In this post, I’ll share my favorite weekend getaways I enjoyed while living in New York City for 10 years. I love these scenic drives, cozy inns, and charming small towns that aren't too far or too hard to get to. You'll get plenty of fresh air and unforgettable weekend adventures just beyond the skyline and subway buzz.
Best Weekend Getaways from NYC:
Fairy-tale elegance close to the city at the Castle Hotel
Castle Hotel & Spa felt like something out of a storybook. Set high above the Hudson River, it gave us turrets, candlelit dinners, and sunsets that felt like magic. I remember thinking, “I don’t need a passport to feel transported.”
What I Loved Most: The romantic ambiance and how quiet everything became once we stepped inside those stone walls.
My highlight? A dinner at Equus Restaurant: the duck breast with cherry jus, paired with a bold red, made for an unforgettable evening.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~45 minutes from NYC
- Vibe: Regal, quiet, romantic
- Highlights: Spa treatments, riverside strolls, fine dining
- Best For: Couples, anniversaries, castle dreams
- Cost: Upscale
Address:
Castle Hotel, 400 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, NY 10591Phone: 800-616-4487
I was so impressed with my stay that I've written several articles on castles (including New York castles) right after.
Historic halls and Hudson River views from The Thayer Hotel - 1.5 hours from NYC
Walking into The Thayer Hotel felt like stepping into American history—but with plush linens and five-star views. The military heritage added weight and grace to our stay, and the scenery made it feel utterly serene. I remember thinking, “We’re sleeping where presidents and generals once stood.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the mist rise off the Hudson in the morning with coffee in hand.
My highlight? Sunday brunch at MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant—especially the smoked salmon platter and fresh-squeezed mimosas.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Historic, formal, riverside
- Highlights: West Point tours, scenic drives, elegant dining
- Best For: History buffs, scenic weekenders
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
Wine country charm in North Fork at Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn
There was a soft slowness to Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn that we fell into instantly. Mornings with vineyard views, afternoons sipping chilled whites under the pergola. I remember thinking, “This is how you do nothing... beautifully.”
What I Loved Most: The boutique size—it felt like staying at a friend’s dreamy country estate.
My highlight? Our sunset picnic: goat cheese, olives, baguette, and a bottle of the house rosé enjoyed on the lawn.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~2 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Relaxed, rustic, cozy
- Highlights: Wine tasting, bike rides, farm stands
- Best For: Wine lovers, couples, quiet escapes
- Cost: Moderate
Address:
Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn, 2000 Oregon Rd, Mattituck, NY 11952Phone: 631-804-0367
Romantic Weekend Getaways from NYC:
Colonial elegance meets Cape Cod calm at The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa - 4 hours 20 minutes
Stepping into The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa was like a warm hug from history. The rooms creaked in the best way, and every corner seemed to tell a story. I remember thinking, “I could spend a whole day just exploring inside.”
What I Loved Most: Tea in the conservatory and the inn’s curated antique charm.
My highlight? Baked stuffed lobster with a side of buttery popovers—Cape Cod on a plate at the in-house restaurant.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~4 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Historical, polished, coastal
- Highlights: Spa treatments, local shops, heritage walks
- Best For: Traditionalists, history lovers
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
Address:
The Dan'l Webster 149 Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563Phone: 800-444-3566
Gilded Age grandeur in Vermont at The Inn at Shelburne Farms - 5 hours
We arrived through a tunnel of trees, and The Inn at Shelburne Farms appeared like something out of a novel. It felt timeless. We walked the farm trails, sat by the lake, and soaked in the golden light of an unhurried world. I remember thinking, “This is Vermont at its most graceful.”
What I Loved Most: Waking up to lake breezes and fresh-baked pastries.
My highlight? Farm-to-table breakfast with Shelburne eggs, housemade jam, and Vermont cheddar grits.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~5.5 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Grand, pastoral, restorative
- Highlights: Walking trails, farm tours, lakeside serenity
- Best For: Nature lovers, vintage luxury seekers
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
Address:
The Inn at Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482Phone: 802-985-8686
Upstate calm with a boutique soul at Hasbrouck House
Hasbrouck House blended farmhouse warmth with boutique polish. We played lawn games, read by the fire, and wandered to the pond at dusk. I remember thinking, “We’ve found our upstate home base.”
What I Loved Most: The community feel—you can talk to other guests or disappear in your own little world.
