13 Best Weekend Getaways From NYC for Nature Lovers

Post summary: 13 best weekend trips from New York City.

If you’re itching to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City for a weekend, this post is for you.

Whether you’re craving tranquility in the mountains, a salty ocean breeze, or a stroll through charming historic towns, these weekend getaways are exactly what you need.

I’ve put together this detailed guide to help you plan an amazing weekend trip from NYC, all within a 5 hour drive from the Big Apple.

Before we dive in, consider downloading these best road trip apps so your ride is as smooth as possible.

Best Weekend Trips From NYC

From picturesque mountainscapes to stunning white-sand beaches and charming towns, you’re bound to fall in love with these 13 nature escapes from the Big Apple.

1. The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Driving distance from NYC: 2 hours

Best for: Hiking, Museums, Nature

Just two hours away, the Poconos are a paradise if you love the outdoors. Think forested hills, pristine lakes, and valleys that scream adventure.

Hike through the Delaware Water Gap, visit Bushkill Falls (the Niagara of Pennsylvania), or paddle down the Lehigh River. Winter transforms this area into a snowy wonderland, which is perfect for skiing at Camelback Resort.

Don’t forget to explore the charming town of Jim Thorpe with its historic red-brick buildings, museums, and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

Where to Stay in the Poconos:

Stay at the Hotel Fauchere, an incredibly romantic hotel located in Milford, PA. It’s pet-friendly, has beautiful natural light that pops through the windows and some rooms have a cute balcony you can enjoy your morning coffee on.

2. The Seacoast Region, New Hampshire

Drive time from NYC: 5 hours

Best for: Unique coastal getaway, Beaches, Seafood

Of all the weekend getaways from New York City, this one is the most underrated.

The Seacoast Region of New Hampshire is filled with estuaries, 18 miles of stunning coastal scenery, beaches, small towns full of boutique shops and restaurants serving up fresh seafood

From the sandy beaches in Hampton to historic sites in Portsmouth and the hiking trails in Odiorne Point State Park, this region has something for everyone.

Fill your weekend by exploring scenic state parks, relaxing on Jenness Beach, and touring Fuller Gardens botanical garden.

If you’re adventurous, book a lobster boat tour with Captain Bob. You’ll learn how to check/deploy lobster traps, learn all about sustainability of lobster fishing in New England, and you can even take home your own lobsters for the boat price.

Finally, head to downtown Portsmouth for local breweries, fresh seafood at Row 34, and cute shops like Sea Love Portsmouth where you can make your own candle to remember your trip.

Where to Stay in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire:

935 Ocean in Hampton offers beachside access and white, minimalistic furniture with pops of aquamarine blue that resemble the ocean.

If you’re willing to drive a little further, New Hampshire is full of hidden gems and incredible scenery all year round. Check out these posts from our travels around the rest of New Hampshire:

• 11+ Breathtaking Places to Experience Fall in New Hampshire (+ 3 Epic NH Fall Road Trip Itineraries)
• Top 10 Things to Do in New Hampshire in the Winter (White Mountains and Great North Woods)

3. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Driving distance from NYC: 3 hours

Best for: Quirky shops, Nature, History

A three-hour drive gets you to the Berkshires. This quirky cultural hotspot is famous for its rolling hills, charming towns, and brilliant fall foliage.

Explore its cute towns like North Adams, where you’ll find the largest contemporary art museum in North America, MASS MoCA.

Then, stroll down Main Street in Stockbridge, which is lined with historic sites, green spaces for a picnic, and cute little cafes like the Lost Lamb Bistro that looks like it was plucked straight out of France.

And don’t miss Mundy’s Asia Galleries! This giant warehouse is packed with Buddhist artifacts and Japanese antiques that date back centuries. The owner personally sources these treasures from auctions in Kyoto, Japan and loves to share their stories. It’s kind of like visiting Japan – minus the 14 hour flight.

Whether you’re into history or quirky shops, this place alone is worth the visit. Mundy’s is open Friday through Monday from May to October, so plan your trip accordingly!

