We all know that New York is a bustling place, but sometimes the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. We all need to take a break from the big city every now and then and escape the busy life of New York City for a few days. When this feeling arises, a weekend getaway from NYC can be very helpful.
When searching for weekend getaway trips from NYC, there are many options to choose from, ranging from tranquil forests to cool lakesides. Whether you need to travel with your family or plan a romantic getaway for two, we will compile a list of the best destinations for all types of travelers, saving you time searching and letting you start packing your bags.
Table of Contents
8 Best Weekend Getaways from NYC
- Shelter Island, NY
- Jim Thorpe, PA
- Providence, RI
- Lake George, NY
- Long Branch, NJ
- Hudson, NY
- Cold Spring, NY
- Saratoga Springs
Weekend Getaways from NYC for Couples Itinerary
Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families Itinerary
Quick Weekend Getaways from NYC
Which Holidays Allow for a Weekend Getaway
8 Best Weekend Getaways from NYC
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best vacation destinations outside of New York City, including islands, towns, and beautiful beaches.
Shelter Island, NY
This is a small island located very close to Long Island, between the North and South Forks. However, this tranquil island is far removed from the noise of the Hamptons, giving it the feel of a relaxed New England village. It is perfect for a quiet seaside getaway.
Distance from New York: Approximately 100 miles, a 2.5-hour drive. To take the ferry, you must first reach Long Island. The northbound ferry departs from Greenport, and the southbound ferry departs from North Haven. Ferries run frequently, with a journey time of less than 10 minutes. A one-way ticket including a vehicle costs $16, while a one-way ticket for foot passengers costs only $3.
Where to Stay: Accommodation on the island is concentrated in the center and north. Among them, Pridwin Hotel & Cottages is a classic choice, offering beautiful ocean views and a relaxed, upscale feel. Another excellent option is The Chequit, a carefully restored inn with a comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Where to Eat: Enjoy classic American cuisine at The Islander, or head to Vine Street Cafe for a more refined dining experience featuring local ingredients. After returning by ferry, don’t forget to stop by Claudio’s Waterfront for the freshest seafood dishes.
Things to Do: Spend a lazy day at Crescent Beach or Wades Beach, which are both beautiful spots for relaxing by the water. Rent a bike and ride around the island’s quiet roads, or go kayaking and paddle through the serene Mashomack Preserve, a protected nature sanctuary that covers about a third of the island.
Jim Thorpe, PA
Jim Thorpe is a historic town located in Pennsylvania, nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains. With its Victorian architecture and magnificent mountain views, particularly the 19th-century train station, museum, and antique shops, it retains the charm of the coal mining and railroad era.
Distance from New York: Approximately 90 miles, requiring a two-hour drive. Alternatively, you can choose the bus provided by OurBus, which takes two hours from Washington Heights to Kalahari Waterpark.
Where to Stay: Dolon House boasts a charming exterior and offers bed and breakfast accommodations, while the Swiss Hotel is situated in the town center and is a historic option. If you’re looking for something different, there are numerous unique Airbnb accommodations and vacation rentals available in the area.
Where to Eat: Marion Hose Bar is a local favorite restaurant with generous portions and must-try beers. Stone Row Pub and Eatery is another popular choice, serving delicious cuisine and a selection of craft beers.
Things to Do: Take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a truly breathtaking tour of the valley. If you’re feeling active, hike or bike along the D&L Trail. History buffs will love touring the Asa Packer Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of Victorian architecture.
Providence, RI
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and one of the oldest cities in New England. Home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, it has a strong academic atmosphere.So this is a great place to visit with children.
Distance from New York: Providence is 181 miles from New York City, a 3-hour drive, or you can choose to take the bus.
Where to Stay: There are many elegant accommodation options in the center of Providence, among which the Graduate by Hilton Providence is located in the absolute center. Hotel Providence is a boutique hotel located in the arts district.
Where to Eat: The city has excellent Italian restaurants, including Al Forno, which offers authentic Italian cuisine. For vegetarians, Plant City is a plant-based food court offering a variety of dining options. There is also the famous Pastiche Fine Desserts, where the fruit tarts are extremely popular.
Things to Do: For me, the must-do activities when visiting Rhode Island are undoubtedly visiting Brown University and the RISD Museum to experience academia and art. Then, head to Benefit Street to admire the Victorian-era architecture.
