8 Weekend Getaways from NYC
Searching for the best weekend getaways from NYC? Well, you are in the right place! As a New York local for 10 years, 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 river town, or a relaxing beach, depending on my mood. I hope you enjoy my favorites too.
- #1. The Crystal Springs Resort - 1 hour 25 minutes from NYC
- #2. The Thayer Hotel - 1.5 hours from NYC
- #3. Hasbrouck House - 2 hours from NYC
- #4. Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
- #5. Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn - about 2 hours from NYC
- #6. A Tiny House Resort - 2 hours 15 minutes from NYC
- #7. Hull-O-Farms: A Weekend on the Farm - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
- #8. 34 State in Skaneateles - about 4 hours from NYC
Hamburg, NJ and The Crystal Springs Resort - 1 hour 25 minutes from NYC
When I'm in the mood for some serious pampering, we head to Hamburg, New Jersey and check into The Crystal Springs Resort for the weekend. Their awesome Biosphere pool complex is truly impressive and kept my whole family happy. Plus, Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel give you heaps of choices when it comes to comfortable accommodation.
Now, first things first, you have to experience the mineral pools! Trust me, they are super relaxing. Next, I'm not a very good golfer like my husband, but I loved the spa!
What I loved best:
My favorite was family dinner with Chris and our son at Restaurant Latour for my birthday which has beautiful views.
West Point and The Thayer Hotel - 1 hour 15 min from NYC
In the mood for a historic weekend with Hudson River views not far from the city? Head to West Point and check into The Thayer Hotel as your weekend base.
You can 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.
Our King Deluxe Room for two days at The Thayer was spacious. Once you are settled in, head to scenic overlooks in the Hudson Highlands.
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.
The Catskills and Hasbrouck House - 2 hours from NYC
If you are up for just a slightly longer drive from NYC, head further up north the Hudson Valley to Stone Ridge and Mohonk Preserve in the Catskills.
I have to warn you that I'm biased because Chris and I both absolutely love the Hudson Valley, and have been many so times, which you probably noticed if you already read my places to visit in New York article.
In Stone Ridge we strolled through the Stone Ridge Historic District, then had an early farm-to-table lunch at Hash. I had the falafel wrap ($13.50) with super fresh greens which I recommend to you.
In the afternoon, we explored nearby Mohonk Preserve ($15/day for hikers or $20/day for bikers). There are many scenic overlooks and nature is so beautiful.
As evening approached, we checked into Hasbrouck House, one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways from New York City. Why? I love the restored 18th-century (Dutch Colonial) stone mansion, and walking under ancient trees, and around the 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 pool which was super unique.
What I loved best:
Farm-to-table meals at Butterfield restaurant at Hasbrouck House.
Shelter Island House in New York - 2 hours 30 minutes
If you'd rather spend your weekend on the beaches near NYC, Long Island is fantastic. 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 with driving + ferry 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, borrow bikes to explore the island, and take a romantic stroll to Crescent Beach at sunset.
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.
What I loved best:
My favorite part was lounging by the pool for a while...it felt worlds away from the city.
Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn
Love the idea of a Long Island beach weekend getaway from the city? Add romantic vineyard tours and you get Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn on Long Island’s North Fork. The drive is actually 40 minutes shorter than going to Shelter Island House if you prefer that.
We drove east from New York City in about two hours, and we found this place in the town of Mattituck (population approximately 4,500 people).
The surrounding area is really lovely. I especially enjoyed the Mattituck Strawberry festival in June.
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)!
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.
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.
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.