Where to Stay in the Berkshires:

Book your stay at the Porches Inn for easy access to MASS MoCA, or opt for more grand lodging at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge.

4. Hunter, New York

Drive time from NYC: 2.5 hours

Best for: Skiing, Hiking, Fall Foliage

Hunter is a small town in the Catskill Mountains that has tons of outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes. It’s popular with hikers, skiers, and adventure seekers and only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City.

Ski Hunter Mountain in winter, hike the Devil’s Path in summer, go zip-lining or take the Hunter Scenic Skyride for an aerial view. Visit in autumn to see some of the best fall foliage in New York.

Where to Stay in Hunter:

Eastwind in Windham is the best place to stay for glamping in Scandinavian-inspired A-frames! For a bit more comfort, stay in their hotel with contemporary furnishings, comfy beds, and wood fireplaces to keep you warm.

5. Woodstock, New York

Drive time from NYC: 3 hours

Best for: Art, Music, Cafes

Woodstock is a vibrant, artsy town in the Catskills, famous for the 1969 Woodstock music festival. This little town is the soulful heart of the Hudson Valley, where you’ll find creativity, charm, and tie-dye peace signs infused in every single boutique, art gallery and cozy cafe.

Check out Opus 40 sculpture park or plan your visit around one of the music events at live performance venues, such as Levon Helm Studios and Bearsville Theater.

Then stroll down Tinker Street to browse the boutiques or stop by Mower’s Saturday Market. While not a permanent shop, Mower’s outdoor market is open on weekend, where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s a vibrant spot to explore and support local artisans.

PS: If you’re looking for food in Woodstock, you HAVE to try the tacos at Woodstock Brewing. For something a little different, pop into Que lo Que for some of the best Dominican food you’ll find in the United States.

Where to Stay in Woodstock:

Stay at the Woodstock Way Hotel for a peaceful, modern lodging. The hotel is right in the heart of town, but they’ve somehow made it feel like a peaceful nature escape.

6. Lake Placid, New York

Drive time from NYC: 5 hours

Best for: Hiking, Skiing, Fishing, Adventure Sports

A weekend road trip to Lake Placid is well worth the 5 hour drive from New York City.

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is the best place for all things outdoor adventure.

Lake Placid, famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, is a top destination for skiing, especially on the slopes of Whiteface Mountain. But don’t worry—Lake Placid is also a top destination for warm-weather activities.

Some of the best things to do in Lake Placid in the summer include rock climbing, cooling off in natural swimming holes, paddling on Mirror Lake, and rafting in Ausable Chasm.

Hiking in Lake Placid is another popular activity year round. Many of the best hikes are right in the heart of the High Peaks Region, home to the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.

If tackling a High Peak isn’t your jam, try Mount Jo, Bear Den or Mt Van Hoevenberg for shorter hikes with stunning views.

Where to Stay in Lake Placid:

There are plenty of beautiful hotels in Lake Placid to choose from. At the Crowne Plaza, you’ll have modern amenities, including a fitness center, a bar, and a big garden with stunning lake views.

7. The Finger Lakes, New York

Drive time from NYC: 5 hours

Best for: Wine, Waterfalls, Kayaking

The Finger Lakes are a series of 11 long and narrow waterways located on the south edge of Lake Ontario, just under five hours from NYC. This region has some of the best hiking, nature, and wineries in New York State.

For the best hiking, visit Watkins Glen State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Then take a short drive to see Taughannock Falls.

With well over 100 wineries, this region is also perfect for wine tasting. There are several wine trails in the Finger Lakes, but the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest and has the most diverse wineries.

If you like birdwatching, I recommend a visit to Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects over 10,000 acres of diverse habitats and is a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. It’s home to over 300 bird species throughout the year, so don’t forget to pack your binoculars.

The Finger Lakes also have some of the best fall foliage in New York.

