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Summer is approaching, and with it comes the promise of perfect weekend escapes from New York City. But the eternal question lingers: Where should you go?
You’re in luck—we’ve curated a list of destinations to suit every type of getaway. Whether you’re craving a beach day, a wellness retreat, a hike in the woods, or a leisurely stroll through a charming historic town (yes, we have options for all of those), we’ve got you covered.
Below, nine ideal weekend trips from NYC, all within driving distance—except for one, which requires a seaplane ride from the East River (though you could drive there too). Whatever your preference, there’s something here for you.
Now, let’s dive in…
### The Culture Trip: Hudson Valley, New York
Photo: Adrian Gaut
If the Hamptons feel too flashy and the Adirondacks too remote, the Hudson Valley strikes the perfect balance.
This region is brimming with art galleries, charming antique shops (ask me about my Murano glass lamp!), and farm-to-table dining. A must-visit? Kingston, home to Hotel Kinsley, a boutique stay spread across four historic buildings—including a 19th-century bank—with interiors by Studio Robert McKinley that blend old-world charm with modern elegance. Meanwhile, in Hudson, a cultural hotspot, you’ll find The Maker, a stylish retreat from the founders of Fresh Beauty.
For more space, head to Wildflower Farms in Gardiner. Set on 140 acres at the foot of the Catskills, this property features a spa, pool, cooking school, farm, hiking trails, and even a natural playground with boulders and a zip line for kids. The highlight? A sprawling porch with Adirondack chairs and firepits overlooking the grounds.
Another standout is Inness in Accord. This beautifully designed 225-acre retreat, led by Taavo Somer, includes a spa (opening soon), golf course, pool, and restaurant. Bonus: The landscape was crafted by renowned designer Miranda Brooks, making it a true sanctuary.
Then there’s Troutbeck, a historic estate once owned by the Benton family, who hosted literary greats like Thoreau and Emerson. Later, the Spingarn family continued its legacy, welcoming figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Thurgood Marshall. Today, the 250-acre property offers 37 serene guest rooms, a spa, pool, tennis courts, and riverside hammocks.
Also coming soon: The Six Bells, a country inn from Audrey Gelman, opening this summer.
Driving distance from NYC: Just under 2 hours
### The Beach Day: Amagansett or Montauk, New York
Yes, the Hamptons are an obvious pick—but for good reason. With sun, sand, and plenty of places to stay, it’s a classic weekend escape.
For a relaxed vibe, Amagansett is a great choice. Stay at The Roundtree, a charming property with cottages and renovated barn rooms just off Main Street. It’s only a mile from the beach—perfect for a quick bike ride.Here’s your rewritten text in clear, natural English:
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The beach is calling—and with their charming line of white cruiser bikes, you’ll be eager to pedal around. Just a short walk from Amagansett Square (and the delicious Wölffer Kitchen), The Reform Club sits on four rolling acres, featuring a 20th-century tea house with an outdoor fireplace and an impressive contemporary art collection. There’s nothing better than sipping rosé in the apple orchard during golden hour. Keep an eye on The Maidstone in East Hampton, which is unveiling a fresh renovation this summer.
If you prefer an oceanfront stay and don’t mind driving to the tip of Long Island, Marram Montauk is ideal. The boutique hotel embraces “barefoot luxury,” tucked into the dunes with a courtyard dotted with beachgrass. At night, you can hear the waves crashing. Owner Atit Jariwala sums it up: “Great surfing? Check. Great food? Check. Focus on health and fitness? Check. Great beach? Check.”
Prefer a house rental? The McKinley Bungalows are always a solid choice.
Driving distance from NYC: 2.5 to 3 hours
### The Forest Getaway: Catskills, New York
Piaule is the perfect summer retreat for those who want to unwind in the woods. Its 24 modular cabins blend into the forest, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors offering unobstructed nature views. The spa follows the same indoor-outdoor theme—yoga sessions overlook the trees, while hot and cold plunge pools face the hills.
There’s an on-site restaurant and room service, but if you want some lively dining after forest bathing, head to Lil’ Deb’s Oasis in Hudson or HiLo in Catskill for sandwiches.
Another great option, especially for families, is The Chatwal Lodge. Set on 100 acres within a 2,500-acre nature reserve, it features Adirondack-style interiors and endless activities: horseback riding, trout fishing, canoeing, biking, stargazing, and a private lodge with a movie room, billiards, shuffleboard, skeeball, and duckpin bowling.
Food lovers should visit The Henson, a country inn run by Michelin-starred chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra. Their restaurant, Matilda, serves standout dishes like steak with garlic cream and Hudson Valley trout with clams. Nearby, their casual diner, Day June, offers some of the thickest bacon you’ll ever see. Also worth a visit? Hemlock Neversink, run by James Beard-nominated Foster Supply Hospitality.
Driving distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
### The Wellness Escape: The Berkshires
In 2022, Amtrak launched direct service from NYC to the Berkshires, making this Massachusetts countryside retreat more accessible than ever.
Wellness seekers love Miraval Berkshires, the brand’s first Northeast location. (For context: Miraval Arizona pioneered the “destination spa” concept.) Spanning 380 acres in Lenox, it boasts a top-tier spa, a golf course, and a ranch with horses for equine therapy. Plus, its sleek, minimalist design is a visual treat. It’s in good company—Canyon Ranch also has a property nearby. If relaxation is your goal, Western Massachusetts is the place to be.
