9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from New York City

For a beach town that you don’t need a car to enjoy, Asbury Park is one of the best trips from NYC that’s accessible by train or bus. Depending on the season, rent a bike to get around easily without the hassle of finding parking. Walk around the boardwalk and beach, and once you’re peckish, take your pick of the restaurants and bars that line Cookman Avenue. For entertainment, check out live music at venues such as the House of Independents.

Insider tip: Take the train from New York if you’re leaving in the afternoon to avoid peak traffic to the Jersey Shore.

Philadelphia is often overlooked as a New York City weekend escape, despite the fact that you can reach the city in less than two hours by Amtrak. This is a place where many of the tourist attractions are worth it: Grab lunch at Reading Terminal Market and set aside time to wander around the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For a Philly cheesesteak, every local has their spot, but John’s Roast Pork is a good place to start. Beyond that, Philadelphia also has great Ethiopian, Italian, and Mexican food. It’s worth venturing beyond the city center to get a better feel for the city.

Upstate New York is full of great nearby destinations from NYC. Hudson, located in the scenic Hudson Valley, is one option for anyone seeking to cosplay life in an idyllic town. It’s beautiful year-round, and takes roughly 2.5 hours to get there by car from New York. There are farmers markets with local produce, antique shops where you can discover treasures, and proximity to beautiful hiking trails. If you’re a foodie, Hudson is the rare spot that combines access to nature with delicious food—with many great local restaurants to choose from.

With its coastal paths and sleepy New England charm, Newport is a great idea for a romantic getaway from New York. Dine on fresh lobster rolls, explore the stunning Gilded-Age mansions such as the Breakers, and go for long, meandering walks along the coastline. Newport Cliff Walk is a popular option, or try walking around Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the season, maximize the romance by going on a Newport sunset cruise and unwinding with some drinks.

Boston is around 4.5 hours away from New York by train, and is among the top places to visit near NYC. Boston has something for every kind of traveler: Sports fans can enjoy a baseball game at Fenway Park, while art lovers can visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. If you're interested in the city's history, you can walk along the Freedom Trail, as well as the elegant neighborhood of Beacon Hill to admire the well-preserved row houses.

You can also book a Boston food tour, for an overview of the city's best eats, or head to the North End for some Italian food (and be sure to try a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry). Wind down at the seaport with beer from a local brewery.

If you’re seeking outdoor getaways from New York City, Vermont is full of scenic destinations. Manchester lets you disconnect from city life while still being in civilization. With many nearby trails to explore, you can go for a hike up Mt. Equinox and, in warmer months, go swimming in Dorset Marble Quarry. For some history, spend time wandering around Hildene, the beautiful former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife. Vermont is famous for its fall foliage and beautiful winters, but be sure to dress appropriately for the season.

During the warmer months, Portland, Maine, is a paradise of beaches and historical charm. You can start with a visit to the landmark Portland Head Light, which is Maine’s oldest lighthouse, and take in the ocean views. You can also take the ferry to Peaks Island to enjoy stunning views of the city. Delicious oysters and lobster rolls are everywhere, and you can even go on a boat cruise to see how the crustaceans are caught. Craft beer enthusiasts can pair their seafood with a glass from one of Portland's local breweries such as Bissell Brothers.

With so many museums and monuments, Washington DC makes for a family-friendly weekend trip from NYC. It’s accessible from the city by train, and major attractions including the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art are free, saving you some money. Tour the National Mall at night to see monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial lit up (and with fewer crowds). Outside of the city center, you can wander around the charming neighborhood of Georgetown and admire the architecture.

Insider tip: Pay a visit to the Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf for some of the city's best seafood with a view of the Potomac River.

Montreal takes longer to get to and requires a passport, but it’s worth it for the bagels alone. This is as close as you’ll get to Europe in North America, and you can choose your own adventure by embarking on a road trip, taking the bus, or catching a short flight. Enjoy sweeping views of the city after hiking Parc du Mont-Royal, take a walk along the cobbled streets of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), and explore hip neighborhoods such as Plateau and Saint-Henri. Like NYC, Montreal takes its bagels seriously, and no trip is complete without a visit to one of the local institutions: Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel.