Weekend Road Trip Getaways from New York City

As we begin to travel again and re acclimate to new norms, the desire to explore new places becomes top of mind. Whether you’re looking for a week or weekend escape, here are some top road trip getaways from New York City to add to your future bucket list this summer

Where to go:

• Finger Lakes, NY: (about a 5hr drive)
  • Perfect for a weekend away, the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is comprised of a selection of excellent wineries, great lakes and scenic hiking, creating the perfect excuse to change your scenery for the weekend. While in the area, start your morning with a hike at Watkins Glen State Park, then spend the afternoon visiting some local wineries such as Boundary Breaks Vineyard (where their known for their Rieslings) and Hazlitt (where you can sample some excellent cabernet and traditional ice wine). End the day with a meal at Eric’s Office (a family owned restaurant, where you’ll most likely see the locals) or at Ports Café (where a seasonal menu is sure to delight all taste buds), followed by an overnight stay at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, which was voted ‘America’s Best Waterfront Hotel’ by USA Today. The hotel is located on the largest lake in the Finger Lakes and offers an indoor pool and great dining options!

• Cape May, NJ: (about 2 ½ hour drive)
  • Ideal for an overnight trip, Cape May is an idyllic town along the Jersey Shore, best known for its scenic views along the beach. Book a stay at Congress Hall, America’s oldest seaside hotel, located just steps away from the heart of Cape May’s historic district.
  • Whether you choose to spend the full day at the beach, or explore the local area, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. For a unique experience, head over to Bay Spring Farm Alpacas, where you can visit and interact with a herd of alpacas. For those looking to soak in the view and explore outdoors, the Cape May Lighthouse offers a great birding area, with amazing views of Cape May. For those who want to winedown, the Cape May Winery & Vineyard offers a great environment to enjoy a glass of wine, and they’re even pet friendly for those that may want to bring their dogs!

• Catskills, NY: (about a 4hr drive)
  • The Catskill Mountains, located in Upstate New York, offers the perfect escape for out-of-towners, with a variety of farm-to-table eateries, craft breweries and distilleries and boutique hotels. As the area attracts more of a young, hip crowd, prices within the area are fairly reasonable. Another plus, the area is sparsely populated and surrounded by rolling farmland and mountain hamlets, allowing for plenty of space to explore, unlike the congestion of the city. While in the area, take in the view of a two-tiered waterfall cascade 260 feet down rocks at Kaaterskill Falls. For those who choose to hike the trail, it will take approximately 45 minutes to complete as it’s only 1 mile long. When your hike is completed, head over to Brandenburg Bakery for some delicious sweets, like strawberry and cherry tarts and spinach and feta turnovers (a local favorite)! For the craft beer enthusiast, Roscoe Beer Company offers limited-released beers, including their signature Rainbow Red Ale. Spend a night at the bespoke mountain lodge in the heart of the Catskills, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, where you can enjoy 20 acres of mountainside to explore.

While you head out and explore, please stay safe, follow CDC and local guidelines and save these quick getaways for an upcoming trip! We highly recommend you check the websites of each activity for updated hours and openings.