Crashing waves, lounging seals, driftwood- and seabird-dotted shores, rugged snow-topped peaks, and colorful fishing towns await those looking to venture off the tourist trail in Iceland. To truly make your adventure unique, consider a journey along the Arctic Coast Way (Norðurstrandarleið). Launched in June 2019, this extraordinary route—Iceland’s first official touring pathway—traces 900km of untouched and remote coastline. This exploration provides opportunities to experience captivating extremes, heart-pounding elemental drama, and tranquil escapes from modern life, with welcoming villages along the way.

Some may love staying in the city on the weekends, but waking up to rolling fields, seaside vistas, and fresh-from-the-farm cuisine is not to be missed. Here are nine spots within a few hours drive of NYC that are well worth any bridge-and-tunnel traffic you may have to brave to make it there.

On the southern edge of the Greek capital lies the alluring Apollo Coast, also known as the Athenian Riviera. This captivating region features palm tree-lined esplanades and idyllic beaches that dominate a unique slice of Mediterranean coastline. The urban shore is brimming with laid-back elegance, a history of jet-set glamour, and the feeling of spending quality time on a Greek island.