10 Best Weekend Getaways from Major U.S. Cities
Do you love big city life? It’s invigorating most of the time, isn’t it? There’s so much to see and do, and few things in life beat that buzz in the air.
But, every once in a while, even the biggest city buffs need a break from all the noise. If you call The Big Apple, Chicago, or Seattle home, we have a few ideas in mind – something to take you away from all the noise. Just for a morning or two, all you’ll hear is the gentle sound of birdsong in the morning or the quiet hum of the harbor.
New York City to Cold Spring, NY
Just an hour and a half north of Manhattan by Metro-North, Cold Spring feels worlds away from the lights of the city. This quaint Hudson Valley village is full of charm, historic character, and wraparound river views.
The downtown strip on Main Street is lined with antique shops, indie bookstores, cafés, and one of the best little general stores you’ll find outside Vermont. It’s the kind of place where everyone’s walking around with a coffee in hand and a dog on a leash.
If you plan on packing your hiking boots, you’ll love nearby Breakneck Ridge – a challenging but rewarding trail with showstopping views of the Hudson River. Or, if you prefer something a little more low-key, you can grab a sandwich from Cold Spring Depot and have a picnic by the water. The town also hosts seasonal farmers markets and has some great little B&Bs that are perfect for cozying up with a good book.
Boston to Rockport, MA
Just an hour northeast of Boston, Rockport is a seaside gem that’s as photogenic as it is peaceful. Perched on the tip of Cape Ann, this town is known for its artsy vibes, salty air, and lobster rolls. You can wander through Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula filled with art galleries, boutiques, and seafood shacks. It feels a bit like something from a New England postcard.
When you’re not marveling at the red fishing shack known as Motif No. 1 (one of the most painted buildings in America), you can relax at Front Beach, take a harbor cruise, or explore Halibut Point State Park. Rockport is all about quiet charm and cool coastal breezes.
Los Angeles to Ojai, CA
A 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, Ojai is a mellow mountain town with a dash of bohemian wonder and a serious love of nature. Tucked into a valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, it’s the kind of place where people meditate before breakfast, browse art galleries after lunch, and sip organic wine at sunset. The atmosphere is earthy and artsy – think spa retreats, yoga studios, and outdoor concerts beneath fairy lights.
We highly recommend the Ojai Valley Inn for your stay and Bart’s Books – an open-air bookstore that’s bookworm heaven. The hiking here is top-shelf, with trails through citrus groves before you head up into the hills. And, speaking of citrus, the Ojai Pixie tangerines are a local legend. If you’re visiting in the spring, stock up. People come here to unwind, unplug, and maybe do some light soul-searching.
Chicago to Galena, IL
About three hours west of Chicago, Galena is the kind of town where time slows down and the buildings look like they belong in a 19th-century novel. This historic spot on the Mississippi River is known for its perfectly preserved architecture, green rolling hills, and cozy B&Bs that invite you to light a fire and curl up with a glass of mulled wine.
Main Street is the main attraction, with boutiques, candy shops, and wine-tasting rooms galore. If you’re a history lover, you’ll enjoy the Ulysses S. Grant Home and a walking tour through the Civil War-era buildings. If it’s the great outdoors you’re searching for, you can easily hop on some nearby trails or kayak down the river. Although Galena shines in the fall when the leaves go full technicolor, it’s magical every season.