13 Weekend Getaways From New York City

New York City is full of possibilities regarding entertainment, dining, culture, and nightlife, in all five boroughs. Sometimes it is indeed good to change the surrounding environment. Fortunately, there are hundreds of stunning weekend escape destinations within a couple of hours’ drive from New York. Whether it is a serene coastline, a snowy summit, a picturesque village, or New York’s metropolis, there are 13-weekend escapes from New York City perfect for a weekend gateway.

1. The Hamptons, Long Island

The Hamptons, situated on the southern part of Long Island, have always attracted New Yorkers for their summer vacations. Traditional destinations of East Hampton, Southampton, and Montauk provide tourist attractions that include beaches, shopping outlets, fashionable eating places, and quality accommodation facilities. Still, you can consider taking a house for rent or a room in one of the splendid resorts in the Hamptons and spend your days at the seashore and tasteful seafood. Do visit Ditch Plains Beach and do not miss the Montauk Lighthouse.

2. Hudson Valley, New York

One may therefore enjoy the Hudson Valley area as a natural escape from New York City. Among the tourist sites are Cold Spring, Beacon, and Rhinebeck—that is, seeing the Bannerman castle on Pollepel Island. See art galleries, farms, vineyards, breweries, and cideries; visit Harriman or Bear Mountain State Parks and walk, see historical sites like President Franklin D. Roosevelt's home and the Vanderbilt Mansion. Visit Dia in Beacon, Storm King Art Center, or Walkway Over the Hudson.

3. Atlantic City, New Jersey

If you are in the mood to enjoy some good fun, then Atlantic City in New Jersey is the place to be over the weekend. Spin the reels at one of AC’s casinos gamble on a live concert or comedy show, go on a gastronomic spree, or just take a day off and enjoy the beach and the boardwalk. Steel Pier is a place that has an amusement park kind of stuff to do whereas Gardner’s Basin has numerous bars, restaurants, and shopping facilities. Boardwalk Hall still has concerts and other events throughout the year as well The Atlantic City Convention Hall is the name of this historic building.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Any history aficionados reading this should start right away for Philadelphia. Not far away are Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, sites of the Revolutionary War, and Valley Forge. Those who like art may discover wonderful possibilities to see the collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, and Rodin Museum in Philadelphia. Cheesesteaks, pretzels, water ice, and some Amish specialties will let you taste some excellent Philly food. Do not overlook the Magic Gardens and the well-known Rocky Steps either when in Philadelphia.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a city that blends American history and contemporary city vigor in the best way possible. Trace the Freedom Trail after passing areas such as Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and other historical buildings. Pump up for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or head out to the Wang or Orpheum theatres. Boston also shows off such great museums as the Museum of Fine Arts and New England Aquarium. Well, you wouldn’t want to walk over the impressive Charles River or eat near Quincy Market.

6. New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven is a place as cozy in its little city manner as it is in its Ivy League town status. Popular Yale University resides in New Haven, which has noteworthy art institutions such as the Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, and the Peabody Museum of Natural History in addition to decent theaters and classical music. The city takes great satisfaction in its mouthwatering pizzas among the finest in the nation; as you sample Modern Apizza or Pepe's, Remember to honor the Irish spirit by attending the well-known St. Patrick's Day Parade held at Savin Rock in West Haven.

7. Greater Catskill Mountain range in the town of Woodstock, New York

With the community of Woodstock especially well-known, the Catskill Mountains have long been connected with artists and creative energies. This town, in upstate New York, hosts fun music events and concerts. Autumn leaf viewing and outdoor activities would be best from rolling rural roads, surrounding lakes, and other picturesque sites. Alternatively see the unusual and lovely mountain communities of Phoenicia, Saugerties, and Hudson or one of the great historic hotels in the region, The Emerson Resort. You should not also leave Woodstock without ascending Overlook Mountain or tubing down the Esopus Creek.

8. Mystic, Connecticut

Picturesque Mystic, Connecticut will leave a knot in the throat as it presents an appealing maritime period to the tourists. Visit the Museum of Mystic Seaport which will let you experience an array of historical boats, taste the sea songs, or a little drama of a fictitious 19th-century village. Visit the Mystic Aquarium to watch a sea lion or other performance or tour Jonathan Edwards Winery in Storrs. It’s almost a tradition to taste the Mystic Pizza which brought fame to the restaurant. Stonington Borough, just a short drive, is also about eclectic shopping, art galleries, coffee shops, and waterfrontage.

9. Portland, Maine

Portland is recognized as the esteemed food lover’s city and the New England mecca for restaurants and a prodigiously growing number of breweries and distilleries. Spend time on the beaches and explore the lighthouses at Cape Elizabeth or browse through the shops and galleries in the port area of downtown. Go aboard for a scenic tour of the Casco Bay or explore the city of Portland on any of its wooded trails. You must not leave without visiting the Portland Museum of Art which incorporates pieces by Maine artists along with other contemporary ones.

10. Providence, Rhode Island

Standing as the capital of Rhode Island and the state’s most populous city, Providence offers the energy of a college town combined with the rich historical and architectural heritage of a Gilded Age city. Shop for items without the added price of taxes downtown or have coffee in front of the beautiful trees on Benefit Street where you could have a look at the 18th and 19th-century houses. People come to enjoy Regional Italian cuisine, grilled pizza, New American restaurants, trendy artisan coffee shops also exciting Providence clam cakes. Also, don’t miss a Theatre Show at Trinity Repertory Theater or Providence Performing Arts Center.

11. West Point, New York

If you’re one for escaping the noise and bustle of New York City, head on over to West Point and enjoy the serenity of the banks of the Hudson River. Visit the famous West Point or go for a long walk on the trails starting from New Windsor and reaching Bear Mountain Bridge. Storm King Art Center is an art museum that comprises 500 acres of installation art with picturesque views. For a boat ride or water activities, there is the Harriman State Park, while for brunch in a beautiful and happy little town, there is Cold Spring or Beacon.

12. Salem, Massachusetts

Although most famous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem seems to come to life particularly in October as part of Halloween festivities. However, this coastal town remains a remarkably historic place to visit at any time of the year more so with the existence of the Witch Museum, the disturbing ghost tours, and the famous House of the Seven Gables. Salem also offers an array of restaurants, local culture, New England ambiance, and nearby beaches including Crane and the Endicott College beach.

13. Block Island, Rhode Island

Take a ferry from Point Judith for a beautiful island holiday at Block Island, a destination located in 12 Rhode Island that offers great sunsets, secret beaches, and cliff-top strolls. You can visit the much-go State Beach or go to Mansion Beach which is a bit of an adventure to stairs. Rent bikes or mopeds to cover the inner patches of greens and wildlife trails or take a walk around the small set of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that have sprung up in the Old Harbor main location.

The Wrap Up

Although it is well known that NYC is a popular travel destination during the weekends, it is less likely that people are aware of the fantastic weekend trips that can be made in a matter of hours or at most, a few hours’ drive. Embrace nature's beauty, arts, culture, cuisine, and excitement in various historical sites along the East Coast with opportunities to view mountains, beaches, and vibrant cityscapes. These 13 mini-breaks give ideal locations to relax and revitalize in the city and its conjunctions. So next time you are thinking of taking a quick trip, we advise you to go ahead and start planning.