Ever felt like NYC is moving too fast, and you just need to breathe? You’re not alone. While popular destinations like the Hamptons or the Catskills are awesome, sometimes it’s the lesser-known escapes that truly recharge your soul.
So let’s skip the usual suspects. This is your go-to guide for weekend getaways from NYC that you probably haven’t even considered yet but absolutely should.
1. Cold Spring, New York
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by train
Just an hour and a half north of Manhattan via Metro-North, Cold Spring feels like a step back in time. This quaint village offers antique shops, cozy cafés, and beautiful hikes like Breakneck Ridge for adventurous souls. It’s one of those weekend getaways from NYC that’s ideal for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Highlights:
- Breakneck Ridge hike
- Hudson Highlands State Park
- Magazzino Italian Art Museum
2. Milford, Pennsylvania
Travel Time: ~2 hours by car
Just across the border in the Pocono Mountains, Milford is a historic town filled with Victorian homes, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. The nearby Delaware Water Gap offers plenty of outdoor recreation, while the town itself feels like a step back in time.
Highlights:
- Raymondskill Falls (Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall)
- Grey Towers National Historic Site
- Milford Music Festival (seasonal)
3. Lake Minnewaska, New York
Travel Time: ~2 hours by car
For those craving dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain air, Lake Minnewaska near New Paltz is a hidden gem. Spend your weekend kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water. A stay near Minnewaska State Park Preserve is an ideal nature-heavy retreat without straying far from the city.
Highlights:
- Stunning cliffs and lake views
- Hiking, kayaking, and nature walks
- Nearby Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- Ideal for unplugging and recharging
4. Beacon, NY – An Artsy Alternative to the Usual
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by train
Beacon still flies under the radar for many. Home to DIA:Beacon, a renowned modern art museum, this artsy town offers riverfront parks, breweries, and independent shops. It’s ideal for creative souls looking for inspiration during their weekend getaways from NYC.
Highlights:
- Dia Beacon museum
- Bannerman Castle tours
- Hudson Beach Glass studio
5. Frenchtown, NJ – A Riverside European-Style Escape
Only about 90 minutes from the city, Frenchtown sits on the Delaware River and oozes European charm. Boutique shops, French-inspired cafés, and riverside trails make it an unexpected yet delightful weekend getaway from NYC.
Highlights:
- Bike the Delaware & Raritan Canal Trail
- Explore art studios and wine bars
- Stay in a vintage-style inn
6. Phoenicia, New York
Travel Time: ~2.5 hours by car
This funky hamlet offers a rustic, artsy vibe. Go tubing down the Esopus Creek in summer, enjoy cozy log cabins, or grab a bite at the iconic Phoenicia Dinner, making it one of the coolest low-key weekend getaways from NYC.
Highlights:
- Tubing down the Esopus Creek
- Local eats at Phoenicia Diner
- Mount Tremper hiking trails
7. Shelter Island, New York
Travel Time: ~3.5 hours (drive + ferry)
Often overshadowed by the Hamptons, Shelter Island is a quiet, car-accessible island between the North and South Forks of Long Island. With serene beaches, charming inns, and pristine nature preserves, it offers seclusion and natural beauty perfect for a true weekend reset.
Highlights:
- Quiet beaches without Hamptons crowds
- Nature preserves and biking trails
- Relaxing inns and waterfront dining
- Accessible via ferry from Long Island
Final Thoughts
New York City might be the city that never sleeps, but even New Yorkers need to hit the pause button. These Weekend Getaways from NYC give you that much-needed reboot without the fuss. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, art, good eats, or just silence there’s a perfect hidden gem waiting a few hours away.
So next time you’re craving an escape, ditch the usual and try something new. Your perfect weekend might be just a short drive or train ride away.
