Top 19 places near New York to visit for the weekend

There are countless ways to spend a weekend in New York, but sometimes you just need a break from your routine. The best weekend trips from NYC let you unwind and get back to the hustle and bustle after a few blissful days away from home, advises Travel and Leasure.

Visit craft breweries in Vermont, watch the famous WaterFire show in Providence, Rhode Island, or head to the beach along the Jersey Shore this weekend from New York.

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 217 steps to the top of Barnegat Lighthouse, also known as “Old Barney”. And from there, admire the view of the bay and the beach. Or shop for bathing utensils and clothes in the Viking Village, where old fishermen's 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. Taste delicious fried delicacies including fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried crab cakes and more. Another stellar restaurant Mud City Crab Houselocated near the island. There, guests can order oysters and enjoy a cold drink by the open fire.

As for where to lay your head for the night, try booking a hotel stay LBI. It boasts 102 well appointed rooms. As well as gourmet restaurants and a rooftop terrace where you can watch the sunset with a glass of champagne.

2. Boston, Massachusetts: 4 hour drive

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

Spend time walking along the famous Freedom Trail to trace the city's history as it intertwines with Boston's most charming neighborhoods. Stop by places like Old North Church, the site of the Boston Massacre, and the home of Paul Revere for a taste of what life was like during the birth of the nation.

As a major metropolitan area, Boston has no shortage of great hotels. Among them Omni Parker House, the longest continuously operating hotel in the country. His own history has deep roots. Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh are former employees. And writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are regular guests. For a more upscale experience, book a night at a hotel Four Seasonslocated on Dalton Street. Located in the center of Back Bay, it is a great place to stay for a weekend getaway. It also has all the amenities you'll ever need, including a wellness center and gourmet restaurants. It even hosts 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 around this small town, Burlington, Vermont is a beer drinker's paradise. When you travel to Green Mountain State, be sure to sign up for a tour with the company City Brew Tours. Learn how some of the best beers in the state are made. The Vermont Brewers Festival is back in 2022. And this means that it will most likely take place in 2023, as well as in subsequent years.

Besides beer, Burlington also boasts a lively waterfront. Head to Lake Champlain Riverside Park for a walk or bike ride. Jump off your bike for a quick visit to ECHO, the Leahy Center at 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 a weekend in nature, including hiking, kayaking, cliff jumping. And for the more adventurous, there is also white water rafting.

On the subject: Unusual idea for a weekend: ride a railbike while admiring the autumn scenery of the Adirondacks

Book a hotel room for a unique holiday The Point. It's best to book in advance as this historic hotel, built in 1929, only has 11 rooms. The hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2017 led by architect Andrew Chari. Chari paid homage to the hotel's past. And restored its original brass and chrome fixtures and stone fireplaces. Yes, it is rustic, but that does not mean that it is not fashionable. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, dinner at the hotel is a solemn event. So don't forget to wear your best outfits. Of course, if you can't get a room there, there is always Sagamore. This luxury Victorian resort offers sunset cocktails every evening.

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

Providence, Rhode Island has the charm of a great New England city. It's a place where you'll find cobbled streets and narrow river alleys alongside modern restaurants, world-class theaters and museums. While in Providence, head to Waterplace Park. The river resettlement project in the 1980s and 1990s revived the area and brought tourism back to its prime. Book a gondola at La gondolato channel your inner Venetian for a river ride. Or plan your trip around Waterfire, an art installation that lights up Providence's waterways with nearly 100 bonfires over several weekends during the summer and fall.

After visiting the show, go to Oberlin. This is a contemporary seafood destination consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the US. And then book a night in an ultra-cool hotel The Dean for 52 numbers. Here, rooms are furnished with vintage furniture and the walls are decorated with original works of art. Guests are advised to rent bicycles free of charge during their stay to explore the city. To learn a little more about the history of Providence, stay at the hotel Graduate Providence. The renovated hotel is located on the site of the once beloved Providence Biltmore. Each of the hotel's rooms and public areas pays homage to the city's past with vintage furnishings. And looks to the future with AR-enabled paintings, room keys, and more.

6. Mystic, Connecticut: 3 hour drive

For picturesque villages, go to Mystic, Connecticut. This charming town has less than 5000 inhabitants, making it a great place for an out-of-the-ordinary getaway.

Despite being a small city, there is no shortage of activities. If you are traveling with the whole family, there is a famous Aquarium Mystic. There you can spend the whole day wandering around and learning all about your favorite marine life. 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 the nearby islands and to the seaport. Guests are advised to bring their own picnic food and beverages (including beer and wine, but no hard liquor).

Complete your visit to Mystic by booking a 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 to welcome you for a weekend or a holiday for as long as you need. Come by car or Amtrak for a relaxing journey.

There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city. Taking pictures in front of the Liberty Bell, visiting Independence Hall and running the Rocky Steps - try your best to impersonate Stallone along the way.

Philadelphia has an upscale culinary scene - restaurant Zahav chef Michael Solomon is a must-see, as is his new restaurant laser wolf. But you also need to partake in a classic Philadelphia tradition and order a cheesecake. To try as many different options as you can, head to one of the city's food halls. For example, Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country. And along the way, you can also purchase local artisans' goods.

After you've had dinner, it's time to rest. 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 DC is another major city that New Yorkers can get to by car or train.

It is yet another destination with endless activities to suit every traveler's interests and tastes. Immerse yourself in the history of the District of Columbia and visit one of the Smithsonian Museums. And then take a tour of the city's many monuments and memorials that tell of America's past. To get a unique insight into the city and its sights, you can always go on a night tour by trolleybus DC Tours.