Tip: There are a lot of NY State Parks worth seeing in the Finger Lakes! Entry is roughly $10 per vehicle, but your entry to one park is good for all the others on the same day. If you plan to spend a lot of time here, the Empire Pass gives you unlimited day use entry to most NY State Parks for an annual fee of $80.

Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes:

The Finger Lakes is a pretty big area, but the town of Ithaca makes a pretty central home base. Firelight Camps in Ithaca is a luxury glamping experience that’s just a short drive away from some of the best attractions in the Finger Lakes area.

Tip: On your way back to NYC, take a detour to visit the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. It’s world renowned for  contemporary art and design in glass. You can easily spend several hours admiring the exhibits, attending workshops, and browsing the gift shop. You can even try your hand at glass blowing to make your own souvenir!

8. North Fork, Long Island

Drive time from NYC: 2 hours

Best for: Shortest driving distance

The North Fork is perfect for a quick getaway from NYC, just a two-hour drive away. It’s known for its vineyards, charming small towns, and beautiful beaches. This 30-mile-long peninsula features vast farmlands that produce some of the country’s best wines.

If you love wine, take the Long Island wine tour from Manhattan to sip on amazing blends amid lush vineyards.

If the beach is more your vibe, you’ll find plenty of soft sand and crystal blue waters to enjoy.

Where to Stay:

The Residence Inn offers a comfy stay with modern rooms, a kitchenette, a business center, and laundry facilities.

9. Lake George, New York

Drive time from NYC: 4 hours

Best for: Nature, Families, History

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is a pristine lake about a four-hour drive away from NYC. Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” it’s the go-to weekend getaway for families, nature lovers, and history buffs because of its natural beauty and rich colonial heritage.

There are so many fun things to do in Lake George. From hiking Prospect Mountain to steamboating, river tubing, whitewater rafting, and parasailing. If you love history, step back in time at the Fort William Henry Museum via a guided or haunted tour.

Where to Stay in Lake George:

Book your stay at Scotty’s Lakeside Resort and enjoy your private access to the beachfront. For something more off the beaten path, try glamping in canvas tents at Huttopia Lake George.

10. Chester, Connecticut

Drive time from NYC: 2.5 hours

Best for: Nature, Art, Antique Shops

Chester, Connecticut is a gem of a town, perfect for a quick weekend escape from NYC—just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.

This place is bursting with small-town charm and creativity, making it a favorite for artsy and nature-loving folks.

Wander along the winding Main Street to browse quaint shops, elegant boutiques, and art galleries, or explore the Cockaponset State Forest for some outdoor adventure.

Don’t miss the Sunday Farmers Market from mid-June to mid-October, and be sure to check out local events.

For a touch of history, visit the Chester Museum at the Mill, take a stroll through Gillette Castle State Park, and catch a scenic ride on the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.

Where to Stay in Chester:

The Griswold Inn has cozy rooms with historic charm. Plus, its restaurant is famous for having incredible food, so you don’t even have to leave to grab dinner!

11. Ogunquit, Maine

Driving distance from NYC: 5 hours

Best for: Beaches

Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea,” and it definitely lives up to its name. Just under five hours from NYC, it’s one of the best beach weekend getaways from NYC.

Ogunquit is a coastal gem full of soft-sand beaches, rugged shorelines, and quaint architecture.

Walk the scenic Marginal Way, sunbathe on the beach, or visit Perkins Cove for the best art galleries, boutique shops, and seafood spots.

Psst: Don’t leave the town without attending a theater show at the famous Ogunquit Playhouse.

Where to Stay in Ogunquit:

Staying along the coast is a no-brainer, so get a room at Terrace By The Sea and wake up to stunning ocean views.

12. Cold Spring, New York

Drive time from NYC: 1.5 hours

Best for: Shortest drive time from NYC, Hiking

In just 1.5 hours, you can get from the heart of NYC to the picturesque small town of Cold Spring, NY.

Set along the Hudson River, Cold Spring is famous for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, vibrant Main Street, and exciting hiking trails.

The best hiking trails are in Hudson Highlands State Park. If you like a challenge (and aren’t afraid of heights), make the climb up Breakneck Ridge.

