The 18 Best Weekend Getaways From New York City

New York City has been described in some ways, however “stress-free” is not sometimes certainly one of them. When you want a break from the hustle and bustle, relieve some stress by packing a bag and getting out of town for a couple of days.

To aid you choose the proper vacation spot on your much-needed escape, U.S. News evaluated knowledgeable and traveler opinion to seek out the most effective weekend getaways from New York City. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend journey, a fun-filled household escape or a while with associates, these getaways have the whole lot you want for a memorable journey.

This beautiful mountain vary in northeastern Pennsylvania (about 100 miles northwest of New York City) has appealed to vacationers for generations. Perfect for each households and {couples}, the Poconos provide the whole lot from whitewater rafting excursions to fascinating museums and manicured golf programs. If the youngsters are in tow, allow them to burn off their extra power at a water park. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers will likely be proper at dwelling at one of many area’s journey parks, which characteristic aerial impediment programs and an all-season tubing hill, and nature lovers will take pleasure in ample climbing and horseback using alternatives. Plus, with a number of romantic eating places and resorts, the Poconos space has distinguished itself as a premier honeymoon vacation spot for lovebirds. Book your keep at The Lodge at Woodloch for a wellness-centered trip full with yoga and artwork courses, mindfulness experiences, and an adults-only spa.

Located in New York’s Hudson Valley, round 60 miles north of Manhattan, Beacon has reworked up to now 20 years from a sleepy industrial city to a thriving arts neighborhood, making it the getaway of alternative for relaxation-seeking metropolis dwellers. Here, guests can spend weekends (or a daytrip) perusing classic outlets and flea markets, kayaking alongside the Hudson River, and exploring Beacon’s scenic climbing trails.

The first cease in your itinerary ought to be Dia Beacon, a famend up to date artwork museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing manufacturing unit. One of the biggest up to date artwork galleries within the nation, Dia’s sturdy assortment of labor spans from the Sixties to the current. From right here, take a stroll down Main Street. Lined with doughnut outlets, cafes and artwork galleries, Beacon’s major drag options hidden gems corresponding to Hudson Beach Glass and the Towne Crier Cafe, a preferred restaurant and reside music venue. While there may be loads to do and see in Beacon, you may’t go away with out touring the ruins of Bannerman Castle. Situated on Pollepel Island and reachable by boat from late April to October, this Scottish-style citadel was as soon as a storage website for surplus navy gear and ammunition.

Not solely is that this quiet refuge lower than two hours by automobile from Manhattan, however vacationers can simply hop on the prepare to achieve this vacation spot as effectively: Take the Metro-North Railroad from New York City to Beacon for lower than $50 spherical journey. There are additionally loads of lodging choices to select from, starting from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to distinctive digs like The Roundhouse, an deserted manufacturing unit complex-turned-stylish boutique lodge.

Ditch the Big Apple and head about 95 miles southwest to the City of Brotherly Love. Known greatest for being the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia is a perfect weekend getaway for households and historical past buffs. Brush up in your founding fathers trivia on a strolling tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center earlier than strolling via Rittenhouse Square Park. From there, set your sights on town’s must-see museums: The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and The Franklin Institute are all good locations to discover.

Philadelphia can also be infamous for its substantial culinary prowess. Sure, the cheesesteaks are a must-try – cease in a store like Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies to see for your self what all of the hype is about – however this metropolis has a various meals scene. If you may have time to spare, try the prolonged listing of distributors in Reading Terminal Market, the place you may pattern the whole lot from Dutch to Thai to Cajun fare.

With restricted parking obtainable within the metropolis, it is best to stay with public transportation. New York City vacationers can trip the Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to the William H. Gray III thirtieth Street Station in lower than two hours. Once right here, go for lodging in Center City, the place you will discover an array of espresso outlets, posh eating places and historic websites inside strolling distance of your lodge. Travelers significantly favor The Rittenhouse for its elegant lodging and first-rate service.

