Three Great Summer Vacation Destinations for Families Less Than 400mi From Atlantic Auto Group

We’re exploring three great family getaways less than 400 miles away from Long Island!

Get a jump start on your summer plans by booking a stay at one of these awesome family friendly getaways.  Ditch the airplanes and hop in your new car from Atlantic Auto Group and make memories to last a lifetime.  Each of these stops is a perfect summer vacation for all ages.  You’ll have lots to do like exploring beaches by the ocean, swimming or boating on the lake, sailing and fishing in harbors, exploring mountain trails and camping, and so much more!

With the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, we urge families to remember to check each exhibit for masking requirements, timed ticket reservations, and recommend purchasing your admissions in advance so you have guaranteed entry.  Adhere to all publicly posted guidelines or posted signage at each location to ensure your family stays safe and sound.

Mystic Seaport Connecticut - 100 miles from Atlantic Auto Group

• The Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime museum.  You’ll be able to explore many exhibits chronicling the history of sailing, whaling, and maritime history.  It is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, allowing an up-close-and-personal look back in time.

• A visit to the Mystic Aquarium will take about 2 to 3 hours total.  Timed tickets are required and must be reserved online; Adults are $35, Teenagers 13-17 are $29 per person, and Children aged 3-12 are $25 each.

• The Old Mystic Village is a great free way to spend your day, strolling through the historic downtown area and exploring the shops and restaurants.

• The Mystic Dark Room is a great getaway for adults to enjoy a night out on the town.  This cabaret style club has a mix of dance, performance art, and music along with an incredible selection of cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.  Leave the kiddos to explore the seaport with the grandparents for the evening, and enjoy a night to yourselves!

• Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a famous drawbridge spanning the width of the Mystic River.  It’s 85 feet long and sees an average daily crossing of more than 11,000 vehicles!  You and your family will have a blast watching the raising and lowering of the bridge as it allows boats to pass in and out of the seaport.

• The Charles W. Morgan Whaleship is the last remaining ship of an American whaling fleet of over 2,700 vessels!  You and your family can board this incredible ship built in 1841, and learn about  its 37 voyages and take a tour of the ship for an in depth look.

Baltimore, Maryland - 230 miles from Atlantic Auto Group

• The National Aquarium of Baltimore is a non-profit public aquarium which houses over 17,000 specimens of over 750 species of aquatic life!  Be forewarned that strollers are not allowed, but it’s an incredible experience for all ages to enjoy regardless! Tickets are $40 for adults, $30 Children 3-11, $35 for Seniors 65+, Children 2 and under are free.

• The Baltimore Museum of Art is home to a massive collection of 19th century, modern, and contemporary art. It also houses the largest collection of work by Henri Matisse!  It’s a must see destination with free admission, founded on the belief that access to art is an integral part of a vibrant, healthy community and civic life!

• The American Visionary Art Museum is a great way to spend 2-3 hours with the family enjoying a variety of unusual art for an affordable price.  The museum is $14 for adults, $10 for Students and Children, and Free for kids 6 and under.

• The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is in the Top 5 Best Children's Museums in the US, and it’s easy to see why! Kids 5 and up will have a blast with all of the interactive exhibits, theatre and art programs, and so much more.

• Other places of note include the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Maryland Science Center, Rawlings Conservatory, Baltimore Orioles Stadium, The Homewood Museum and much more!

The White Mountains of New Hampshire - 380 miles from Atlantic Auto Group

• The Flume Gorge is an 800 foot natural gorge located at the base of Mount Liberty.  It is approximately a 2 hour hike for the full two mile loop, but you’ll need to be in fairly good physical condition.  There are a lot of stairways, inclines, and slippery conditions, but it’s worth the effort for the incredible sightseeing and photo opps.  The waterfalls, granite outcroppings, and gorgeous greenery are stunning.

• There are many ways to explore the infamous Mount Washington! You can opt for a trip up the mountain by train, hiking or mountain biking, passenger van, or even drive it yourself.  Be forewarned, the “drive it yourself” option may lead to transmission issues or overheating, so adhere to all warning signs and posted speed limits.  There are portions of the roadway that have narrow width, no guardrails, and blind curves, so this is recommended for experienced drivers. At the top, you can enjoy plenty of gorgeous photo ops and view the weather station and historic site.

• Polar Caves Park and Lost River Gorge are two family-friendly nature parks and preserves with plenty of adventure to be had! You’ll have the opportunity to walk in natural caves, enjoy beautiful hiking trails, breathe the fresh mountain air, and explore the rivers, streams and waterfalls!  It’s a geologists dream!

• The Hobo Railroad and Conway Scenic Railway are perfect for train-lovers.  You’ll enjoy multiple options for scenic views of the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, and you can enjoy old fashioned train rides or shorter 5-mile loops.  There are even options for ice-cream treats and picnic lunches.

• Other destinations of note: Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia Notch State Park, Gorham Moose Tours, Kancamagus Highway, StoryLand