On Main Street, you’ll find charming cafés like Rincon Argentino. And don’t miss a trip to Pollepel Island to check out the abandoned Bannerman Castle.

No car? No problem! Here’s how you can easily get from NYC to Cold Spring NY without a car:

• By Train – Take the Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal and get off at the Cold Spring station, which is right in the heart of the village. .
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• By Bus – Take the ShortLine Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the nearby town of Beacon, NY. From Beacon, take a quick Uber or Lyft to Cold Spring, which is just across the river.

Where to Stay in Cold Spring:

Main Street is filled with great places to stay – the Hudson House River Inn is right by the river and serves delicious meals.

13. Old Forge, New York

Drive time from NYC: 5 hours

Best for: Boating, Hiking

Old Forge is a small town in the Adirondack Mountains, just under 5 hours from New York City.

It’s known as the “Snowmobile Capital of the East,” which is one of the main reasons most people come here. There are miles and miles of excellent trails for snowmobiling in the winter, vibrant foliage in the fall, and scenic hikes and lakeside views in the summer.

For great hiking, don’t miss Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower) and the Cascade Lake Trail. Both hikes have fantastic views and are perfect for a day of exploring.

After your hike, unwind with a coffee from one of the local gems like Blue Line Coffee House or Five Corners Cafe.

If you’re up for more adventure, take a boating trip on the Fulton Chain of Lakes. And if you have extra time, the nearby Adirondack town of Inlet, NY and the Adirondack Experience Museum in Blue Mountain Lake are worth a visit!

Fourth Lake near Old Forge in the fall

Where to Stay in Old Forge:

Book at The Adirondack Lodge and enjoy staying in the well-equipped rooms and swimming in the indoor pool. If cabins are more your vibe, The Boathouse on Fourth Lake is our FAVORITE Airbnb in this part of New York State.

NYC Weekend Getaways: FAQs

Here are the commonly asked questions and their answers to help you plan the best trip.

What Is the Most Scenic Part of New York?

The Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes are considered the most scenic parts of New York, with breathtaking landscapes and tons of options for outdoor adventures.

Is There Any Nature Near NYC?

Absolutely! There are plenty of nature escapes near NYC perfect for a weekend getaway. Just a few hours drive will get you to nature spots like the Poconos in Pennsylvania, the beautiful beaches of Ogunquit, Maine, and the scenic Berkshires in Massachusetts. Closer to home, the Catskills and the Finger Lakes in New York have stunning lakes, scenic trails for day hikes, and iconic state parks.

What Are the Cheap Weekend Getaways From NYC?

Cold Spring, Chester, Lake Placid, and Woodstock are some budget-friendly options with plenty of free or low-cost activities, making them perfect for an affordable weekend getaway from New York City.

 

Wrapping up Best Weekend Getaways From NYC

The perfect weekend getaway from NYC is just a short drive away.

Whether you’re craving serene lakes, towering mountains, charming villages, or vibrant coastal towns, these destinations have you covered.

From the lush peaks of the Adirondacks and the Poconos to the sandy shores of Ogunquit and the North Fork, each spot offers unforgettable experiences. So grab your gear, hit the road, and dive into the natural wonders waiting just beyond the city’s hustle and bustle.

From the lush peaks of the Adirondacks and the Poconos to the sandy shores of Ogunquit and the North Fork, you have a number of unique options for the perfect weekend road trip.

So pack your car, hit the road, and get excited to explore these beautiful locations waiting just beyond the city’s hustle and bustle.

Next Read: 20 Bucket List Hikes in Upstate New York for Every Skill Level

Did you enjoy this guide to the best weekend getaways from NYC? Let me know in the comments!

More Upstate New York Travel Guides:

Adirondack hiking: Short Hikes With Incredible Views in the Adirondacks

NY Wineries: 15+ Hudson Valley Wineries and Vineyards You Need to Visit in NY

Adirondacks campsites: Best Waterfront Campsites in the Adirondacks