Working in a city where time is the new currency for daily transactions? Have you forgotten how it feels to be in nature after spending so much time in concrete blocks of New York City?
I feel the same! The mundane job as a corporate employee has dulled the vibrancy I had when I started working in this city. So, to overcome the feeling of being lost, I started going on various quick getaways from NYC.
Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, for me, a trip once or twice in a month keeps my vibrancy awake! It’s been months now that I’ve been exploring areas nearby for NYC getaways. Let me share some of the places I like to go for such short trips.
Best Places for Weekend Getaway from New York City
We all know weekends are the only days we’ve got to unwind or rewind ourselves. In such a case, don’t you want to visit a place which can give you both, thrills of adventures as well as calmness of nature.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
This is my personal favorite place for weekend trips from NYC throughout the year. Located in Pennsylvania, this place is serene and at the same time full of energy. It fits perfectly for people across all age verticals and interests. The majestic mountains surrounded by lush green valleys mesmerizes every soul traveling there.
I have visited this place numerous times because no-one can cover it in one weekend. This place holds my heart, I always see new Poconos every time I enter this place. Pack your bags and head to this gem in the upcoming weekend. You can go through my blog on how to reach Poconos from NYC.
Key attractions: Jim Thorpe, Wilkes Barre, Lake Harmony, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Lake Wallenpaupack, Hickory Run State Park
Activities: Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Fishing, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Watersports, Winter Sports, History Tours, Zip Lining, Railroad Tours, And Stock Car Racing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Distance from NYC: 107 to 131 miles
If you want to know about it, you can read our blog on 20 things to do in the Poconos, PA- Best towns & Activities.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I always wanted to visit this town because of the high-end culinary skills people possess there. Being a foodie and a lover of vintage looks, this place worked as a soul soother for me. If I want to get out of the hustle bustle and be lost in the quieter area, it is my go to destination for sure.
Apart from the football lovers, this town is also famous among the artists for the vibrant picturesque views it has to offer to its residents and tourists. If you ever visit this beauty, you can book your vacation homes around Philadelphia from our website.
Key attractions: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Institute, Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Museum Of Art, And Curtis Institute Of Music
Activities: Multi-Cuisines Food Experience, Museum Trips, Garden Walks, Spectacular Waterfront Walks, Shopping Retail
Best time to visit: October to November
Distance from NYC: 102 to 125 miles
The Catskills, New York
If you want to visit a place full of nature with minimal human disturbance, this should be your go to place. This was one of the best weekend getaways from NYC I ever had. The huge mountains surrounded by tranquil lakes and pristine streams provided me the most fertile ground to connect with nature.
I’ve already jotted down all the places I explored and things I did in this area. You can go through the “Visit Catskill – Top Places to Explore, Things to Do & Activities“ blog for the same.
Key attractions: Hunter Mountain, Overlook Mountain, Kaaterskill Fall, Plattekill Mountain, Bronck Museum, Pratt Rock
Activities: Biking, Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing Hiking, Camping, Zip Lining And Skiing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Distance from NYC: 120 to 140 miles
Bear Mountain, NY
Pack your hiking gears and head on to the Bear mountains famous for its Bear Mountain hiking trail. Known as the hiking or biking spot, this place is a quick getaway from the deafening traffic sound in NYC.
If you are looking for a spot which can be used for your quick vacations from NYC, this is the best out there. Do not miss this spot if you ever think of hiking.
Key attractions: Perkins Memorial Tower, Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Dater Mountain Nature Park, Bear Mountain Ridge, Lake Tiorati Beach, Fort Montgomery Museum
Activities: Picnic, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Biking, Cross-Country Skiing
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Distance from NYC: 39 to 40 miles
Ocean City, New Jersey
Want to feel the sand granules beneath the feet and salty oceanic air in your face and hair? This city is literally the pearl upon the ocean, surrounded by water bodies. Have a stroll on the lively boardwalk and enjoy the water sport while you are in the “America’s Greatest Family Resort” town.
Key attractions: Ocean City Beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, Northside Park, Frontier Town, Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, West OC Watersports, Jolly Roger Amusement
Activities: Jet Skiing, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking And Windsurfing
Best time to visit: May to June, September to October
Distance from NYC: 238 to 240 miles
Cape May, New Jersey
If I want to plan a New York weekend trip to Cape May, it would be solely for the beaches and water sports. It offers the tourists a plethora of water activities. Every nature enthusiast and opacarophile would love to visit this gem located within earshot distance from NYC.
Key attractions: Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May Whale Watch & Research Centre, Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May Beach Avenue
Activities: Harbor Safaris, Guided Kayaking Trips, Biking Tours, Gardening Programs, Family Hikes, And Beach Explorations
Best time to visit: July to August
Distance from NYC: 155 to 160 miles
Washington, Connecticut
Bask in nature at your very own Washington, a city in Connecticut, bejeweled with verdant rolling hills, peaceful trails and vineyards. Enjoy the sunsets while sipping on local wines and appreciating the beauty of mother nature.
Key attractions: Hollister House Garden, Shepaug River, Litchfield Hills, Wigwam Escape, Loft Gallery at the Smithy
Activities: Hiking, retail shopping, climbing, racing, biking
Best time to visit: October
Distance from NYC: 90 to 101 miles
The Berkshires
Bring out the artistic alter ego of yours in this verdant town of artists. It is packed with art,theater, dance, music and every other entertainment you want. My family loves this town which oozes out the simplicity of the small town. The pleasant calmness one finds after entering this area is out of the world kinda feeling.
Enjoy the pristine lakes, lush green valleys and picturesque landscape of this quaint town apart from the outdoor recreational activities.
Key attractions: Norman Rockwell Museum, The Clark Art Institute, The Mount, Tanglewood, Hancock Shaker Village, Windsor Castle
Activities: Hiking, Music Concerts, Museum Tours, Snowmobiling, Skiing, Camping
Best time to visit: June to August
Distance from NYC: 147 to 150 miles
Tips for Your Short Trips from NYC
I know selecting a place for your next weekend is tiresome and so is the packing the essentials. Let me help you with some of the essentials you need for some of your best getaways from NYC.
- Comfortable shoes
- Hiking gears
- Warm clothes
- Compact backpack
- Extra batteries
- Water bottles
- Portable water filters
- Skiing gears
- Portable chargers
- Sunscreen creams/sprays
- First aid kit
- Budgeted stays (vacation rentals are best)
- Travel insurance (best in case of unforeseen circumstances)
- Itinerary of things to do
Final Word
Let’s not stretch it further and prepare the final bullets for your quick getaways from NYC. We all know the importance of a good comfortable bed to come back to after having a tiresome day of exploring new cities and towns.
You can book the premium vacation rentals in New York City at HolidayKeepers for your next weekend stay. Relax for the comeback place you need to have after your short explorations trips in new places. Contact us or any queries.
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
