17 Easy Weekend Getaways From NYC
Weekend getaways from NYC can do wonders for the mind and soul. When in the city, most people can’t help but hustle—but a break from subway rides and cramped apartments is something we all need once in a while. (As for visitors, you too can get the true New England experience by pairing your city break with a local-loved side trip, or two.)
Disappearing into the woods, soaking up salty sea air, or getting lost in wine country all have their charms—and thankfully, all of the above are available just a few hours from Manhattan via rail, bus, or rental car. From the Hamptons to the Adirondacks, beaches, islands, and mountains are all easily accessible from New York City. Some of them may leave you wondering why New York's surrounding destinations don't get more buzz in the first place.
Below, the 17 best weekend getaways from NYC. Here's to checking them all of your bucket list. (For the best restaurants, hotels, and more in the city itself, check out our New York City travel guide.)
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Ronald Zeytoonian/AlamyThe quintessential beach town: Asbury Park, New Jersey
Just over an hour’s drive
We’ve long held the opinion that the classic Jersey Shore town, Asbury Park, doesn’t get enough attention. Super accessible from the city, it’s just an hour and fifteen minutes by car on the Garden State Parkway, and only thirty minutes longer if you're traveler from Penn Station on a Bay Head-bound North Jersey Coast Line train. From Asbury Park’s bustling boardwalk to its famous mile-long beach, this town offers the perfect blend of relaxation and action. Experience the exciting local food scene by making stops at Reyla (for Mediterranean small plates) or beachside coffee shop Asbury Park Roastery. Consider staying at the Asbury Ocean Club, Surfside Resort and Residences for an elevated beachside experience or the eclectic Asbury Hotel, which has the perfect rooftop.
Greg Patton/AlamyThe suburban sanctuary: Fairfield County, Connecticut
About a one-hour train ride via Metro-North
When you’re pressed on time and need a low-key break from the city, do as commuters do and escape to the ‘burbs. Hop on the Metro-North New Haven Line out of Grand Central and take an hour train to one of Fairfield County's numerous charming towns and cities. From coastal enclaves like Greenwich and Westport to more wooded areas like New Canaan and Wilton, the variety of Connecticut's suburbs may surprise you. Fairfield County doesn’t claim the tri-state’s best beaches, to be sure, but there’s plenty of summer fun to be had along Long Island Sound: take a kayak, sailboat, or ferry between the Norwalk Islands, stroll down one of the area’s many public beaches, or savor local seafood (be sure to order a round of Copps Island oysters) at Knot Norms, Rowayton Seafood, The Whelk, or L’Escale. There’s outdoor attractions beyond the beach, too: New Canaan’s Grace Farms, Stamford’s Cove Island Park, and Darien’s newly-opened Great Island offer acres of walking paths and recreational space. Book a stay at the Inn at Gray Barns or the Delamar Greenwich Harbor hotel, or rent a cozy Airbnb to truly settle in—without settling down.
Owaki - Kulla/GettyThe rural retreat: Manchester, Vermont
About a four-hour drive (or bus)
When you feel the need to go off-the-grid, the Green Mountain State is always a good idea for a long weekend in nature—whether you’re after winter snow or fall foliage. The idyllic town of Manchester located nearby Stratton Mountain Resort allows for just the right amount of isolation where you can relax in peaceful solitude without sacrificing top-notch restaurants, shopping, and human interaction (should you desire). Pro tip for the driving-averse New Yorkers out there: the Hampton Jitney runs a winter route between NYC and Manchester from December to March, departing on Fridays and returning each Sunday (fares start at $69). Stay at local establishment The Equinox, or drive a few towns over to exciting newcomer The Weston.
Ozzie Stern/UnsplashThe historical jaunt: Boston
About a four hour train ride via Amtrak Acela
New Yorkers and Bostonians may go head-to-head at times, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery without giving up your cosmopolitan comforts, a weekend trip to Boston might just be what the doctor ordered. The Amtrak Acela departing from Penn Station clocks in at just under four hours, arriving at South Station between downtown Boston and the waterfront. Upon arrival, walk along the cobblestone streets of the Freedom Trail and duck into some of the country’s finest restaurants, bars, and historic sites along the way. Take in the architecture of Boston’s South End or explore neighboring communities Cambridge and Sommerville. There’s no shortage of great hotels in Boston—old or new—making the classic New England city an ideal weekend excursion for every type of traveler.
Julian Bracero/UnsplashThe good-time island: Fire Island, New York
About a two-and-a-half hour drive, plus a 30-minute ferry ride
An all-time favorite summer escape, and one that is especially important to NYC’s queer community, is Fire Island. With its many towns and beaches, each boasting their own local flavor, the Long Island barrier island makes it easy to choose the spot to match your vibe. A few popular spots: Cherry Grove is a fun-loving party destination, Kismet is known for its nightlife, and Fire Island Pines is an affluent community with a dining and shopping scene and some of the island’s most expensive addresses. A worthwhile hotel option is the Madison, the boutique bed and breakfast where the cast of Fire Island stayed while shooting the recent film. (A few other spots it featured? The bar Cherry’s which offers harborside drag shows, vintage shop DENIZEN, and the Belvedere Fire Island, a palatial resort for gay men.)
