There’s no place quite like New York City, and while we love this city that we call home, sometimes it’s nice to get a quick change of scenery. Thankfully, not far from the city are some of the most beautiful small towns – and they all make for quite the perfect quick escape or day trip from NYC!
Here is our list of the 10 most beautiful small towns near NYC:
1. Hobart Village, Northern Catskills region
This little village in upstate New York is a book lover’s dream–it’s made up practically entirely of bookstores! Seven different independent bookstores call Hobart Village home (along with a few other businesses like antique shops and art galleries), and it’s become quite a haven for readers and writers everywhere. They even host the annual Festival of Women Writers there! Read more about Hobart’s cute little book village here!
Where: Hobart Book Village, Hobart, NY
Distance from NYC: 3.5 hour drive
2. Historic Hudson Valley, NY
More than 250,000 people visit Historic Hudson Valley and attend special events annually, and within the area visitors will find Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, some of New York’s go-to destination towns! Some of their most popular events you can expect to take part in include tours, such as church tours, tours of the 1750 plantation Philipsburg Manor, and tours of John D. Rockefeller Estate. Learn more about the Historic Hudson Valley region and their main attractions here.
Where: Historic Hudson Valley, NY
Distance from NYC: 1 hour drive
3. Lake Placid, NY
While NYC is gorgeous in its own way, from its stunning skyscrapers to its many beautiful parks, you have to admit there’s something charming and cozy about a quaint small town. And though we’d all remain loyal to NYC, New York’s Lake Placid was recently voted the twelfth most beautiful small town in the world! Read more about its ranking as one of the most beautiful small towns here.
P.S. you can also find Mirror Lake Inn, a romantic lakeside escape in Lake Placid!
Where: Lake Placid, NY
Distance from NYC: 5 hour drive
4. Catskills, NY
The region of the Catskills in New York is arguably one of the most picturesque places in the world to travel to–especially during the fall when its foliage starts changing colors. There’s endless fun to be had here, and some of our favorite spots to head to include:
- Urban Cowboy: This dreamy boutique lounge and hotel is a blissful escape that includes different rooms meant for relaxation and unwinding. We’re talking everything from private decks and minibars to romantic tubs and incredible forest views!
- Eastwind Oliverea Valley: This Scandinavian-inspired hygge hideaway is nestled into the 3,000-foot peaks of the Catskills, offering views, comfort, and escape from the bustling streets of NYC!
- Geo Dome Airbnb: Take glamping to the next level as you enter this geo dome escape only 90 miles outside of NYC!
You can even take a gorgeous fall foliage ride through the Catskills on historic railroad tracks in the autumn!
Where: Catskills, NY
Distance from NYC: Varies
5. Bethlehem, PA (aka Christmas City U.S.A)
Though New York becomes its own winter wonderland during Christmas time, sometimes you want a holiday getaway too! And the aptly-named Bethlehem, PA, also known as Christmas City U.S.A, is the perfect Christmas town to get in the spirit. Home of the first-ever Christmas tree in the United States in 1747, this eastern PA city since has fully embraced its holiday history, becoming a December destination every single year. Read all about Christmas City U.S.A here.
Where: Bethlehem, PA
Distance from NYC: 2 hour drive
6. Cold Spring, NY
Cold Spring, located 50 miles north of Manhattan in the Hudson Highlands, is a rural area with very rich history. Here you can explore old ruins such as a crumbling mansion, swim in the Hudson River, hike Breakneck Ridge, or head to town for delicious restaurants and antique shops, coffee houses, and more. Learn more about visiting Cold Spring here.
Where: Cold Spring, NY
Distance from NYC: 1.5 hour drive
7. Greenport, Long Island
One of the most beautiful villages near NYC is Greenport, a small little fishing village located on the North Fork of Long Island. The village is filled with diners, ice cream shops, and quaint boutique stores perfect for a day of shopping. Plus the eating and drinking options are almost endless here, as the village is filled with tons of gorgeous vineyards and waterfront dining. Find out more to do in Greenport here.
Where: Greenport, Long Island
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
8. Woodstock, NY
Though not known for the 1969 festival (that was Bethel, NY) this quaint little village has so much to it! From hiking and wandering through art galleries to taking a stroll along Tinker Street–the town’s main artery filled with galleries, shopping, restaurants, and architectural remnants of centuries-old past–there’s so much to do. P.S. be prepared for endless tie dye!
Where: Woodstock, NY
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
9. Kerhonkson, NY
Kerhonkson is one of the most beautiful villages for those looking to spend some time exploring nature and enjoying the great outdoors. This village is home to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which is comprised of 22,000+ acres filled with trails, a spot for rock-climbing, and trails suited perfectly for mountain biking. It’s also home to Awosting Falls! Plus, it’s several lakes are perfect for taking a swim in the warmer months.
Where: Kerhonkson, NY
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
10. Rhinebeck, NY
Dutchess County’s Rhinebeck village offers gorgeous views of the Catskill Mountains and is home to an awesome indie-shopping scene. The popular Sheep and Wool Festival, which draws thousands of artisans to the region, happens here each year, and you can also find some of the oldest buildings of Upstate NY here, such as America’s oldest operating inn, the Beekman Arms. Be sure to stop at Samuel’s Sweet Shop, which is owned by actor Paul Rudd!
Where: Rhinebeck, NY
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive