New York is one of the best places to live, at least that’s what shows like “Friends” and “How I met Your Mother” have taught us. Many of us have dreamt of renting out a studio with our friends and having the time of our lives.
But, only the real New Yorkers know how much you have to hustle to make it in this mammoth of a city. And sometimes things can get overwhelming and then only a weekend getaway can help us. Lucky for us there are tons of wonderful spots for the best weekend trips from New York city.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly, Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, the City that Loves You Back, is a vibrant city very much like NYC, but believe it when we say you won’t be trading one city for another.
Philadelphia is also referred to as the birthplace of America and the city of Liberty and accordingly, it is home to some of the most iconic historical sites, which narrate the founding of the United States.
The city also has a lively art scene with terrific restaurants, and amazing beer gardens, and you may visit attractions like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, making it one of the best weekend getaways from New York city.
Travel Facilities From New York
Philadelphia is just an hour and a halves, drive from New York.
Best Time to Visit
The spring, which lasts from March to May is the best time to visit Philly, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms
| Attractions | |
| Franklin Institute | Benjamin Franklin National Memorial |
| Fairmount Park | Philadelphia Museum of Art |
| Curtis Institute of Music | Philadelphia Zoo |
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills is an ideal option for New York city getaways; this scenic province and its tranquil forests have been the go-to setting for films and works of art for decades. Catskills is also a popular destination for aquatic sports and recreation like the Esopus Creek, it is the best spot for tubing and fly fishing.
The region has some fairly popular road and mountain bicycling trails including the Catskill Scenic Trail, Headwaters Trails, and the Roundtopia Trail Network. Hiking, camping and skiing are some of the other popular things to do in the Catskills, NY.
Travel Facilities From New York
The best way to reach the Catskills is by driving and your drive will take about two and a half hours.
Best Time to Visit
The Catskills are great to visit through the year, and have many activities in all the seasons.
| Attractions | |
| Kaaterskill Falls | Hudson River Maritime Museum |
| Museum At Bethel Woods | Mohonk Preserve |
| Minnewaska State Park Preserve | Olana State Historic Site |
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City is a popular beach town off the Delaware coast, with miles of pristine beaches, and a charming boardwalk. It is a world-class golfing destination with more than 20 golf courses, and is also home to several amusement parks.
Ocean City is also a hub for water activities and sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and parasailing. Explore, and bask on the free pristine white sand beaches. Assateague Island is a great spot just a short trip away, with isolated beaches where you can witness wild ponies.
Travel Facilities From New York
A drive from New York to Ocean City will approximately take four hours and thirty minutes.
Best Time to Visit
May to late August is the best time to visit Ocean City, during these months, its summer, which is ideal to enjoy the beaches and boardwalk.
| Attractions | |
| Ocean City Boardwalk | Northside Park |
| Jolly Roger Amusement Park | Marty’s Playland |
| Fager’s Island | Trimper Rides of Ocean City |
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is America’s Original Seaside Resort, the city has numerous pristine beaches and seafronts with a plethora of water sports and activities.
Cape May has been a year‑round tourist destination for couples, families, nature enthusiasts, artists, photographers and beach lovers. Even a rainy day will not feel boring in Cape May, making this an excellent weekend getaway near NYC.
Some of the places we recommend you should visit are Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May Whale Watch & Research Centre, Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum and the famous Cape May Beach Avenue.
Travel Facilities From New York
A drive from New York to Cape May will take just over two and a half hours.
Best Time to Visit
The months from May to September are the best time to visit Cape May
| Attractions | |
| Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum | Cape May Whale Watcher |
| Historic Cold Spring Village | Washington Street Mall |
| Cape May Lighthouse | Cape May County Park & Zoo |
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Poconos are perfect for romantic getaways from New York City,and are one of the best options for a fun, relaxing, and even adventurous getaway. It is a destination for people of all ages so it doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation with your family, a romantic getaway with your partner, or an adrenaline-filled weekend with your gang, Poconos is guaranteed to deliver.
It features wooded hills, valleys, parks, lakes, amusement parks, trails, water falls, and restaurants. This quaint town has so much to offer from historical sites, woods and natural retreats, craft beer breweries and wineries, to amazing theme parks and adventurous activities like zipline and rafting.
Travel Facilities From New York
A drive from New York to Poconos will take just two hours.
Best time to visit
The Poconos is a year-round destination, but it will be a good experience if you visit during the summer or winter. Fall is also an excellent season to visit, with pleasant to chilly weather and some beautiful fall foliage.
| Attractions | |
| Hickory Run State Park | Bushkill Falls |
| Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | Seven Tubs Nature Area |
| Old Jail Museum | Lehigh Gorge Scenic Tour |
| Lake Harmony | Mount Airy Casino Resort |
Conclusion
The aforementioned are some of the best places to spend a weekend vacation near NYC. If you plan to spend your weekend with utmost comfort and excitement, you need a place to stay, you have to try HolidayKeepers.
Choose from our list of amazing lakefront rentals, mansions, villas, cabins and cottages located at the crux of the adventures. Get in touch with our team for more information.
FAQs
Is the Catskill a good spot for viewing fall foliage?
Yes, the Catskills are one of the best spots for viewing Fall foliage in New York and the surrounding area, and the best time to visit is between September and November.
2. What are the best places to visit in Philadelphia?
Some of the must visit spots in Philly are Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Museum of the American Revolution, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps.
3. How far is Cape May from New York?
Cape May is 159.6 miles from New York via Garden State Pkwy.
4. Are there any family friendly activities in the Poconos?
There are plenty of family friendly activities in Poconos like theme parks, hikes, horse riding,
5. Do these spots make good New York winter getaways?|
The Poconos and the Catskill are great spots to visit in the winter, with activities like skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding.
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.