Lake George, NY
Lake George, also known as the Queen of American Lakes, is an ideal destination for those who enjoy water sports, hiking, and nature. With its clear waters, sandy beaches, and parks along the shore, there are different outdoor activities to enjoy in every season.
Distance from New York: The distance between the two places is 210 miles, which takes 3 hours and 30 minutes by car. By bus, you need to transfer in Albany, and the total journey takes 5 hours and 25 minutes.
Where to Stay: The Fort William Henry Hotel offers iconic lakefront views and a variety of amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools. The Sagamore Resort is further away, but offers comprehensive lake views, golf, and spa services.
Where to Eat: For restaurants, I would first recommend The Lagoon, which offers the best lake views and delicious pizza. Next is The Log Jam Restaurant, a cozy Adirondack-style steakhouse.
Things to Do: Since you’re at Lake George, you’ve got to try out some water activities, like swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding at Million Dollar Beach. Or hop on the Minne-Ha-Ha boat for a cruise on the lake. You can also hike up Prospect Mountain to take in the whole Adirondack view.
Long Branch, NJ
Long Branch is very close to the city and is the perfect beach resort destination, with clean, spacious beaches and a boardwalk where you can ride your bike.This comfortable and relaxed environment is also ideal for couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway.
Distance from New York: Long Branch is 56 miles from New York City, which is about an hour’s drive. You can also take the NJ Transit Rail, which takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. Of course, the NJ Transit Bus is faster, taking about an hour.
Where to Stay: Bungalow Hotel are located next to the beach and offer a stylish and unique option. The Wave Resort is another great choice, closer to the beach and featuring a charming pool deck overlooking the ocean.
Where to Eat: Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant is definitely the most popular restaurant here. Be sure to try the lobster roll and oysters.
Things to Do: The most popular activities here are swimming and relaxing on the clean beaches. Besides spending a leisurely vacation on the sandy beaches, Pier Village is a great place to take a stroll. It is the city’s central leisure area, with numerous cafes and attractions, as well as frequent live music and festival events.
Hudson, NY
Hudson is located on the banks of the Hudson River and boasts art-filled neighborhoods and historic buildings. The antique shops and cafés here are well worth spending time in.
Distance from New York: It is 121 miles away, which takes 2 hours by car. It takes 2 hours and 5 minutes by Amtrak train.
Where to Stay: If you want to stay in the city center, Nautical Nest Hudson is a good choice. Rivertown Lodge is a boutique hotel with exquisite design, located only two miles from Hudson Athens Lighthouse.
Where to Eat: Saint Florian is a classic American restaurant serving delicious steaks. Among the many cafés, we recommend Spotty Dog Books & Ale, a retro-style bookstore and café where you can spend a leisurely afternoon.
Things to Do: Hudson has many antique shops worth visiting, such as Magic Hill and Battle Brown, which sell antique furniture. However, please note that most shops are only open on weekends or in the afternoon. You can also visit Olana State Historic Site, which houses many works of art and offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River from the estate.
Cold Spring, NY
Cold Springs is also located on the banks of the Hudson River, with 19th-century historic buildings, antique shops, cafes, and independent bookstores lining both sides of Main Street. Hudson Highlands State Park offers multiple hiking trails and is a popular weekend trip destination from NYC throughout the year.
Distance from New York: It is 61 miles away, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, or you can take the Metro-North Railroad Hudson line for 5 stops. The bus service provided by ShortLine Hudson takes only 1 hour to arrive.
Where to Stay: This is a small city where it is convenient to stay anywhere, but if you want to enjoy the lake view, Hudson House River Inn is in an excellent location and has a delicious restaurant. You may also consider Pig Hill Inn, which offers a comfortable bed and breakfast experience in a historic building.
Where to Eat: Le Bouchon is a French restaurant we recommend, known for its mussels. For dessert, Moo Moo’s Creamery serves the best ice cream around, and you can enjoy the lake view while you eat.
Things to Do: Challenge yourself to hike to the top of Breakneck Ridge, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. Or choose the shortest hiking route, Cornish Estate Trail, and then return to Main Street to browse the antique shops.
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs is located in upstate New York and is known for its natural mineral springs and historic bathhouses, and spas. It is also home to Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest racetracks in the United States, which attracts large numbers of visitors every summer during the racing season.
