An escape from New York is never more than a few hours away as it can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back to the hustling city life.
You can either envy yourself as a total beach bum on New Jersey Island or want to walk in the footsteps of America's founding fathers in Boston, here are perfect getaway trips from NYC for the weekend
Just an hour's drive from New York City, you reach the easiest escape, Long Island. A comfortable stay is the last thing to worry about, as there are many jacuzzi hotels in the town.
Things To Do: Explore the town's upscale homes, trendy eateries, and antique shops until your legs hurt. You can also visit The Spa at Red Hots Roslyn for luxurious spa treatment and therapeutic massages.
Cape May is a picturesque seaside town featuring Victorian charm and Maritime heritage. Get ready to rediscover your inner summertime kiddies at these getaways outside NYC.
Things to Do: Its beaches are a beacon for sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike, and this is evident in its numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals. Visit any of them or treat your taste buds at the local seafood restaurants.
Montauk is known for its centuries-old lighthouse at the easternmost point in NYC. This city has an active nightlife scene.
Things To Do: You can go for many activities such as fishing in the saltwater or take a surf lesson or rent gear at Engstorm Surf. The city also has many places to grab a bite, including fresh seafood. You can also go for snorkeling and foraging for oysters or enjoy the beaches, including a small public beach.
Beacon is located in the southwestern corner of Dutchess County in the Mid-Hudson Region approximately 97 km north of New York. This place has been a Hudson Valley hub for contemporary art, great food and cocktails, boutique shopping, and natural charm.
Things To Do: You can enjoy their two-kilometer-long Main Street lined with art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Enjoy their diverse culinary scene, including Hudson Valley Food Hall, and thriving craft beverage scene.
New Paltz is a small town in the Hudson Valley, that is an ideal fall getaway destination with lots of outdoor activities at every corner, catering to all ages. It is a hiker's paradise.
Things To Do: Hiking, biking, and fine dining, the town offers suitable activities for people of all ages. Make sure to visit The Testimonial Gateway, a unique thing you will see in the town. Explore the quaint Main Street filled with shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
Newport is known for its historic charm, scenic beauty, and maritime heritage. It is the epitome of a coastal New England town with its glided-age historic mansions, and buzzling waterfront district with shops and arts.
Things To Do: The 'City by the Sea' is famous for its historic mansions and sailing history; collect some old-day stories while you are here. Find award-winning restaurants to savor local dishes while delighting in iconic sights.
New Hope is the most popular of all the Delaware River Towns. It is known for its charming Main Street, excellent restaurants, and unique shops and restaurants.
Things To Do: You can enjoy delicious coffee at the coffee shops as the city is filled with adorable boutiques and coffee shops. Visit the Bucks County Playhouse, the most famous theater, or enjoy a relaxed dinner at the newly opened Playhouse Deck. Also, you can go tubing or kayaking on the Delaware River.
Edgartown, MA, offers spectacular morning views to start your day rejuvenated. Climb the Edgartown Lighthouse to relish the aerial view of the city.
Things To Do: It is a great place for an evening stroll after taking in a sunset. The town offers many activities, including boutique shopping, farm fresh food, walking, running, or biking trails, or visiting the 3-acre Japanese garden at Mytoi
Poughkeepsie is a charming city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages, from young children to the young at heart. It is just a short hour and a half train ride from New York City.
Things To Do: If you are on an escape with your loved one, book a Broadway show at the Bardavon Opera House. Or, go to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum with your junior partners. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, so enjoying the atmosphere on a bike ride can be awesome.
Niagara Falls is a popular weekend getaway from New York offering a wealth of nature, exploration, and culture. It is not just a waterfall but an entire city where you can have several activities to engage in.
Things To Do: If you want to get close to the falls' raw power, join a guided tour around the Cabe of the Winds. Once you are done exploring the main attractions, indulge in international delicacies in places to eat, like La Cascara and Mario's Pizza.
Cooperstown is a great weekend getaway place due to its museums, art, breweries, and scenic beauty. The city is located in Upstate New York between Albany and Syracuse, in the foothills of Catskill Mountains.
Things To Do: To make your weekend escapes from NYC more exciting, you should try tasting their local beer. Visit Cooperstown Beverage Exchange for authentic soft and hard beverages. Don't miss the centerpiece of Cooperstown, Otsego Lake, where you can have a peaceful boat tour around.
Cold Spring NY is the epitome of 19th-century buildings. This village in Putnam County is crowned mostly during the summer due to its proximity to the Hudson River.
Things To Do: Tour around Bannerman Castle and Stonecrop Gardens. Try fishing and rafting alongside Hudson Highlands State Park and enjoy more than a weekend getaway in NYC. Savor a delectable meal at one of many acclaimed restaurants like Riverview or Cold Spring Depot.
Woodstock has to be one of the best NYC weekend escapes, especially for music enthusiasts, as hundreds of musicians come here to record.
Things To Do: You can hike the Overlook Mountain Path for views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills. As the city is home to many music venues and has deep music roots, you can also enjoy their original Woodstock music and arts festivals.
Newburgh NY welcomes thousands of visitors yearly who come to enjoy their weekend retreats from NYC and worldwide. Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site is the main attraction.
Things To Do: Experience the city's vibrant arts and cultural scene by exploring the exhibitions and workshops here. If you are a shopaholic, you can walk along Liberty Street for the local businesses. Freshly baked items, antique pieces, and home decor, are all available down the road.
Portsmouth offers winding streets, waterfront views, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and street performers, which makes the city worth a visit.
Things To Do: You can enjoy a short walk along the downtown streets where you can enjoy baked brie, hummus platter, flatbreads, salmon, tuna, and pork belly. You can also enjoy local beer and live music at a pub or hike along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail.
No matter which season you choose, Lake Placid has been full of activities and attractions to amaze you since the 1800s.
Things To Do: If you want an escape during winter, grab your skis and hit the slope at Whiteface Mountain. Visit The Wild Center to experience nature views out of this world. How can someone forget the Olympic Ski Jump Complex that has hosted World Cup jumping competitions?
Atlantic City is closer to New York than Wildwood or Cape May and has more entertainment and fine dining options.
Things To Do: Walk leisurely at the spot where land meets the sea. If not outdoors, you can book a show ticket at the Boardwalk Hall, one of the most iconic landmarks in Atlantic City. The beaches here are free to visit and offer activities like kayaking, fishing, volleyball, and surfing.
Looking for an easy escape from city madness? Get to Bear Mountain if you want more than a weekend getaway in NYC. It is 1 hour 8 minutes drive via Palisades Interstate Parkway South.
Things To Do: You can spend a weekend as it's affordable to spend the night and enjoy post-hike libations and relaxation. They also offer great music, great beer, and delicious meals. Also, visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo, the Estuarine Reserve, and the Bird Refuge on Iona Island.
If you are looking for a bolt for freedom and don't want to break the bank, Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia can be the best option on a budget.
Things To Do: Outdoor enthusiasts make it to the fullest the hiking trails, including Overlook Mountain Trail and the Giant Ledge Trail. Or go back in time and learn the story of railroading at the Empire State Railway Museum.
Aurora offers a farm-to-table restaurant, casual pubs, a village market, a wellness center, and a demonstration kitchen. It is a perfect escape during the weekend from the busy life.
Things To Do: You can participate in activities such as nature walks, paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga, art classes, and more. You can drive to nearby stores while visiting Mackenzie Childs. Or, travel for a 45-min drive to Skaneateles where you can enjoy lunch and do some shopping.
