10 Best Weekend Getaways from NYC
Searching for the best weekend getaways from NYC? Well, you are in the right place! As a New York local, what I love most about The Empire State is that within just a few hours’ drive or train ride, I can swap the city’s nonstop energy for scenic mountains, a charming river town, or a relaxing beach, depending on my mood. In my guide, I'm sharing my favorites that I personally vetted on our four week road trip. I hope you enjoy them too.
- The Crystal Springs Resort - 1 hour 25 minutes from NYC
- The Thayer Hotel - 1.5 hours from NYC
- Hasbrouck House - 2 hours from NYC
- Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
- Scranton Seahorse Inn - 1 hour 50 minutes from NYC
- Winvian Farm - about 2 hours from NYC
- A Tiny House Resort - 2 hours 15 minutes from NYC
- Rabbit Hill Inn, Vermont - 6 hours from NYC
- Hull-O-Farms: A Weekend on the Farm - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
- 34 State in Skaneateles - about 4 hours from NYC
The Crystal Springs Resort - 1 hour 25 minutes from NYC
Hamburg, New Jersey may not immediately jump to mind when discussing a weekend away, but The Crystal Springs Resort changes all that, especially their awesome Biosphere pool complex! Plus, Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel give you heaps of choices when it comes to accommodations.
Yes, we went for the mineral pools first which felt amazing, and why this place is now one of my favorite weekend getaways from NYC. Next, I'm not a very good golfer, but I loved the spa!
To book, check availability or prices for Minerals Hotel.
What I loved best:
My favorite was family dinner with Chris and our son at Restaurant Latour for my birthday which has an incredible wine cellar and amazing views.
The Thayer Hotel - 1.5 hours from NYC
What I love about visiting West Point over the weekend is that it ends up being a total change of pace from New York City. Besides, the scenery along the Hudson River is beautiful, and moreover the history is fascinating. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and planning ahead, especially if you want to tour the United States Military Academy on an official guided tour of the academy ($22/person).
To get to West Point, I suggest not driving this time, but instead taking the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central to Garrison Station in West Point. It takes about 75 minutes and costs $15–20 USD one way. From Garrison, take a short taxi or rideshare across the river to West Point.
I think that The Thayer is best for vacationers will appreciate the proximity to all the attractions. Our King Deluxe Room for two days was spacious and comfortable. I especially loved waking up to river views.
Once you are settled in, head to scenic overlooks in the Hudson Highlands, making this a great destination if you want to occupy your time with history with the outdoors.
To book, check availability or prices for the 3-star The Thayer Hotel.
What I loved best:
Sunset over the Hudson was easily my personal highlight of this weekend getaway from NYC.
Hasbrouck House - 2 hours from NYC
Chris and I both absolutely love the Hudson Valley, and have been many so times, which you probably noticed if you read my places to visit in New York article.
For this weekend away, we went to Stone Ridge in the Catskills. Instantly I thought it was the most perfect spot for slowing down. We strolled through the Stone Ridge Historic District, spent the morning browsing local shops and galleries, then had a farm-to-table lunch at Hash. I had the falafel wrap ($13.50) with super fresh greens.
In the afternoon, we explored nearby Mohonk Preserve ($15/day for hikers or $20/day for bikers). The trails and scenic overlooks gave us space to walk side by side, talk, and just enjoy the quiet beauty of nature.
As evening approached, we checked into Hasbrouck House, easily one of my favorite spots in all of Hudson Valley for a romantic New York weekend getaway! I love the restored 18th-century (Dutch Colonial) stone mansion with century-old trees around a serene pond. I appreciated all the luxuries in our Classic Room for two days: Frette sheets, and a spa-like bathroom. Then there was the cedar sauna and cold plunge, and 100-year-old landmark pool which was super unique.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Hasbrouck House.
What I loved best:
Farm-to-table dishes at Butterfield, the on-site restaurant, was my personal highlight.
Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
No, I didn't forget Long Island! For this weekend getaway, we took the ferry from Greenport. The ride was just a few minutes across the Peconic Bay before we landed on Shelter Island (to be precise, in total, it took us 2.5 hours from New York City).
We adored how it feels like a true retreat here at the Shelter Island House. You can play lawn games in the garden, hop on borrowed bikes to explore the island, and take a romantic stroll to Crescent Beach for sunset views. As you can see, there are heaps of amazing things to do here!
We were here for a late summer getaway and I thought the Oysters ‘R’ Here (all-you-can-eat oyster festival) in September was especially fun. I sure enjoyed the abundance of seafood.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Shelter Island House.
What I loved best:
My favorite part was lounging by the pool for a while...it felt worlds away from the city.
Scranton Seahorse Inn - 1 hour 50 minutes from NYC
Up next: Connecticut. This time, we are off to Madison, Connecticut for a romantic B&B stay!
Our room for two days at Scranton Seahorse Inn had a fireplace (some even have a whirlpool tub!), which made our stay feel extra romantic. The inn itself is a beautifully restored 1833 Federal-style home. Since every room has its own character, you can look for something that is meaningful for your own weekend getaway.
To book, check availability or prices for the 3-star Scranton Seahorse Inn.
What I loved best:
In the evenings, my highlight was strolling through the quaint Madison town before returning to the comfort of the inn.