Chris Henry/UnsplashThe city break: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About a two-hour drive; about an hour and fifteen minutes via Amtrak
It may be obvious, but it’s too easily forgotten by New Yorkers: the easy urban getaway to nearby Philadelphia. The city is budding with things to do, whether you’re in search of great new restaurants, fantastic art exhibits, or just a change of pace. A few of our favorite to-dos in Philly include visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, followed by the perfect cheesesteak at John’s Roast Pork. Betsy Blumenthal, former Traveler features editor—and resident Philly expert—recommends the city’s Four Seasons for its spectacular aerial views of landmarks like Independence Hall. (For even more destination tips, check out our comprehensive Philadelphia city guide.)
GettyThe posh beach hang: The Hamptons
About a two-hour drive
For many, the Hamptons conjure visions of Upper East Siders summering in their mansions, and flitting between high society parties. A weekend is the perfect stretch of time to slip into that whirlwind before letting the city ground you once again. Classic to-dos like visiting the Pollock-Krasner house in East Hampton (open May to October), designer shopping in the villages, and waterfront dining are always a good idea, as are summery outdoor activities. Pedal around the Atlantic Avenue Beach area with a bike rental from Amagansett Beach & Bicycle Company, savor a hefty lobster roll at the Dock House in Sag Harbor, or find inner peace in bird-filled Hither Hills State Park. A classic East Hampton stay, the Maidstone Hotel is the perfect place to post up (if you don't have an invite to one of the aforementioned mansions, that is).
GettyThe eclectic island: Martha’s Vineyard
A five-hour ferry ride
Sometimes an island is the best escape. Martha’s Vineyard, with its lighthouses, arcades and carousels, sandy shores, and vast landscapes fits the bill. To get there, take a five-hour Seastreak Ferry from Midtown Manhattan, fly from JFK airport, or drive to Falmouth, Massachusetts (about 4.5 hours), and pay for overnight parking before grabbing the 30-minute ferry from there. The colorful, fairytale-ish town of Oak Bluffs is one of our favorite East Coast beach towns; there, an ideal spot to post up is Summercamp Hotel. Deeper into the island, stop at Aquinnah, which feels martian-like with its clay-red lighthouse and cliffs.
GettyThe wine tour: The Finger Lakes
About a four-and-a-half-hour drive
New York’s biggest wine region offers plenty of options for sampling its famous riesling—but wine tasting is hardly all the area has to offer. The adventurous can pencil dive into a gorge or wade under a waterfall. Or stay above water: Canandaigua Sailboard offers paddleboard yoga, kayaking, and windsurfing. Between four and five hours from New York City, the Finger Lakes are just far enough to be a true escape. From Ithaca to quaint Skaneateles, there are a number of places that make for an ideal home base. Boutique hotel Argos Inn in Ithaca is one of them. We love the romantic renovated mansion for the original art prints in each room, some by Salvador Dalí.
Mona Makela/GettyThe nautical overnight: Mystic, Connecticut
About a two-and-a-half hour drive, three hours by train via Amtrak
Mystic’s maritime history gives this town a classic New England feel. Even today, it remains recognizable by the boats that sail the Mystic River and Long Island Sound. History buffs can immerse themselves in the lore with a visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum, where there are reproductions of the Mayflower II. For another take on all things aquatic, visit the Mystic Aquarium, where African penguins waddle and Beluga whales swim. Enjoy the charm of eateries like Nana’s Bakery and Pizza, which mills its own flour, as well as the Oyster Club for fresh and locally-caught fish. Stay a night or two at the Whaler’s Inn, which has historical pull (it’s been around since 1818), yet was renovated in 2021. Its modern comforts include four-poster beds, gas fireplaces, water views, and an excellent farm-to-table restaurant, the Shipwright’s Daughter.
Nicholas Olesen/GettyThe classic coastal destination: Newport, Rhode Island
About a three-hour drive
There’s so much to see in Newport, one of New England’s most storied summer towns. Do up your weekend T-Swift-style with winding coastline drives, half-pound lobster rolls, and wanderings through Gilded Age summer “cottages” as they were called in the 1920s. During the day, take in sweeping Atlantic Ocean and mansion views on the famed Cliff Walk or boogie board at First Beach. Then, when it starts to get dark, visit the Roof Deck at the Vanderbilt hotel for a sunset drink. For a luxury stay, consider spending a couple nights at the aforementioned Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection. If you’re looking for a homey group spot, check out this two-bedroom cottage a few steps from the beach. However you do it, it'll be easy to see why Newport is one of the best weekend getaways from NYC.
