From ski resorts to whiskey distilleries, there are tons of amazing things you can experience, even in the dead of winter! Plus, it’ll be good to get out your apartment every once in awhile, since we seem to hole up inside as soon as winter hits.
Here are our top 6 beautiful New York winter day trips that are only a public transportation ride away!
1. Camelback Mountain, Pennsylvania
Located in Pennsylvania, Camelback Mountain is an awesome place to go when it snows. It’s a great location for new skiers as they have a lot of easy trails to follow, so great for your first time or if bringing kids. It’s only an hour and a half outside of the city, so if you head out early enough, you can be back just around dinner time.
How to get there: A bus from Port Authority
2. Beacon, New York
Beacon is a quaint little town up in the Hudson Valley area of New York. It’s awesome to visit all year round, but is one of the few places that still has quite a bit to do during the winter. They are known for their whiskey distilleries and their glass blowing art, and you can even take a glass blowing glass while you’re there! Their main street has lovely little shops, perfect for a little shopping spree.
How to get there: Metro-North Hudson train to Beacon
3. Montauk Point, Long Island East End
Way out on the very tip of Long Island lies Montauk Point. In the winter, you’ve got some great snowshoeing and hiking. There’s also a famous lighthouse that you can climb. The view you are rewarded with is outstanding and well worth the effort; and if you need to warm up, there are a couple of indoor spas to unwind in.
How to get there: LIRR
4. Hunter, NY
Hunter Mountain is a very popular ski resort in upstate New York, and you don’t need a car to get there. There’s a round-trip ski-bus that leaves from the city that with take you up to the mountain, so it’s an easy trip to make. If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t fret. They have zip lining, snowboarding, and plenty of indoor activities at their main lodge.
How to get there: Bus Tour Operators or Amtrak to nearby Hudson, NY
5. Saratoga Springs, NY
A bit further north, Saratoga Springs has lovely bed and breakfasts and other old historical lodging to enjoy during the cold months. The Roosevelt Baths & Spa are a great spot to warm up in hot baths and get a great massage. You might not want to come back to the city.
How to get there: Amtrak from Penn Station
6. Cold Spring, NY
This cute little town 50 miles north of NYC is filled with history, restaurants, and antique shops. During warmer days there are gorgeous hikes to explore, but during the winter it’s a charming small town with beautiful decorations and a cozy Main Street.
How to get there: Metro-North Hudson train
7. New Paltz, NY
We highly suggest visiting this legendary resort just an hour and a half north of NYC! The gorgeous Mohonk Mountain House offers various winter activities, including skating on an outdoor rink, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Want more of a relaxing atmosphere? Then stay inside and participate in yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. The best part? No overnight stay is required so it’s perfect for a day’s getaway.
How to get there: Metro-North to Poughkeepsie + short rideshare, 1.5 hr bus ride, or 1.5 hour drive
8. Windham, NY
For our winter sports fans, Windham, NY in the Catskills is a perfect get away. The iconic Windham Mountain Resort is gorgeous and the area is just as stunning during the winter. The mountain boasts over 54 trails, and the village and resort includes an indoor golf course, yoga studios, spa packages, and numerous restaurants. There’s something for everyone! This mountainous getaway is perfect for a quick day or a whole weekend.
How to get there: 3 hour drive or 2 hour Amtrak train to Hudson, NY + 40 min drive
9. Asbury Park, NJ
Although you may think of Asbury Park as a summer destination, thanks to their boardwalk, beaches, and bars, it’s also a great getaway in the winter! They have plenty of Christmas markets and holiday happenings that can be a fun change of pace (like the Polar Plunge into the ocean)!
How to get there: 1.5 hour drive, 2 hour NJ Transit train
10. The Poconos, PA
Luckily, the Poconos Mountains region is massive, meaning there’s tons of options of where to spend a day. Some of our favorites include the Great Wolf Lodge or Kalahari Resort, which both include indoor waterparks. Of course, you can’t scoff off the nature areas of the region too. There’s snowcapped mountains that are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snow sliding, and snowshoeing. Or if you want to just take in the breathtaking mountains, frozen waterfalls, and winding rivers, you can do that too.
How to get there: 2 hour drive or bus ride