For a more rustic retreat, try Tourists in North Adams. This revamped motor lodge sits on 80+ acres along the Hoosic River. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail, meditate by a waterfall, or forage for medicinal plants with a guide. Another standout? Life House Berkshires, a stylish mountain getaway.
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The Remote Retreat: The Adirondacks
Want to truly escape—like, no-cell-service escape? Head to the Adirondacks.
This vast region spans over 6 million acres, with Lake George being one of its most famous destinations. The Sagamore, a historic Victorian hotel, sits on its own 70-acre island and is perfect for families: parents can golf while kids zip across the lake on banana boats (or vice versa—no judgment here). History buffs will love that the hotel was once the crown jewel of “Millionaire’s Row,” a stretch of grand stone mansions along Lake Shore Drive. (Back in the Gilded Age, the Adirondacks—along with Newport, Rhode Island—were elite retreats. The Rockefeller family even owned a grand camp here, later passed to the du Ponts and then bought by Alibaba billionaire Jack Ma.)
For a more secluded stay, try The Point on Lake Saranac. This Relais & Châteaux property was originally the Rockefellers’ private woodland retreat. Guests can cruise the lake in mahogany boats or enjoy gourmet picnics on the sprawling grounds.
Hiking is a must, and the Adirondacks’ tourism website makes it easy by listing trails by location, difficulty (including family-friendly options), season, and even proximity to waterfalls. Just remember to keep your distance on the trails.
Driving distance from NYC: 3.5 hours
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The Little-Town-by-the-Lake Trip: Finger Lakes, New York
New York State may not have a thousand lakes, but its northern region boasts 11 stunning Finger Lakes, dotted with charming inns and boutique hotels.
A standout is the Inns of Aurora, a collection of five historic properties owned by American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland. Stay at the Federalist-style Aurora Inn for a central location, or opt for the lakeside Rowland House, with its lush lawn leading straight to Cayuga Lake. The inns are intimate (10 rooms or fewer) and can be booked entirely for families or groups. Their spa is one of the best in the region—named a top destination spa by Condé Nast Traveler and featured in Vogue. (Our review calls it “cathedral-like,” with Ayurvedic treatments, saunas, and an impressive modern art collection featuring works by Alex Katz and David Hockney.)
Another gem is The Lake House on Canandaigua, a design-forward resort with a spa, timber-frame barn, tavern, and beachside bar. Created by Post Company and The Brooklyn Home Company, it’s a haven for style lovers. Bonus: You can skip the drive—seaplanes from the East River land right on the property.
With so much lake access, water sports like boating and kayaking are a big draw. But don’t miss exploring the Finger Lakes’ quaint towns, many dating back to the 18th or 19th century. The area is also famous for its wineries—
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Driving distance from NYC: 4.5 hours.
### The Countryside Escape: Litchfield County, Connecticut
London has the Cotswolds, and New York has Litchfield County. For decades, this picturesque region has been a favorite retreat for affluent New Yorkers—think Oscar and Annette de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, and Wes Gordon, creative director of Carolina Herrera. It’s easy to see why: With its stone barns, rolling hills, and charming farm stands, Litchfield embodies classic New England beauty.
Stay at the elegant Mayflower Inn, set on 58 acres, where you can enjoy tennis, croquet, canoeing, archery, and antiquing. Another excellent choice is the newly opened Belden House & Mews, located in the heart of Litchfield. Spread across three historic buildings—an 1888 mansion, an 1891 firehouse, and a 1959 modernist structure—the 31 luxurious rooms come with butler service. The property also features The Bathhouse, a full-service spa, and a serene outdoor pool overlooking the countryside. For a boutique stay, check out The Abner Hotel, just off the town green. Its restaurant, Courtroom, serves farm-to-table dishes, while the rooftop bar is ideal for summer cocktails.
Food lovers shouldn’t miss Bantam, a charming town with three spots from Arethusa Farm. Arethusa al Tavolo offers “seed-to-table” dishes featuring produce from their fields (don’t miss their heirloom tomatoes). Arethusa al Mano is a cozy café serving breakfast and lunch, including homemade doughnuts and a rotating cookie of the month. Finally, their dairy shop, housed in the old Bantam firehouse, serves old-fashioned ice cream—try the pistachio, butter pecan, or seasonal flavors.
Driving distance from NYC: Just under 2 hours
### The Classic Americana Getaway: Shelter Island
Nestled between Long Island’s North and South Forks, Shelter Island is a timeless summer escape. Here, you can bike everywhere, enjoy strawberry ice cream in flip-flops, and browse charming mom-and-pop shops.
The island’s historic Pridwin Hotel reopened in 2022 after a major renovation, while The Chequit, a 150-year-old Victorian inn with a wrap-around porch, remains a favorite. For dining, Sunset Beach is the place to see and be seen, while SALT serves a perfect lobster roll—best enjoyed watching boats drift by in the harbor.
### The Historic Seaside Retreat: Newport, Rhode Island
Few places rival Newport, Rhode Island, as a historic summer destination. Once the playground of Gilded Age tycoons like the Vanderbilts and Astors, its grand mansions—many featured in HBO’s The Gilded Age—line the famous Cliff Walk.
Stay at The Vanderbilt, a 33-room mansion built by a Vanderbilt heir in 1908 (now part of Auberge Resorts), or the iconic Castle Hill Inn. Newer to the scene is The Gardiner House on Lees Wharf, conveniently close to beloved spots like The Black Pearl and Clarke Cook House.
For shopping, visit Spring Street Bookstore and Newport Lampshade Company for classic New England home goods. Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharves are also packed with boutiques and galleries.
Driving distance from NYC: 3.5 hours