Long Island’s northeastern peninsula, often called the North Fork, matches the invoice on your subsequent weekend journey in case you like tranquil seaside villages and laid-back itineraries. Located about 80 miles east of Manhattan and immediately north of the illustrious Hamptons, this quiet refuge is characterised by its wineries, seashores and pleasant ambiance. Not solely is that this brief jaunt from town a superb place for a {couples} journeys in New York state, however households can even discover a plethora of thrilling actions right here as effectively.

To get right here, catch the Long Island Rail Road commuter prepare from Penn Station to Greenport. When you arrive, make a beeline for the seashore – Orient Beach State Park occupies a first-rate part of actual property alongside Gardiner’s Bay and is an ideal place for kayaking, swimming and sunbathing. Meanwhile, wine aficionados can spend the afternoon at Macari Vineyards or Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery whereas households hit up the Splish Splash water park. At the tip of the day, unwind on the beautiful Harborfront Inn at Greenport.

This secluded barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island is about 65 miles east of Manhattan and a preferred getaway for New Yorkers – for good cause. Travelers will discover an unspoiled island freed from high-rise buildings and the vexing sounds of visitors, all inside a couple of hours of town. In reality, Fire Island is a car-free atmosphere, making it the perfect alternative for metropolis dwellers in want of a brief weekend escape. Here, guests can take pleasure in actions like crusing, biking, clamming and bird-watching. Just remember that Memorial Day to Labor Day is taken into account the busy season, so schedule your trip outdoors of those dates if you wish to keep away from crowds.

Because you may’t drive onto the island, one of the simplest ways to get right here is by taking the Long Island Rail Road to Sayville, Patchogue or Bayshore. These locations have marinas that supply ferry service to and from Fire Island for a price. When it involves lodging, Fire Island’s choices are principally small inns and resorts, however they refill rapidly, so e book prematurely to make sure you’ll have lodging. If you’d relatively tough it, campgrounds can be found throughout the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, at Smith Point County Park and at Watch Hill. Keep in thoughts, backcountry tenting permits and each day campsite charges (sometimes beginning at $25 per day) could also be required for choose areas.

Arriving within the Hamptons, it is simple to see why this seaside vacation spot on jap Long Island’s South Fork has established such a reputation for itself. White sand seashores, untouched nature preserves and loads of bars serving up frozen cocktails are only a few of the alluring photos which will come to thoughts while you think about an escape to the Hamptons. Luckily for New Yorkers, this little slice of heaven sits lower than 100 miles east of Manhattan, making it simply accessible for weekend getaways and daytrips.

Lay down your towel on East Hampton’s Main Beach or Southampton’s Coopers Beach, then forged a fishing line from the shore of Montauk Point State Park. For a dose of tradition, try the Hamptons’ illustrious artwork scene: The Parrish Art Museum and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center (open seasonally) are two of the world’s most outstanding museums. When it is time to flip in for the night time, avoid wasting coin by selecting a lodge in close by Riverhead or by tenting on the seashore.

For nature lovers, this mountain vary in southeastern New York is the proper place to reconnect with the nice outdoor. Home of the well-known 1969 Woodstock music pageant, the Catskills have been inspiring vacationers for many years. Spend the weekend climbing the area’s widespread trails (the Kaaterskill Falls path options the tallest waterfall in New York state), or get out on Alder Lake in a kayak. In winter, head right here to see Hunter Mountain blanketed in snow and to benefit from top-notch snowboarding and tubing alternatives.

In addition to out of doors actions corresponding to climbing, fly-fishing, biking and zip lining, the Catskills are a haven for artists. Follow the Hudson River School Art Trail to witness firsthand the vistas that impressed artists like Thomas Cole. Meanwhile, music lovers and historical past buffs will not need to miss a go to to The Museum at Bethel Woods, a museum showcasing artifacts and tales from Woodstock. Before calling it an evening at one of many area’s fabulous resorts or resorts, cease by a microbrewery for a flight.

