In 2025, weekend trips from NYC offer the perfect getaway from the metropolis relentless pace, inviting travellers, millennials, couples, solo adventurers, and families to rediscover balance and pleasure. With flexible work schedules and a growing awareness of well-being shaping travel trends, brief getaways from NYC offer an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure without worrying about prolonged time away.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant autumn foliage, relaxed wintry weather getaways from NYC, or sun-sopping wet coastal retreats, those locations cater to every taste. From tranquil nature havens to historic hamlets and luxurious retreats, explore the 10 best weekend getaways near NYC, all within a 2–6 hour drive or an educational ride. Pack your luggage, queue up a street journey playlist, and embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway in upstate NY or beyond.
Why Weekend Getaways Matter in 2025
Escaping the hustle of New York City for a weekend getaway is more than luxurious. it’s a necessity. With health tours at the rise, New York getaways offer a risk to reconnect with nature, lifestyle, or cherished ones. These avenue trips or educational rides offer price-range-friendly, time-saving escapes tailored to diverse tourists. Whether you’re searching for adventure, rest, or family-friendly fun, those locations are optimised for weekend travel in 2025.
1. Hudson Valley, NY
How to Get There: Drive (2 hours) or take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central to Beacon or Cold Spring (1.5 hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: The Hudson Valley blends art, food, and nature seamlessly. Explore cutting-edge masterpieces at Dia Beacon, hike scenic Hudson River trails, or savour farm-to-desk delicacies in captivating towns like Hudson and Rhinebeck. It’s a top pick for a quick getaway from NYC, offering metropolitan aptitude and upstate calm.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for colourful foliage or summer for galas.
Quick Tip: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Historic Village Diner in Red Hook, a local gem with a retro vibe and handwritten specials.
2. The Hamptons, NY
How to Get There: Drive (2.5 – 3 hours) or take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Montauk or East Hampton (3 hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: The Hamptons weekend experience offers luxurious experiences, pristine seashores, upscale dining in NY, and sublime boutiques. Relax at Cooper’s Beach, tour the Montauk Lighthouse, or paddleboard in East Hampton. It’s a glamorous New York getaway for beach fanatics and trendsetters.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for seashore vibes or fall for fewer crowds.
Quick Tip: Dine at The Lobster Roll in Amagansett for fresh seafood and a laid-back, low-key atmosphere.
3. Lake Placid, NY
How to Get There: Drive (4.5–5 hours) or take an Amtrak to Westport, NY, then travel (5.5 hours overall).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: Nestled within the Adirondacks, Lake Placid is a journey hub. Hike the High Peaks, kayak on Mirror Lake, or try woodland bathing with Adirondack River Walking for a wellbeing improve. Winter gives skiing and ice skating, making it a winter getaway from NYC.
Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow sports activities or summer for trekking.
Quick Tip: Book a stay at the Mirror Lake Inn for comfortable lake front views and a cozy fire place appeal.
4. The Poconos, PA
How to Get There: Drive (2 hours) or take a Martz Trailways bus from Port Authority (2.5 hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: The Poconos are an outdoor playground with forested hills, lakes, and activities like white water rafting, hiking, and snowboarding at Camelback Resort. Jim Thorpe’s historical purple-brick attraction and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway add nostalgia to this weekend trip from NYC.
Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow sports activities or summer for water adventures.
Quick Tip: Hike Bushkill Falls, the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, for breathtaking waterfall views.
5. Catskills, NY
How to Get There: Drive (2.5 hours) or take a Trailways bus to Woodstock or Catskill (3 hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: The Catskills offer nature and comfort with tubing on Esopus Creek, snowboarding at Windham Mountain, or hiking the Catskill Scenic Trail. Stay on the Wylder for timber-fired saunas and farm-fresh eating at Babblers. It’s a top weekend getaway in upstate NY.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for the foliage or winter for cosy retreats.
Quick Tip: Shop at The Crows Nest in Red Hook for chic domestic goods and cunning reveals.
6. North Fork, Long Island, NY
How to Get There: Drive (2 hours) or take the LIRR to Greenport (three hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: North Fork is a laid-back alternative to the Hamptons with farm stands, wineries like Macari Vineyards, and unpretentious eateries. Its non-violent beaches make it a foodie-pleasant New York getaway.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for seaside days or fall for wine tastings.
Quick Tip: Enjoy a scenic wine tasting at Peconic Bay Vineyards.
7. Cape May, NJ
How to Get There: Drive (2.5 hours) or take a NJ Transit bus to Cape May (3.5 hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: Cape May, America’s Original Seaside Resort, boasts Victorian attractions, pristine seashores, and sports like whale watching or visiting the Cape May Bird Observatory. It’s a year-round weekend experience from NYC for couples and families.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms or summer for seaside amusing.
Quick Tip: Stroll Beach Avenue for vibrant boardwalk vibes and fresh seafood.
8. Finger Lakes, NY
How to Get There: Drive (4–5 hours) or take Amtrak to Syracuse, then take a bus to Ithaca (5.5 hours overall).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: The Finger Lakes provide romance with over a hundred wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park. Charming cities like Skaneateles make it a pinnacle weekend getaway from NYC for wine and nature fans.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for wine harvests or summer time for lake activities.
Quick Tip: Stay at the ancient Argos Inn in Ithaca for modern-day comfort with an antique attraction.
9. Woodstock, NY
How to Get There: Drive (2 hours) or take a Trailways bus from Port Authority (2.Five hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: Woodstock draws artists and adventurers with live music, artsy vibes, and trails near Hunter Mountain. Wander Main Street for cozy cafes or hike Overlook Mountain for epic views. It’s an indispensable weekend getaway in upstate NY.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for festivals or fall for colourful hikes.
Quick Tip: Grab a coffee at Bread Alone Bakery, a neighbourhood preferred with live guitar vibes.
10. Boston, MA
How to Get There: Drive (4 hours) or take an Amtrak Northeast Regional from Penn Station (3.5 –4 hours).
Why It’s Worth Visiting: Boston blends history and present-day allure with the Freedom Trail, international elegance museums like the Isabella Stewart Gardner, and sparkling seafood. It’s a colourful weekend ride from NYC for culture seekers.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms or fall for mild weather.
Quick Tip: Dine at Tavern on State for a diverse menu in a cozy setting.
FAQ: Your Weekend Getaway Questions Answered
What are the great months for a weekend ride from NYC?
September–October for foliage, June–August for seashores, and December–February for winter getaways from NYC.
Are there budget-friendly alternatives?
Many destinations, just like the Poconos and Woodstock, offer puppy-friendly trails and accommodations. Confirm with resorts or Airbnb before booking.
Are these getaways Dog-friendly?
Many destinations, just like the Poconos and Woodstock, offer puppy-friendly trails and accommodations. Confirm with resorts or Airbnb before booking.
What’s the pleasant way to journey?
Driving offers flexibility for road trips, while trains like Metro-North or Amtrak are convenient for shorter distances, such as the Hudson Valley or Boston.
