City life is irresistible – the energy, the skyline, the food trucks on every corner. But, sometimes, you just need to breathe some fresh air and remember what the stars look like.
Thankfully, New York City is surrounded by amazing weekend escapes that don’t require a plane ticket or time off from work. Whether you’re in the mood for beach lounging, hiking, exploring cute little towns, or a bit of history, we have some places in mind for you.
Below, we’ve plotted your pathway to ten easy getaways that are just far enough to feel like a vacation, but close enough to keep it simple.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly is only about an hour and a half away by train, which makes it a no-brainer for a spontaneous weekend trip. It has that perfect mix of old-school charm and a buzz energy, kind of like NYC’s younger sibling (who really enjoys history and cheesesteaks).
You can start at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall if you’re in a patriotic mood. Then, wander through Old City’s cobblestone streets, check out the art at the Barnes Foundation, and stop by Reading Terminal Market for a food crawl. If you’re there on a nice day, a slow walk along the Schuylkill River Trail will soothe your soul and become another beautiful memory.
Cape May, New Jersey
This beach town at the southern tip of New Jersey feels like a throwback to a more genteel time. Think colorful Victorian homes, horse-drawn carriages, and front porches that are made for iced tea and people-watching.
Cape May is perfect for a quiet weekend getaway. You can lounge on the beach, climb the Cape May Lighthouse for some spectacular views, and browse the boutiques around Washington Street Mall. Don’t miss sunset at Sunset Beach (appropriately named), and, if you’re into wine, the local vineyards offer surprisingly good tastings.
Cold Spring, New York
How about something low-key, pretty, and close? Cold Spring is a tiny Hudson Valley town that packs a lot of charm into just a few blocks. And you can hop on a train at Grand Central and be there in under 90 minutes.
Then, you’ll spend your weekend browsing antique shops, enjoying the waterfront, and hiking Breakneck Ridge if you’re feeling ambitious. After you work up a sweat, you can reward yourself with a cozy meal at a local café. Cold Spring is the kind of town where you’ll probably start looking up real estate before you leave.
The Hamptons, New York
Yes, it’s fancy. Yes, it gets crowded. But, there’s a reason the Hamptons are such a go-to. It’s genuinely beautiful out here. With long stretches of sand, phenomenal seafood, and charming villages, it’s a worthy summer retreat.
Each town has its own personality: Montauk is more laid-back and surfer-y; East Hampton is upscale and polished; and Sag Harbor has a lovely historic feel to it.
You’ll enjoy strolling through the farmer’s markets, lounging on the beach, and sampling a lobster roll from a roadside shack. The Hamptons offer vacation energy with a New York twist. And, to help you round out your trip, here’s our list of the top things to do there.
Lake George, New York
If, instead, you’re craving a dose of the great outdoors, Lake George in the Adirondacks is a solid choice. It’s a bit of a drive (around 4 hours), but the mountain and lake views are worth creating that four-hour playlist. It’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, hiking, or just unwinding by the water.
In the summertime, the lake is buzzing with activity – boats, parasails, you name it. But, it’s also a great place to visit in the fall when the foliage turns everything gold and red. Book a cabin or cozy into a motel room for the weekend and enjoy a small slice of Americana in the mountains.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence often flies under the radar, but that just means you’ll find fewer crowds and more surprises. This artsy, quirky city is about three hours north of NYC and offers a cool mix of colonial history and creative charm.
You can stroll through the neighborhoods of Federal Hill and College Hill, explore the RISD Museum, and eat your way through the Italian restaurants along Atwells Avenue. If your visit lines up with a WaterFire night (when the river is lit with bonfires), it’s absolute magic.
Beacon, New York
Beacon is another Hudson Valley gem, and perfect if you want a little bit of nature with your culture. It’s just 90 minutes by train from the city, but it feels like a total reset. The town is small and walkable, with a fun mix of old-school charm and modern shops and restaurants.
Check out the contemporary art at Dia Beacon (it’s in a converted Nabisco factory). Then, stroll through the boutiques and galleries downtown. There are also some great hikes nearby, including Mount Beacon, which rewards you with showstopping views. And, of course, don’t leave without grabbing coffee from one of the hip little cafés.
New Paltz, New York
New Paltz is a laid-back college town with a surprising outdoorsy feel. Located near the Shawangunk Mountains (a.k.a. “the Gunks”), it’s a rock climber’s paradise. But, you don’t have to scale the cliffs to enjoy it. Think hiking, biking, and plenty of fresh air.
Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park have trails for all levels – from casual strolls to sweaty uphill hikes. After your adventure, stroll down Main Street for some great restaurants, craft beer, and small-town charm. You’ll find that New Paltz is a great mix of nature and creature comforts.
Princeton, New Jersey
Although Princeton is a college town, it’s more than ivy-covered buildings. It’s super walkable, full of green spaces, and has a refined, artsy feel that makes for a relaxing weekend away.
You can visit the Princeton University Art Museum, wander through the university’s beautiful campus, or take a walk along the Delaware and Raritan Canal. All you have to do here is grab coffee at a cute little café and savor the slower pace of life for two days.
Hudson, New York
Hudson is like Brooklyn’s stylish cousin who bought an upstate farmhouse and learned to make sourdough. It has a perfect balance of hip and historic. Think 19th-century architecture, high-end vintage shops, and really great cocktails.
You can spend your weekend popping in and out of antique stores, enjoying live music, or savoring a farm-to-table dinner. If you love architecture and design, or just want a chic change of scenery, Hudson will deliver. And the best part? You can get there by Amtrak in around two hours with great views out the window and zero stress.
Easy, Breezy Weekend Fun
Whether you want to recharge in nature, eat your way through a new city, or wander somewhere special for a couple of days, these weekend getaways are easy, fun, and totally worth the trip.
All you have to do is pack light, bring some snacks, and get out of town. You’ve earned it after all those hours you’ve been clocking lately. And, while you’re on the train, pull up our library of destination guides. Perhaps you’ll get some ideas for your next getaway, whether it’s upstate New York or further abroad!