These are the best weekend getaways from New York City, all within a few hours by car or train. From mountain towns to beaches and historic cities, the Northeast is packed with easy escapes.
Quick comparison
| Destination | Drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| The Hudson Valley | 1.5–2 hours | foodies and art lovers |
| The Hamptons | 2–3 hours | beach lovers |
| Philadelphia | 1.5 hours by train | history buffs |
| Cape May | 3 hours | couples |
| The Catskills | 2.5 hours | hikers |
| Mystic, Connecticut | 2.5 hours | families |
| Boston | 4 hours | city lovers |
The getaways
The Hudson Valley
Dia Beacon, farm-to-table restaurants, Storm King Art Center and riverside towns such as Beacon and Hudson.
The Hamptons
Ocean beaches, wineries on the North Fork and summer glamour.
Philadelphia
Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market.
Cape May
Victorian B&Bs and beaches at the tip of New Jersey.
The Catskills
Waterfalls, cosy lodges and fall colours.
Mystic, Connecticut
Seaport museum and aquarium.
Boston
History, seafood and the Freedom Trail. See our Boston travel guide.
Hit the road prepared
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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Tips for weekend trips
- Leave Friday afternoon or early Saturday to beat traffic.
- Book Saturday nights early, especially in summer and fall.
- Pack light: a weekender or small backpack is enough.
A sample weekend
- Friday evening: leave after work, check in and have a relaxed dinner close to your hotel.
- Saturday morning: tackle the headline sight or hike early, before day-trippers arrive.
- Saturday afternoon: slow down with a long lunch, a winery or brewery visit, a spa or a beach.
- Saturday evening: book one special dinner in advance.
- Sunday: a short walk, market or scenic drive, and head home early afternoon to beat the return traffic.
What to pack
- Layers and a light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle and snacks for the drive
- Chargers and a power bank
- Swimsuit for pools, lakes or hot springs
Keep it to one bag; a good weekender makes two-night trips effortless.
Weekend budget
For two people, a mid-range weekend typically costs $360–$700 for two nights of accommodation, $250–$450 for food and drink, plus fuel, parking and any entry fees. Travel outside peak summer and holiday weekends, and you can often save a third on rooms.
Also within reach of New York
Acadia National Park
Acadia protects the granite coast of Mount Desert Island, with Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads and lobster shacks nearby in Bar Harbor. Read our Acadia National Park travel guide.
- Best time: June to mid-October; early October for foliage
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Bangor; 3 hours from Portland
- Don’t miss: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road and Jordan Pond
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Washington, DC
Washington, DC combines grand monuments, free Smithsonian museums and the seat of the US government, with lively neighbourhoods and cherry blossoms in spring. Read our Washington, DC travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 3 hours to New York by train; 4 hours to Philadelphia by car
- Don’t miss: National Mall, Smithsonian museums and US Capitol
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel in style
- Luxury jewellery for special occasions Opulique
Mark an anniversary or honeymoon with something lasting. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes. - Premium gifts for travellers Opulique
Gifts for the traveller in your life.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the closest getaway?
The first entries on our list are under two hours away.
Do I need a car?
For most, yes, though some are reachable by train or bus.
When is the best time?
Spring and fall have the best weather and fewer crowds.
Are these good for couples?
Yes, several are classic romantic escapes.
How much does a weekend cost?
Plan roughly $400–$800 per person for two nights mid-range.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Most Romantic Getaways in the USA
- Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips