10 Easy Weekend Escapes From NYC

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.