New York City never stops moving, which makes it the perfect launchpad for quick escapes. Within a few hours, you can swap skyscrapers for beaches, vineyards, mountains, or world-class museums. This guide rounds up the best weekend getaways from New York City, including short trips near New York City by car, train, and bus. You’ll find relaxing retreats, outdoor adventures, and cultural city breaks—each with practical tips on travel time, where to stay, and when to go. Whether you crave a quiet cabin, a seaside inn, or a foodie weekend, these are the best weekend destinations near New York City that deliver maximum enjoyment with minimal planning.
Why Plan a Weekend Getaway from New York City?
A short escape resets your energy without using many vacation days. In just 2–3 days, you can explore new scenery, try regional food, and enjoy a slower pace. From NYC, many destinations sit within 1–4 hours, and most are accessible by train, bus, or car—perfect for a stress-free break.
Why should I plan a weekend trip from New York City?
- You’ll recharge fast: a change of environment boosts mood and creativity.
- You’ll save time and money: close-by trips limit transit costs and travel fatigue.
- You’ll discover variety: from beaches and vineyards to mountains and museums.
- You’ll keep plans flexible: leave Friday afternoon, return Sunday night, and still feel refreshed.
For most travelers, 2 nights works best. It gives you a full day in destination plus time to explore and relax. With efficient planning and smart bookings, a weekend trip offers big rewards with minimal logistics.
Top Weekend Getaways from New York City
Hudson Valley (Beacon & Cold Spring) — Art, river views, and small-town charm
• Distance/Travel Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes by Metro-North from Grand Central to Beacon or Cold Spring; 1.5–2 hours by car via I-87 or Route 9D.
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to the Hudson Valley pairs walkable river towns with modern art, scenic hikes, and standout dining. The pace is slower, the views are wide, and the culture scene rivals larger cities.
• Top Things to Do:
- Tour Dia Beacon’s expansive contemporary art galleries.
- Hike Mount Beacon or Breakneck Ridge for sweeping Hudson River panoramas.
- Stroll Main Streets in Beacon and Cold Spring for indie shops and cafes.
- Visit Storm King Art Center (drive or rideshare) for monumental outdoor sculptures.
• Where to Stay: Choose boutique inns in Beacon, historic B&Bs in Cold Spring, or a modern hotel near the riverfront. For value, compare week-of deals on reputable booking platforms. Metro-North Deals & Getaways often bundle train fare and attractions.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall deliver clear skies and mild temps; peak foliage runs late September to late October. Summer weekends feel lively with markets and festivals, while winter is quieter and cozy with fireplaces and tasting rooms.
This short trip rewards planners who want art, hiking, and great food with no car required.
The Catskills — Waterfalls, farm-to-table, and mountain air
• Distance/Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours by car (NY-28/NY-17); about 3 hours by bus (Trailways) to Woodstock, Kingston, or Phoenicia.
• Why Visit: Planning a weekend getaway from New York City to the Catskills brings you to classic mountain towns, swimming holes, and creative food scenes. You’ll find everything from easy nature strolls to summit hikes, plus breweries, cideries, and live music.
• Top Things to Do:
- Hike to Kaaterskill Falls or explore North-South Lake trails.
- Float the Esopus Creek by tube (seasonal) or paddle a calm reservoir.
- Browse Kingston’s Rondout waterfront and Woodstock’s galleries.
- Warm up with craft beer, cider, or farm-to-table dinners.
• Where to Stay: Cozy cabins, A-frame rentals, and design-forward lodges dot towns like Phoenicia, Hunter, and Tannersville. Seek eco-lodges with trail access or hot tubs for post-hike recovery. For flexible pricing, compare cabin rentals with boutique hotels; book early for foliage weekends.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall suits hiking and swimming; October foliage is a star. Winter brings snow sports at Hunter and Windham. Shoulder seasons (May/June, Sept/Nov) offer lower rates and quieter trails.
The Catskills deliver big nature and small-town culture in one easy mountain escape.
The Hamptons (Montauk & East Hampton) — Beaches, lighthouses, and seafood
• Distance/Travel Time: 3–3.5 hours by LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Montauk; 3–4+ hours by car (traffic varies) via I-495.
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to the Hamptons gives you Atlantic beaches, dune walks, and celebrated dining. Between surfing, sunsets, and farm stands, you’ll get a breezy coastal reset.
• Top Things to Do:
- Climb Montauk Point Lighthouse and walk the bluffs.
- Swim or surf at Ditch Plains (conditions vary).
