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.
After a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, for me one of the most enjoyable parts is picking a cozy inn, chic boutique hotel, or a countryside retreat to spend a relaxing 48 hours. Here I'm sharing my favorites that I personally vetted and I hope you enjoy them too.
1. The Crystal Springs Resort - 1 hour 25 minutes from NYC
This New Jersey resort is one of my favorite weekend getaways from NYC, and honestly this place has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family vacation, getting away by yourself, or spending a relaxing weekend with friends.
This Travel + Leisure® “World’s Best Awards” 2025 resort is actually made up of two hotels, Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel, each with its own distinct vibe. Grand Cascades is luxurious and romantic, with stunning mountain views, elegant suites, and the famous Biosphere pool complex.
Minerals Hotel is perfect for families, with indoor and outdoor pools, and tons of kid-friendly activities. My husband, son and I stayed here for two care-free days in a comfortable Deluxe Room with two Queen-size beds.
Dining here is a treat too. From casual cafés to refined restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning wine, there’s something for every mood. My favorite experience was enjoying a family dinner at Restaurant Latour for my birthday, which has an incredible wine cellar and amazing views.
To book, check availability or prices for Minerals Hotel.
What I loved best:
What I love most is how The Crystal Springs feels worlds away yet there's so much to do. It's the kind of place where I can golf in the morning, have a delicious lunch onsite, hit the hiking trails for an hour, and spend my afternoon indulging in a 60-minute massage, or simply unwind by the pool.
2. The Thayer Hotel - 1.5 hours from NYC
I was a big fan of this historic getaway at West Point when I moved to New York, just 1.5 hours away. I love that it's such an easy, scenic drive from the city, but even more I love the castle-like stone architecture and the views of the Hudson River! Stepping inside feels like walking into a piece of American history and it's no surprise that this place has hosted presidents and famous people.
My King Deluxe Room for two days was spacious and comfortable, measuring 220 sq ft, with traditional décor and all the modern comforts. I especially loved waking up to river views because they made me forget how close I was to New York City.
The Thayer is best for families will appreciate the proximity to West Point’s museums, tours, and scenic hikes in the Hudson Valley. Definitely one of my favorite finds in New York State!
To book, check availability or prices for the 3-star The Thayer Hotel.
What I loved best:
Watching the light fade over the Hudson for 30 minutes was easily my personal highlight of the stay.
Dining was another highlight, especially MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant which serves elevated meals with breathtaking views. I also thought that the Zulu Time rooftop bar is the perfect spot for cocktails at sunset for couples on a romantic getaway.
3. Hasbrouck House - 2 hours from NYC
This place is easily one of my favorite spots in all of Hudson Valley for a romantic weekend getaway! I love how this historic property combines rich history of its beautifully restored 18th-century Dutch Colonial stone mansion with the lush groundings where we strolled under century-old trees around a serene pond.
Our Classic Room for two nights was elegant, comfortable, with thoughtful details like Frette bedding, and a relaxing spa-like bathroom with Grown Alchemist bath amenities.
We were there when it was getting cold outside in the fall and it was the kind of place where you want to open the windows to enjoy crisp Hudson Valley air in the morning, and then curl up with a book by the fireplace in the evening.
Between the cedar sauna and cold plunge, 100-year-old landmark pool, hiking trails nearby, and small towns just minutes away, Hasbrouck House makes it easy to craft your ideal weekend getaway from NYC. Trust me, a stay here feels like a refreshing reset and you can make it totally unique for your own romantic weekend getaway.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Hasbrouck House.
What I loved best:
Dining at Butterfield, the on-site restaurant, was my personal highlight, especially great farm-to-table dishes that showcase local ingredients.
4. Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
This is hands down one of my favorite hidden gems on Long Island, a stylish yet laid-back boutique hotel that’s perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or some solo RR.
To reach Shelter Island House, we took the ferry from Greenport. The ride was just a few minutes across the Peconic Bay before landing on Shelter Island (in total, it took us 2.5 hours from New York City).
We adored how it feels like a true retreat, tucked away on a quiet island where life moves at a slower pace. The inn has a chic, coastal vibe with bright, airy interiors, crisp linens, and thoughtful details that made our room feel inviting and comfortable.
