Weekend Getaways From New York City

If you take a picturesque drive of just under 6 hours to the north of New York City, you shall arrive at Burlington, Vermont. With a small population, Burlington identifies itself with the unique niche it has carved for itself in terms of small town charm and local art. Nature is prevalent in this city that feels distinctly rural.

Distance from New York City: 483 km

Best Time: June - August

Hudson is just a few thirteen minutes away or around three miles drive away from the city centre of New York. It is a beautiful yet calm and serene river-port town from the 18th century making it a perfect getaway spot for all kinds of travellers. The main point of attraction in Hudson is Warren Street, where the majority of commercial establishments are. A walk down here will provide lots of sporting, shopping and historical experiences. This one-mile-long street has art galleries, museums, and dining, drinking and shopping by-lanes. Every shop and outlet has unique things to offer

Distance from New York City: 196 km

Best Time: June - September

Known For : Freedom Trail Boston Museums in Boston Fenway Park

Boston is the largest city in Massachusetts, the testifier of the American Revolution and an international hub for education. Boston takes pride in its rich history and is counted as one of the oldest cities in America. Popularly known as "Beantown", the name that's originated from Boston baked beans, a dish that was created during the colonial times.

Distance from New York City: 346 km

Best Time: April to May, October to November

216 Boston Attractions

About 80 miles or 2 hours away from NYC is a northern peninsula making up part Long Island, New York. This peninsula runs also directly parallel to a southern peninsula and is known as North Fork. This region is a far cry from the concrete jungles of Manhattan and is famous for its numerous small towns and havens surrounded by natural scenery and beaches.

Distance from New York City: 128 km

Best Time: June - September

A two and a half hour flight from NYC are the Bermuda Islands. A most defining part of the Caribbean, these islands are a perfect holiday destination with a two day trip for one costing about $660 excluding travel. The Bermudas possess brilliant chunks of colonial history, with Hamilton being the cultural hub of the region. Several church facades and naval museums dot the landscape of the Bermudas but the best things to enjoy in the Bermudas have nominal fees. The islands are known for their sandy beaches and cliffside. The Horseshoe Bay beach is the most famous of them all. Avid golfers can sample some of the best courses in the world at the Bermudas. The most famous tourist destination is the Crystal & Fantasy Caves, an underground wonder. A visit to both costs around $32. Whether you wish to sample the local history or find leisure time at some of the region's many picturesque beaches, the Bermudas are a spectacular holiday destination.

The city of Philadelphia is a national treasure, its momentousness as a historic city is central to the United States. Philadelphia is home to many firsts in the country, with every advancement in the region being traced back to this historic city. Philadelphia welcomes the first library, medical school, hospital and zoo in the United States among many things. Colloquially known as ‘Philly’, the state has almost 70 National Historic Landmarks and is a World Heritage City, gaining merit for its cultural value.

Distance from New York City: 156 km

Best Time: March to May

Newport is 180 miles far or close to three hour drive from New York City, located on Rhode Island. It is a beautiful sea-facing village rich in natural beauty and historical summer stone mansions there are absolute beauties built by some of the wealthiest Americans.

Distance from New York City: 290 km

Best Time: April - June, September - October

Buffalo is the second-largest city located in New York State and city has a fantastic culture of art, history and beautiful landscaped gardens, which are a favourite among the locals and tourists alike. The best and most visited spot is around Buffalo is Niagara Falls. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions as well such as Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Zoo and Ralph Wilson Children’s Museum.

Distance from New York City: 600 km

Best Time: June - August

Greenwich is one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. The streets of this city are lined with impressive architecture and its affinity to the Long Island Sound give Greenwich an undeniably cosy feel to it. The city has four beaches but its most impressive is the Greenwich Point Park, located on the peninsular region of the city, with entry fees costing about $40.

Distance from New York City: 56 km

Best Time: April - June, September - October

The Adirondack Mountains are definitely the most famous natural attraction in the state of New York. About 270 miles or 4 hours away from NYC, these mountains are dotted with numerous trails that cater to every type of traveller, be it the extreme adventurer or the lover of serenity. Several lakes make up a part of the landscape of these mountains and it is around the boundaries of these water bodies that visitors find a treasure trove of activities to take part in.

