday morning, hang out on the beach with a book, check into the hotel, swim, eat somewhere nice, have a drink, sleep in hotel comfort, get up, swim, shower, check out of the hotel, take the train home Sunday afternoon.
So, um, where? I've never been to a New York or New Jersey beach (I'm assuming those are the likely candidates). Where can I get to via public transportation (subways, LIRR, NJ transit, Amtrak, whatever) that's nice and that has reasonably-priced (under $175) hotels on or walking distance from the beach? Bonus if the hotel has a pool or a bar with tropical drinks, if there are restaurants nearby that offer vegan options, or if there's stuff to do like museums, boardwalks, aquariums, street festivals, etc. Cleanliness and safety are also important, of course.
(Is there anything like this? And I realize that a lot of hotels are probably booked now, but I'm looking for ideas for later in the summer or next year, too.)
I've looked through the tags, but am not sure what might fit my criteria. I know nothing at all about NYC-area beaches so any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
So I thought maybe I could go somewhere local. But I don't drive. And there's nothing I hate more than taking a train while sticky and sandy.
So I thought I'd get a hotel for a night. Take a train somewhere early Saturday morning, hang out on the beach with a book, check into the hotel, swim, eat somewhere nice, have a drink, sleep in hotel comfort, get up, swim, shower, check out of the hotel, take the train home Sunday afternoon.
So, um, where? I've never been to a New York or New Jersey beach (I'm assuming those are the likely candidates). Where can I get to via public transportation (subways, LIRR, NJ transit, Amtrak, whatever) that's nice and that has reasonably-priced (under $175) hotels on or walking distance from the beach? Bonus if the hotel has a pool or a bar with tropical drinks, if there are restaurants nearby that offer vegan options, or if there's stuff to do like museums, boardwalks, aquariums, street festivals, etc. Cleanliness and safety are also important, of course.
(Is there anything like this? And I realize that a lot of hotels are probably booked now, but I'm looking for ideas for later in the summer or next year, too.)
I've looked through the tags, but am not sure what might fit my criteria. I know nothing at all about NYC-area beaches so any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.