NEW YORK CITY — Beach vacations will get you closer to the water, but if you want to truly live the life aquatic, you need to hop on a boat.
DNAinfo New York found the best nearby vessels, from yachts to house boats, for booking your next night away from home. We guarantee you'll feel far far away from those sweaty subway platforms.
"Camp" on a Houseboat in the Rockaways
"Freja" is a 1970 Nautaline houseboat complete with a grill, a propane stove and a hammock. At $125 a night, this sleepover on a 34-foot boat in the Rockaways is a more rustic experience than say ... a Hamptons yacht. The owners, a married couple who are both artists, describe sleeping over on the boat as "a lot like camping on the water." Unlike other destinations, it's not hard to get to from New York City, especially if you don't have a car. Take the A train to the Beach 60th Street stop and it's only a two-minute walk from there, the owners said.
Spread Out on a Barge in the Rockaways
With access to a living room, kitchen, roof deck, and a bedroom that fits a queen-sized bed, this barge may feel more spacious than your apartment. And there are indoor and outdoor hammock spots should you want to recline while staring out at the water.
Like other houseboats in this Rockaways marina, guests have access to a bathroom and shower on the dock and so should be ready to rough it a little.
The hosts boast of access not only to surfing, but to nature preserves, kayaking and a guided fishing tour, among other activities.
The barge is $40 a night and is known as "Ziggy Stardust."
Stargaze and Dine on a Classic Sailboat in New London, Conn.
Captain Eric and his crew will welcome you aboard the Nomade, a 35-foot sailboat docked near Fisher's Island, located near New London, Conn.
The sailboat fits two couples and there's a bathroom and a shower onboard.
The itinerary includes: "a relaxing sunset cruise to a secluded cove in Fisher's Island where you can spend a magical night under the stars," followed by dinner either on the sailboat or at the nearby Pequot Inn or a lobster dinner on board catered by the crew. The boat picks up guests from the Noank Shipyard.
One night for four people is $1,000.
Check in to a Floating Bed and Breakfast in Newport, R.I.
Rather than go the same old route of checking in to a local bed and breakfast in town, the "Ocean Romance Yacht" offers a new experience: the floating B&B.
The yacht is docked in the harbor in Newport, R.I. — alongside mega yachts worth untold millions — and near the city's shops, beaches, historic mansions and seafood restaurants.
There are three private bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, and a main communal lounge area.
Each bathroom comes with a "hair dryer and toiletries, flat screen TV with built in DVD player, Internet access, climate control and windows," according to the owners.
A full breakfast is served each morning and guests are welcome to bring in their own drinks and snacks and stow them in the yacht's refrigerator.
Rates range from $295 to $525 depending on the season and size of the room.
Lean Back on a staffed yacht that departs from New York City
Hey, if money is no object, why not slumber on a 70-foot yacht, complete with a captain and a stewardess?
This 2,000-square-foot yacht costs $6,000 a night, sleeps six and can host up to 12 people. Plus, it comes with a jet boat, a kayak, paddle board, snorkel and fins and water toys.
Each of the suites comes with a private bathroom. There's also an outdoor grill should you wish to cook and dine outdoors — or you can eat inside in the dining room. The choice is yours.
Take an Evening Sail Around the City
If all your weekends are booked or you can't commit to a night away, you can sail around New York City aboard an 80-foot sailboat called the Schooner Adirondack.
The Schooner Adirondack offers daytime, sunset and even moonlight tours around the city, with embark points at Chelsea Piers and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Sails range from $48 to $78 per person depending on the trip.