Winvian Farm - about 2 hours from NYC
Another personal favorite weekend getaway from NYC is located in Litchfield County. We drove about two hours northeast from New York City and we stayed in a beautiful cottage surrounded by trees. Winvian felt like a retreat where every corner invited rest: my own private soaking tub, a leather chair by the fire, a porch with a view of the woods.
The serene spa with treatment rooms set in the woods was my personal highlight. I recommend splurging on a 60-minute massage to jumpstart your weekend right away.
You can trust that this place is special, serves incredible food, and luxurious because it has earned two AAA Five Diamond Awards (one for the property, and a separate one for the restaurant!).
To book, check availability or prices for the 5-star Winvian .
What I loved best:
I thought the outdoor pool was perfect for lazy afternoons. In addition, I loved how cozy common spaces felt ... more like a friend’s country estate than a hotel.
A downside? Because each cottage is so unique, rates are higher compared to standard hotels.
A Tiny House Resort - 2 hours 15 minutes from NYC
For something unique in the Catskills, don't overlook A Tiny House Resort. I think it's absolutely perfect if you’re looking for something unique, cozy, and a little bit magical.
Now first things first, what I love most is how each tiny house is thoughtfully designed. Heads up, the spaces may be small, but they’re incredibly charming. Our tiny house for two days had a smart layout, comfy beds, a full kitchen, and big windows. It was such a hidden gem!
My favorite part was sipping morning coffee on the deck and listening to the creek flow by. Next, there were heaps of things to do. You can paddle in the creek, take a hike right from the property, rent an electric bike (for an extra fee), and relax with a good book (of course!) by the water. I love that it's such a great base for exploring nearby Hudson Valley towns, wineries, and hiking trails.
What I loved best:
The resort itself has so many little extras that make it special. There are fire pits for roasting marshmallows which were my personal highlight, hammocks between trees. And even a studio for artists where you can paint and make tile art (heads up, there is a small fee to use the studio)!
Rabbit Hill Inn, Vermont - 6 hours from NYC
If you have time for a three-day (or a four-day holiday) weekend and you don't mind the drive, this is one of the most romantic spots to celebrate a special occasion. When my husband and I checked in for our anniversary at Rabbit Hill Inn, I felt like I had discovered a true sanctuary. The warm fires, inviting common rooms, and a quiet countryside setting.
My favorite part was our individually decorated room for two days, with a canopy bed, a whirlpool tub, and a fireplace. I totally forgot to check my email all weekend!
We had such an romantic candlelit dinner restaurant. Be sure to savor the farm-to-table dishes crafted with local Vermont ingredients.
To book, check availability or prices for The Rabbit Hill Inn.
What I loved best:
My highlight was stargazing in the quiet countryside.
Hull-O-Farms: A Weekend on the Farm - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
This weekend getaway from NYC is for families needing a digital detox (just like my family did)! When we arrived to this unique place in upstate New York, I felt like we had stepped into a world where family time and country air mattered more than anything else. My family and I drove about 2 hours 40 minutes north from New York City into the northern Catskills.
From the moment we were welcomed, my son was running toward the animals with so much joyful excitement. I loved watching him feed goats and pet baby chicks...it felt like a hidden gem of simple pleasures and plenty of time outdoors.
Our farmhouse for two days was cozy and special. In fact, there are just two private guest houses (so book early!). We stayed at The Rose which has 2 bedrooms (one queen bed in the first bedroom and a set of bunk beds in the second), a sleeper sofa, full kitchen, full bath, and a living room with pine floors made from the farm's own forests!
I loved our peaceful evenings, with the three of us sitting on the porch, and watching the sun set over the fields.
To book, check availability or prices for Hull-O-Farms.
What I loved best:
One of my favorite parts at Hull-O-Farms was the family-style meals. Home-cooked food brought us together at the table and made us feel like part of the farm family.
34 State in Skaneateles - about 4 hours from NYC
We started our weekend getaway from NYC early, driving upstate toward the Finger Lakes region of New York. Skaneateles awaited.
First thing we did was walk straight to Skaneateles Lake, which is one of the most underrated lakes in upstate NY, seriously amazing.
We grabbed coffee on Genesee Street and just walked around. Next we explored the small shops and galleries.
Lunch at Blue Water Grill right on the lake came next. I loved this awesome experience with spectacular water views. In the afternoon we took a boat cruise on the lake. It was the most relaxing part of the weekend.
Later we checked into 34 State nearby. I loved how peaceful and affordable it felt compared to big city hotels. I was fascinated to learn that 34 State dates back to the 1830s. It once belonged to Judge Richard Kellogg, giving the entire property a sense of history.
We stayed in the Barrow Suite for two nights over the weekend. It was so was beautifully designed, decorated with John D. Barrow artwork, antiques, and a comfortable sitting area. I appreciated luxury touches like 500 thread count linens, Frette bathrobes and an in-suite white noise machine.
At night we walked along the lake at sunset, which honestly felt like a romantic movie scene.
The next morning we explored nearby waterfalls and trails around the Finger Lakes, a brilliant idea and such a cool contrast to NYC life.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star 34 State.
What I loved best:
For me, Skaneateles is one of the 10 best weekend getaways from NYC because it's romantic and unique!
The inn’s location was a highlight and I thought that couldn’t be better...just a block from Skaneateles Lake and the village center, yet tucked away on a peaceful, tree-lined street.
In addition, I enjoyed visiting during the 4-week Skaneateles Festival during the summer where you can hear the best music in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