- Bike quiet lanes in Amagansett or East Hampton.
- Savor dock-to-table seafood and wine bars.
• Where to Stay: Choose beach motels in Montauk, stylish inns in East Hampton, or cottage-style B&Bs. For last-minute flexibility, try HotelTonight for off-peak deals. LIRR Getaway packages sometimes bundle train fares with local experiences. Book far in advance for summer weekends.
• Best Time to Visit: June to early September is prime beach season; late May and September offer warmer water with fewer crowds. Fall weekends feel tranquil for dining and coastal walks, while winter brings big sky sunsets and low rates.
With surf, seafood, and plenty of sun, this coastal classic checks all the boxes for a beach-first escape.
North Fork, Long Island — Vineyards, bays, and laid-back villages
• Distance/Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car via I-495 to Route 25; 2.5–3 hours by LIRR to Greenport.
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to the North Fork trades glitz for farm roads, tasting rooms, and harbor views. It’s ideal for wine tasting, cycling, and slow mornings by the water.
• Top Things to Do:
- Sip cool-climate wines at vineyards in Mattituck, Cutchogue, and Southold.
- Ride bikes between farm stands, beaches, and lighthouses.
- Ferry to Shelter Island for preserves and kayaking.
- Explore Greenport’s boutiques, ice cream shops, and waterfront park.
• Where to Stay: Book boutique inns in Greenport, farmhouse B&Bs near vineyards, or simple harborside motels. Many wineries partner with local lodgings—check for tasting discounts with your stay. For car-free trips, stay near the Greenport LIRR stop and use rideshares or rental bikes.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through October is best; June and September balance warm weather with lower prices. Harvest season (September/October) is festive, while early summer brings peonies, strawberries, and long evenings.
Expect a restful coastal rhythm with plenty of tasting-room time and scenic rides.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania — Lakes, waterfalls, and easy adventure
• Distance/Travel Time: Around 2 hours by car via I-80 or I-380; 2–3 hours by bus (Martz or Greyhound) to Stroudsburg or Mount Pocono.
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to the Poconos delivers accessible hikes, family-friendly resorts, and year-round activities. Lakes anchor summer fun, while winter brings snow tubing and indoor waterparks.
• Top Things to Do:
- Hike at Delaware Water Gap to Mount Tammany or Raymondskill Falls.
- Paddle or swim at local lakes (check lifeguard schedule and permits).
- Enjoy indoor waterparks (Kalahari, Aquatopia) on rainy days.
- Sample local breweries and farm markets.
• Where to Stay: Pick lakefront cabins, budget-friendly motels, or full-service resorts with pools and spas. Families often save with resort packages that include waterpark access. For flexible itineraries, compare bundled bus + hotel options on trusted platforms.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall suits hiking and water activities. Winter shines for snow play and cozy firesides. Weekdays and shoulder seasons reduce crowds and rates.
With plentiful trails, watersports, and easy transit, the Poconos make outdoor time simple and satisfying.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts — Culture, trails, and classic New England
• Distance/Travel Time: 3–3.5 hours by car via the Taconic or I-87 to I-90; bus to Pittsfield runs about 4 hours. Amtrak to Hudson plus a short drive is another option.
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to the Berkshires blends hiking with serious arts. You’ll find Tanglewood concerts, big-name museums, and postcard towns framed by green hills.
• Top Things to Do:
- Spend a day at MASS MoCA in North Adams.
- Picnic on the lawn at Tanglewood (summer) and catch a performance.
- Hike Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak.
- Browse Lenox and Great Barrington for indie shops and cafes.
• Where to Stay: Choose boutique inns in Lenox, country lodges near Stockbridge, or budget hotels in Pittsfield. For cultural weekends, look for “stay + tickets” packages tied to Tanglewood or museum events. Book early for summer Saturdays and foliage season.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer suits music lovers, while fall foliage peaks late September to mid-October. Spring brings wildflowers and quieter museums; winter offers snowshoeing and fireside retreats.
You’ll go for the arts and stay for the scenery—and meals that spotlight New England purveyors.
Newport, Rhode Island — Mansions, sailing, and seaside walks
• Distance/Travel Time: 3.5–4 hours by car via I-95; or Amtrak to Kingston, RI, then a 30–40 minute rideshare/shuttle to Newport.
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to Newport offers Gilded Age grandeur alongside breezy harbor life. Between mansion tours and ocean paths, you’ll soak in history and salt air.
