Romantic Getaways from NYC

1. Governors Island

Governors Island is located within New York Harbor's Buttermilk Channel between the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, open to the public as a lovely public park during the summer and autumn months.

The 172-acre island was long known as an important United States Army and Coast Guard site, only recently opened to the public as a tourist destination.

Today, you can explore the island's lovely Governors Island National Monument, which elaborates on the island's military history through a variety of exhibits and interpretive trails. Couples can embark on guided walking tours overseen by the National Park Service or enjoy opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like rock climbing and ziplining.

Each year, the island hosts the annual Governors Island Art Fair, which showcases some of the New York City area's best arts and crafts vendors.

2. Asbury Park, New Jersey

Asbury Park is one of New Jersey's top seaside resort destinations, known for its legendary music scene, which has played an influential part in launching the careers of internationally-acclaimed rock music acts like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.

Couples looking to get away from the city for a weekend can explore the town's charming historic boardwalk , which is lined with unique boutiques and family-friendly arcade attractions. Top international acts are showcased at the gorgeous restored historic Paramount Theatre, while major regional and national rock bands flock to famed 20th-century tavern Stone Pony.

Visitors can also play classic video and pinball games from the 20th century at the Silverball Museum or explore unique oddities at the quirky Paranormal Museum. Each year, the city hosts annual special events like the world-record-breaking New Jersey Zombie Walk.

3. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City, New Jersey is one of the Eastern Seaboard's top tourist destinations, known as the inspiration for the popular American board game Monopoly.

The lovely resort town has become known as the Las Vegas of the East Coast today, home to glamorous high-rise resorts, 24/7 casino floors, and eclectic nightlife options.

Couples can stroll along the city's picturesque Atlantic Ocean boardwalk, which was the first public boardwalk in the country at its opening in 1882, and explore delightful attractions like the Steel Pier amusement park, home to high and mild thrill rides like a giant observation wheel.

Charming restaurants and shops abound in resort districts like the Pier Shops at Caesars, perfect for romantic lunches and dinners.

Couples can also view some of the nation's most unique roadside attractions, including Lucy the Elephant, towering six stories over the city's skyline.

4. Beacon

Beacon is a delightful arts district located approximately 90 minutes from downtown Manhattan, easily accessible via New York City area public transit.

The rustic former industrial town has been transformed into one of New York's liveliest cultural districts, showcasing a wide variety of art galleries, studios, boutiques, and charming restaurants along its mile-long Main Streets. Couples can explore delightful attractions like the city's DIA:Beacon gallery, which transforms the city's former Nabisco factory campus into a 30-acre arts paradise.

Nearby, Beacon Mountain offers opportunities to ascend the Hudson Highlands' highest mountain peak, while Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve offers chances to boat out to picturesque Bannerman Island.

Each month, the city hosts Beacon Arts Second Saturday events, which showcase live music performances, street fair vendors, and open-admission gallery exhibitions.

5. Cold Spring

Cold Spring is a lovely Hudson Highlands village that is noted for its delightful culinary scene and unique antique stores.

The picturesque Putnam County village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its gorgeous downtown district, which is home to 19th-century attractions like the West Point Foundry, transformed into a nature preserve today. Boscobel House and Gardens transform a Gilded Age mansion into a living history museum, while Pollepel Island is home to a unique landmark castle.

Downtown, couples can explore unique businesses like home goods store Poor George, organic and natural Cold Spring Apothecary, and popular outfitters Old Souls or dine at some of the New York area's most romantic restaurants, including Brasserie Le Bouchon and Whistling Willies.

Nearby, Breakneck Ridge offers some of the Hudson Valley's best chances for nature hikes.

6. Coney Island

Coney Island is New York's most famous seaside entertainment district, located at the southern tip of borough Brooklyn along a peninsula at the city's Atlantic Ocean coastline.

The famed boardwalk district rose to international prominence in the late 19th century, noted for its gorgeous resorts and lively amusement attractions.

Today, family-friendly amusement parks like Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park preserve historic rides like the 1927 Coney Island Cyclone, one of the world's greatest wooden roller coasters, alongside modern wonders like the brand-new Thunderbolt coaster, which pays homage to the former vintage ride of the same name.

The district's boardwalks attract families and couples alike, showcasing arcade games and sideshow attractions.

Couples can also stretch out on the sands of the district's beachfront, which hosts annual special events like the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

7. Cooperstown

Cooperstown is a lovely central New York village located on the southern banks of beautiful Otsego Lake, best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Couples can explore the museum's exhibits throughout the year, which include a Plaque Gallery dedicated to the sport's greatest legends.

The charming Fenimore Art Museum showcases exhibits of fine and folk American art, while the Farmer's Museum presents crafting and farming demonstrations recalling the heritage of 19th-century area farmsteads.

Otsego Lake offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation, including chances for fishing, boating, and hiking.

Hyde Hall converts a 19th-century Gilded Age mansion into a living history campus, open for tours throughout the year.

8. Cornwall

Cornwall is a lovely historic town located within New York's Hudson Highlands, dating back to the state's colonial era in the mid-17th century.

Today, the charming town is a top romantic getaway destination for New York area couples, located just an hour outside Manhattan's downtown district. Couples can peruse the exhibits of the acclaimed Storm King Art Center, which stands in the shadows of imposing Storm King Mountain.

Stunning views of the surrounding Hudson River region are offered atop the mountain's summit, including views of nearby Newburgh Bay and Bannerman's Island. Couples traveling with children in tow can explore the lively Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, which is home to family-friendly walking trails and play areas.

The city's lively Main Street district is home to a plethora of romantic dining options, as well as charming art galleries and boutiques.

Nearby, the former 100-acre farmstead of the Shops at Jones Farm offers rustic shopping experiences and serves up famed apple cider and pies throughout the year.

9. The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes are 11 narrow, picturesque lakes located within central New York's geographic region of the same name, created from glacial valleys within the Northern Allegheny Plateau.

The region's lakes include beautiful Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, among the United States' deepest lakes, and are prominently connected to the women's suffrage movement of the early 20th century.

Lovely cities like Hammondsport and Corning showcase unique tourist attractions like the Corning Museum of Glass, preserving the history of the famed 20th-century glassworks. Couples can explore living history sites like Geneva's Rose Hill or Auburn's Seward House, a National Historic Landmark dating back to the Civil War era.

The stunning Hemlock-Canadice State Forest stretches for nearly 7,000 acres throughout the region, home to important bald eagle nesting sites. Couples can also sample wines and beers at acclaimed area microbreweries and wineries, including natural winemakers O-Neh-Da Vineyard.

10. Hudson

Hudson is a charming city on the western border of New York's Columbia County, located along the eastern banks of the Hudson River approximately two hours north of downtown Manhattan. The lovely city has become a major tourist destination since the late 20th century, home to delightful art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife destinations in its vibrant downtown district. Couples can peruse unique vendors and dealers at the Hudson Antiques Center and the English Antiques Center or explore preserved living history buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the city's Hudson Historic District. The district is a top area destination for LGBTQ couples, hosting one of upstate New York's most prominent Pride parades each year. Other annual special events include the Hudson Music Festival, New York state's largest annual free music festival.