Those on the lookout for a calming weekend ought to take into account Cape May, a high romantic getaway vacation spot in New Jersey. Located roughly 160 miles south of New York City, this enchanting East Coast city is beloved for its stunning seashores, placing Victorian properties and laid-back ambiance. After absorbing some rays on the seashore (the Cove Beach is a traveler favourite), hit up the retailers at Washington Street Mall. Filled with small boutiques, ice cream outlets and bookstores, this out of doors mall spans three blocks and is ideal for easygoing strolls.

Other can’t-miss actions in Cape May embody climbing the Cape May Lighthouse, watching the solar go down at Sunset Beach, embarking on a sightseeing cruise and taking a guided tour of the Emlen Physick Estate – Cape May’s solely Victorian-era home museum. Cape May presents a plethora of lodging choices for weekend journeys starting from quaint B&Bs to resorts set in ornate Victorian mansions. Book a room in historic Congress Hall or The Southern Mansion for charming visitor rooms and handy facilities.

The quintessential New England city of Mystic is located round 130 miles northeast of New York City and thought of one of many high issues to do in Connecticut. This seaside village has the whole lot you’d need from a weekend getaway: museums, galleries, scrumptious eateries and historic landmarks. Head to Williams Beach Park for a quiet day by the water, then stroll via Mystic’s historic downtown. Colonial-era sea captain’s properties line the streets right here, and there are numerous locations to dine and store.

Families can even love the Mystic Aquarium for its instructional displays and interactive habitats. Meanwhile, the Mystic Seaport Museum is a maritime museum that gives a number of actions for youths, together with hands-on displays and a zoo backyard. Just do not go away with out snapping a photograph of the long-lasting Mystic River Bascule Bridge, a 1922 drawbridge that connects the Groton and Stonington sides of Mystic. When you are able to retire for the night, Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa receives rave opinions for its snug rooms and ample enterprise facilities.

This rural area in western Massachusetts (about 150 miles north of Manhattan) has all of the makings of a fairytale getaway with loads of issues to do. Picturesque mountain ranges, winding roads and idyllic cities are synonymous with the Berkshires, making this vacation spot the proper place to flee the hubbub of New York City. Bring your companion alongside to take pleasure in a romantic weekend full of vintage buying, museum excursions and scenic automobile rides via the area’s lush countryside.

For breathtaking mountain panoramas, strap in your climbing boots and head to the summit of Mount Greylock, the best level in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, tradition hounds will not need to miss an opportunity to tour the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and The Clark Art Institute. In summer time, catch a dance efficiency on the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow or hearken to reside music on the garden of Tanglewood, an extravagant music venue and summer time dwelling of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Accommodations within the Berkshires run the gamut from B&Bs to luxurious resorts and resorts. Many previous vacationers say Canyon Ranch Lenox, whereas dear, is definitely worth the splurge for its wellness-focused facilities and indulgent spa therapies.

Only accessible by ferry, this hidden oasis between New York’s North Fork and South Fork is ideal for a fast weekend escape from town. You will not discover rowdy nightlife or luxurious lodging right here, however that solely provides to its enchantment. In reality, almost a 3rd of the island is made up of the Mashomack Preserve, a protected habitat with 11 miles of shoreline and greater than 2,350 acres of tidal creeks, freshwater marshes, fields and woodlands. The protect can also be a serious hub for bird-watching: More than 200 species of birds name this space dwelling, though it’s particularly recognized for its giant inhabitants of nesting osprey.

Elsewhere on the island, guests can lounge on Wades Beach, a family-friendly stretch of sand that includes lifeguards and a consolation station, or take pleasure in water sports activities at Shell Beach. Shelter Island is a premier spot for kayaking: The seasonally open Kayak Shelter Island presents single and double kayaks, together with paddleboard leases. While the island has golf programs, boutique buying and courts for petanque (a French sport just like bocce ball), undoubtedly the most effective factor to do right here is nothing in any respect.

To get right here, begin by taking the Long Island Rail Road commuter prepare to Greenport, then board the North Ferry to Shelter Island. Alternatively, you will get right here by driving to Sag Harbor after which loading your automobile onto the South Ferry. For lodging, Shelter Island presents a handful of small resorts, trip leases and B&Bs.