• Top Things to Do:
- Walk the Cliff Walk for sweeping coastal views.
- Tour The Breakers, Marble House, and other Newport mansions.
- Sail the harbor on a sunset cruise (seasonal).
- Dine on clam cakes, lobster rolls, and local oysters.
• Where to Stay: Harborfront hotels place you steps from docks and restaurants; charming B&Bs along historic streets deliver character and homemade breakfasts. For value, check midweek rates or off-season packages. Amtrak Saver Fares to Kingston can cut costs if you plan ahead.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal for sailing and seaside dining. September often brings the best mix of warm days and lighter crowds. Winter is quiet, with festive mansion decor during the holidays.
Newport marries coastal leisure with eye-popping architecture—great for couples and culture seekers.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — History, galleries, and a top-tier food scene
• Distance/Travel Time: 1.5 hours by Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall; about 2 hours by bus; 1.5–2 hours by car via I-95 (traffic varies).
• Why Visit: A weekend getaway from New York City to Philadelphia packs major museums, revolutionary history, and stellar eating into a walkable grid. You’ll spend less time in transit and more time exploring.
• Top Things to Do:
- See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Wander the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation.
- Snack through Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market.
- Stroll Rittenhouse Square and Old City.
• Where to Stay: Boutique hotels near Rittenhouse or Old City offer great dining access. For quick trips, pick a stay near 30th Street Station to streamline arrivals. Look for city passes that bundle museum entries, and compare Amtrak Saver Fares with bus promos for the best transportation value.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall bring mild weather and lively street life. Summer hums with festivals, while winter offers museum-focused days and lower hotel rates.
Philly delivers big-city energy with a compact footprint, perfect for spontaneous culture-forward weekends.
Travel Tips for Weekend Trips from New York City
- Pack light and smart: use a 30–40L weekender or carry-on backpack, a compact toiletry kit, and one pair of versatile shoes.
- Book transport early: Metro-North/LIRR off-peak and Amtrak Saver Fares can lower costs. Compare train/bus options on Wanderu or Rome2rio.
- Time your departure: leave Friday by 3–4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. to miss peak traffic; return Sunday after dinner for smoother rides.
- Reserve stays strategically: boutique inns and cabins sell out for summer and foliage weekends—reserve 2–4 weeks ahead. Use reputable platforms for flexible cancellation.
- Go car-free when possible: many picks are train-friendly; add rideshares, local shuttles, or bike rentals.
- Dining: book popular spots 1–2 weeks ahead, especially in Montauk, Beacon, and Newport.
What should I pack for a weekend trip from New York City?
- Essentials: ID, payment cards, phone + charger/power bank, water bottle, sunglasses.
- Clothing: layers, light rain shell, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear if coastal/lakebound.
- Extras: compact first-aid, sunscreen, hat, e-ticket confirmations saved offline.
Best Time to Plan Weekend Getaways from New York City
Seasonal highlights help you match trips to your style:
- Spring (April–May): 50–70°F (10–21°C). Ideal for Hudson Valley hikes, Philly museums with patio dining, and Newport’s early blooms.
- Summer (June–August): 70–85°F (21–29°C); beaches cooler with ocean breezes, mountains cooler at night. Best for Hamptons beaches, North Fork vineyards, Poconos lakes.
- Fall (September–November): 55–75°F (13–24°C) early fall; foliage peaks late September to late October in the Catskills/Berkshires. Great for hiking, harvest festivals, and crowd-light city breaks.
- Winter (December–March): 25–40°F (-4–4°C), colder in the mountains. Cozy inn weekends, indoor art days, snow tubing, and waterparks.
For beach-focused trips, target late June through mid-September; for leaf-peeping, aim for late September to mid-October upstate; for culture-first escapes, spring and fall balance mild weather with manageable crowds.
Budget and Planning Advice
How much does a weekend trip from New York City cost?
- Typical range: $350–$900 per person for 2–3 days, depending on lodging style, transport, and activities.
Estimated breakdown:
- Accommodation: $150–$350 per night (boutique inns and coastal hotels trend higher; cabins can be cost-effective when shared).
- Transport: $25–$80 round-trip for regional buses; $30–$90 for commuter rail; $60–$160 for Amtrak Saver to mid-range fares; $50–$120 for gas/tolls on a car trip.
- Food: $40–$80 per person per day.
- Activities: many hikes are free; museums and tours $15–$35; sailing/wine tours higher.
Smart tools:
- Route/Transit: Google Maps, Citymapper, Transit app.
