It can be exhausting living in the city that never sleeps. When you’ve bitten off enough of the Big Apple and need a change of scenery, you may opt for a one-day getaway.
However, if you need a little bit more time and are considering a weekend away, there’s no shortage of trips just a few hours away from New York City!
Read on for some of Triplemint’s favorite weekend getaway destinations that aren’t too far from NYC.
Cape Cod
If sea and sand are at the top of your list for a weekend getaway, Cape Cod is a great place to start.
Only about a five-hour drive from NYC, Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts has more than 40 miles of dune beaches, marshes, and paths. Cycle on the Shining Sea Bikeway or swim and surf at one of the many beaches this vacation destination has to offer.
Love seafood? Cape Cod is the perfect place to indulge in all types, from clam shacks and lobster huts to world-class cuisine!
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
If you’re looking for some fresh air and a chance to enjoy nature at its best, head to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive north from NYC!
This 22,000-acre preserve features waterfalls, crystalline sky lakes, and dense forests that are absolutely breathtaking. For those who want to be active, you can bike, hike, or jog along the 50 miles of open paths along the streams. There are also plenty of places to swim, scuba, boat, and rock climb.
Lake George
Known as the “Birthplace of the American Vacation,” Lake George, located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, is about a four-hour bus ride from NYC. If you prefer to take the train, Amtrak runs from Penn Station to Montreal with a stop in Fort Edward, which is only 20 minutes from Lake George.
There’s no shortage of activities you can partake in at this destination. For instance, you can:
- Cruise on the lake on an old fashioned steamboat
- Camp on an island
- Parasail over the lake
- Hike to Shelving Rock Falls
- Take a ride on one of the longest zip lines in the country
- Relax on one of the lake’s many beaches
Boston
Just about a four-and-a-half hour drive or a four-hour train ride from NYC, Boston is a great option for those looking to take a break from one city and explore another!
Walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail through historic neighborhoods that tell the story of the American Revolution, relive the Boston Tea Party, or visit the Museum of African American History to get a feel for this city’s history.
When you’re ready to come back from the past, Boston has a full calendar of arts and entertainment, a traffic-free pedestrian shopping mall, and enough dining experiences to please the foodie in anyone.
The Hamptons
From stunning beaches to quaint shops and restaurants, the Hamptons offer something for everyone to enjoy when trying to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC.
Depending on where you’re going, a trip to the Hamptons can take as little as one-and-a-half hours and up to five hours to get to by car, bus or The Jitney if you don’t hit the dreaded weekend traffic. The LIRR is also an option and will land you in Westhampton in just about two hours.
Fire Island
Similar to the Hamptons, Fire Island is a great place for pretty much anyone looking for a weekend getaway. About three hours from the city, this barrier island is the perfect place to relax on the beach and explore.
A unique feature about Fire Island is that there are no paved roads, so walking, biking, and golf-carting are the only modes of transportation available. This helps maintain the beauty of this destination and makes it the perfect place for those looking for a change in scenery.
Triplemint Tip: If you’re looking to rent a house for a weekend in Fire Island, be sure to start your search a few months in advance — they book up fast during the summer!
If you’ve made your way back to New York City and are thinking about moving to a new apartment, be sure to contact Triplemint! Our expert real estate agents will make renting, buying or selling your NYC home a breeze and will help you remember why you love living in the Big Apple.