GettyThe quick camping trip: Cold Spring
About an hour-and-a-half train ride or drive
For an easy camping trip that doesn’t require a car, your spot is Fahnestock State Park. The campsite is near the Cold Spring stop on the Metro-North’s Hudson line—a short Uber ride covers the gap from the train station to the park itself. Squeeze everything you need for a night or two into a backpack, and relish in the empowerment and self-sufficiency of being 100% mobile. The hiking trails that run through the park connect to the vast Appalachian Trail, which touches 14 eastern seaboard states from Georgia to Maine. Besides hiking, the park has a beach on Canopus Lake, and fishing on four ponds and two additional lakes. On your way home, stop at Hudson Hil’s for a decadent brunch in the town of Cold Spring (we’re eyeing the Creole omelette) then walk to the train. If you’re looking to expand your journey throughout the region, there are many towns to love and explore in the Hudson River Valley area, including Beacon, Hudson, Kingston, and Rhinebeck.
GettyThe off-season gem: Lake Placid
About a five-hour drive
Better known as a winter destination, Lake Placid, home of the 1980 Winter Olympics, has a wealth of outdoor recreation in the summer months, too. At glassy, serene Mirror Lake, visitors can paddle out on canoes and kayaks. On the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails, hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers will pass the shimmering lake, cedar trees, and a population of otters. The Olympic sites include the magical Cloudsplitter Gondola ride, a rifle range, a glass elevator, a speed skating oval, a zip line park, the Herb Brooks Arena, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. If you're craving some time indoors, don't fret: The area’s old-fashioned movie theater at Tupper Lake Municipal Park, Adirondack State Theater, is currently screening One Life. Bed down at Lake Placid Lodge, a former summer camp.
GettyThe mountain escape: The Berkshires
About a three-and-a-half hour drive
The Berkshires, in western Massachusetts and northwest Connecticut, is one of those places that offers entirely different types of trips with every passing season. In the summer, the region is known for the anticipated Tanglewood season, in which the Boston Symphonic Orchestra and Boston Pops take residence and perform. In the fall, visitors can drive through some of the world’s most vibrant foliage along Route 2 and 7. Come winter, cold-weather sports are on offer—whether you’re looking to downhill ski or snowshoe. With the thaw of spring, hikes with waterfall views are easy to find at Bash Bish Falls State Park. Year-round, the food and drink scene won’t disappoint either: For an artisan cocktail after the sun goes down, visit Berkshire Mountain Distillers; to enjoy a plate of shrimp gumbo, visit Nudel; and to savor the notorious local cheeses, visit the North Adams’ Farmers Market. As far as hotels go, we have a few ideas. Restorative Canyon Ranch, Lenox is a six-time Readers’ Choice Awards winner, while Miraval Berkshires is one of New England’s largest and most renowned spas.
GettyThe great outdoors: Lake George
About a three-and-a-half-hour drive
Set in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, Lake George offers lots of open space and a slower pace of life. Take in the natural beauty with a scenic drive on NY-9 or NY-418, admire falcons at Bolton Landing, or shack up in a tent at the Lake George Island campsite. Other summer outdoor activities include fishing, cycling down the Warren County Bikeway, and golfing at the breathtaking Top of the World course. Boathouse Bed and Breakfast is the only B&B located directly on the lake, and has the most serene water views.
GettyThe peaceful spot: North Fork, Long Island
About a two-hour drive
For a low key Long Island alternative to the Hamptons, the bucolic North Fork and adjacent Shelter Island are what you're after. Head first to Greenport, North Fork’s largest town which is known for its marinas, fishing boats, neighboring vineyards, and blooming fields of lavender in July. Sound View Greenport is our pick for where to stay in town. Their fisherman-and-farmer-forward restaurant the Halyard is open, too—don't sleep on the summer truffle and fresh cavatelli. Then, take the ferry from nearby North Haven to Shelter Island, where you'll find hiking trails, osprey, and salt marshes at the Mashomack Nature Preserve, and even more land to explore on the protected beaches or in the acres of forest. If you are strategic about avoid common travel times (Friday evening out of the city, Sunday evening to return), you can be in North Fork in just two hours, making it a surprisingly quick weekend getaway from NYC.
GettyThe artist’s haven: Woodstock
About a two-hour drive
The best place to start in Woodstock may be the slopes of Overlook Mountain. The limestone peak, full of red oaks, firs, and (keep your eyes peeled) timber rattlesnakes, features some interesting ruins, like the eerie remains of Overlook Mountain House, which brought tourists to the Catskills in the 19th century and sits just south of the Overlook fire tower. If privacy is what you’re looking for, you might consider this bright and airy studio loft decorated in a farmhouse style. While you’re there, scoop up quality produce at Sunflower Market, or if you don’t want to turn on an oven in the summer heat, snag a table outdoors at Phoenicia Diner. The cult favorite is a treat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Highly recommended: the Phoenicia Smash sandwich (beef griddled into caramelized onion, mustard, mayo, New York cheddar, and pickles on a Brioche bun).