Distance from New York: Saratoga Springs is 187 miles from New York City, a 3-hour drive. You can also take the Amtrak train, which takes 3 hours and 35 minutes, or the Adirondack bus, which takes 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Where to Stay: The Saratoga Arms Hotel is the highest-rated hotel here, with many delicious restaurants nearby. If you need to relax and unwind, The Gideon Putnam is a resort located in a park with famous springs.
Where to Eat: Boca Bistro is a popular Spanish restaurant. Try their signature seafood paella. There is also Salt & Char, which uses seasonal ingredients.
Things to Do: If you visit during the summer, you can go to the racetrack to watch horse racing, with races held approximately every 25 minutes, and experience a different atmosphere. You can also stroll around Congress Park or Broadway, the main street.
Weekend Getaways from NYC for Couples Itinerary
Looking for a romantic getaway? This itinerary is perfect for couples seeking relaxation and new experiences. A weekend getaway from New York City is a great way to reconnect. We will use Hudson as an example of a weekend getaway for couples.
- Friday evening: Head to Hudson. It only takes two hours by train. Check into your boutique hotel, such as The Maker or The Amelia, and get ready for a quiet night. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Le Perche on Warren Street.
- Saturday: After a leisurely breakfast, you can browse antique shops and art galleries. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, then consider visiting the Olana State Historic Site to see artist Frederic Church’s unique home and some of the best views of the Hudson River. In the evening, spend some quality time at the hotel’s The Maker Lounge.
- Sunday: Before heading back to the city, you can take a stroll along the waterfront and perhaps stop by Mel The Bakery for coffee and pastries.
Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families Itinerary
Planning a trip with kids? This itinerary focuses on fun, engaging activities that everyone can participate in. The key to finding the right family weekend getaways from NYC is balance. For family-friendly destinations, we recommend Lake George.
- Friday evening: Drive to Lake George in New York State. Stay at a family-friendly resort such as the Fort William Henry Hotel, which has a swimming pool and other facilities for children to play in right away. Enjoy dinner at the Lighthouse Grill, a restaurant that can definitely satisfy the dining needs of different people.
- Saturday: Start the day with water activities. Take a boat tour of Georgie Lake, and we recommend a cruise that includes lunch. In the afternoon, let the kids have fun at the village mini golf course or arcade. Dinner can be a simple family meal, followed by morel mushrooms around the campfire at your resort.
- Sunday: Before heading back, visit Fort William Henry for an educational and interactive tour that offers meaningful educational activities for children. Or, if the weather is nice, spend one last hour playing in the resort pool.
Quick Weekend Getaways from NYC
Sometimes you only have a day or two, and you want to minimize travel time. For those looking for a quick getaway outside NYC, here are some great options that don’t require long drives or flights.
- Cold Spring, New York: Take the Metro-North train for a 1-hour and 15-minute ride to the city center. You can go hiking in the morning and visit various shops in the afternoon.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia is approximately 1.5 hours away by Amtrak train. It is ideal for a day trip or quick weekend getaway, where you can visit historical sites and sample delicious food.
- Beacon, NY: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive. Here you will find the world-class contemporary art museum DIA:Beacon, along with parks and restaurants by the Hudson River.
- Mystic, CT: A 2 hour and 15 minute drive away, this town is home to the famous Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, making it a great destination for families.
- Long Branch, NJ: Take a direct train from Penn Station and you’ll be at the beach in under two hours. You can be on the sand and walking the boardwalk with minimal effort.
Which Holidays Allow for a Weekend Getaway
Many federal holidays listed on USA.gov are on Mondays, creating an excellent opportunity for weekend travel. These holidays are:
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (third Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday (third Monday in February)
These holidays are perfect for planning your weekend getaways from NYC. Take advantage of the extra day to participate in more activities and enjoy a more relaxed travel day to unwind and recharge.
FAQ
Where do New Yorkers go to get out of the city?
There are many options to choose from, with popular destinations including the beach towns of Long Island and the Jersey Shore, the tranquil mountain regions of the Catskills and Adirondacks, and the charming towns of the Hudson Valley and New England.
What towns are 2 hours away from NYC?
In New York State, there are Cold Spring, Beacon, Hudson, and Sleepy Hollow. In New Jersey, you can choose Long Branch, Asbury Park, and Hoboken. In Connecticut, there are Stamford, Greenwich, and Mystic.
What island is 3 hours from New York?
If you can reach it by car or train in three hours, then it is Shelter Island, Fire Island, or Long Island. If you are traveling by plane, then it is Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
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