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:

Admire castle towers and savor upscale dining on a romantic weekend getaway.

Castle Hotel

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 10591
Phone: 800-616-4487

I was so impressed with my stay that I've written several articles on castles (including New York castles) right after.

Look at river views and explore military history on an exciting trip.

The Thayer Hotel

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

Sip local wine and stroll on vineyards on an affordable couples retreat.

Rose Hill Vineyards & Inn

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 11952
Phone: 631-804-0367

Romantic Weekend Getaways from NYC:

Enjoy historic charm and relax at the spa on a spring trip.

The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa

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 02563
Phone: 800-444-3566

Explore scenic trails and admire lake views on a peaceful retirement escape.

The Inn at Shelburne Farms

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 05482
Phone: 802-985-8686

Discover Hudson Valley charm and enjoy a stylish fall weekend escape.

Hasbrouck House

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 12484
Phone: 845-687-0736

For more Hudson Valley ideas, click here.

Go golfing and indulge in spa luxury on an exciting trip.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

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 15437
Phone: 866-344-6957

Savor coastal cuisine and walk quiet beaches on a romantic summer getaway.

Shelter Island House

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:

Shelter Island House, 11 Stearns Point Road, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
Phone: 631-749-1633 (Hotel) | 631-749-5659 (The Tavern)

Relax in a mountain spa and explore nearby trails on an easy weekend trip.

Emerson Resort and Spa

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 12457
Phone: 845-688-2828

Visit Adirondack sights and enjoy vintage charm on an affordable fall vacation.

Hotel Saranac

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 12983
Phone: 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:

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