Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City without venturing too far? There is something for everyone on this list of the ten finest weekend trips from New York City. This list offers everything you need to get away from the noise and crowds of the city, have a relaxing beach vacation, go on a magnificent trek, or visit a historic place. All of these carefully chosen destinations are easy to go to by car or train from the city and offer a refreshing change of scenery. These places are perfect for short getaways or last-minute weekend plans since they provide a lot of things to do for all kinds of tourists, like hiking in nature, visiting vineyards, walking on the beach, going to art galleries, and staying in warm inns.
The Hudson Valley is peaceful, the Hamptons are beautiful, the Catskills are classic, and Philadelphia has a dynamic culture. All of these destinations are perfect for a vacation that will let you forget about the stress of the city. We put this list together carefully to help couples, families, lone travelers, and groups of friends locate the perfect weekend getaway near New York. This guide can help you plan your next trip, whether you want to find the greatest short getaways from New York City or just want to get to some relaxing places. Find great places that both residents and experienced tourists appreciate.
Top Ten Best Weekend Getaways From New York City
10. Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs sits about a three to four hour drive north of New York City and is historically famous for its mineral springs and elegant Victorian architecture. Visitors can relax at Saratoga Spa State Park, where guided tours of Roosevelt Baths and mineral water tasting are offered. During summer, the Saratoga Race Course hosts thrilling thoroughbred racing in a grand Victorian grandstand. Art lovers can visit the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to catch outdoor concerts. The downtown area offers boutiques, farm to table dining and walkable streets. This weekend getaway from New York City offers wellness, racing and a cultured atmosphere in one stop. Spring through early fall delivers perfect weather to enjoy both spa treatments and trackside action.
9. Cape May, New Jersey
Just over two and a half hours by car from New York City, Cape May is known as America’s oldest seaside resort. The town features more than six hundred preserved Victorian homes and a National Historic Landmark district. Visitors can stroll Beach Avenue, take a guided trolley or walking tour of outstanding architectures like the Emlen Physick Estate, and relax on wide sandy beaches such as Cove Beach or Sunset Beach. Dining centers on fresh seafood and farm to table menus. Families enjoy Cape May Lighthouse climbs and nearby bird sanctuaries. Cape May blends coastal relaxation, architectural history and farm fresh dining into a delightful weekend escape. Best visited from spring through fall.
8. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is about a four and a half hour drive or a three hour train ride from New York City, offering an elegant escape thronged with colonial and Gilded Age mansions. Attractions include guided tours at The Breakers, Marble House and other opulent estates. The America’s Cup Museum and coastal cliff walks along Ocean Drive make it both scenic and historical. The waterfront restaurant scene, including rotating chef residencies, is lively and creative. Sailing or harbor boat tours provide classic seaside views. Newport is perfect for visitors wanting a polished New England weekend getaway from New York City with refined hospitality and coastal walking paths.
7. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic sits about two and a half to three hours north from Manhattan along the interstate, making it an ideal accessible coastal destination. At the heart is Mystic Seaport Museum, America’s largest maritime museum, with restored vessels and a recreated nineteenth century coastal village spanning nineteen acres. Nearby Mystic Aquarium features New England’s only outdoor beluga whale exhibit and interactive marine life displays. Downtown Mystic is charming and very walkable with independent boutiques, waterfront restaurants and the famous Mystic drawbridge opening on the hour. Dining highlights include Oyster Club and The Shipwright’s Daughter led by award winning chefs. Outdoor fans can enjoy sailing charters aboard schooners or kayaking along the river. Mystic delivers seaside culture, learning and local seafood in a sweet scaled New England getaway.
6. Beacon, New York
Just under two and a half hours by car or two hours by Amtrak from New York City, Beacon is a creative haven at the base of scenic Mount Beacon in the Hudson Valley. It’s home to Dia Beacon, one of the country’s major contemporary art museums in a former mill building. Outdoor lovers can hike Mount Beacon trail for sweeping river views or stroll the high street filled with indie shops, galleries and artisanal coffee and food. Beacon also serves as a gateway to vineyards, farm stands and the Hudson River waterfront. Train service from Penn Station drops guests steps from restaurants and lodging. For a quick train accessible weekend getaway from New York City that blends art, nature and Hudson Valley ease, Beacon ranks high on the list.
5. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
About a two hour drive from New York City, the Pocono Mountains combine all season recreation with a relaxed pace. Winter brings premier skiing at Camelback and other resorts. In warmer months, residents head to Bushkill Falls and adventure parks for zip lining, mountain coasters and scenic hikes. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway ride winds through river valley scenery. Resorts in the area offer pools, spa services and family activities. The Poconos deliver natural forest settings, outdoor adventure and family friendly hotels within a quick drive of New York City, perfect for a refreshing weekend away.
4. The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons lie about two and a half hours east of New York City on Long Island. This classic summer weekend destination features pristine public beaches such as Coopers Beach and Kirk Park, a historic lighthouse, and upscale dining and galleries in Sag Harbor and East Hampton. Despite its fashionable reputation, there are options for casual enjoyment at lobster rolls and local seafood shacks. The beach towns also host live jazz and film festivals during summer months. Families, couples or groups can rent beachfront cottages or boutique inns. For a well rounded coastal weekend escape from New York City that balances luxury, scenery and relaxed pace, the Hamptons remain a leading choice.
3. The Catskills and Mohonk Mountain House, New York
Roughly a three hour drive from Manhattan leads to the Catskill Mountains and the historic Mohonk Mountain House resort. The Victorian castle hotel sits beside Lake Mohonk in the Shawangunk Ridge and joins with the Mohonk Preserve’s miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking and biking. Acclaimed spa services, an indoor pool, ice skating in winter, and classic resort dining define the Mohonk experience. Nearby towns offer farm to table eateries, cider tastings and arts based inns. The Catskills combine mountain vistas, design forward lodging and outdoor access into a weekend in nature not far from New York.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
At just ninety minutes by train from Penn Station or two hours by car, Philadelphia makes a strong case as the top urban escape from New York City. Visitors can explore Colonial history at Independence Hall and Elfreth’s Alley, admire public art murals across the city, and tour the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Reading Terminal Market is a must for food lovers and vintage market browsing. The city also features rising craft cocktail bars, local farm to table dining and a growing creative scene in Northern Liberties. Accommodations range from historic boutique hotels to bike friendly lodging. For a culturally vibrant and quick city weekend escape from New York City with historic roots, Philadelphia delivers.
1. Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario
Niagara Falls is roughly a six to seven hour drive from New York City or under two hours by flight. This awe inspiring natural wonder includes the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the United States side and Horseshoe Falls just across in Canada. A classic bucket list experience, one can wear a poncho and ride the Maid of the Mist or board the boat tours that enter the waterfall basin. Floor to ceiling views are also available from tower observation decks. The surrounding region hosts botanical gardens, casino resorts, picnic parks and lakeside wineries along the wine trail. Niagara Falls is ranked as one of the best weekend getaways from New York City for its drama, regional culture and two sided experience of nature.