If sandy toes and lobster rolls are calling your title, look no additional than Newport, Rhode Island – probably the greatest spots for a weekend getaway in New England. This port city, positioned on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island and about 180 miles northeast of New York, is known for its miles of pristine shoreline, upscale boutiques and ornate Gilded Age mansions, which you’ll be able to ogle on a trolley tour. It can also be lauded as one of many world’s premier crusing locations.

While right here, achieve your sea legs aboard a ship tour of Newport Harbor, or get your steps in on a part of the Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5-mile pathway that runs alongside Newport’s jap shore. Then, interact in some well-deserved retail remedy alongside Thames Street, which is lined with a plethora of retailers and eating places. Of course, you may’t go away with out touring The Breakers, Newport’s iconic Renaissance-style “summer time cottage,” which is among the high issues to do in Rhode Island. When it is time to mattress down, try certainly one of Newport’s many lavish lodging, corresponding to The Vanderbilt and The Chanler at Cliff Walk.

Situated in New York’s Adirondacks area, roughly 200 miles north of Manhattan, Lake George is full of enjoyable actions the entire household can take pleasure in. Sink your toes within the sand at Lake George Beach, also called the Million Dollar Beach: a kid-friendly stretch of sand full with lifeguards and concession stands. Then, work up a sweat climbing Prospect Mountain and Shelving Rock Falls. For extra of a thrill, try Lake George’s parasailing, whitewater rafting and zip lining programs.

If you are merely trying to kick your ft up in your weekend getaway, hire a pontoon boat and spend the day floating round Lake George. The area can also be dwelling to eating places, the Adirondack Winery outpost in Lake George and several other museums, together with The Hyde Collection and the Fort William Henry Museum. After an eventful day of lake actions, head again to your plush lodging at The Sagamore Resort to unwind.

This quiet village in upstate New York (round 300 miles north of New York City) is much less crowded than the favored Lake Placid, making Saranac Lake a superb alternative for a weekend getaway from town. Take benefit of this beautiful lake by getting out on the water in a canoe or kayak, then get your coronary heart pumping on the three.7-mile Bloomingdale Bog Trail. For an additional dose of historical past, the Saranac Laboratory Museum showcases Saranac’s fascinating previous as a tuberculosis therapy vacation spot. Downtown, you will additionally discover a wide range of outlets, eating places and artwork galleries to maintain you occupied for hours, plus little ones will benefit from the Adirondack Carousel, which runs Friday via Sunday.

Saranac Lake can also be a preferred winter vacation spot due to its plethora of out of doors sports activities (assume: snowmobiling, cross-country snowboarding and ice fishing) and conventional winter actions such because the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, which takes place each February. The occasion additionally includes a fireworks show and a number of parades. When it involves lodging, guests will principally discover cozy cabins and B&Bs right here, however a handful of luxurious resorts can be found as effectively. For the final word in consolation, e book your keep at Hotel Saranac, a historic property with trendy facilities.

Famous for its slew of historic landmarks, monuments and museums (a lot of that are free to enter), Washington, D.C., has lengthy appealed to historians and politicos. However, there’s extra to the nation’s capital than meets the attention. With greater than 20 neighborhoods to discover and innumerable issues to do, Washington is a treasure chest ready to be unlocked. Find killer nightlife and impeccable eating within the Shaw and U Street space, upscale buying in Georgetown, charming Nineteenth-century row homes in Dupont Circle, and a bevy of historic sights on Capitol Hill.

If you are solely visiting for the weekend, anticipate an action-packed schedule. Start by hitting up one of many metropolis’s first-rate museums: The National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Gallery of Art are a couple of traveler favorites. Then, take a stroll alongside the Tidal Basin (you can even get out on the water by renting a paddleboat) or chill out on the garden of the National Mall. Here, you will have quick access to sights just like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and its Reflecting Pool, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol. Note, although, that whereas a lot of D.C.’s sights are free, some museums might require timed-entry passes to be reserved forward of time, so plan as far prematurely as doable.

