Top 19 places near New York to visit for the weekend

There are plenty of ways to spend a weekend in New York City, but sometimes you just need a break from the routine. The best weekend trips from New York City will allow you to relax and get back to the routine after a few blissful days away from home, advises Travel and Leasure.

Visit craft breweries in Vermont, check out the famous WaterFire exhibit in Providence, Rhode Island, or hit the beach along the Jersey Shore this weekend.

1. Long Island Beach, New Jersey: 2 hour drive

Long Island Beach is where life stops in the best possible way. This is the perfect place for city dwellers looking to relax, bask in the sun or go on a little adventure.

On the island, visitors can climb the 217 steps to the top of the Barnegat Lighthouse, known as Old Barney, for views of the bay and beach. Or shop for bathing essentials at Viking Village, where old fishing shacks have been lovingly converted into boutiques.

For those who travel in a company, there is a restaurant Pinky Shrimp's Seafood Company. There, guests can gather with the whole team for a picnic to taste delicious fried delicacies - shrimp, scallops, crab cakes and more. Another star restaurant is Mud City Crab House, located near the island, where you can order oysters and enjoy a cold drink by the open fire.

As for where to stay overnight, try booking a hotel stay LBI. It boasts 102 well-appointed rooms, as well as fine dining options and a rooftop terrace where you can watch the sunset with a glass of champagne in hand.

2. Boston, Massachusetts: 4 hour drive

If history is what you're looking for, go to Boston.

Spend time walking the famous Freedom Trail to trace the city's history, which is intertwined with Boston's most charming neighborhoods. Visit places like Old North Church, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Paul Revere's House to get a feel for what life was like during the nation's early days.

Boston has no shortage of great hotels, including: Omni Parker House – the longest continuously operating hotel in the country. Its own history runs deep. Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh are former employees, while writers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are regular guests. For a more upscale experience, book a night at the Four Seasons, located on Dalton Street. Situated in the heart of the Back Bay, it is a great place to settle down for the weekend. It has all the amenities you could ever need, including a wellness centre and fine dining options. There are also special events to help you make the most of your time in the city.

3. Burlington, Vermont: 5 hour drive

With over a dozen breweries surrounding the small city, Burlington is a beer lover's paradise. When visiting the Green Mountain State, be sure to sign up for a tour with the company City Brew Tours. Learn how some of the state's best beers are made. The Vermont Brewers Festival is back in 2022. That means it's coming back in 2025.

Beyond beer, Burlington boasts a vibrant waterfront. Head to Lake Champlain Waterfront Park for a stroll or bike ride, then hop off for a quick visit to ECHO, the Leahy Center on Lake Champlain, an interactive science museum dedicated to the health of the surrounding lake. Or rent a boat from Sailing community centerto ride on the water on their own.

For a luxury getaway, stay at a spa resort Essex Junction Resort & Spa. This is a charming resort hotel overlooking the green mountain range.

4. Adirondacks, New York: 4 hours drive

If the city becomes unbearable for you, it's time to go upstate. It's time to come and explore all the Adirondacks have to offer.

A weekend in the Adirondacks means outdoor recreation, including hiking, kayaking, cliff jumping, and for the more adventurous, white water rafting.

On the subject: A unique weekend idea: Ride a railbike and admire the autumn landscapes of the Adirondacks

Book a hotel room for a unique holiday The Point. It’s best to book early, as this historic hotel, built in 1929, has just 11 rooms. In 2017, the hotel underwent a multi-million pound renovation led by architect Andrew Chary. Chary paid homage to the hotel’s past by restoring its original brass and chrome fixtures and stone fireplaces. Yes, it’s rustic, but that doesn’t mean it’s unfashionable. Dinner is a formal affair on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so be sure to wear your best. Of course, if you can’t get a room, there’s always Sagamore. This luxurious Victorian resort offers sunset cocktails every evening.

5. Providence, Rhode Island: 3,5 hour drive

Providence has the charm of a great New England city. It’s a place where you’ll find cobblestone streets and narrow riverside walkways next to modern restaurants, world-class theaters, and museums. When in Providence, head to Waterplace Park. A river relocation project in the 1980s and 1990s revived the area and brought tourism back to its prime. Take a gondola ride at La gondolato channel your inner Venetian for a river ride. Or plan your trip around Waterfire, an art installation that lights Providence's waterways with nearly 100 bonfires on weekends throughout the summer and fall.

After visiting the show, go to Oberlin. This modern spot serves seafood that consistently ranks among the best restaurants in the U.S. Then book a night at an ultra-cool hotel The Dean with 52 guest rooms. They are furnished with vintage furniture and original artwork adorns the walls. During your stay, guests are encouraged to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles to explore the city. To learn a little more about Providence’s history, stay at Graduate Providence. This updated hotel sits on the site of Providence's once-beloved Biltmore. Each of its rooms and public spaces pays homage to the city's past with vintage furnishings. And looks to the future with AR-enabled artwork, room keys, and more.

