New York is a sprawling city with tons to offer for any traveler or any local. However, if the hustle and bustle of the city proves to be a bit daunting, getting away from it all for even just for a weekend can provide a reprieve from the decision paralysis associated with all that New York offers. For most, though, a weeks-long vacation just isn’t in the cards. Therein lies the low-commitment (and usually low-cost) beauty of a weekend trip.
When it comes to the best weekend trips from NYC, travelers can single out spots that are within three hours away. You’ll also want places that will provide amenities and accommodations for a day trip or a weekend stay. This list will offer up a few suggested locales for those who need a new way to get away. From the sweeping Catskill mountains to finding oneself in yet another big city by heading down to Philly, here are a few places just a few short hours from New York City.
Hudson, New York
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, this weekend trips has small size disguises with ample activities. Once a major whaling port, the town has since transformed into a haven for artists, antique lovers and foodies alike. Its main street, Warren Street, is lined with art galleries, vintage shops and farm-to-table restaurants. This is all set against the backdrop of charming 19th-century architecture.
Whether you’re hunting down handcrafted home goods or sipping natural wine in a cozy bistro, Hudson offers a handsome mix of rustic charm and urban polish for a stress-free weekend. If you’re visiting in the fall, get ready for autumnal excellence that looks like something out of a postcard. While two nights are typically ideal for seeing what this quaint spot has to offer, you can easily make this weekend trip from NYC work in just a day.
If you’re traveling from Manhattan, you might not even need to rent a car to get there. Hop on the train at Grand Central Station on the Metro-North Railroad. It’s a two-hour trip from there with just one switch, dropping you off at the train station that’s a short walk from Hudson’s main streets.
Best for: New England vibes, filled with art and vintage finds
Top attractions: Shopping on Warren street, apple picking at Philip Orchard or visit the Omi Sculpture Park
Best time to visit: Autumn for optimal fall coziness or summer for a unique New England beach experience
Montauk, New York
For those craving ocean air, Montauk offers a refreshing reset at the eastern tip of Long Island. Known for its pristine beaches, laid-back surf culture and iconic lighthouse, Montauk is a beloved retreat for New Yorkers looking to slow down. In the warmer months it’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or lounging by the water with a lobster roll in hand.
The off-season delivers quiet walks on the sand and cozy fireside dinners in local inns. Despite its popularity, Montauk has retained its beach-town authenticity, making it feel like a true getaway.
How long it takes to get there depends on when you’re going. Usually, it’ll take three hours to get down to Montauk from NYC. However, if you’re headed there at the peak of summer, factor traffic into your travel times.
Best for: Beachgoers or hiking enthusiasts
Top attractions: The Montauk Point Lighthouse, Shadmoor State Park or local beaches
Best time to visit: Late spring or early summer before peak season
Milford, Pennsylvania
If you want a weekend trip from NYC that gets you out of the state entirely, head to Pennsylvania. Tucked into the Pocono Mountains and straddling the Delaware River, Milford, Pennsylvania is an underrated gem offering natural beauty, small-town history and outdoor adventure.
The drive from New York City takes just under two hours, making it an easy and scenic weekend option. Visitors can explore the waterfalls and hiking trails of nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Or, check out Grey Towers, the historic mansion of conservationist Gifford Pinchot.
Milford’s tranquil pace is well-suited for those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature while enjoying boutique hotels and quaint eateries.
Best for: Colonial history and art, music and film festivals
Top attractions: the Black Bear Film Festival or Artwalks
Best time to visit: June to October
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For some travelers, maybe getting away from NYC doesn’t necessarily mean getting away from a big city. For a weekend trip steeped in culture and culinary delight, Philadelphia is a surprisingly convenient destination. Just under two hours away by train or car, the city offers a rich mix of historical landmarks, eclectic neighborhoods and vibrant food scenes.