- Booking: Booking.com or HotelTonight for stays; MTA TrainTime/LIRR for rail; Amtrak app for Saver Fares; Wanderu for bus/train comparisons; AllTrails for hikes; SpotHero for parking.
- Savings tip: look for “Deals & Getaways” from Metro-North and LIRR; off-peak or shoulder-season dates can cut rates dramatically.
Set your budget, book transport first, and lock in flexible lodging. A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth, affordable escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have plenty of car-free options. Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Beacon or Cold Spring (about 1 hour 20 minutes) for art at Dia Beacon and hiking. Ride the LIRR to Montauk or East Hampton for beaches, or to Greenport for North Fork wineries. Amtrak gets you to Philadelphia in about 90 minutes, while Amtrak to Kingston, RI plus a 30–40 minute shuttle or rideshare brings you to Newport.
The LIRR is the most reliable summer option; express trains run on Fridays to the East End and Montauk, and you can use rideshares or local cabs once you arrive. Driving can take 3–4+ hours depending on traffic on the LIE (I‑495), especially Friday evenings. You don’t need a car for a beach-focused weekend in Montauk or East Hampton, but it helps if you want to explore multiple towns or wineries.
From Grand Central, Metro-North’s Hudson Line takes about 1 hour 15–25 minutes to Beacon or Cold Spring. You can walk from both stations to Main Street, waterfront parks, and trailheads like Breakneck Ridge (check Metro-North for current station service) or connect via short rideshares to Mount Beacon. Pack boots and water, and start early on popular hikes to avoid crowding.
Choose the Catskills for rugged summit hikes (Kaaterskill Falls, North-South Lake, Slide Mountain), creative food towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia, and boutique lodges. Pick the Poconos for family-friendly lakes, Delaware Water Gap hikes like Mount Tammany, indoor waterparks (Kalahari, Aquatopia), and shorter, easier trails. Both sit about 2–3 hours from NYC; winter brings skiing at Hunter/Windham (Catskills) and Camelback/Jack Frost (Poconos).
Aim for late September to mid-October upstate, with peak dates shifting by elevation and weather. Top spots include the Hudson Valley (Storm King Art Center, Mohonk Preserve), the Catskills (Kaaterskill Falls, Route 23A overlooks), and the Berkshires (Mount Greylock, Lenox to Stockbridge backroads). Daytime highs usually land in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C), so bring layers and a light rain shell.
Take Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to Kingston, RI (about 3 hours), then grab a rideshare or shuttle 30–40 minutes to Newport. You can also ride a weekend bus or seasonal shuttle, but Amtrak plus a short car transfer is the most dependable combo. Once in Newport, you can walk the harbor, tour the mansions, and use local rideshares for the Cliff Walk and beaches.
Yes—Philly works perfectly for 2 days, and Amtrak gets you there in around 1 hour 20–40 minutes. Spend Day 1 in Old City (Independence Hall, Liberty Bell) and the waterfront; then explore Reading Terminal Market for lunch. On Day 2, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation, then finish in Rittenhouse Square. The city is walkable, and SEPTA helps with longer hops.
Base yourself in Greenport, right by the LIRR station. You can walk to Front Street for restaurants, harborside parks, and the Shelter Island ferry, then rent bikes for wineries in Southold and Cutchogue. For a car-free weekend, pick an inn or boutique hotel near the marina so you can stroll everywhere.
A car makes the Berkshires much easier because towns and museums spread out. You can reach Pittsfield by bus or ride Amtrak to Hudson, NY, then take a car service into the hills, but rideshares can be limited at night. If you go car-free, stay in Lenox or Great Barrington near dining, and focus on MASS MoCA or Tanglewood with prebooked transfers.
Plan for roughly $350–$900 per person, depending on where you go and how you travel. Expect $150–$350 per night for lodging, $25–$160 round-trip for trains/buses/Amtrak, $40–$80 per person per day for food, and $0–$35 for most attractions. To save, book shoulder seasons, grab Amtrak Saver Fares, and compare Metro-North/LIRR Deals & Getaways or last-minute hotel apps for discounts.
Susan CalliesSusan Callies is a travel writer at Travleon.com, where she shares guides, itineraries, and hidden gems from around the world. When she’s not writing about new destinations, Susan enjoys playing the violin, ice skating during the winter months, and exploring local food scenes wherever she travels. She's also passionate about photography, journaling her adventures, and visiting art museums. Susan believes that the best stories are found off the beaten path — and she’s always chasing the next one.