Distance from New York City: 438 km

Best Time: June - August

About an hour away or 46 miles from the buzz of NYC is the small town of Bedford. The town is home to just under 19,000 residents and is home to two national landmarks: the historic home of Bill and Lois Wilson, the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and the John Jay Homestead, the original home of one of the founding fathers of the United States.

Distance from New York City: 75 km

Best Time: April - June, September - October

Cape Cod is  200 miles away or about 4 and a half hours away  to the south of New York City and one of the most popular weekend spots around the city. Weekends are a festival in Cape Cod, with bands, music and dances along the streets here. Apart from them, there are cruises to the ocean, biking trails along hills, whale-watching, water sports, fishing and other outdoor activities in and around the area of Provincetown.

Distance from New York City: 407 km

Best Time: June - September

The second-largest state park in New York State and a mere hour away from NYC is the Harriman State Park. A natural wonder. This state park is surrounded by numerous other protected areas and provides a delightful experience to visitors seeking a natural haven.

Distance from New York City: 67 km

Best Time: April - June, September - October

The Finger Lakes in the state of New York is a group of 11 long and narrow lakes in the midst of a stunning and lush landscape. A steady 4 hours away from New York City, these lakes each surround an area that is historically, culturally and aesthetically significant. The lakes are all surrounded by numerous state parks, most of which feature endless trails to explore.

Distance from New York City: 411 km

Best Time: June - August

Hamptons is a two hour drive totaling to 95 miles distance from New York towards the East Coast and has many beach towns spread across the Long Island. It is a great spot for night-outs, drinking and shopping. There is also an exhibition centre and an aquarium to showcase the flora and fauna of the area at Riverhead.

Distance from New York City: 153 km

Best Time: June - September

Cape May, New Jersey is a easy 160 miles away which is fabulous three hour drive from New York City hosting backpacking travellers and adventure seekers as frequent visitors. It has an amazing Victorian-era culture, with museums, state homes and art galleries. Victorian manors offer great restaurants, with the prominent ones being Tisha’s, Lobster House’s Market, Peter Shields and Washington Inn.

Distance from New York City: 256 km

Best Time: June - August

Montauk is located to the East of Hamptons, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 120 miles away from the city equivalent to a three hour drive. Montauk offers lots of activities throughout the weekend, like fishing, surfing, water sports or pure relaxation for families as well as individuals. The favourite spot among people is Ditch plains along the coast which is a 2-mile long road decked with hiking trails and walks. Montauk Lighthouse, Shadmoor State Park and Camp hero State Park are favourite sites for exploring old military bunkers and stone homes.

Distance from New York City: 189 km

Best Time: June - September

78 miles away from NYC is the city of Norwalk in Connecticut- a small region is home to some beautiful waterfronts and museums, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Norwalk hosts two major festivals: the Greek Orthodox Festival in August that features Greek culture and the Round Hill Highland Scottish games.

Distance from New York City: 78 km

Best Time: April - October

Known For : Old San Juan San Juan National Historic Site Isla de Cabras Museo de Las Americas Adventure Activities in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places with the beautiful Caribbean beaches, the amazing island landscapes, the underwater experiences, and the rich Caribbean culture. Though Puerto Rico is technically a territory of the United States, the atmosphere of the Caribbean is abundant all over the island. The lively environment in the capital city of San Juan coupled with the ultimate soothing experiences in the islands nearby makes it the perfect combination of all things good.

Best Time: April to June

93 Puerto Rico Attractions

Beacon is located in the Hudson Valley and and 100 miles or two hours’ drive from the New York City from New York City. It has always been a haven for art and history lovers with artsy pubs and restaurants all around the town. The most prominent ones are Dogwood on Main Street, which has fresh vegetarian options and carefully selected beers.  Town Crier café is also frequented by people for beautiful Friday night dinners with jazz, rock and pop music. Beacon Bread Company gives amazing avocado toasts and sweets. Others include Homespun Foods, Hudson valley Brewery and Beacon Falls Café.

Distance from New York City: 109 km

Best Time: April - June, September - October