Beyond Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, visitors can wander through the Italian Market, explore the Barnes Foundation’s world-class art collection or enjoy a late-night meal at one of the city’s acclaimed BYOB restaurants. There’s a wealth of Black history to be found in Philadelphia as well, which travelers should take the time to explore. Philly’s blend of grit and grandeur gives it a can’t-be-missed character that feels both invigorating and approachable for a short city break.
Like New York City, there are hundreds of things to do in Philadelphia. Movie fans will find numerous filming locations, like the famous steps from Rocky, to help them relive their favorite cinema moments. Authentic Philly cheesesteak in freshly baked rolls will draw in foodies – though which local spot makes the best one depends on who you ask. Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks are restaurant rivals, meaning a taste test might be in order.
Getting from NYC to Philly is a short drive for those with cars, but it’s not the only way to get there. Taking the Amtrak and booking in advance means you only have to pay about $19, making this an easy day trip.
Best for: History buffs, sports fans and anyone in-between
Top Attractions: The Liberty Bell or Independence Hall
Best time to visit: Spring, the Fourth of July
The Catskills
If you’re after sweeping mountain views and craft beer culture, head north to the Catskills for one of the best weekend trips from NYC. This region, long loved by artists and nature enthusiasts alike, has experienced a revival over the past decade. Small towns like Phoenicia, Tannersville and Livingston Manor offer access to hiking trails, rivers for tubing or fly-fishing and cozy lodges with wood-burning stoves.
It’s easy to find a wellness-focused weekend here, complete with yoga retreats, farm-fresh meals and stargazing under clear night skies. The Catskills manage to balance nostalgia and modernity, making them an endlessly appealing choice.
The Catskills aren’t just a place for serenity and quiet nature walks, though. Families will enjoy skyrides to the summits of the Windham and Hunter mountains, or zipping through the waters at the local water park, Zoom Flume.
Best for: Nature enthusiasts or families
Top Attractions: Kaaterskill Falls, Catskill Park or Hunter Mountain Resort
Best time to visit: Early fall for foliage, summer for outdoor fun
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is another weekend favorite, especially during the summer months. The historic seaside town, about a three-and-a-half hour drive from New York, is best known for its opulent Gilded Age mansions and vibrant harbors. Those harbors flank eight beaches, with Easton Beach (also called First Beach) being smack in the middle of the heart of Newport and adjacent to the Cliff Walk. The snack bar there is known for its killer lobster rolls. Kids will love the aquarium and playground, too. Another beach loved by locals is the much quieter Gooseberry Beach, tucked away in a cove.
For those with a taste for wine, Newport Vineyards is actually a destination in Middletown. The winery is a perfect, picturesque place to sip the best brews paired with tasty bites that will soothe even the pickiest of sommeliers. If you’re hungry for something else, stop by Chanterelle Restaurant for a fine French fair or White Horse Tavern. The latter is located in one of the town’s oldest buildings, having opened in 1652.
Newport’s blend of historic elegance and coastal charm makes it a destination that feels timeless, but never outdated. It’s one of the best weekend trips from NYC due in part to that picturesque quality.
Best for: Wine fans or harbor town vibes
Top Attractions: Wineries, beaches or Fort Adams
Best time to visit: Summer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best weekend trips from NYC for couples?
For a romantic getaway, couples have many options. Hudson, New York is popular for its art scene, boutique hotels and wine bars, which can be very romantic for traveling couples. On the other hand there is Newport, Rhode Island, which is popular for its coastal charm and historic ambiance. This getaway is ideal for couples who want to slow down and connect. Then there is the Catskills, a destination that is ideal for a cozy, cabin getaway, but also has scenic hikes and spa style retreats to enjoy. Each of these options has a unique, intimate setting that is ideal for a weekend trip.
What are the best weekend trips from NYC without a car?
There are several weekend trips that can be taken from NYC without a car, thanks to the accessibility of public transportation. For example, Philadelphia is just a short Amtrak ride away and it is considered highly walkable. Hudson, New York is also a good option since it can be easily reached by Metro-North. Then there is Montauk, which is accessible via the Long Island Rail Road. So it is possible to enjoy a beach getaway without driving.