Located roughly 225 miles southwest of NYC, Washington is a simple drive by automobile or bus. However, one of the simplest ways to get right here is by prepare. Take Amtrak’s high-speed Acela or Northeast Regional prepare to Union Station and shed as much as 90 minutes off your journey time. Plus, as a result of Washington ceaselessly performs host to celebrities, politicians and enterprise tycoons, there are many top-notch lodging to select from when you arrive. For an expensive keep, e book a room at The Jefferson, a complicated property with European aptitude plus a restaurant and a cocktail bar on-site. An added bonus? The Jefferson is positioned solely a mile away from the National Mall, so you will be proper the place the motion is.

Bordering Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay, New England’s largest metropolis sits 215 miles northeast of New York City; vacationers can decide to journey right here by automobile, bus or prepare. Whether you are drawn right here by the cobblestone streets, the historic landmarks or town’s sturdy baseball roots (a go to to Fenway Park for a sport or behind-the-scenes tour cannot be missed), Boston has all of the components you want for a memorable weekend getaway – simply keep in mind to pack your strolling footwear.

After you’ve got efficiently trekked the two.5-mile Freedom Trail (or hop-on, hop-off bus tour) to a few of Boston’s most famed sights – together with the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Faneuil Hall Marketplace – discover a shady spot to relaxation in Boston Common or the Boston Public Garden. For a dose of tradition, try the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which options landscaped gardens and an intensive assortment of European, Asian and American artwork. When you’ve got drained your self out from a day of sightseeing, cling up your coat in certainly one of Boston’s premier resorts. Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston and the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf are two of town’s high properties, each providing a prolonged listing of facilities and plush lodging.

New York’s Finger Lakes – a group of 11 lakes that features the favored shorelines of Seneca Lake, Skaneateles Lake and Cayuga Lake – are revered for his or her spectacular water sports activities alternatives, scenic state parks and top-notch wine. As one of many chief wine areas within the nation and the biggest wine-producing space within the state of New York, the Finger Lakes area has earned its fame as a high vacation spot for romantic weekend getaways.

For brief stays within the Finger Lakes, following the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is one of the simplest ways to see a whole lot of native wineries in a bit of period of time. With almost 30 wineries and several other eating places set alongside the route, the path is ideal for leisurely automobile rides within the countryside (simply make sure you assign a delegated driver forward of time). Opt for a refreshing riesling, the area’s signature wine, or develop your palate on a tasting tour.

Meanwhile, nature lovers ought to head to Robert H. Treman State Park or Watkins Glen State Park for an opportunity to see breathtaking waterfalls. If you are on the lookout for a small-town ambiance with native outlets and museums, you may’t go flawed with Skaneateles Lake. Here, you will additionally discover a wide range of charming B&Bs and inns just like the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a traveler favourite. Other high lodging choices within the Finger Lakes area embody the Inns of Aurora and The Statler Hotel at Cornell University, each of which provide quick access to Cayuga Lake.

If you are keen to hop on a brief flight (or take a bus tour), you may take pleasure in a weekend marveling at one of the vital stunning and spectacular pure wonders of the world: Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is lower than a two-hour flight from New York City – and, whereas this highly effective waterfall is bound to take your breath away, it is not the one cause to plan a weekend getaway to the world. With stunning botanical gardens, wineries and casinos, this well-known vacationer city has the whole lot you want for a fun-filled weekend away. Take benefit of each the American and Canadian sides of the Niagara River by bringing your passport with you.

For a traditional Niagara Falls expertise, don a poncho and board the Maid of the Mist boat tour. This famed attraction is among the greatest methods to see the falls up shut, but it surely’s unimaginable to ensure you will not get moist. If you’d relatively view the falls from a drier and fewer crowded vantage level, head to the statement deck of the Skylon Tower. Thrill-seekers may expertise the falls on Journey Behind the Falls, which takes individuals immediately behind the thunderous waterfall, or on an exhilarating jet boat tour. When it is time to flip in, guests on the American facet of the falls can e book their keep at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, whereas Ontario-based friends spend a comfortable night time within the well-appointed Harbour House Hotel.