Once you're done check into the hotel St. Regis Washingtonlocated just two blocks from the White House. The hotel has been hosting celebrities and dignitaries for almost 100 years. And now it's your turn to join them.

9. Newport, Rhode Island: 3 hour drive

Another iconic Rhode Island weekend getaway is Newport, Rhode Island. 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 explore the former homes of some of the truly wealthy. Excursion Newport Mansion Tour includes 12 expertly restored homes that will make you feel like you're living in The Great Gatsby. Following this, take a walk along Newport Cliff Walk. From there, some of the most breathtaking coastal views along the entire East Coast open up. You can rent a sailboat to take you across the bay.

Finally transform yourself into Newport's elite by staying at a 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. Of course, you can spend seven hours in a car getting to the point and then take the ferry. Or you can take an hour flight to get there in no time.

But, no matter how you arrive, you are guaranteed to have a good time and relax. Nantucket is full of activities to help you slow down and appreciate the little things. For example, finding time to rent a bike and pedal slowly around the city, admire the tiled houses. Or take a cruise on the harbor, or cast a fishing rod. 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 elephant. It boasts a stunning waterfront lawn. So you can start and end your days with the soothing sound of the waves outside.

11. Portland, Maine: 6 hour drive

It may take longer to travel to Portland than the other destinations on our list, but the effort is paying off. The picturesque town in Maine is a place where everyone can find a piece of holiday bliss. From above average antique and vintage shops to craft beers to sip and savor. As well as many nearby open spaces for walking. This is a place that is fun to explore with a group or indulge in solo travel.

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. It is about 30 minutes from the city in Kennebunkport. The distance from the city will allow you to further explore the stunning landscapes of the state. And the hotel itself is a real gem with a five-AAA diamond-certified restaurant.

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

Head north to the Hudson Valley for fine dining and fine wines. The Culinary Institute of America calls the Hudson Valley home. While in the area, visit the Institute before getting up close and personal with your taste on the Dutchess Wine Trail, which takes you through winding vineyards and leads you straight to delicious tasting rooms. And don't forget to order dinner at The Inn at Pound Ridge by renowned chef Jean-Georges. Then go to The Maker, a hotel that exudes class and culture.

13. Farmington, PA: 6 hour drive

Farmington, Pennsylvania is perhaps the quirkiest little gem on this list of weekend getaway destinations. This is the place to be in nature and immerse yourself in the fun culture.

While in Farmington, visit the nearby Laurel Caves, home to the state's largest cave. While the cave itself is cool, it also has illuminated areas in colorful tones. There are also not one, but two Frank Lloyd Wright houses nearby. Including the famous house Falling water, which you can visit during a group or individual tour.

Then go to the popular Nemacolin for 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 ride a trolley bus to see as much as possible. Or take a day cruise to see Cape May from the water. You may even see one or two whales. And, of course, reserve a table in the tavern in advance blue pig for dinner. And then grab a beer while listening to live music in exit zero.

Soak up the atmosphere by staying overnight 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 quite within reach. But in fact, the trip there is shorter than many of the destinations on this list.

Take a quick XNUMX-hour flight to heaven for a weekend away from everything and everyone you know in New York. On the archipelago you can bask in the sun, swim in the crystal clear sea. And also drink a rum cocktail 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 chic place with the longest private beach with pink sand in Berma.

16. Lake Placid, New York: 5 hour drive

Lake Placid is another remote destination, but well worth it if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. In spring, summer and autumn, visitors will be happy to find plenty of outdoor activities. From hiking through High Falls Gorge, a nature park with four waterfalls, to swimming in Mirror Lake.

Of course, this place is a winter paradise, as the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics were held here. Skiers and snowboarders can get an adrenaline rush at Whitefay Mountain.

Once you've worked up an appetite, head to places like The Breakfast Club. Start your day with a hearty plate of eggs, breakfast sandwiches, or something sweet like french toast fondue. For a bite to eat later, check out Smoke signals, a local BBQ spot serving brisket, ribs and pulled pork. There are also 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

Poconos is another delightful place for outdoor enthusiasts. Come here for some family fun. For example, visit Camelback mountain, a huge adventure park that will make kids smile from ear to ear. There is also Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway that will take you through the stunning local scenery. And great hiking trails through the forests of the Poconos trail system.

Remember that the Poconos is a big place. So plan your dinner according to the area you want to visit. Among the places not to be missed in the region, Tropical Eats. This is a Caribbean, Latin American and American restaurant that will please any gourmet with excellent curries, oxtails and grilled meats. Also an upscale 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 is a place where green landscapes abound, but also cultural attractions. Dive deep into the region with a visit to the Institute of American Indian Studies. It traces the life of indigenous peoples over 10 years. Breathe in the fresh air in the garden Hollister House Garden, open in spring and summer to showcase local flowers. And try something locally brewed at Hopkins Vineyard, a historic farm that produces award-winning wines.

Then sample more local delicacies at The 202 Tavern, which serves classic American cuisine prepared by local vendors. And in GW Tavern, which serves delicacies such as French onion soup and chicken wings.

There may not be many hotels in the area. But thanks Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection makes up for in quantity with quality. The elegant hotel will leave you completely rejuvenated with its inviting and cozy rooms and an in-depth wellness program including 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 vacation with no fanfare. Located less than three hours from the city, the North Fork is the perfect place for a beach day, a glass of fine wine. You can't go wrong with any of its beaches, but great options include Wildwood State Park, which also includes a forest. Or Orient Beach State Park, located at the end of the North Fork. After you bask in 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 search the farm shop for goodies to eat 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.
Finish off your holiday by booking a few nights in sound view, a design hotel with a private coastal area. Or try Lin Beach House, a luxurious guest house with roll-top bathtubs in every room. This makes it so attractive that you may never want to leave.