No matter what your opinion of the city is, there’s one thing we can all agree on; the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC can certainly take a toll on you. Take a break and escape the city with our list of some of the best weekend getaways from NYC.
Montauk, New York
PC: Lighthouse Getaway
Imagine a pristine, seemingly untouched paradise nestled in Long Island. Your toes sink into the wet sand, and the salty ocean air wafts over you as you lay back on a towel to read your favorite book.
This is just one of several experiences you could have in Montauk, New York. If you want some history with your relaxation, you could visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was erected on the beach in 1797.
If you find that solitude and tranquility is not your style, visit the Surf Lodge, a popular, upscale hangout that serves cocktails, lobster rolls, and other associated fare. Or if you’re looking to get a bit messy, The Sloppy Tuna is an extremely fun beachside bar.
If that’s not your style, more low-key options can be found at Navy Beach and The Ditch Witch. The beach is 118 miles away from New York City, or about a three-hour drive or train ride away.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
PC: Visit Philly
If you’re looking for a different cityscape, explore a core hub of American history in Philadelphia. Philly has tons of historical landmarks and must-see spots that make it a necessary trip for anyone staying in NYC.
Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and climb the steps with your arms raised overhead victoriously like Rocky (and every other tourist), then grab a Philly cheesesteak at Geno’s.
If you’re feeling patriotic, go on the Founding Fathers’ Tour, visit The Liberty Bell, or try to find the bar that serves as Paddy’s Pub on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Philly is just under 100 miles away, so it’s around a two-hour drive or bus ride away.
Hudson, New York
PC: Sell Now Homebuyers
In the picturesque Hudson Valley, the town of Hudson is a haven for beautiful antiques, delicious dishes, and stunning vistas.
Located a 2-hour train ride away, Hudson is known for its high-end shops and renowned restaurants, including The Crimson Sparrow, WM Farmer & Sons, and Swoon Kitchen.
It’s very easy to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday here, strolling down Warren Street with its diverse collection of antique shops, indulging in a croissant at Café Le Perche, or sailing down the Hudson River.
Harriman State Park, New York
PC: Harriman Hikers
Harriman State Park is one of the best hiking adventures you can go on close to NYC. It’s the second largest state park in New York, featuring over 46,000 acres and more than 200 different hiking trails.
Even better, the Harriman shuttle bus now transports adventurous hikers to and from the trails for just $5 from the local Metro-North Tuxedo station. At about 50 miles away, the park is just an hour’s train ride away.
Boston, Massachusetts
PC: Curbed
In a lot of ways, Boston is New York City’s northeastern counterpart. For all of their differences, there’s a few things that remain consistent; the people can be a bit abrupt, there are profound pieces of our country’s history hidden in plain sight, and there’s some impressive classical architecture on display.
Peruse the shops as you walk down cobblestone roads, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and visit the bay where we stuck it to the British and dumped all their precious tea out.
If none of those tickle your fancy, you can visit the restaurants and shops at Quincy Market or Faneuil Hall, visit any of the famed university campuses (Harvard, Northeastern, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University to name a few), or go on an Irish pub crawl with friends. At just over 200 miles away, the city is a 4-hour bus ride or drive from NYC.
