Looking for the best weekend getaway ideas from New York City? You’ve come to the right place. If you’ve grown tired of exploring your neighborhood but need to be back at work on Monday morning, you’re ready to plan a trip that won’t take you too far from home. From cozy historic towns and food-forward destinations to windswept beaches, this roundup will inspire you to pack your bags ASAP.
All of these getaway weekend destinations are a short distance from NYC and can be reached by train, bus, or car. Scroll down and let the inspiration begin!
Remember to check with local authorities before planning or confirming a trip outside of your hometown. Some businesses are operating with reduced hours or new schedules, and certain cities or states have established different requirements regarding quarantine, testing, and self-isolation due to the pandemic.
10 Best Weekend Getaway Ideas from NYC
The Catskills, NY
Children of the 80s remember the Catskills’ scenery as the backdrop of iconic film Dirty Dancing. Though there is a lingering retro vibe to the area, it’s undoubtedly experiencing a revival. From hip boutique hotels to cool laid-back restaurants, Phoenicia is full of exciting weekend getaway options. Nearby Bethel is best known as being home to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, so don’t forget to pay tribute!
The Catskills offer plenty of outdoor activities, from rafting and tubing to hiking and fly-fishing. If you take a bus from New York City’s Port Authority, you’ll arrive in just three hours. If you’ve got your own set of wheels, expect the trip to take around two hours.
Hudson, NY
Foodies and antique hunters are in love with Hudson, and for good reason. New Yorkers fleeing Manhattan set their sights on this charming town that’s full of chic hotels, hip eateries, and vintage gems. Do your weekend getaway plans include brunch spots, natural wine bars, cool cafés, and romantic restaurants? Pack your bags, because you’re in for a treat. Hudson is easily accessed by Amtrak from NYC’s Penn Station (travel time: two hours), or by car (travel time: two-and-a-half hours).
Bear Mountain, NY
It’s hard to believe that Bear Mountain is just over an hour away from New York City. City dwellers craving a dose of natural beauty for their weekend getaway will fall in love with this area. Situated among the mountains on the west bank of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park offers camping, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing for visitors. If you aren’t keen to spend the weekend in a tent, check out the Bear Mountain Inn, which was built in 1915 and has hosted American legends such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Harry Truman. If you’re looking to mix history with Mother Nature, Bear Mountain is an ideal getaway spot.
Beacon, NY
Beacon has it all for a weekend getaway: rich U.S. history and inspiring modern culture based on a buzzing independent art scene. For example, Mt. Beacon, the highest point of the Hudson Highlands, played a key role in the American Revolution. This former factory town has reinvented itself; the ex Nabisco Factory is now Dia:Beacon, which showcases epic contemporary artwork. Located less than 90 minutes by train from New York City, Beacon has plenty of drool-worthy boutique hotels and loads of cool cafés and eateries.
North Fork, NY
Who says you need to get to Napa Valley to taste incredible wine? North Fork, NY is an epic getaway spot for wine lovers who also need a dose of nature. It’s a dreamy spot for those who aren’t into the glitz and glam of the Hamptons, but don’t want to stray too far from NYC. Rest your head at The Preston House before deciding which spots you’ll visit. Center your weekend trip around visiting the area’s best wineries, making stops for Sanglee Farms and tasty roadside bites along the way. To get there, you’ll need just three hours on the Hampton Jitney from Penn Station, or about two hours if you’re going by car.
New Paltz, NY
Some of the other weekend getaway destinations on this list are historic, but New Paltz takes that to another level. No, really: Huguenot settlers came to the area in the 17th century, before the United States became the United States. Enjoy stunning hotels and homes perched along the cliffs overlooking Lake Mohonk, or get lost on miles and miles of pristine hiking trails. This family-friendly destination is just a 90-minute Greyhound bus ride away, and will take you just two hours by car or train.
Finger Lakes, NY
Turn up the dial on the romance and plan an intimate getaway to the Finger Lakes region. With 11 lakes, peaceful rural landscapes, picture-perfect towns, and lots of outdoor activities, you won’t bore easily. There’s even a nice range of wineries and local breweries if you need an engaging happy hour plan. Once you’ve biked and hiked around, pop in to the glass museum to blow your own artistic creation. Tuck in for the night at a romantic lakefront hotel and feel the stress melt away. The Finger Lakes are a four-hour drive from NYC; by bus to Elmira it will take about five hours.
Shelter Island, NY
Shelter Island is a dreamy getaway spot for those needing coastal views and low-key relaxation. There’s plenty of history, as well as flora and fauna thanks to the 2,000 acres of creeks, woodlands, and freshwater marshes at the Mashomack Preserve. Once you’ve gotten your nature fix, soak up the social scene at an array of the island’s hip cafés and chic eateries. Just two-and-a-half hours from New York City, Shelter Island truly feels a world away.
The Berkshires, MA
Laid-back mountain luxury is the name of the game in the Berkshires. Plan your getaway around the contemporary art, culture, music, theater, and dance that you can get your hands on. VIP wellness fans will head straight to Canyon Ranch for a superlative immersion experience with more outdoor activities and spa treatments than they’ll know what to do with. If you don’t need ocean views to connect with the divine, the rugged mountain landscapes of the Berkshires will be right up your alley. And at just three hours from New York City, it’s never been easier to get there.
Newport, RI
Newport is anything but a “best kept secret” when it comes to a perfect getaway, but there’s a reason it’s so timeless. Where else can you take in dramatic ocean views, explore American history through stunning mansions, and eat some of the country’s best seafood? Before taking a dip at one of the area’s pristine beaches, don’t miss the iconic Cliff Walk. Despite the aristocratic airs, locals are friendly and the emerging food scene is bar none. Of course, if you want to feel like you’re part of the Gilded Age, there are a few stunning hotels that can make your dreams come true. Newport is just three-and-a-half hours by car from NYC and is also accessible by bus and train.