6. Mystic, Connecticut: 3 hour drive

For picturesque villages, check out Mystic. This charming town has fewer than 5000 residents, making it a great place for an offbeat getaway.

Although it is a small city, there is no shortage of activities. If you are traveling with the whole family, there is the famous Aquarium Mystic. You can spend a whole day wandering around the area and learning all about your favorite sea creatures. For those who want to see wildlife in its natural habitat, book a boat trip on Argia Mystic Cruises. A huge schooner will take guests to nearby islands and the seaport. Guests are advised to bring their own picnic food and drinks, including beer and wine, but no stronger ones.

Complete your visit to Mystic by booking your hotel stay ocean houselocated in nearby Watch Hill, Rhode Island. The iconic inn is just 20 minutes away and offers guests even more New England charm with its meticulous restoration, stunning ocean views and world-class amenities.

7. Philadelphia, PA: 2 hour drive

The City of Brotherly Love is ready for you for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Arrive by car or take the Amtrak train for a relaxing trip.

There's so much to see and do in this vibrant city, including taking photos in front of the Liberty Bell, visiting Independence Hall, and running up the Rocky Steps—try your best Stallone impersonation the entire way.

Philadelphia has an upscale culinary scene - restaurant Zahav Chef Michael Solomonov is a must-see, as is his new restaurant laser wolf. You should also take part in a classic Philly tradition and order a cheesecake. To sample as many different options as possible, head to one of the city's food halls, like Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest farmers markets in the country. And along the way, you can pick up local artisan goods.

After dinner, it's time to relax. Book a hotel room Loganwhere you will not only get a luxurious bed, but also a room with contemporary decor and local artwork. This hotel has its own gourmet restaurants, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace.

8. Washington DC: 4 hour drive

Washington, D.C. is another major city that New Yorkers can reach by car or train.

This is another destination with endless activities that suit the interests and tastes of travelers. Delve into the history of D.C. and visit one of the Smithsonian museums, then take a tour of the city’s many monuments and memorials that tell the story of America’s past. For a unique insight into the city and its landmarks, you can always take a night trolley tour DC Tours.

Upon completion, check in at the hotel. St. Regis Washington, located just two blocks from the White House. It has been hosting celebrities and dignitaries for nearly 100 years, and now it's your turn to join them.

9. Newport, Rhode Island: 3 hour drive

Another iconic weekend getaway in Rhode Island is Newport. It has long been a haven for New Yorkers escaping the fast pace of the city in exchange for a slower lifestyle. While in Newport, you can tour the former homes of some of the truly wealthy. Tour Newport Mansion Tour includes 12 beautifully restored homes that will make you feel like you're living in The Great Gatsby. Follow this with a stroll along Newport Cliff Walk, which offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views along the entire East Coast. You can also rent a sailboat to take you out across the bay.

Finally, join Newport's elite by staying at the hotel Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection. It was built by Alfred Gwynn Vanderbilt himself. With only 33 rooms, this is the place where you will enjoy five star service.

10. Nantucket, Massachusetts: 7 hour drive (1 hour flight)

If Nantucket is on your must-see list, we highly recommend looking for flights instead of driving. Sure, you could drive for seven hours and then take a ferry. Or you could take a one-hour flight to get there in no time.

No matter how you get there, you're guaranteed to have a good time and relax. Nantucket is full of activities that will help you slow down and appreciate the little things. Take the time to rent a bike and pedal slowly through town, admiring the shingled homes. Or take a harbor cruise and cast a line while fishing. The oysters of the world are your oysters in Nantucket, and the local oysters are your oysters, too.

End your relaxing day with a hotel stop White elephantIt boasts a stunning lawn along the waterfront, so you will not only start your day, but also end it with the soothing sounds of the waves outside.

11. Portland, Maine: 6 hour drive

Portland may take longer to get to than other destinations on our list, but it’s worth the effort. The picturesque Maine city is a place where everyone can find a slice of vacation bliss. From above-average antique and vintage shops to craft beers to sip and savor, it’s all here for you. As are the many nearby open spaces to wander around. It’s a place that’s fun to explore with a group or indulge in a solo trip.

If you are traveling with a group of friends, gather for a lobster dinner at Eventide. The bar and restaurant are well known for their delicious New England dishes, including the lobster roll.

After dinner, settle in for the night at the hotel White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection. Situated about 30 minutes outside of town in Kennebunkport, the distance from the metropolis allows you to explore even more of the state's stunning scenery, and the hotel itself is a gem, home to a five-diamond AAA restaurant.

12. Hudson Valley, New York: 2,5 hour drive

Head north to the Hudson Valley for fine dining and sumptuous wines. The Culinary Institute of America calls this valley home. While in the area, visit the Institute before getting to know your palate on the Dutchess Wine Trail, which takes you through winding vineyards and straight to stunning tasting rooms. And be sure to book dinner at The Inn at Pound Ridge by renowned chef Jean-Georges. Then go to The Maker is a hotel that exudes class and high culture.

13. Farmington, PA: 6 hour drive

Farmington is perhaps the quirkiest little gem on this list of weekend getaways, a place to get outdoors and immerse yourself in a fun culture.

