The best travel destinations within 5 hours of New York City (2024)

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1. Bermuda

For New Yorkers, Bermuda is arguably the closest tropical destination. It's a 2-1/2-hour direct flight from New York, with round-trip tickets starting at about $280. Consisting of more than 150 islands, Bermuda is only about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. (Just keep hurricane season, June to November, in mind when you book.)

2. Iceland

You can sometimes book a nonstop flight to Reykjavik for under $300. OK, the flight actually lasts closer to 5 1/2 hours, but the bit of extra flight time can get you all the way to the home of the Blue Lagoon and quite a few "Game of Thrones" filming locations. Five hours seems minor when you consider that it gets you all the way to the land of aurora borealis.

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3. Miami

You don't need to leave the country for a tropical getaway. With incredible food options and culture galore, Miami is so much more than just beaches and nightlife. Plus, three-hour direct flights start at $250.

4. Austin, Texas

The live-music mecca also has hiking, history, and a budding food scene. You can get deep in the heart of Texas in only four hours for as little as $225. Check out Barton Springs, a 3-acre swimming pool fed by warm natural springs, in Zilker Park.

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5. Tulum, Mexico

To get to Tulum, you'll fly four hours to Cancun and then drive an hour south, but the trek is worth it to surround yourself with tropical forests and Mayan ruins. Flights to Cancun start at about$250 round-trip.

6. New Orleans

In just three hours, for about$200, you can wind up in the city of live jazz, beignets, and charbroiled oysters. For quintessential tourist spots, head down Bourbon Street, or for nightlife with a more local flair, try jazz on Frenchmen Street.

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7. The Bahamas

There are 700 islands in the Bahamas and so much to see, from Paradise Island to Bimini to Grand Bahama. It's a quick three-hour flight to Nassau for about $450.

8. Montreal

Going south isn't your only option. You'll be in poutine country after only 1 1/2 hours in the air (starting at about $215). Take in Old Montreal and, of course, get your smoked-meat fix at Schwartz's.

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9. Charleston, South Carolina

The flights are two hours and start at under $200, round-trip. The port city of South Carolina has Southern charm, and the brightly colored buildings and palm trees make it a photographer's dream town.

10. Portland, Maine

An hourlong direct flight to Portland (starting at about $150) can make for the perfect coastal excursion. The salty New England air makes for a welcome contrast to New York City.