My highlight? Dinner at Butterfield, the onsite restaurant: heritage pork with apple cider glaze and roasted root vegetables.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~2 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Warm, welcoming, design-forward
- Highlights: Farmhouse décor, outdoor fire pits, local hiking
- Best For: Couples, creatives, friend getaways
- Cost: Moderate
Address:
Hasbrouck House , 3805 Main St, Stone Ridge, NY 12484Phone: 845-687-0736
Whimsical luxury in the mountains at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - 5 hours 25 minutes
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort was a wonderland—art galleries, golf courses, adventure parks, and cozy fireside moments. It was all here, and somehow never felt overwhelming. I remember thinking, “This place knows how to wow.”
What I Loved Most: The sheer variety of things to do, paired with truly beautiful accommodations.
My highlight? A tasting menu dinner at Lautrec—six impeccable courses paired with wines I’d never forget.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~6 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Grand, luxurious, experiential
- Highlights: Spa, art, outdoor adventures, golf
- Best For: Luxe escapes, special celebrations
- Cost: High-end
Address:
1001 Lafayette Drive, Farmington, PA 15437Phone: 866-344-6957
Walk to the beach from Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
Shelter Island House Shelter Island House was low-key lovely. Biking quiet roads, sunning by the pool, and stargazing on the porch—everything slowed down. I remember thinking, “We needed this silence.”
What I Loved Most: That ferry ride feeling of “we’re leaving it all behind.”
My highlight? The lobster roll and glass of rosé at the hotel’s garden restaurant—simple, fresh, unforgettable.
Plan your trip:
- Drive + Ferry: ~3 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Chill, breezy, boutique
- Highlights: Biking, beach, garden dining
- Best For: Recharging, beachside couples
- Cost: Moderate
Address:
11 Stearns Point Road, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965Phone: 631-749-1633 (Hotel) | 631-749-5659 (The Tavern)
Mountain air and spa serenity at Emerson Resort and Spa
Nestled in the Catskills, Emerson Resort and Spa gave us tall trees, deep sleep, and steamy spa afternoons. It was luxury without pretense. I remember thinking, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
What I Loved Most: The world’s largest kaleidoscope on-site—it was whimsical and oddly romantic.
My highlight? A couple’s massage followed by truffle mac and cheese at Woodnotes Grille.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~2 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Cozy, luxurious, natural
- Highlights: Spa, hiking, artful touches
- Best For: Reconnection, birthday weekends
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
Address:
5340 NY-28, Mt Tremper, NY 12457Phone: 845-688-2828
Adirondack charm with a vintage soul at Hotel Saranac - 5 hours from NYC
Hotel Saranac had an old-world glamour that made me feel like a 1920s adventurer. We explored the lakes, read by the fireplace, and caught golden hour over the mountains. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of quiet that heals.”
What I Loved Most: The balance of wilderness and refined comfort.
My highlight? Seared scallops and maple-glazed carrots at Campfire Adirondack Grill—flavors bold and cozy, just like the region.
Plan your trip:
- Drive Time: ~5.5 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Mountain vintage, woodsy charm
- Highlights: Hiking, lake paddling, village wandering
- Best For: Nature lovers, nostalgic souls
- Cost: Moderate
Address:
100 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983Phone: 518-891-6900
Conclusion: Where Will the Weekend Take You?
New York City may be where the energy lives—but these weekend getaways are where peace, beauty, and connection thrive. Let the winding roads, cozy inns, and quiet mornings invite you to rest, explore, and dream. Wherever you go, bring your curiosity, your camera, and your favorite person—or simply your favorite self. The best kind of weekend is one that leaves you lighter, brighter, and ready for the week ahead.
Highlights:
- Cozy stays in the Catskills
- Beach retreats on Long Island
- Historic strolls in Hudson Valley towns
- Wine tastings in Finger Lakes
- Scenic hikes in Upstate NY
Some More of Our Weekend Getaways from NYC Collections:
- Long Weekend Getaways from NYC with Kids
- Romantic Getaways from NYC
- Weekend Getaways from NYC Without a Car
- Golf Weekend Getaways from New York City
- Seasonal ideas: Summer, fall, winter vacations from NYC.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Fairy-tale elegance close to the city at the Castle Hotel
- • Historic halls and Hudson River views from The Thayer Hotel - 1.5 hours from NYC
- • Wine country charm in North Fork at Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn
- • Colonial elegance meets Cape Cod calm at The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa - 4 hours 20 minutes
- • Gilded Age grandeur in Vermont at The Inn at Shelburne Farms - 5 hours
- • Upstate calm with a boutique soul at Hasbrouck House
- • Whimsical luxury in the mountains at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - 5 hours 25 minutes
- • Walk to the beach from Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
- • Mountain air and spa serenity at Emerson Resort and Spa
- • Adirondack charm with a vintage soul at Hotel Saranac - 5 hours from NYC