While in Farmington, visit nearby Laurel Caverns, home to the state's largest cave. It's cool and has colorful, lit areas. There are not one, but two Frank Lloyd Wright homes nearby, including the famous Falling water, which you can visit during a group or individual tour.

Then go to the popular Nemacolinfor an unforgettable vacation. Dubbed “The Playground of the Four Seasons”, this hotel keeps up with the quirkiness where the extraordinary is just part of everyday life.

14. Cape May, New Jersey: 3 hour drive

Located just a short drive from the city, the stunning oceanfront neighborhood is ranked #XNUMX on just about every “best weekend getaway” list imaginable. And there are good reasons for that.

Rent a bike or take a trolley to see as much as possible. Or take a day cruise and see Cape May from the water. You might even get lucky and see a whale or two. And of course, make a reservation at a tavern in advance. blue pig for the evening. Order a beer and listen to live music in exit zero.

Soak up the atmosphere with a night's stay at Boutique Hotel Virginia for 24 rooms in a restored building built in 1879.

15. Bermuda: 2-Hour Flight

Plot twist: We know Bermuda isn't exactly within reach. But the trip there is actually shorter than many of the destinations on this list.

Take a quick two-hour flight to paradise on earth for a weekend away from it all. The archipelago offers sunbathing, crystal-clear waters, and rum cocktails in Swizzle Inn. Or create your own fragrance in a perfume shop Lily Bermuda, visit natural wonders such as Blue Hole Park.

End your holiday in a five-star hotel. Rosewood Bermuda – a luxurious place with the longest private beach and pink sand in Berm.

16. Lake Placid, New York: 5 hour drive

Lake Placid is another remote destination, but the travel time is well worth it. During the spring, summer, and fall, visitors will be pleased to find plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking through High Falls Gorge, a natural park with four waterfalls, to swimming in Mirror Lake.

Of course, this place is a winter paradise, as it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Skiers and snowboarders can get an adrenaline rush at Whitefair Mountain.

Working up an appetite, go to The Breakfast Club. And in the morning, start your day with a hearty plate of eggs, breakfast sandwiches, or something sweet like chocolate fondue. For a snack later, stop by Smoke signals, a local barbecue joint serving brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. They also have pescatarian and vegetarian options.

Stay at a hotel Stage Coach Inn, a delightful boutique hotel housed in a 1700s building that still boasts historic charm.

17. Poconos, PA: 2,5 hour drive

The Poconos are another great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Come here for some family fun. For example, visit Camelback mountain, a huge adventure park that will delight your children with its possibilities. There are Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which can take you through stunning local scenery. And excellent hiking routes through the forests on the local trail system.

Remember that the Poconos are a large place, so plan your dinner according to the area you want to visit. Some places you can’t miss here include: Tropical Eats. This Caribbean, Latin American and American restaurant will delight any gourmet with excellent curries, oxtails and roasts. They also have a high-class eatery Native in Honesdalespecializing in dishes prepared with local products.

Stay at any of the local hotels. Among the best - Cove Poconos Resort, an old-school kitsch hotel known for its heart-shaped bathtubs. BUT Woodloch is a family resort ready to help all ages find outdoor activities.

18. Washington, Connecticut: 2,5 hour drive

Find rustic bliss less than three hours from the city by visiting Washington, Connecticut. It’s a place where green landscapes abound, as do cultural attractions. Delve deep into the region by visiting the Institute of American Indian Studies, which traces the lives of Native Americans back 10 years. Get some fresh air in the garden Hollister House Garden, open in the spring and summer to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of its flowers. And try something locally brewed at Hopkins Vineyard, a historic farm that produces award-winning wines.

Then sample more of the local delicacies at The 202 Tavern, serving classic American cuisine prepared by local purveyors. GW Tavern Try delicacies like French onion soup and chicken wings.

There may not be many hotels in this area, but thanks to Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection makes up for it in quality. The elegant hotel will leave you feeling completely refreshed with its inviting and cozy rooms and an in-depth wellness program that includes traditional spa services and expert-led health coaching.

19. North Fork, New York: 2,5 hour drive

Head to the North Fork whenever you need a Long Island getaway without all the fanfare. Less than three hours from the city, the North Fork is the perfect place for a day at the beach, a glass of fine wine, and more. You can’t go wrong with any of its recreation areas, but great options include Wildwood State Park, which includes a forest, or Orient Beach State Park, located at the end of the North Fork. Once you’ve soaked up the sun, head to the winery Contocostalocated on the waterfront. Enjoy ocean views with a glass of wine. Finally, go to the farm 8 Hand farmto browse their store for some tasty treats to eat while on your trip.

For a bite to eat, check out the restaurant Halyard for local produce and freshly caught fish. Or look for a table at Bruce & Son, which serves brunch throughout the day.

Complete your holiday by booking a few nights at sound view – a designer hotel with a private beachfront area. Or stay in Lin Beach House – a luxurious guest house with clawfoot bathtubs in every room. This makes it so inviting that you won’t even want to leave.