Day Trips Within 3 Hours Of Popular J1 Destinations

While you all might know where you want to go travelling to at the end of your J1, sometimes it’s nice to get away on a day or two off during your working months. Here are some short day trip ideas from popular J1 destinations, along with cheap forms of public transport. We've also included the distance involved for driving- if you have a full license, renting cars is also very affordable, especially if there’s a few of you.

From NYC, NY:

Atlantic City, New Jersey:

Car: 2 Hours
Bus: 2.30 Hours

Won't get a chance to hit Vegas over on the West Coast? Then Atlantic City is your next best bet with a little bit of everything- sea, sun and sand by day, roulette and craps by night, along with everything in between!

Cape May, New Jersey:

Car: 2.30 Hours
NJ Transit Bus: 2.30 Hours

This city sees tourists outnumbering residents by 8 to 1 during the summer season, so it must be doing something right. If the city life of NYC or NJ is becoming a little too much, hop on a bus and head here to spend some time shootin' the breeze on their award winning beaches.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Car: 2 Hours
Bus: 2 Hours
Amtrak: 1.30 Hours

Be warned! It's NOT always sunny in Philadelphia... However, this compact and cosy city is rich in history, Irish heritage and of course, the best Philly Cheesesteaks in the world! Take an inspiring run up the 'Rocky Balboa' steps or immerse yourself in a local bar in this city of brotherly love.  You'll feel right at home.

From Boston, MA:

Cape Cod, Massachusetts:

Car: 1.15 Hours

Cute unique villages, night clubs, beaches, and the famous LGBT haven of Provincetown. Not forgetting that you will more than likely leave Cape Cod with plenty new Irish J1 friends.  

Newport, Rhode Island:

Car: 1.30 Hours
Bus (Acela Express): 2 hours

Rowdy bars, harbour tours, the international tennis hall of fame; The coastline has an Irish feel to it, but never fear, the weather and beaches are a lot better than home. If you are interested in sailing, Newport is world-renowned for its sailing scene.

Providence, Rhode Island:

Car: 1 Hour

One of the oldest cities in the United States; but don’t fret, it has a modern look with plenty of students and a great nightlife. If you’re a foodie and love your doughnuts/ coffee, then Providence is the place to be. It has more restaurants and coffee shops per capita than anywhere else in the states.

From Chicago, IL:

Grand Beach, Michigan:

Car: 1.25 Hours

While Chicago has miles of stunning beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Beach could prove to be a nice quick getaway from the city. Not much to do other than bringing a cooler of beer and "balming" out for the day. (That is if you’re 21+ of course!)

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin:

Car: 1.30 Hours

Sick of strolling around Lake Michigan with skaters, cyclists and joggers getting in your way? Lake Geneva offers a quiet hike around its borders. Feeling a bit tired?  Not to worry, there's an array of dive bars and cocktail bars all around the lake to satisfy your dehydrated soul.

Ottawa, Illinois:

Car: 1.30 Hours

Don't confuse this Ottawa with the capital of Canada! One thing they do have in common though is its appeal for adventure seekers. You simply cannot spend a day in Ottawa, Illinois without taking a trip to Starved Rock State Park, containing unique high cliffs and canyon waterfalls.

From San Diego, CA:

Laguna Beach, California:

Car: 1.20 Hours

Home to seven miles of gorgeous beaches, art galleries, festivals, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, Laguna Beach is a very popular day trip among San Diego residents seeking a slight change of scenery.

Borrego Springs, California:

Car: 1.50 Hours

A desert community, so expect the heat during the summer months. It has 4 golf courses offering a completely different experience to the courses back in Ireland. If teeing off ain't your thing, then there's plenty of other activities to try out, including horse-back riding.

Palm Springs, California:

Car: 2 Hours

Similar to Borrego Springs, but has a lot more to offer. A desert city for the sporty/ adventurous types; offering hiking, biking and more breath-taking golf courses. With that said, it offers spas, buzzy restaurants, shopping and nightlife too.

Read more blogs: Mike's Chicago J1 Experience, 5 Tips For Making The Most Of Your J1 Experience, 5 Useful Mobile Apps You'll Need On Your J1, J1 Jobs: All You Need To Know, Julianne's San Diego J1 Experience, Ciara's Long Beach J1 Experience, Cara's Ocean City J1 Summer, Myrtle Beach J1 Experience By Shanice.

Contact us: SAYIT J1 Cork +353 21 4279 190 or J1visa@sayit.ie. Dublin: +353 1 608 0072 or dublinJ1@sayit.ie.