In addition, I appreciated how the property has a lovely balance of relaxation and fun. We could play lawn games in the garden, borrow bikes to explore the island, or take a short romantic stroll to Crescent Beach for sunset views.
We were here for a late summer getaway and I thought the Oysters ‘R’ Here in September was especially fun.
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...it felt worlds away from the city.
Dining is another highlight. The on-site restaurant serves fresh, seasonal dishes with a local twist. It really is the kind of place where you can spend the whole weekend without ever needing to leave, so it's easy to decompress in a short time!
5. Scranton Seahorse Inn - 1 hour 50 minutes from NYC
I thought this was one of the best spots for a cozy couples' weekend getaway. Nestled right in the heart of Madison, this charming bed-and-breakfast has that welcoming, homey vibe that makes you feel like family from the moment you step inside.
Our room for two days 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, and every room has its own character so you can look for something that is meaningful for your own weekend getaway.
My favourite part was how warm and inviting the décor felt with classic New England touches mixed with cheerful, nautical-inspired details.
In addition, breakfast at Scranton Seahorse Inn is truly something special. Each morning, I was treated to homemade dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Sitting in the sunny dining room with a cup of coffee and a warm breakfast made me feel like I was starting the day in the best way possible. It’s no wonder guests return again and again for that personal touch.
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 town before returning to the comfort of the inn.
In fact, the location is another reason why this inn is such an underrated gem. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Madison’s boutique shops, restaurants, and the beach, making it easy to enjoy both relaxation and exploration in 48 hours.
6. Winvian Farm - about 2 hours from NYC
I absolutely loved this whimsical luxury escape tucked away in the rolling hills of Litchfield County.
I drove about two hours northeast from New York City and we stayed in a beautiful cottage, a standalone space 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.
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, 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.
7. A Tiny House Resort, New York
This resort in the Catskills is one of my favorite underrated spots for a weekend getaway from NYC, perfect if you’re looking for something unique, cozy, and a little bit magical.
Tucked along the Catskill Creek in South Cairo, this hidden gem is all about slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life.
What I love most is how each tiny house is thoughtfully designed. 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 that frame the natural beauty outside.
My favorite part was sipping morning coffee on the deck and listening to the creek flow by.
For couples, the setting feels private and romantic, especially at night when the stars came out. Activities are plentiful too. 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 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 (there is a small fee to use the studio)!
8. Rabbit Hill Inn, Vermont - 6 hours from NYC
If you have time for a three-day (or a four-day holiday) weekend, this place is super romantic. I felt like I had discovered a true sanctuary with 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 that made me forget to check my email and text messages for the weekend!
The dining was another highlight, with a romantic candlelit restaurant that served creative farm-to-table dishes crafted with local Vermont ingredients.
Every moment, from breakfast in bed to stargazing in the quiet countryside, felt like it was designed for just for us. Rabbit Hill Inn is truly my favorite type of romantic getaway...underrated, elegant, and filled with the kind of magic that makes a weekend linger.
To book, check availability or prices for The Rabbit Hill Inn.
What I loved best:
My highlight was how easy it was to balance relaxation and adventure since we could spend the day exploring White Mountain trails, then return for a cozy evening by the fire.
9. Hull-O-Farms: A Weekend on the Farm - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
This one 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 fresh 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! If you are planning a family reunion, The Gifford house is the larger of the two, with 4 bedrooms and a cool outdoor deck.
During our weekend stay, my husband and I relaxed as we watched our son help with morning chores. I thought it was the coolest experience to see him gather eggs and learn about farm life firsthand.
We spent the afternoon wandering through wide-open fields, fishing in the pond, and taking in spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains all around us.
Evenings were peaceful, with the three of us sitting on the porch, 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, where hearty home-cooked food brought us together at the table and made us feel like part of the farm family.
10. 34 State in Skaneateles - about 4 hours from NYC
Nestled just steps from the village’s shops, restaurants, and the shores of Skaneateles Lake, this is one of my favorite hidden gems in Upstate New York.
I was fascinated to learn that the home dates back to the 1830s and 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, which was beautifully designed, and 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.
Each morning began with delicious, locally inspired breakfast delivered right to my door.
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.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star 34 State.
What I loved best:
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.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
